UAAP Season 73

The UAAP Season 73 was finally over and Ateneo Blue Eagles was crowned champion by defeating the heavily favored Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 65-62 in highly fought Game 2. Ryan Buenafe lead the way by scoring 23 points, his highest this season and was named the Finals MVP.


I believed this season really belong to Ateneo, they had the experienced (2008 and 2009) and the coach. FEU had the talent as they say in all its position, but I think Ateneo is not too far behind. The only talent that Ateneo edged FEU are the coaching staff, especially Coach Norman. The one who orchestrated the Three-peat by Ateneo. In Game 1 of the series, Coach Norman and the coaching staffs out-coached their rivals and for me thats the reason its a blow out. FEU looks confused on what was happening during Game 1, they dont have the mindset. Yes, they prepared but mentally? I dont think so and that Game 1 tells the story of the season. Ateneo wants it badly to put pressure on unexperienced Tamaraws. In Game 2 it was tight game. The Tamaraws was on a high gear in the 1st quarter, thanks to the hot shooting of Paul Sanga. You can see the sense of urgency but Ateneo came back and put the game close. After the halftime, Coach Glenn was not there? Good, the pressure and no coach, but I think its ok for the health of Coach Glenn who suffered hyper tension, safety first. Playing without coach the Tamaraws would not give up and then the big three of Ryan Buenafe put fire in the bonfire.

I think one of the major major reason why FEU lost they lacking one of basic fundamentals of basketball, DEFENSE. Yes they had good offensive players like RR Garcia, Terrence Romeo, Reil Cervantes, Aldrech Ramos, Paul Sanga. These guys can score in bunches. You can forget JR Cawaling because the only thing he showed this season was his inconsistency. But can these guys defend? Yes, but the defense was not their main focus in the finals, they want to grab the championship right away. Thats the difference between the two squads, from that point you knew who has the upperhand. Ateneo worked their game, its like you can read in their minds "Defense before championship".

I feel sorry for the Tamaraws. They had a powerful line-up on paper, but thats why we play basketball in the court not in paper. Give those guys a credit, their not the one who hyped themselves but those self-proclaimed analyst. Now they were the victim of others doing and beside its not total failure for the Tamaraws, entering the finals was an achievement for them. Its just that in the finals it can go either way. They will remain top contender for the next season, but Ateneo will be the team to beat. The arrivals of Kiefer Ravena that led Ateneo Blue Eaglets for again 3-peat and the snatched of Greg Slaughter from I think University of Visayas Green Lancer, will boost Ateneo's campaign for Season 74.

Thats the story of the season. See you next season.