Ateneo center Kacey dela Rosa. UAAP Media/File
MANILA — After falling short against National University in the Final 4 last season, the Ateneo Blue Eagles are putting more focus on the small details as they look to make a deeper postseason run in the UAAP Season 89 women's basketball tournament.
For Ateneo head coach Patrick Jude Navarro, their fortunes hinge on star center Kacey dela Rosa, a two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player.
"I think right now, we still have the best player in the league in Kacey Dela Rosa," Navarro said.
READ: Kacey Dela Rosa focused on final playing year with Ateneo despite other offers
Dela Rosa averaged a double-double with 18.3 and 15.4 rebounds, while also tallying 2.6 assists and 2.4 blocks per game during Season 88. She was also named member of the Season 88 UAAP Elite Team and played for the Gilas Pilipinas Women in the offseason.
But despite having Dela Rosa in the roster, Navarro emphasized other members of the team must step up to have a chance in competing for the championship and even against the top teams like NU and defending champion University of Santo Tomas.
There were no major changes during the offseason for the team, but as five new rookies come in, its team chemistry was the challenge for the Blue Eagles.
"But again, we have to play more games to see them really work effectively," Navarro added.
After finishing third last season, Navarro focused more on improving the team and avoiding small mistakes during crucial moments of the game, following their one-point, 66-67 loss to the NU Lady Bulldogs in last season's stepladder semifinals match.
Navarro said Ateneo's semifinal performance against Adamson showed the importance of paying attention to details, as they were able to execute their scouting report efficiently.
Going into Season 89, Navarro aims to reach a higher seed compared to last season's third-place finish.
"Hopefully, if all goes well, we'll go straight to the championship," Navarro added.
The Blue Eagles' will first face the UP Fighting Maroons on Sept. 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena.