UAAP: For Alas and Bahay, leadership by example is key to Ateneo’s continued growth

Ateneo de Manila University star guards Kieffer Alas and Jared Bahay against National University. UAAP Media.MANILA — Fast-tracking Ateneo de Manila University’s maturity remains one of head coach Louie Alas’ priorities, and star guards Jared Bahay and Kieffer Alas have been leading the way for the Blue Eagles.

Both Bahay and Alas drained crucial three-pointers as Ateneo secured back-to-back victories, following its 69-65 win over National University in UAAP Season 89 on Wednesday, a result that thrust the Blue Eagles back into the Final Four picture.

For the Cebuano guard, however, their performances were simply a matter of leading by example, with Bahay emphasizing that coach Alas’ challenge extends far beyond just the two of them.

“Yung sinabi ni Coach Louie in terms of maturity, hindi lang yun para sa amin. It’s for everyone,” said Bahay, who tallied 16 points, three rebounds, and two steals on 4-of-11 shooting from long range to steer Ateneo to its fifth win in nine games, tying rival De La Salle University for third place.

“Again, it’s part of my reminder, na dapat matured kami when it comes to [crucial] situations,” added Bahay, as they finally went above .500 again after ending the first round with three straight defeats.

It was another test passed for Ateneo, which also turned back another Final Four contender in Far Eastern University, 75-72, on Saturday. 

In both victories, the Blue Eagles benefited not only from the efforts of Bahay and Alas, but also from the contributions of Sultan Baruwa, Travis Roberts, and Ian Espinosa, among others.

And for Bahay, the pair of wins serves as proof that Ateneo is steadily growing and maturing as a unit while developing greater trust in one another.

“I’m very proud sa kanila, because it also showed the last game,” said Bahay. “We were able to find our shots, give the ball to the good decision-makers. And again, I’m very grateful to Coach Louie and to our staff. Yung system nila, it always works, so yung response lang namin yung kulang.”

The younger Alas, however, was quick to remind the Blue Eagles to stay grounded, stressing that there is no room for complacency.

“This is a win, but we’re still not where we want to be,” he said. “We want to be on top. So yeah, it’s good for our morale, but it’s still a long way to go for the whole team. Step by step kami.”