SPORTS | July 10, 2018
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| Ateneo Blue Eagles all smiles after winning the 12th Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup. (Image Source: Rappler) |
Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles prove that they are one of the
best teams to be reckoned with in the Philippine collegiate basketball scene
after becoming champions in the 2018 Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup. But in just
a few days, the young guns from Ateneo are preparing themselves for a new
chapter before the start of the new season for UAAP by fall as they are
officially chosen to represent the Philippines in the 40th William Jones Cup which
will take place at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan starting the 14th of July.
It seems that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has made the
right and timely decision on the country's participation in the Jones Cup
following a major fiasco that transpired during the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers
group stage match between Gilas Pilipinas and the Australia Boomers. While many
Filipino hoopnuts are anticipating the fate of the Philippine men's basketball
team from FIBA following the so-called 'basketbrawl', the local basketball authority
thinks that it is time for the young guns from the local collegiate scene to
showcase their stuff against the finest from other countries in and outside
Asia in one of the most exciting hoop events in the region today.
So, what can Filipino hoop junkies expect from the Blue Eagles since
they are the first Philippine collegiate basketball team to participate in the
annual affair where the country has been one of the strongest to be reckoned
with every time it is competing in the Jones Cup? Well, if you've been watching
the recent Preseason Cup finals a few weeks ago, you may discover what these
young guns from one of the top prestigious universities in the Philippines are
capable of. Regardless of whether they can exceed their own expectations or
explore from themselves how far they can go during the duration of the Jones
Cup, it is without any doubts that we should not underestimate their efforts
and support them in their own journey towards glory for the country.
Oh, and just like last year with Gilas, the Ateneo Blue Eagles has
earned the remarkable and overwhelming support of Chooks-to-Go which has been
one of the most active supporters of Philippine basketball. No matter how fare
they can go throughout the competition, at least we have ones that are ready to
defend their pride and show other forces what they are made of. With that in mind,
the neighbor of good news and fresh stories wish the Ateneo Blue Eagles the
best of luck in the 2018 William Jones Cup.
