Ateneo de Manila University is ready to defend its championship title within the World University Basketball Series in Japan.
The Blue Eagles will probably be one of many eight groups from completely different international locations to compete within the event, which will probably be held from August 10 to 13 in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Head coach Tab Baldwin stated it is going to be an honor not solely to characterize Ateneo, but in addition the nation once they play there. This is on high of growing their gamers as they put together for the following season of the UAAP.
“As I say when people ask me about the UAAP crown, we are not really defending anything,” stated Baldwin, a New Zealand Basketball Hall of Famer. “We have to go there for the dual purpose of playing our hearts out in representing the school and the country, but we also need to ensure the development of our team, system, and combinations for the UAAP.”
“Anytime we are in the off-season, we also have that dual purpose, and it includes winning. We have to make it a habit, and it starts with the preseason,” he added.
From 4 groups final 12 months, the groups will double to eight, with Ateneo, Japan’s Tokai University and Chinese Taipei’s National Chengchi University making a return to the league.
Other opponents embrace USA’s Radford University (NCAA Division I), Japan’s Hakuoh University, Australia’s University of Sydney, Korea University, and Indonesia’s Perbanas Institute.
Ateneo may also have an exhibition sport in opposition to the All Japan University Basketball Federation earlier than they head to competitors correct.
The Blue Eagles took the crown in 2022 with Kai Balungay being named because the event’s Most Valuable Player.
—Justin Kenneth Carandang/MGP, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
