MANILA, Philippines — During the opening night of the PBA’s 42nd season last Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, there were 20 former Ateneo Blue Eagles on team rosters. The team that comprised the five-peat from 2008-2012 has a lot of players in the pros with Baclao, Erram, Elorde, Salva, Al-Hussaini, Monfort, Ravena, Tiongson, Chua, Tiu, Pessumal and Golla. According to current Ateneo team manager Christopher Quimpo who himself was drafted by Talk ‘N Text in 2004, the number of former players in the professional ranks says something about the program in place. Added current Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga, who is also with the coaching staff of NLEX: “We’ve been blessed with a lot of talented players. We’ve had a lot of hardworking, good character players through the years.

Source: Philippine Star December 18, 2017 05:37 UTC