Ateneo got a big scare in beating San Beda College in its opening game in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier League last Saturday, but coach Norman Black believes his boys have all the time to improve on their conditioning and become more sharper and deadlier. Having the right people and the resources – huge funding, of course – Black hopes his boys will be in shape in a month’s time as they compete in two preseason tournaments before the UAAP season.
Still, the four-peat seeking Blue Eagles made an impression in their debut as they downed NCAA champion San Beda, 90-87, in front of a packed crowd at The Arena in San Juan.
Black, who will also coach the Philippine team in the Southeast Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia, is taking time on his team to develop during the FilOil and Father Martin Cup tourneys. They will also train in the United States on May 13.
"We're still not in good condition but give us one month, we'll be in good shape," said Black. "This summer is usually used to give all players an opportunity to develop."
Although the team has added Smart Gilas-Pilipinas mainstay Greg Slaughter after serving a one-year residency, Black hopes the summer tournaments will enable the 6-foot-11 cager familiarize with his system.
Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin
