PinoyLiga Recap: La Salle destroys Ateneo

It's hard and painful for us to talk about this but we have to hahahaha. La Salle handily disposed of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in their first meeting of the PinoyLiga Cup. There were a lot of takeaways and way more overreactions. Listen as the Boleros break it down.

[@phase250million]

The long offseason is a God-send to Ateneo, much more so compared to the other teams. When you lose 60% of your starting 5 (Ballungay, Brown, Obasa) and some rotation players (Gomez, Chiu, Credo), you're bound to struggle in the early preseason games. Players are adjusting to more prominent roles, more playing time, more respinsibility. Integrating new players in a Tab coached squad is likewise challenging in itself. I do wish Ateneo could have recruited more bigs, but competing in the recruitment battle has become harder as well. I know alumni are frustrated now and unserstandably so, especially since the 2 best teams from last season probably had the best output in terms of recruitment too, which would make the gap now even more pronounced. But that's the UAAP, pana-panahon lang yan. We've been lucky to have a long string of sustained success, dating back to the Enrico Villanueva days, but the ebbs and flows will always be there. I'm sure the guys know they need to be better and if the are committed and work hard throughout this preseason, who knows? We might catch some of these top tier teams napping a pull off an upset or two. Temper expectations, trust the system. We'll get there.

[@bolerosph]

Very well said Sir! Agree we all of your points. -Maui

[@olaboys]

Better for ADMU to look bad now and improve day to day until September; that's a lot of development; the players will remember those bad feelings of being blocked, stolen or plays being broken - and use that for improvement

[@fredtacang3624]

Basta anjan si tab, di pwede maliitin admu

[@CarloRago]

I watched the game at Enduran and these are my observations. 1) Goyena is La Salle’s designated defender against their opponent’s best guard. He was constantly hounding Bahay upon inbound and could be seen talking to him. Limited Bahay to 3 out 9 from the 3 point area. 2) It is an apparent strategy by DLSU and also UP to employ a frontline with athletic players 6-4” and taller. They are prepared to bring up the ball in case their guards are being pressed . 3) The DLSU guards are Season 88 edition. It will be interesting to find out how their current guards will fare vs. UP this Saturday. 4) Montebon watched the game sitting at the far end of the DLSU audience row. He left immediately after the game ended but was seen later at the DLSU locker room. What does this mean?

[@bolerosph]

Interesting info on Montebon. Perooo anong gagawin niya sa La Salle? 🤣🤣🤣 3rd string PG behind Cortez and Baclaan? I want him to stay at Adamson sana 🤞

[@fredtacang3624]

Tab remains the best import that yuap has ever seen. As long as he's there, di pwede maliitin admu. Let's see if they can repeat 2016, maybe even 2017

[@sb17146]

Nice to see vlogs sa local games! Would also love to see your takes sa NBA playoffs!

[@bolerosph]

Appreciate the love! We'll see about NBA podcasts. There are currently a ton of other NBA podcasts so might be hard to compete with those

[@sb17146]

@@bolerosph maganda insights niyo, you really know the game. This is also a turning point sa NBA, may shift na sa era, one the more interesting playoffs in recent times

[@joseandaya4506]

Matthew Rubico should also play some pt guard for DLSU this season. They also have a filam recruit Justin Buenaventura although i do not know if he is still with the team.

[@bolerosph]

Hopefully he grts the opportunity. There will be a ton of opportunity and minutes available on the guard slot. When he does get that opportunity hopefully he delivers. -Maui

[@cesnengjimjongonzalez3103]

take note of Rubico.. very impressive in the current DLeague

[@coffeeandglitters]

Expected Koon to be what Kai B. was last szn, so far he isn't close. They started the same as last year's preseason with a 4/5 game loss in FilOil. Eventually got better in other leagues...this year, let's hope the guys step up. Hoping that the Cebuano boys - Demisana to be fluid by now esp. with JHouse.

[@bolerosph]

I expect Koon to have a better season than last year. Although I do have very high expectations from Koon. I believe he has a high ceiling. He just has to embrace being “the man” and become more selfish. Lets hope all the other guys continue to improve. That’s all we can ask for. -Maui

[@risladav967]

@@bolerosph seems like Koon is not really 100% committed to basketball and perhaps does not see it as his profession after he graduates.

[@bolerosph]

@risladav967 he’s been hurt the past year. He played with a fractured foot last season. I dont think we can question his commitment to basketball. He’ll be better. He just has to get his timing right. -Maui

[@olaboys]

Koon's gonna be Koon - he could be the best role player (star level) in the Philippines lika a prime Gabe Norwood

[@Kirie01]

Hard to believe na Geo will be missed, sa dami ba naman ng criticisms sa kanya last season (yes kasama na ako dun lol). Hey, if wala pang magustuhan na pro prospects si Geo, baka he can come back nga. Last I saw he was doing trainings/workouts and parang di naman nabalita na signed with a team sa MPBL. Na-call out ako dun kay Espinosa haha. I didn’t like him last season kasi I always thought he dribbled too much/held the ball too long (would’ve been ok if shot creator siya kaso).

[@bolerosph]

They say you never miss a good thing until it leaves you but kidding aside we actually now get a better idea how difficult it is to be an elite big in the Uaap. We’ll see what the future holds I hope he gets an opportunity to shine and continur to get better. As per Espinosa you can really see that he has put in the work this off season, his handles and his 3 pt shooting have really improved. Curious to see if he can transition this to the Uaap. -Maui

[@apo_ferrer]

Agunanne 6'11 Phillips 6'8 Policarpio 6'5 KQ 6'5 (but really plays bigger because of the wingspan) Abadam 6'4 It might not happen until UAAP but I want to see this lineup if they want to go super big.

[@bolerosph]

This might really happen. KQ can essentially be the PG

[@khanabelikov3076]

This match made me really feel the GROWING PAINS.

[@bolerosph]

Yup growing pains, ateneans will just have to be patient. We can’t win them all. We’ve been dominant since 2008. Maybe a few seasons go strategize and assess the changing landcapes of the Uaap can help them be better. Nevertheless anything is still possible its still a long pre-season. -Maui

[@EATSplorations]

Ateneo looked very tight. Show little chemistry despite having that Batang Gilas trio. On the other hand, La Salle's chemistry is already up there considering they inserted the Season 88 guys. Mason Amos really needs to work on his defense. He got eaten up by the La Salle bigs. Big time.

[@bolerosph]

To be fair, they've only practiced for a few times together so it was not a suprise that chemistry was an issue. I expect them to be better moving forward - Gab

[@EATSplorations]

@@bolerosph Gab!! True, true. Pwedeng magtanong? How concerned are you when it comes to Amos’ defense against faster more athletic bigs? Parang yun kasi yung feeling ko na hindrance kaya hindi siya makakuha ng more minutes. Defense.

[@bolerosph]

It's definitely a concern. Ever since last season, we've said that he gets played off the floor because of his defensive limitations. However, Mason said that he's working on it and it is something that he has never trained before even in Australia (watch our first interview with him! Hehe) It will be up to him and Coach Tab to work around it. Isaac Go was a slower and less athletic big who worked around these limitations so I'm not worried. They'll find a way

[@EATSplorations]

@@bolerosph good good! Excited to see him fulfill that potential and have a bigger role in the team. Salamat!

[@cletzamos]

Just let him play and see the real Mason. Last games playoffs against Adamson and UP, Mason played great D when it mattered! 19 yr old who killed UP coz Tab let him work and against La Salle!

[@Donn2k]

I see a lot of people saying Agunnane is the next Mbala, but to me he’s far from that. He is more of a Diouf or even a Kouame type of player, not as physically imposing as Mbala on offense but their mere presence on the floor will make the opposing players think. Hopefully he stays healthy. I also think that JHouse had an okay debut, considering it’s his first proper college game and he has the tools and will definitely improve over time. Jacob + Kean was impressive, but that’s for s88. David will be pg #1, but after that not sure who will be the backup. Not a huge fan of Rubico or Alian right now, and I’m intrigued by the arrival of Buenaventura. He should be available by filoil so we will see.

[@bolerosph]

Agunnane is going to be big for them. He has a clear advantage against other big men. And the fact that he runs the floor well is an added advantage And yes, that back up PG spot is unclear. The options (Romero, Rubico, and Alian) don't look to be ready. Let's see if Buenaventura can step up. This makes the departure of Alao all the more painful. I thought he was ready for minutes as early as S86

[@jeffreytimbang6756]

I'm going to recant my statement about Balogun being a better FSA than Obasa. Sorry Guys. My apologies. Ang hirap din kasi talaga na ang standards natin for an FSA is Kouame. Pero kapit lang tingin ko naman he will get better. Yun lang. 🙏

[@bolerosph]

He has to be better. Otherwise, Ateneo will find it hard to challenge for the Final Four 😬

[@coffeeandglitters]

There's no other way but be better. He had monstrous numbers with CEU, he just has to find that old "him" in him.

[@JoseydGonzaless]

he’s actually a beast during his time sa ceu. idk bakit bigla nawala laro niya

[@Kirie01]

@@JoseydGonzaless Hey, I didn’t know na from CEU rin si Balogun! I thought it was just Diouf and Agunnane. What’s with the UAAP teams getting CEU’s good FSAs hahaha. Baka the UAAP teams need to recruit whoever in CEU worked with these big men (I’ll be surprised kung skilled big men na sila sa basketball when they came to PH since African countries are generally more inclined sa football rather than basketball.)

[@user-xl8vf5sg8n]

policarpio abadam austria david and buensalida were absent as they were competing in the uaap 3x3 and emerged champs.what if they also played? Massacre in the making.

[@bolerosph]

In the making? Hahaha. This was already a massacre huhuhu

[@ranboo4617]

@@bolerosph dapat mas malala daw hahahahahaha

[@jamestamayo6443]

Natawa ako sa massacre in the making lol.

[@ilabdoggies]

Hi to Gab’s dog!!!❤

[@bolerosph]

Arf arf

[@rodolfolucerojr6189]

I'm waiting for your thoughts on the latest Blue Eagle team.member the brother of AJ Edu, I don't have any idea was he a good player like his brother, bdw even if Season 87 hasn't started yet it's getting clear on me La Salle.and UP still we're teams.most.likely to meet in season finale, Ateneo and NU will compete.for.no3 or 4 spot

[@bolerosph]

We will cover it in tomorrow's episode 😁 stay tuned!

[@coffeeandglitters]

How I wish Godslove stayed. He seems to be more athletic than Balogun. Although... let's see, Balogun has been terrific with CEU before, so I'm still expecting him to fit right in with Ateneo the closer we get to S87.

[@bolerosph]

Still a long way to go for Balogun. Hopefully he’s to acclimate to the Uaap sooner than later. As for Godslove sayang nga, but its okay when better opportunity arises they should really grab it. -Maui

[@cletzamos]

They just have to let Mason ball as Ateneo don't have anything.I dont get how Ian is the main guy when he has a hard time bringing the ball up coz he's so small.They have nothing to lose! I understand Tab is a team first coach but man,they're terrible 😢

[@bolerosph]

I do agree that Mason should be given more post up opportunities. He's shown that he can score and create from that. Otherwise, he has to adjust playing as a center because the other bigs have struggled except for Porter. Also, as much as I have criticized Ian in the past, I must admit he has improved and is weirdly important to this team given that he's one of the true PGs. Together with Bahay, our play against pressure will be better moving forward Don't worry sir. I expect them to improve - Gab

[@jamestamayo6443]

Tatay na ni Amos ang nagsasabi that they should let his son ball. Hehe.

[@pesiganfrancisluisd.1461]

Ateneo is in the process of leraning, JHouse has a ton of things to learn if he wants to be a PG of the future for ADMU, but CTB will get this done. What makes this win more impressive for DLSU, some players namely Policarpio, Austria, David, Abadam, and Buensalida, are not there cuz they're participating sa 3x3 and won the tournament. I just imagine if these 5 are there, Poli and CJ will just attack Kyle Ong and Victor Balogun and fish fouls on them. Man, this team is scary.

[@bolerosph]

Lasalle is really on another level right now with UP. They have unbelieveable depth in their lineup. Ateneo will just have to trust the process and continue to improve this is the real rebuild year with bulk of players rookies and sophomores. Hopefully they peak at the right time. -Maui

[@risladav967]

it wasn't so much that dlsu played really great...if La Salle played the same way against UP instead of Ateneo, that game would have been really close.... it was really more of the way ateneo played. any team competing in the pinoy liga can beat this ateneo team. the current crop of feu comprised of high school players can beat this ateneo team. if all ateneo has this coming season are Ong, Balogun, and Demisana, it's gonna a long season with the hopes of ateneo not ending up in last place.

[@rcd2005]

You nailed it. UP’s been quietly demolishing teams with a 10-man pangmalakasan lineup while using the newer guys on the Sunday match of a back to back to build their confidence. 70% of the team that was 5 min. away from winning in Game 3 before melting down is still there and are quietly improving. They’d be close to DLSU likely if they played. They are not far behind.

[@bolerosph]

Up and Lasalle are on another level right now with both teams also expected to get bulk of their cores for next season. UP has been as impressive or even so more impressive than lasalle showcasing their depth by playing different lineups per game day yet still dominating. All of these guys getting meaningful mins will payoff definitely. -Maui

[@tjtan5009]

That Henry Aguanne FSA guy is unreal Parang Wemby like moves even the three Ball meron (tho inconsistent But hey considering our previous one is a liabilty on offense ) 🔥👌 What the f?!?! RIP Bright Nwanko 😂 Defenses Will have hard time adjusting imagine containing 6 5 + giants who can do all three levels scoring plus defense and quite Good running. Thats doesnt include BEST man of UAAP KQ with his PG passing.

[@bolerosph]

There’s a reason why Aguanne has been the most coveted FSA the past few seasons with most of the teams trying to get him. We probably saw Nwanko’s time in the Uaap already end. Lol. -Maui

[@oskinoyoung4965]

Parang slow and out of shape si Bahay compared to Cortez and Baclaan sometimes he looked small out there, but we'll see in the upcoming season

[@bolerosph]

He just started training a few weeks ago. Kakatapos lang ng studies niya sa Cebu. Maybe that played a big factor. -Maui

[@rommelcuison4802]

Not worth the 8M?

[@jamestamayo6443]

Wow, 8M? Kaya pala...

[@olaboys]

DLSU is scary that's the justification for UP to "over recruit" since right now it's probably 30-35% CHANCE VS THIS DLSU TEAM

[@bolerosph]

I beg to disagree, Up has been as dominant and great as Lasalle has been so far. They are even playing two different lineups and still manhandling and demolishing teams. Both of those teams seem like leaps and bounds above the competition now. -Maui

[@olaboys]

@@bolerosph guard play for next season UP ahead with quality and quantity over DLSU but no rim protector; no defensive answer to Agunane, Philips and KQ though Lopez, Udodo and the rest of UP front just a step below DLSU frontline; Season 88 scary DLSU with KQ and the elite PGs Baclaan and Cortez - gonna need one or two recuits at the level of Zave and Carl

[@jongdeguzman739]

Sorry, UP has less than 20 players in its pool for S87. That's not over-recruiting.

[@bolerosph]

As one of our subscribers (a UP fan) said in a previous episode, UP over recruits in terms of quality, not quantity. When the 6th guard in the rotation (Fortea) can legitimately start for any other team, that's over recruiting. Don't get us wrong. It's a good problem to have a roster that deep but you end up with players being dissatisfied and leaving like Pablo and Gonzales

[@jamestamayo6443]

​​​@@bolerosphSorry but I thought this reply was funny as it implies that UP should not recruit quality players. If UP is indeed overrecruiting quality players, then that's not UP's problem. The rest of the league should step up their recruiting game. But here we are criticizing UP again and again for recruiting quality players. It's pathetic.

[@paoloochangco6072]

2016 they beat us 40 pts. relax

[@bolerosph]

Its early pre-season. All we can ask is continued improvement and to trust the process. They’ll be better. -Maui

[@paoloochangco6072]

@@bolerosph yessir! obasa was terrible also preseason. and wala bongo kobe lazaro. :) di tau AAU team so i enjoyed the lasalites gloating. we build up differently. .

[@calmdous27]

​@@paoloochangco6072 May hinihintay pa bang recruit sir? If meron pa, need to play as many preseason games as he can. Ateneo need to recruit a legit bigman.

[@cletzamos]

@paul ...I saw your message👍 Why don't you ask the coaching staff if they have an off season? They train 5 days a week and why would u use a 3 man to play a 4-5 spot?? Ask the coaches don't blame Mason why he is playing terrible? You would think training 5 days a week for a year would make u better and not go backwards since he's been in Philippines👍 I developed him to be a 3 and they have made him too heavy and he is too short to be a 5. He plays better at 100kgs he is now 110kgs.

[@paoloochangco6072]

@cletzamos ??? U just confirmed to every player in uaap walang off-season work anak mo. So everyone will drive to the lane attack him. Every other player does S&C when season is over automatic yan. Esp the Phenom guys. Ur kid is 25 feet away and shies from contact. Unlike porter who knew his role at matapang. Humble urself and get to work instead of blaming a championship coach + program. And delete this post coz u exposed ur son.

[@arbeelicious]

minama 😂

[@bolerosph]

That would be the perfect description in a word haha! -Maui

[@gclcreativedesigner2611]

Ang lamya ni Agunane, d sya tulad ni Kouame or Diouf magaling. Big fan of the Blues and Greens. :)

[@bolerosph]

We’ll see more come Uaap. But he looked scary during ADMU-DLSU. Couldve been a by product of Ateneo not having anyone to match up well with him. Koame and Mbala are arguablly the Goats of FSA. Not bad if he’s at the level of Diouf. -Maui

[@cletzamos]

How can you be so terrible when you train 5 days a week plus game on sat😢

[@bolerosph]

Not making excuses but they were integrating some new pieces and a lot of them are playing new roles. They'll be better - Gab

[@cletzamos]

@@bolerosph worse I've seen mason play:( 24 seconds the ball doesn't even go to him n his D should have improved after 1 year.

[@bolerosph]

I think that was a function of DLSU's pressure and rebounding. Lots of turnovers and less possessions. And Mason will get better. I'm sure he's working on it

[@sole_movement]

Interesting listen from a fan's perspective. But guys, please PLEASE be mindful of the words you throw around. "Lousy" or "____ Sucks". I sense the frustration, but writing these players off after what, 3 or 4 preseason games? C'mon. Don't be THOSE guys. After all, these preseason tourneys are meant to get reps in. They'll improve over time. You guys said it -- trust the process. But don't write players off this early. You guys have a platform and a means to influence. If you guys have the pedigree to coach or assess players more than the eye test, then so be it... unless your takes were meant to get the clicks up. Peace!

[@bolerosph]

It wasnt, we just call it as we see it. Right now ateneo does play lousy basketball. The hope is they continue to improve and become better come Uaap. I understand where you’re coming from and share the same sentiments. Placing unfair expectations may impact these players and as I said we should temper this and practice patience. Hope they continue to improve thats all we can ask for. -Maui

[@sole_movement]

@@bolerosphgood to hear. Just make sure to balance things out, you guys seem to show both sides. I'm just at a point that I've seen so many cases crash and burn because the negativity all these platforms spew is way too much for one to handle. Keep doing what you do.

[@maxcuevas0902]

bullyros :)

[@sole_movement]

@@risladav967 point taken, but the players you mentioned aren't getting proper reps. Piling on these players won't do them good, I'm sure they're still better than all of us keyboard coaches LOL

[@mr.opinionated2790]

UP good decision to kick out Bahay, no uaap experience, thank you Remogat

[@bolerosph]

Bahay de-committed. He wasn't kicked out 😂

[@JadenYB]

He really said kicked out 💀 the only thing kicked out of here is probably your IQ

[@mr.opinionated2790]

@@bolerosph same na rin yun Kasi d sya hinabol kaya cge kick out na lng sya. Kahit ako d ko hahabulin kung una pa lngmay attitude na eh

[@joker-kw2ek]

​@@bolerosph ganun pala yun bro, ano na kicked out din si Remogat sa UE? 😂 Same lang daw yun hahaha. UP fanatic cguro.

[@phase250million]

Ang dami nyo palang kinuhang "kick out". Cansino (UST), Torres (NU), Felicilda (NU), Cagulangan (La Salle), Remogat (UE), Rivero (La Salle), Diouf (CEU), Akhuetie (Perpetual), Stevens (UE). 🤣