MANILA, Philippines — Coach Norman Black is so focused on steering the Ateneo Blue Eagles to their third straight UAAP title that Far Eastern University’s woes are the least of his concerns.
Black refused to make a comment regarding allegations from some sectors of the press that some FEU players might have played under pressure from a gambling syndicate which explained the Tamaraws’ listless performance in a 72-49 loss to Ateneo in the first game of their best-of-three title series.
“We don’t care about what happened to FEU in Game 1,” Black said. “Yeah, they didn’t play well in that contest, but FEU is the least of our concern. What concerns us more is Ateneo.”
“For sure our coaches saw the game tape and we have made our preparations in time for Game 2 and make sure that the players keep themselves away from getting overconfident,” Black said.
The Eagles go for their third straight UAAP title Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum. Should a third game become necessary, it will be played on Saturday.
FEU, the team that emerged No. 1 after the eliminations with a 12-2 slate, drew flak from fans and hoop pundits alike for its sudden dip in performance in the biggest stage of the tournament.
Though FEU is acknowledged to have a deeper bench, the Tamaraws played as though “an invisible gun was pointed in their silly heads,” commented Inquirer sports columnist Recah Trinidad on Tuesday.
FEU team management was so shocked, one described the players for playing like “gays on the basketball court,” and this comment was revealed by team captain Jens Knuttel to the scribes after the game.
Knuttel was among those who came out of the dressing room visibly disappointed.
Star center Aldrech Ramos, who was outplayed by Justin Chua and seldom-used JP Erram greeted the waiting media and said “Ang sama ng laro namin.”
But FEU coach Glenn Capacio is not losing hope and sees a Game 2 comeback saying tomorrow’s match will be a test of character for his team.
"Dito masusubok ang character namin, Natisod kami kaagad at nagkaroon ng kami kaagad ng experience na maglaro sa finals so sana makarecover kami," he said.
PHIL STAR
Subject: FEU’s Woes Not our Concern – Black 
Wed Sep 29, 2010 10:29 am
