It's weird when you have to delete someone from your phonebook not because he's changed his number or hasn't taken to replying to your messages but because he cannot use his cellphone anymore.
There really is something very wrong when your younger cousin dies ahead of you. They are supposed to be alive to bury you when you go, not the other way around.
27 April 2009
16 April 2009
UAAP 2007: Memoirs of the Lady in Red
We're not there yet.
Those four words came into mind as I was walking out of the coliseum that fateful night. I wasn't really sure what I was feeling at that moment. I was neither sad nor angry. I wasn't even crying. It was as if all emotions have been sucked out of me and I didn't know it was even possible.
It was like walking through clouds--green clouds as a matter of fact. Then I realized I was walking out of the gates named after the color of the enemy. For a few seconds I contemplated on tracing back my steps and go the other way where the color is ours to claim. But what the heck, it's a long way back and I wanted to get out of there pronto.
I tried to make sense of what happened on the way to the parking lot. I replayed the game on my mind and I can't remember anything except the point when I felt the world slowly closing in on us.
The dream turned into a nightmare and I do not know what we did to deserve it.
And speaking of nightmare, I can't believe what my friend (who I came to see the game with) said while I was silently debating whether to exit through the red or green gates. Her voice broke through my busy brain and when I realized what she said, I was beyond words. She was prancing about getting herself a championship shirt. A championship what? We just lost, didn't we? But I looked at her face and I understood.
I have known her for more than three years and I knew she has intended to go to the other school but something got in the way so she ended up in mine. I thought when it comes to the school basketball team we're together. Well, apparently not. She may have frustrations on her choice of school as I do but this one was totally out of line. I could not believe she wanted a championship shirt from the other school when it was our school that was on the losing end of that championship series. And she's still a student! Me, not anymore! Totally outrageous.
Preparation 101
I had it all planned right on the first tournament of the year. I promised myself I will not get too involved like I did last year. I will see less pre-season games, will not hang out with the players if I can help it, avoid extended pep talks, and no more playing shrink to some of them, that sort of things.
I do not want what happened last year happen again. I was practically there the rest of the way until that final four shocker. It was way too painful. I will never subject myself to a situation like that ever again.
I had a very good feeling about this season. The summer wasn't as perfect as last year's but winning all the pre-season tournaments didn't exactly help us make it to the promised land, right?
We won the first, the Home and Away Invitational League--our favorite farm league, completely ours for that was our third consecutive championship. We didn't push our luck in the Nike Summer League and the FilOil Flying V Pre-season Invitational finishing at third place in both.
It was rather welcoming to be perfectly honest. We've changed the plot and I knew something big is going to happen come the UAAP.
Anatomy of a heartbreak
UE's preparation for season 70 went underway right after the Christmas break. There was a bit of sad news when assistant coach Gido Babilonia passed away due to pneumonia. The team was allowed time to mourn and grieve then went back to work after the funeral.
They even pulled out their players from the second conference of the Philippine Basketball League to concentrate on training with the team.
And just before going into hard practice, they took a short break and flew to Hong Kong. A treat from the school management for an almost flawless 2006 season. To inspire them to do better this year I guess.
Before I forget, I just have to mention I always wear red every single day they have a game even if I wasn't watching it live and with or without television coverage.
Game number one: UST
Revenge was first and foremost on my mind when their season kicked off on opening weekend. It was pretty emotional. I caught myself crying intermittently during the game. My mother and brother who were watching with me at home probably noticed but didn't say anything, bless them.
For this was the team that broke my heart and my team's last year. The very same reason I felt sick in the stomach after Game 1 of the final four and had to use the Araneta Coliseum ladies room to throw up. Four days later, I was in shock I couldn't even remember how I got home still in one piece.
So imagine the joy I felt when the game ended.
Game number two: NU
Scary, scary game. They blew a 20-point lead capped by a technical foul and the silliest thing one could see in a basketball game--players throwing the ball at each other. Tsk, tsk. It was good a senior showed them how a UAAP game is played and saved the day for them.
Game number three: ADMU
A game against Ateneo is always special. I suppose because of what happened in 2002 that made every game a grudge match. The same way it is now and will forever be with UST.
And I love the look on the faces of every Blue Eagle supporter when they're about to lose. It's not just dejection, there’s something else, more like insult. The idea of losing to us is insulting to them. You look at them and it's there. Priceless.
Game number four: DLSU
Beating La Salle is something. Beating them by 20 points is pure and simple murder. I never thought it was possible because the two teams, coached by brothers, are so much alike in so many ways. Every game is like a sprint and the game is always decided on who gets more luck than the other at endgame.
Game number five: UP
The Warriors shot a season-high 13 three-point baskets in this game. Amazing.
Game number six: FEU
I wanted to win this game so badly so the other coach could finally show some respect.
They won, yes, but the respect thing? Not going to happen.
They were teammates before so I don’t really get it. The other coach always underestimate the Warriors. Even if we’re winning he never had something nice to say about us. What’s the deal? I don’t really understand the animosity.
Game number seven: ADU
Their first game at the Araneta and I made it a point to be there.
A first round sweep and the fourth straight blowout victory--the most number of consecutive games won by over 20 points the last five years. Impressive.
Game number eight: ADMU
This is so much better than the first encounter. I was so confident we'd win that I allowed myself to chill at halftime. I don't normally do that especially when I'm watching the game live. A friend, a former Warrior who came to watch the game with me, noticed it and commented that I'm maturing along with the Warriors. We were down at halftime and I wasn't a bit worried.
I said my silent thank you to the Blue Eagles after the game. I didn't really feel like we'd meet again in the season.
Game number nine: UST
Two for the road. Really, it's overwhelming when you win over a new enemy. And the defending champions at that.
Game number ten: NU
What is it about NU that makes UE forget what they are in the basketball court for? 13-all at the end of the first quarter? It's not even good defense. They just can't get their shots to go in.
Game number eleven: ADU
No matter how much coach Dindo Pumaren denied it, a sweep was in the horizon and no matter what he say or do, people were thinking about it.
The game's so lopsided I wanted to go out and buy myself a Starbucks at the end of every quarter.
Game number twelve: FEU
Okay, this was scary. Totally scary. For the first time in 12 games, we were down by 10 points. A double digit-lead!
But I got to give it to the Warriors. They didn't really want to lose. They just need to practice those free throws. 11 of 27 is way pathetic.
But I like what I saw and have been seeing the past games. They're showing poise and composure at endgame. Those things have never been attached to the Warriors for as long as I can remember. When and from where did they learn that?
Game number thirteen: UP
I don't exactly love games like this though I like watching ones where we are sure to win.
But this one is a very sad game. We nailed win number 13 right from the opening tip-off. It was really a no-contest. It came as a surprise that my elation over an impending win could actually change to shame.
It happened at halftime when it was UP's turn to perform. It wasn't the usual pep squad with the cheerleaders but a different team, more like a band.
As I was watching them I was moved. There they were with smiles on their faces cheering and almost pleading with their crowd to cheer with them. I could just imagine what's going through their minds while they were doing their routine.
I couldn't help it, I cried. It was just so sad.
Game number fourteen: DLSU
How 'sweep' it is.
I now have full bragging rights to witnessing a double sweep. I'm proud to say I was there the first time and I did it again.
The first one in 1993 with my old school, sweeter because it was automatic championship but this one though doesn't give us the crown, meant an automatic finals slot. Nevertheless this was great. Beyond great for this means we no longer have to go through the final four! Woohoo! Our track record speaks for itself, I don’t really have to explain.
The game was so close it was a blur. I was practically up on my feet the whole time. I actually had to ask, what did I pay tickets for, for my bag to sit on?
There was a slight distraction in the name of a punching incident. Before that, there were a lot of pushing, shoving, yelling, and cursing. Basketball is the game, people!
When we lost to UST last year in the final four and they went on to win the championship, they credited their victory to divine intervention. They said they got help from a departed teammate. I felt discriminated. Like you need one to win?
Though to confess, I did ask for that kind of help at endgame. King Archer was to shoot free shots to tie or win the game. I went, "A little help here, coach Gido..." And King Archer missed. I was too stunned it worked I forgot to repeat it for the second shot. He made it and sent the game to overtime.
At the end of the extra period, I was too happy it's over and that we won. I kind of forgot what the win meant for us. It took a moment for me to realize that it wasn't just a win, we're in the finals! We actually made it there! Yey!
Finals Game 1
I hate to admit I have thought about the scenario of us losing in the finals after the big elimination sweep. I tried to push it away from my mind but the 20-day break is such a long time it kept coming back on a daily basis.
I don't believe in long breaks. It breaks rhythm, momentum, makes you rusty, and people even forget all about you while the other three teams slug it out for the other finals slot.
To the background you go especially if the two teams that were boxing it out to have the right to face you are the fiercest rivals the league has ever known. They even made the New York Times, bloody hell!
Upon entering the coliseum, I saw it. It was daunting and it wasn't good. I knew deep in my heart the Warriors would be intimidated. They weren't used to playing before a really huge Araneta crowd. That would give them a shock. And La Salle is so used to that. They just came out from three blockbuster games against their arch-rival. Even their rookies were not new to playing before that kind of crowd. I was so freaked out and it was clear the Warriors shared my exact sentiments.
They turned the ball over 31 times. That was a lot!
They were so nervous they react to every sound the crowd made. I cringed at every foul, turnover, even shot they made. They committed every possible mistake there is to a basketball game. It wasn't their game and I can't believe I was there at ringside watching them self-destruct once again.
I usually pray the rosary twice in a regular game. I do it before the match then at halftime. But because I was freaking out along with them I did it every quarter. Just about the only thing I can do for them that's possible under the circumstances.
The only thing in the game that I can vividly remember was the three-point shot that made it 63-all. That was so huge I was momentarily disoriented. I knew there was a shot that came through because there was a big roar from the red side of the crowd that included me. But there was also an explosion like a bomb, could I have heard correctly? Was I imagining things?
Thankfully I was. Mine was one of the voices that produced that roaring sound after the big shot that I clearly thought there was some kind of explosion somewhere. The reason I thought of that was I couldn't hear a thing after. I guess I went momentarily deaf after that huge, huge shot.
Jeez, my mind was so quick to think of Rizal Day bombing, the World Trade Center and yes, Saving Private Ryan (bombs and explosives, you know).
Anyway, when the game was over, they won, we lost--our first in the season. And most importantly, the Archers were just a win away from ending our dream.
I hated myself again for entertaining that stupid thought.
Finals Game 2
I tried to feel upbeat, relaxed and positive about the whole thing. If we can win 14 straight, we can win two straight!
I called the Warriors' quarters on the eve of Game 2. I just wanted to wish them luck and ask them how they were but what they told me made me forget my agenda.
I tried calling TB first but he wasn't answering. RL too, so I went on to call HT. Turned out he was on the computer surfing the net. After we said our hellos, he so casually told me he was actually looking at my picture on the net. I went blank.
What? Me? I don't even have a Friendster account! What picture was he talking about?!
I heard the sound of a door opening on his side then I distinctly heard EE asking him who he was talking to. When told, he yelled, "Ate Che! Nasa internet ka oh!"
In seconds, I was in panic mode. I wasn't ready for that. Didn't see that coming. Like, ever. I refuse to sign up in any social networking site because I don't want people checking out my picture every time they come across my name. That to me is an invitation for more bashing. As if I haven't got enough with every forum or discussion group post I regularly make.
I asked for details first. What was the picture about, where it was posted and who put it there. Then I wanted to die.
It turned out to be on an online news source covering the UAAP. I was in the photo gallery of Game 1. Holy crap! They have got to be kidding me.
It didn't help that I haven't got internet access that night so I called my cousin to assist me in my dying process. I had him check the site and look for the photo in question. It took us a while because he didn't know where to look and I can't tell him exactly where for I haven't visited the site for maybe about a year. I was really hoping there wasn't any to find. That the boys were just pulling my leg and I can still show up at the game with head unbowed.
Then my cousin's laughter rang through the radiation-contaminated phone line. He found it. He congratulated me for making the World Wide Web and it's not even my own online account.
I asked him to email it to me so I can open it on my phone and see it for myself.
Login. Open mail. Download attachment. Oh. My. God.
What did I ever do to deserve it?!?
I wanted to vanish, evaporate, be gone from the face of the earth, and most especially, I wanted to die.
The Warriors have seen it, which means other people have seen it, and in the absence of an official website, they turn to that site. OMG.
I debated heavily whether I should watch Game 2 live. My first reason being, will I be some sort of a jinx because I was there the last time and we lost? Then there's the matter with the photo. I really was embarrassed. I'm not one to get a kick out of things like that. I hated it.
They gave out the season awards right before the game and I was touched by both pep squads cheering for the players of the other schools with their very own cheers. It's like they brought their own cheering squad with them. That's really what the UAAP is all about. That was awesome, really inspiring.
I've been a fan of basketball too long to understand what they say about separating the men from the boys. That game was it. A complete picture of what's not supposed to happen when you wanted to salvage lost pride and stretch the series to a third game.
They were newbies in the championships and it showed. They spent too much time complaining about calls and non-calls when they're supposed to be concentrating on how to win the game.
When the Archers' lead went up to as much as 14, the nagging feeling came back and screamed at me clearly. But I didn't want to lose! Not that game, not that time, not that season, not again!
But it's there for me to see whether I like it or not. I kept praying but the team wasn’t responding. How can they win if they aren't even trying? They weren't cooperating with what I was praying for. God helps those who help themselves, haven't they heard of that?
Seconds before the last two minutes I looked up the score board and immediately I felt the world closing in on us. I sensed it and there's nothing else to do but deal with it.
As I was willing myself to watch (in slow motion as it is when you're about to see something that you don't want to see), I tried to control whatever emotions I have at that moment to prevent a total breakdown. Then something caught my eye and I couldn't believe it at first.
I had to check on the game clock just so I was sure the game's not over yet. Popular alumnus, a public official, was walking out of the coliseum with his people. What the..?! But the game hasn't ended yet!
He even had the audacity to wave at the UE gallery as he was walking out. What values were he trying to teach us, leaving his team when they're about to lose? He walked out on us! He didn't even give the team and the school the courtesy they deserve. It's the least he can do under the circumctances.
To concede is an honorable thing to do but to walk out when the game’s not over yet is the most affronting thing ever.
To think I have voted for him twice! I wasn't sure if I was imagining it but I think I heard boos from the gallery.
From that moment on, I watched in silence as the minute and seconds passed by. I was half praying the boys hopefully would take it as men. No weeping, no bottle or towel throwing, and yeah, spare the chairs, too.
I heard the buzzer and found myself surprisingly collected as the green celebration started. To this day I've never confirmed if there really was but I thought I heard fireworks outside the coliseum.
I looked around my side of the crowd and what I saw broke my heart even more. I saw the players' mothers with tears on their faces seeking comfort from each other.
I even saw one who went two rows down to give another mom a hug. Some with their daughters just sat there like me just staring at the party we're not welcome to join.
If it's any consolation there is no We Are the Champions song in the background.
I was so totally dreading that. I'm absolutely sure that would be my cue to cry if ever they start playing that. I was so grateful they didn't.
The sound system didn't work the way it was supposed to work. I'm pretty sure televiewers could hear whatever the emcee was saying but swear I didn't hear a thing. So I'm fortunate I didn't get to hear them announcing the season's champions. Have I gone deaf? Maybe I did. Conveniently so.
I focused my attention to the Warriors in front of me. They were in shock, couldn't believe their eyes and I felt sorry for them. When an Archer approached them to shake their hands, they at first didn't know what to do with the extended hand. One Warrior even looked from the hand to the face before he could actually react.
Before that they were just there standing, looking everywhere from the ceiling to the floor, to the celebration on the other side of the court, and the capacity crowd that filled the Big Dome.
As if to prolong the agony, it took a while before everything got settled so they could sing the school hymn for the last time in the season and be handed out the bridesmaid trophy by league officials. When they were done, they all walked in silence to the dugout, heads bowed, and their hearts still bleeding from the piercing arrows the enemy has just sent their way.
I remember asking myself, why am I not feeling anything about the loss? I'm absolutely sure I feel sorry for the players, the coaches, their families and friends, school officials, yes, even them for they handled this wrongly again, but I feel nothing about the dream that ended just right there. Does that mean we deserve to lose?
In my effort to break the ice that was slowly freezing me, I did something very stupid and very out of character. I yelled "Merry Christmas!" out loud, alone. In honor of the colors the two schools represent. My friend shrieked in horror, looked at me then very cautiously eased slightly away from me.
Crap.
Those four words came into mind as I was walking out of the coliseum that fateful night. I wasn't really sure what I was feeling at that moment. I was neither sad nor angry. I wasn't even crying. It was as if all emotions have been sucked out of me and I didn't know it was even possible.
It was like walking through clouds--green clouds as a matter of fact. Then I realized I was walking out of the gates named after the color of the enemy. For a few seconds I contemplated on tracing back my steps and go the other way where the color is ours to claim. But what the heck, it's a long way back and I wanted to get out of there pronto.
I tried to make sense of what happened on the way to the parking lot. I replayed the game on my mind and I can't remember anything except the point when I felt the world slowly closing in on us.
The dream turned into a nightmare and I do not know what we did to deserve it.
And speaking of nightmare, I can't believe what my friend (who I came to see the game with) said while I was silently debating whether to exit through the red or green gates. Her voice broke through my busy brain and when I realized what she said, I was beyond words. She was prancing about getting herself a championship shirt. A championship what? We just lost, didn't we? But I looked at her face and I understood.
I have known her for more than three years and I knew she has intended to go to the other school but something got in the way so she ended up in mine. I thought when it comes to the school basketball team we're together. Well, apparently not. She may have frustrations on her choice of school as I do but this one was totally out of line. I could not believe she wanted a championship shirt from the other school when it was our school that was on the losing end of that championship series. And she's still a student! Me, not anymore! Totally outrageous.
Preparation 101
I had it all planned right on the first tournament of the year. I promised myself I will not get too involved like I did last year. I will see less pre-season games, will not hang out with the players if I can help it, avoid extended pep talks, and no more playing shrink to some of them, that sort of things.
I do not want what happened last year happen again. I was practically there the rest of the way until that final four shocker. It was way too painful. I will never subject myself to a situation like that ever again.
I had a very good feeling about this season. The summer wasn't as perfect as last year's but winning all the pre-season tournaments didn't exactly help us make it to the promised land, right?
We won the first, the Home and Away Invitational League--our favorite farm league, completely ours for that was our third consecutive championship. We didn't push our luck in the Nike Summer League and the FilOil Flying V Pre-season Invitational finishing at third place in both.
It was rather welcoming to be perfectly honest. We've changed the plot and I knew something big is going to happen come the UAAP.
Anatomy of a heartbreak
UE's preparation for season 70 went underway right after the Christmas break. There was a bit of sad news when assistant coach Gido Babilonia passed away due to pneumonia. The team was allowed time to mourn and grieve then went back to work after the funeral.
They even pulled out their players from the second conference of the Philippine Basketball League to concentrate on training with the team.
And just before going into hard practice, they took a short break and flew to Hong Kong. A treat from the school management for an almost flawless 2006 season. To inspire them to do better this year I guess.
Before I forget, I just have to mention I always wear red every single day they have a game even if I wasn't watching it live and with or without television coverage.
Game number one: UST
Revenge was first and foremost on my mind when their season kicked off on opening weekend. It was pretty emotional. I caught myself crying intermittently during the game. My mother and brother who were watching with me at home probably noticed but didn't say anything, bless them.
For this was the team that broke my heart and my team's last year. The very same reason I felt sick in the stomach after Game 1 of the final four and had to use the Araneta Coliseum ladies room to throw up. Four days later, I was in shock I couldn't even remember how I got home still in one piece.
So imagine the joy I felt when the game ended.
Game number two: NU
Scary, scary game. They blew a 20-point lead capped by a technical foul and the silliest thing one could see in a basketball game--players throwing the ball at each other. Tsk, tsk. It was good a senior showed them how a UAAP game is played and saved the day for them.
Game number three: ADMU
A game against Ateneo is always special. I suppose because of what happened in 2002 that made every game a grudge match. The same way it is now and will forever be with UST.
And I love the look on the faces of every Blue Eagle supporter when they're about to lose. It's not just dejection, there’s something else, more like insult. The idea of losing to us is insulting to them. You look at them and it's there. Priceless.
Game number four: DLSU
Beating La Salle is something. Beating them by 20 points is pure and simple murder. I never thought it was possible because the two teams, coached by brothers, are so much alike in so many ways. Every game is like a sprint and the game is always decided on who gets more luck than the other at endgame.
Game number five: UP
The Warriors shot a season-high 13 three-point baskets in this game. Amazing.
Game number six: FEU
I wanted to win this game so badly so the other coach could finally show some respect.
They won, yes, but the respect thing? Not going to happen.
They were teammates before so I don’t really get it. The other coach always underestimate the Warriors. Even if we’re winning he never had something nice to say about us. What’s the deal? I don’t really understand the animosity.
Game number seven: ADU
Their first game at the Araneta and I made it a point to be there.
A first round sweep and the fourth straight blowout victory--the most number of consecutive games won by over 20 points the last five years. Impressive.
Game number eight: ADMU
This is so much better than the first encounter. I was so confident we'd win that I allowed myself to chill at halftime. I don't normally do that especially when I'm watching the game live. A friend, a former Warrior who came to watch the game with me, noticed it and commented that I'm maturing along with the Warriors. We were down at halftime and I wasn't a bit worried.
I said my silent thank you to the Blue Eagles after the game. I didn't really feel like we'd meet again in the season.
Game number nine: UST
Two for the road. Really, it's overwhelming when you win over a new enemy. And the defending champions at that.
Game number ten: NU
What is it about NU that makes UE forget what they are in the basketball court for? 13-all at the end of the first quarter? It's not even good defense. They just can't get their shots to go in.
Game number eleven: ADU
No matter how much coach Dindo Pumaren denied it, a sweep was in the horizon and no matter what he say or do, people were thinking about it.
The game's so lopsided I wanted to go out and buy myself a Starbucks at the end of every quarter.
Game number twelve: FEU
Okay, this was scary. Totally scary. For the first time in 12 games, we were down by 10 points. A double digit-lead!
But I got to give it to the Warriors. They didn't really want to lose. They just need to practice those free throws. 11 of 27 is way pathetic.
But I like what I saw and have been seeing the past games. They're showing poise and composure at endgame. Those things have never been attached to the Warriors for as long as I can remember. When and from where did they learn that?
Game number thirteen: UP
I don't exactly love games like this though I like watching ones where we are sure to win.
But this one is a very sad game. We nailed win number 13 right from the opening tip-off. It was really a no-contest. It came as a surprise that my elation over an impending win could actually change to shame.
It happened at halftime when it was UP's turn to perform. It wasn't the usual pep squad with the cheerleaders but a different team, more like a band.
As I was watching them I was moved. There they were with smiles on their faces cheering and almost pleading with their crowd to cheer with them. I could just imagine what's going through their minds while they were doing their routine.
I couldn't help it, I cried. It was just so sad.
Game number fourteen: DLSU
How 'sweep' it is.
I now have full bragging rights to witnessing a double sweep. I'm proud to say I was there the first time and I did it again.
The first one in 1993 with my old school, sweeter because it was automatic championship but this one though doesn't give us the crown, meant an automatic finals slot. Nevertheless this was great. Beyond great for this means we no longer have to go through the final four! Woohoo! Our track record speaks for itself, I don’t really have to explain.
The game was so close it was a blur. I was practically up on my feet the whole time. I actually had to ask, what did I pay tickets for, for my bag to sit on?
There was a slight distraction in the name of a punching incident. Before that, there were a lot of pushing, shoving, yelling, and cursing. Basketball is the game, people!
When we lost to UST last year in the final four and they went on to win the championship, they credited their victory to divine intervention. They said they got help from a departed teammate. I felt discriminated. Like you need one to win?
Though to confess, I did ask for that kind of help at endgame. King Archer was to shoot free shots to tie or win the game. I went, "A little help here, coach Gido..." And King Archer missed. I was too stunned it worked I forgot to repeat it for the second shot. He made it and sent the game to overtime.
At the end of the extra period, I was too happy it's over and that we won. I kind of forgot what the win meant for us. It took a moment for me to realize that it wasn't just a win, we're in the finals! We actually made it there! Yey!
Finals Game 1
I hate to admit I have thought about the scenario of us losing in the finals after the big elimination sweep. I tried to push it away from my mind but the 20-day break is such a long time it kept coming back on a daily basis.
I don't believe in long breaks. It breaks rhythm, momentum, makes you rusty, and people even forget all about you while the other three teams slug it out for the other finals slot.
To the background you go especially if the two teams that were boxing it out to have the right to face you are the fiercest rivals the league has ever known. They even made the New York Times, bloody hell!
Upon entering the coliseum, I saw it. It was daunting and it wasn't good. I knew deep in my heart the Warriors would be intimidated. They weren't used to playing before a really huge Araneta crowd. That would give them a shock. And La Salle is so used to that. They just came out from three blockbuster games against their arch-rival. Even their rookies were not new to playing before that kind of crowd. I was so freaked out and it was clear the Warriors shared my exact sentiments.
They turned the ball over 31 times. That was a lot!
They were so nervous they react to every sound the crowd made. I cringed at every foul, turnover, even shot they made. They committed every possible mistake there is to a basketball game. It wasn't their game and I can't believe I was there at ringside watching them self-destruct once again.
I usually pray the rosary twice in a regular game. I do it before the match then at halftime. But because I was freaking out along with them I did it every quarter. Just about the only thing I can do for them that's possible under the circumstances.
The only thing in the game that I can vividly remember was the three-point shot that made it 63-all. That was so huge I was momentarily disoriented. I knew there was a shot that came through because there was a big roar from the red side of the crowd that included me. But there was also an explosion like a bomb, could I have heard correctly? Was I imagining things?
Thankfully I was. Mine was one of the voices that produced that roaring sound after the big shot that I clearly thought there was some kind of explosion somewhere. The reason I thought of that was I couldn't hear a thing after. I guess I went momentarily deaf after that huge, huge shot.
Jeez, my mind was so quick to think of Rizal Day bombing, the World Trade Center and yes, Saving Private Ryan (bombs and explosives, you know).
Anyway, when the game was over, they won, we lost--our first in the season. And most importantly, the Archers were just a win away from ending our dream.
I hated myself again for entertaining that stupid thought.
Finals Game 2
I tried to feel upbeat, relaxed and positive about the whole thing. If we can win 14 straight, we can win two straight!
I called the Warriors' quarters on the eve of Game 2. I just wanted to wish them luck and ask them how they were but what they told me made me forget my agenda.
I tried calling TB first but he wasn't answering. RL too, so I went on to call HT. Turned out he was on the computer surfing the net. After we said our hellos, he so casually told me he was actually looking at my picture on the net. I went blank.
What? Me? I don't even have a Friendster account! What picture was he talking about?!
I heard the sound of a door opening on his side then I distinctly heard EE asking him who he was talking to. When told, he yelled, "Ate Che! Nasa internet ka oh!"
In seconds, I was in panic mode. I wasn't ready for that. Didn't see that coming. Like, ever. I refuse to sign up in any social networking site because I don't want people checking out my picture every time they come across my name. That to me is an invitation for more bashing. As if I haven't got enough with every forum or discussion group post I regularly make.
I asked for details first. What was the picture about, where it was posted and who put it there. Then I wanted to die.
It turned out to be on an online news source covering the UAAP. I was in the photo gallery of Game 1. Holy crap! They have got to be kidding me.
It didn't help that I haven't got internet access that night so I called my cousin to assist me in my dying process. I had him check the site and look for the photo in question. It took us a while because he didn't know where to look and I can't tell him exactly where for I haven't visited the site for maybe about a year. I was really hoping there wasn't any to find. That the boys were just pulling my leg and I can still show up at the game with head unbowed.
Then my cousin's laughter rang through the radiation-contaminated phone line. He found it. He congratulated me for making the World Wide Web and it's not even my own online account.
I asked him to email it to me so I can open it on my phone and see it for myself.
Login. Open mail. Download attachment. Oh. My. God.
What did I ever do to deserve it?!?
I wanted to vanish, evaporate, be gone from the face of the earth, and most especially, I wanted to die.
The Warriors have seen it, which means other people have seen it, and in the absence of an official website, they turn to that site. OMG.
I debated heavily whether I should watch Game 2 live. My first reason being, will I be some sort of a jinx because I was there the last time and we lost? Then there's the matter with the photo. I really was embarrassed. I'm not one to get a kick out of things like that. I hated it.
They gave out the season awards right before the game and I was touched by both pep squads cheering for the players of the other schools with their very own cheers. It's like they brought their own cheering squad with them. That's really what the UAAP is all about. That was awesome, really inspiring.
I've been a fan of basketball too long to understand what they say about separating the men from the boys. That game was it. A complete picture of what's not supposed to happen when you wanted to salvage lost pride and stretch the series to a third game.
They were newbies in the championships and it showed. They spent too much time complaining about calls and non-calls when they're supposed to be concentrating on how to win the game.
When the Archers' lead went up to as much as 14, the nagging feeling came back and screamed at me clearly. But I didn't want to lose! Not that game, not that time, not that season, not again!
But it's there for me to see whether I like it or not. I kept praying but the team wasn’t responding. How can they win if they aren't even trying? They weren't cooperating with what I was praying for. God helps those who help themselves, haven't they heard of that?
Seconds before the last two minutes I looked up the score board and immediately I felt the world closing in on us. I sensed it and there's nothing else to do but deal with it.
As I was willing myself to watch (in slow motion as it is when you're about to see something that you don't want to see), I tried to control whatever emotions I have at that moment to prevent a total breakdown. Then something caught my eye and I couldn't believe it at first.
I had to check on the game clock just so I was sure the game's not over yet. Popular alumnus, a public official, was walking out of the coliseum with his people. What the..?! But the game hasn't ended yet!
He even had the audacity to wave at the UE gallery as he was walking out. What values were he trying to teach us, leaving his team when they're about to lose? He walked out on us! He didn't even give the team and the school the courtesy they deserve. It's the least he can do under the circumctances.
To concede is an honorable thing to do but to walk out when the game’s not over yet is the most affronting thing ever.
To think I have voted for him twice! I wasn't sure if I was imagining it but I think I heard boos from the gallery.
From that moment on, I watched in silence as the minute and seconds passed by. I was half praying the boys hopefully would take it as men. No weeping, no bottle or towel throwing, and yeah, spare the chairs, too.
I heard the buzzer and found myself surprisingly collected as the green celebration started. To this day I've never confirmed if there really was but I thought I heard fireworks outside the coliseum.
I looked around my side of the crowd and what I saw broke my heart even more. I saw the players' mothers with tears on their faces seeking comfort from each other.
I even saw one who went two rows down to give another mom a hug. Some with their daughters just sat there like me just staring at the party we're not welcome to join.
If it's any consolation there is no We Are the Champions song in the background.
I was so totally dreading that. I'm absolutely sure that would be my cue to cry if ever they start playing that. I was so grateful they didn't.
The sound system didn't work the way it was supposed to work. I'm pretty sure televiewers could hear whatever the emcee was saying but swear I didn't hear a thing. So I'm fortunate I didn't get to hear them announcing the season's champions. Have I gone deaf? Maybe I did. Conveniently so.
I focused my attention to the Warriors in front of me. They were in shock, couldn't believe their eyes and I felt sorry for them. When an Archer approached them to shake their hands, they at first didn't know what to do with the extended hand. One Warrior even looked from the hand to the face before he could actually react.
Before that they were just there standing, looking everywhere from the ceiling to the floor, to the celebration on the other side of the court, and the capacity crowd that filled the Big Dome.
As if to prolong the agony, it took a while before everything got settled so they could sing the school hymn for the last time in the season and be handed out the bridesmaid trophy by league officials. When they were done, they all walked in silence to the dugout, heads bowed, and their hearts still bleeding from the piercing arrows the enemy has just sent their way.
I remember asking myself, why am I not feeling anything about the loss? I'm absolutely sure I feel sorry for the players, the coaches, their families and friends, school officials, yes, even them for they handled this wrongly again, but I feel nothing about the dream that ended just right there. Does that mean we deserve to lose?
In my effort to break the ice that was slowly freezing me, I did something very stupid and very out of character. I yelled "Merry Christmas!" out loud, alone. In honor of the colors the two schools represent. My friend shrieked in horror, looked at me then very cautiously eased slightly away from me.
Crap.
But whatever. We just lost. I'm allowed to be dense once in a while.
A very long night
When we finally decided to go out and face the real world (and more green celebrations I assumed), I was calm and collected to my surprise. I searched for answers. Unable to find any at that moment because the whole world seemed to be green and me in red looked ridiculously out of place.
Did I mention my friend, before she started talking about getting a championship shirt, discarded her red shirt first for a more neutral white? Lucky for her I’m not in a murderous mood, I could easily bury her alive right there in Araneta grounds. I was just grateful she agreed to stay and wait for the Warriors so I let it pass.
It felt like forever before they finally came out of the coliseum. The Archers have long been gone before they did. I honestly didn’t know what to do or say to them once they start coming out. At the sight of the first Warrior walking out of the gates, there was applause. More applause when everybody else followed. I was at a loss for words. That was so heartwarming.
They didn’t stay long. The others preferred to walk straight to their bus. Some took time to say hi to their families but off to the bus they all go.
I knew it was time to leave since I don’t know what else to do and say anymore. I just wanted to see them before I go. I felt it was just right for them at least to see that their friends and supporters were still there.
As I turned to leave I came face to face with the man responsible for bringing them to where they are today, coach Dindo. I meant to say something but couldn’t find the right words so I just smiled and gave him a little wave. I can’t remember if he acknowledged it or if he even saw me, it wasn’t that important anymore. I did what I was supposed to do and it was really time to go home.
More than anyone else, my heart goes out to coach Dindo. This is his team and they couldn’t be where they are today if it weren’t for him. I know of players, past and present, who really look up to him and respect him as much as they respect their own fathers.
I even have friends who are neither from UE nor any UAAP-member schools who watch the games with me because of him. Purefoods (the PBA team) fanatics, those who were old enough to remember he played for the Hotdogs, are all very supportive and proud of his accomplishments as a coach.
So if I ever do cry, me being a Purefoods fan as well, will cry more for coach Dindo than I will for the school. Honestly. So sue me.
When silence is the best comfort
The ride home was uneventful, I was still searching for answers that will probably not present itself in the next 24 hours. I realized I only got a single text message since the final buzzer sounded and it came from someone I just met a couple of months ago who didn’t have the faintest idea what I was feeling at that moment (I haven’t got a clue either). Better luck next time, she said. I felt anger rising through me.
Better luck next time? Bloody hell. Did she even know our history? Did she actually know who she was talking to? Was she aware of what winning 14 straight meant? Has she had time to fully appreciate that fact, that feat? She texted me just so she can text me something and I didn’t like it.
I was and will forever be grateful to the many others who chose not to text nor call me right after the game. I hate generic answers as much as generic comments. You just don’t know what losing does to me. I can be jolly and cool about it other times but I can also be so devastated (but only for a day) that a single inappropriate comment will trigger the monster in me to come out. Whining used to be my thing but as I got older I found other ways to bring hell to people who dare to cross me.
People who know me, knew. Like my mother and brother who I walked in on when I got home. They didn’t even utter a single word. Nothing, nada. Bless them again.
In the privacy of my bedroom I asked myself, shouldn’t I be crying now? The absurdity of the question hit me. Shouldn't feelings be felt not asked? Another stupid question. Have I finally cracked? I was being weird, it’s not normal.
I sent a text message to close friends telling them I’m sane, a bit dazed maybe but definitely not bawling over the loss. A few more exchanges with the people from UE who were with me along the way cleared my head a little. We’re all in this together has never been a more appropriate phrase.
I don’t remember what time sleep found me or if I was the one who found it first. I woke up in the morning feeling empty and dreading reading the papers. When I finally found the courage to read, I had to run back to my room to escape being seen.
Hot tears at last escaped the tear ducts and slowly made their way down my cheeks. I wasn’t sobbing, just silent tears that were making my eyes sting like hell. The more I read the more tears coming down. Maybe it’s best to stop? I did.
I finished reading the papers by mid-afternoon when I picked it up again so I can be done with it. The sinking feeling was there again but I wasn’t feeling empty anymore. I guessed I’m accepting it faster than I thought.
As I have said, I've been a basketball fan long enough to understand how things go. You just have to deal with it and get on with life. There's more to basketball than winning.
It was only after five days did I conjure enough will power to go see the Warriors. It was MF’s birthday, perfect excuse. Not mere okay-you-just-lost-I'll-take-you-guys-out-to-dinner thing.
A smaller group met me for early dinner as some of them had gone on an early vacation and some with PBL practices, birthday boy even failed to make it.
At least they were through moping. That they were now going out. They told me most of them haven’t been back attending classes, don’t want to face their classmates for fear of in-your-face bashing and more insults. This is UE after all, people here can be ruthless (borrowed from an acquaintance) and a little thick (my very own, backed by personal experience).
We just looked at one another first, I didn’t feel the need to ask them how they were coping. This isn’t the first time they lost a big game, I figured they knew now how to handle it. I, personally, am getting used to it.
Interestingly, they cast the first stone, to break the ice so to speak. JC strolled in, face lighting up upon seeing me. I thought he was just setting the mood so I won’t start yelling at him for it took him ages to get out of bed, change and walked from school to Yellow Cab at the corner of Recto and Morayta. He sat beside me and with the air of someone commenting about the weather, mentioned my photo from the net.
I couldn’t help it, I smiled, even if I wasn't comfortable with the topic being pursued. Of all the things to say, it would be that.
I should have known better that he wouldn’t be the person to just be satisfied with that quip. After I recovered and decided I would just pretend it doesn’t exist, he was right on target again. He told me they made it their wallpaper—of their computer in the quarters! Too dumbstruck to react, I thought it best to just concentrate on the pizza rather than to fight it out with someone who’s obviously on a roll. Ooh, I so wanted to kill him.
I made a mental note to just ask the others, in private, if it was true. I never got around to asking. The embarrassment of it all made it more difficult for me to ask.
We talked about the finals briefly, focusing on the lessons rather than the emotions that go with it.
JC told me that he’s finding it hard to play again, PBL practice is torture and he wanted a break from playing but knew it wasn’t possible. RL wanted to just be done with the exams and go home to Mindanao for the long break. HT provided the answers to my little questions, he shared their innermost thoughts and revisited some scenes of the championship series with me.
PL was too busy eating to join in the conversation. He has a couple of one-liners that didn’t register with me. What you see on court, that’s him alright, can’t be missed. RR was his usual self off-court, he talks a lot. You can’t see it in his on-court persona. ES, an ex-Warrior, kept our small group entertained with his antics, injecting enough humor to keep things light when things got a little serious.
I knew when I left Recto that everything will change from then on.
The finals appearance was a whole new experience for all of us. We are aware that we blew it and we blew it big time. This team will be mentioned every time people talk about the biggest debacle, disappointments of the season, season’s super shocker, sorry team, and a host of other things related to losing. They just cemented their stature as the league’s undisputed Heartbreak Kids.
Their biggest achievement, a 14-game sweep, meant nothing in the end. All for naught. They got swept by the sweep that mattered.
A whole new ballgame
Maybe the coach thought his team needed a longer time for healing, he withdrew from the Collegiate Champions League, thus giving them more time to lick their wounds. They were supposed to defend their crown this year having won it the previous edition.
The reason for the withdrawal given was he didn’t like how they were ranked. The league seeded the Red Warriors fourth behind UAAP third-placer Ateneo. DLSU and San Beda College, the NCAA champions, were ranked first and second respectively.
Personally, I thought he just didn’t want to cross paths with DLSU at least for now. The pain and memories of the UAAP finals were still too fresh to encourage another face-off. That was too soon.
Alas, DLSU also withdrew. With probably the same reason as the one on my mind. Maybe both coaches were just giving way to each other but forgot to notify the other of the intention so they ended up doing the same thing. Brothers they really are.
The Warriors went back to competitive basketball on the first day of the last month of the year. An early start for the new college basketball season. They were off to a good start as always, chalking three straight wins before everybody went on holiday break.
Will they go all the way? Will we ever?
I can honestly say they did their best. They gave it their best shot. It just wasn't enough to bring home the elusive UAAP crown back to Recto. I can think of a hundred possible reasons why but it doesn't matter anymore. We're done, it has happened and we can't turn back time to correct the mistakes.
The team is losing four players to graduation (not exactly the thing with the diploma though I hope they all consider at least that piece of paper) and they all played very important roles in this 2007 campaign. They will be missed.
The cheering I won't miss. Maybe the school could do something about it? A total overhaul maybe? I'm not a fan of copied cheers and drumbeats that sound like the other school's. Could we be more original and compose stuffs we can actually call our own? Please?
We're not there yet
We're not and I do not know when we will ever be. The thing with this season is we know where we did wrong, as far as the two games in the finals were concerned. It was there, clear as crystal and it wasn't as if we almost made it. We didn't even come close. We made it to the finals but the other team played like champions from the moment they first entered the hardcourt.
They knew of their goal and how to go about it to achieve it. We, on the other hand, set our goal, ironically the same as theirs, but we didn't know what we first had to do to get it.
The team lost the spunk and yes, swagger that brought them straight to the finals. Gone was the confidence I saw in them the first 14 games. Could the long break have something to do with it?
The school too as a whole contributed to the collapse. After the elimination sweep, there were celebrations and personal appearances by the Warriors to just about every school program there was at that time. Thanksgiving masses were offered almost everyday, alumni and school management hosted dinners to honor them, it was as if the season was over and they were already champions.
They celebrated early, could that be the case? They had too many activities during the long break. It seemed to me like they lost their focus. Maybe team and school officials don't want to add pressure to the team by making a big deal out of the preparation to the finals so the players weren't quartered together without contact with family and friends just like what they did last year.
But the fact remains, they lost the biggest game of their lives. I can only hope they use this experience to aspire to do better next year. Nowhere to go but up. Second now, should be first next time.
It's time they really understand what pride is all about because they don't seem to know what it meant exactly.
So maybe next season? I'll be around. I can't stay away from the team and the games. I've learned that a long time ago. Resistance is futile.
Win or lose, I'll be there. Probably still in red.
A very long night
When we finally decided to go out and face the real world (and more green celebrations I assumed), I was calm and collected to my surprise. I searched for answers. Unable to find any at that moment because the whole world seemed to be green and me in red looked ridiculously out of place.
Did I mention my friend, before she started talking about getting a championship shirt, discarded her red shirt first for a more neutral white? Lucky for her I’m not in a murderous mood, I could easily bury her alive right there in Araneta grounds. I was just grateful she agreed to stay and wait for the Warriors so I let it pass.
It felt like forever before they finally came out of the coliseum. The Archers have long been gone before they did. I honestly didn’t know what to do or say to them once they start coming out. At the sight of the first Warrior walking out of the gates, there was applause. More applause when everybody else followed. I was at a loss for words. That was so heartwarming.
They didn’t stay long. The others preferred to walk straight to their bus. Some took time to say hi to their families but off to the bus they all go.
I knew it was time to leave since I don’t know what else to do and say anymore. I just wanted to see them before I go. I felt it was just right for them at least to see that their friends and supporters were still there.
As I turned to leave I came face to face with the man responsible for bringing them to where they are today, coach Dindo. I meant to say something but couldn’t find the right words so I just smiled and gave him a little wave. I can’t remember if he acknowledged it or if he even saw me, it wasn’t that important anymore. I did what I was supposed to do and it was really time to go home.
More than anyone else, my heart goes out to coach Dindo. This is his team and they couldn’t be where they are today if it weren’t for him. I know of players, past and present, who really look up to him and respect him as much as they respect their own fathers.
I even have friends who are neither from UE nor any UAAP-member schools who watch the games with me because of him. Purefoods (the PBA team) fanatics, those who were old enough to remember he played for the Hotdogs, are all very supportive and proud of his accomplishments as a coach.
So if I ever do cry, me being a Purefoods fan as well, will cry more for coach Dindo than I will for the school. Honestly. So sue me.
When silence is the best comfort
The ride home was uneventful, I was still searching for answers that will probably not present itself in the next 24 hours. I realized I only got a single text message since the final buzzer sounded and it came from someone I just met a couple of months ago who didn’t have the faintest idea what I was feeling at that moment (I haven’t got a clue either). Better luck next time, she said. I felt anger rising through me.
Better luck next time? Bloody hell. Did she even know our history? Did she actually know who she was talking to? Was she aware of what winning 14 straight meant? Has she had time to fully appreciate that fact, that feat? She texted me just so she can text me something and I didn’t like it.
I was and will forever be grateful to the many others who chose not to text nor call me right after the game. I hate generic answers as much as generic comments. You just don’t know what losing does to me. I can be jolly and cool about it other times but I can also be so devastated (but only for a day) that a single inappropriate comment will trigger the monster in me to come out. Whining used to be my thing but as I got older I found other ways to bring hell to people who dare to cross me.
People who know me, knew. Like my mother and brother who I walked in on when I got home. They didn’t even utter a single word. Nothing, nada. Bless them again.
In the privacy of my bedroom I asked myself, shouldn’t I be crying now? The absurdity of the question hit me. Shouldn't feelings be felt not asked? Another stupid question. Have I finally cracked? I was being weird, it’s not normal.
I sent a text message to close friends telling them I’m sane, a bit dazed maybe but definitely not bawling over the loss. A few more exchanges with the people from UE who were with me along the way cleared my head a little. We’re all in this together has never been a more appropriate phrase.
I don’t remember what time sleep found me or if I was the one who found it first. I woke up in the morning feeling empty and dreading reading the papers. When I finally found the courage to read, I had to run back to my room to escape being seen.
Hot tears at last escaped the tear ducts and slowly made their way down my cheeks. I wasn’t sobbing, just silent tears that were making my eyes sting like hell. The more I read the more tears coming down. Maybe it’s best to stop? I did.
I finished reading the papers by mid-afternoon when I picked it up again so I can be done with it. The sinking feeling was there again but I wasn’t feeling empty anymore. I guessed I’m accepting it faster than I thought.
As I have said, I've been a basketball fan long enough to understand how things go. You just have to deal with it and get on with life. There's more to basketball than winning.
It was only after five days did I conjure enough will power to go see the Warriors. It was MF’s birthday, perfect excuse. Not mere okay-you-just-lost-I'll-take-you-guys-out-to-dinner thing.
A smaller group met me for early dinner as some of them had gone on an early vacation and some with PBL practices, birthday boy even failed to make it.
At least they were through moping. That they were now going out. They told me most of them haven’t been back attending classes, don’t want to face their classmates for fear of in-your-face bashing and more insults. This is UE after all, people here can be ruthless (borrowed from an acquaintance) and a little thick (my very own, backed by personal experience).
We just looked at one another first, I didn’t feel the need to ask them how they were coping. This isn’t the first time they lost a big game, I figured they knew now how to handle it. I, personally, am getting used to it.
Interestingly, they cast the first stone, to break the ice so to speak. JC strolled in, face lighting up upon seeing me. I thought he was just setting the mood so I won’t start yelling at him for it took him ages to get out of bed, change and walked from school to Yellow Cab at the corner of Recto and Morayta. He sat beside me and with the air of someone commenting about the weather, mentioned my photo from the net.
I couldn’t help it, I smiled, even if I wasn't comfortable with the topic being pursued. Of all the things to say, it would be that.
I should have known better that he wouldn’t be the person to just be satisfied with that quip. After I recovered and decided I would just pretend it doesn’t exist, he was right on target again. He told me they made it their wallpaper—of their computer in the quarters! Too dumbstruck to react, I thought it best to just concentrate on the pizza rather than to fight it out with someone who’s obviously on a roll. Ooh, I so wanted to kill him.
I made a mental note to just ask the others, in private, if it was true. I never got around to asking. The embarrassment of it all made it more difficult for me to ask.
We talked about the finals briefly, focusing on the lessons rather than the emotions that go with it.
JC told me that he’s finding it hard to play again, PBL practice is torture and he wanted a break from playing but knew it wasn’t possible. RL wanted to just be done with the exams and go home to Mindanao for the long break. HT provided the answers to my little questions, he shared their innermost thoughts and revisited some scenes of the championship series with me.
PL was too busy eating to join in the conversation. He has a couple of one-liners that didn’t register with me. What you see on court, that’s him alright, can’t be missed. RR was his usual self off-court, he talks a lot. You can’t see it in his on-court persona. ES, an ex-Warrior, kept our small group entertained with his antics, injecting enough humor to keep things light when things got a little serious.
I knew when I left Recto that everything will change from then on.
The finals appearance was a whole new experience for all of us. We are aware that we blew it and we blew it big time. This team will be mentioned every time people talk about the biggest debacle, disappointments of the season, season’s super shocker, sorry team, and a host of other things related to losing. They just cemented their stature as the league’s undisputed Heartbreak Kids.
Their biggest achievement, a 14-game sweep, meant nothing in the end. All for naught. They got swept by the sweep that mattered.
A whole new ballgame
Maybe the coach thought his team needed a longer time for healing, he withdrew from the Collegiate Champions League, thus giving them more time to lick their wounds. They were supposed to defend their crown this year having won it the previous edition.
The reason for the withdrawal given was he didn’t like how they were ranked. The league seeded the Red Warriors fourth behind UAAP third-placer Ateneo. DLSU and San Beda College, the NCAA champions, were ranked first and second respectively.
Personally, I thought he just didn’t want to cross paths with DLSU at least for now. The pain and memories of the UAAP finals were still too fresh to encourage another face-off. That was too soon.
Alas, DLSU also withdrew. With probably the same reason as the one on my mind. Maybe both coaches were just giving way to each other but forgot to notify the other of the intention so they ended up doing the same thing. Brothers they really are.
The Warriors went back to competitive basketball on the first day of the last month of the year. An early start for the new college basketball season. They were off to a good start as always, chalking three straight wins before everybody went on holiday break.
Will they go all the way? Will we ever?
I can honestly say they did their best. They gave it their best shot. It just wasn't enough to bring home the elusive UAAP crown back to Recto. I can think of a hundred possible reasons why but it doesn't matter anymore. We're done, it has happened and we can't turn back time to correct the mistakes.
The team is losing four players to graduation (not exactly the thing with the diploma though I hope they all consider at least that piece of paper) and they all played very important roles in this 2007 campaign. They will be missed.
The cheering I won't miss. Maybe the school could do something about it? A total overhaul maybe? I'm not a fan of copied cheers and drumbeats that sound like the other school's. Could we be more original and compose stuffs we can actually call our own? Please?
We're not there yet
We're not and I do not know when we will ever be. The thing with this season is we know where we did wrong, as far as the two games in the finals were concerned. It was there, clear as crystal and it wasn't as if we almost made it. We didn't even come close. We made it to the finals but the other team played like champions from the moment they first entered the hardcourt.
They knew of their goal and how to go about it to achieve it. We, on the other hand, set our goal, ironically the same as theirs, but we didn't know what we first had to do to get it.
The team lost the spunk and yes, swagger that brought them straight to the finals. Gone was the confidence I saw in them the first 14 games. Could the long break have something to do with it?
The school too as a whole contributed to the collapse. After the elimination sweep, there were celebrations and personal appearances by the Warriors to just about every school program there was at that time. Thanksgiving masses were offered almost everyday, alumni and school management hosted dinners to honor them, it was as if the season was over and they were already champions.
They celebrated early, could that be the case? They had too many activities during the long break. It seemed to me like they lost their focus. Maybe team and school officials don't want to add pressure to the team by making a big deal out of the preparation to the finals so the players weren't quartered together without contact with family and friends just like what they did last year.
But the fact remains, they lost the biggest game of their lives. I can only hope they use this experience to aspire to do better next year. Nowhere to go but up. Second now, should be first next time.
It's time they really understand what pride is all about because they don't seem to know what it meant exactly.
So maybe next season? I'll be around. I can't stay away from the team and the games. I've learned that a long time ago. Resistance is futile.
Win or lose, I'll be there. Probably still in red.
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