Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 17) – Members of defending University Athletic Association of the Philippines champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles continue to train at home amid travel restrictions brought about by the coronavirus crisis.
Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin told CNN Philippines on Friday he required his players to send him a video of them training at home to maintain their athletic shape.
Baldwin said they are unsure if their overseas training camp in Serbia will push through. It was initially scheduled in May.
“Despite the circumstances, it doesn’t prevent our players to continue to work on their athleticism, their strength, and conditioning,” said Baldwin in his interview with CNN Philippines’ Andrei Felix.
The Blue Eagles are preparing for a four-peat title conquest in the upcoming Season 83.
“The players are reacting extremely well. We monitor them and we have a coaching staff that continues to work despite the restrictions we suffer from,” Baldwin said.
The Blue Eagles lost some players as back-to-back Finals Most Valuable Player Thirdy Ravena, siblings Mike and Matt Nieto, Isaac Go, and Adrian Wong finished college.
But Jolo Mendoza and Raffy Verano are expected to return to the lineup. They both missed Season 82 due to academic deficiencies.
Rumored Philippine team reinforcement candidate Angelo Kouame, forward William Navarro, and guards Jolo Mendoza and Gian Mamuyac are the cornerstones for the Blue Eagles in the next season.
Fil-American Dwight Ramos, and possibly his brother Eli, will don the Blue and White jersey in Season 83. The Blue Eagles also welcomed back former Blue Eaglet Dave Ildefonso, who last played for National University, in the camp and is expected to play in Season 84.
