Ateneo’s Joseph Obasa Shines in Exhibition Game Ahead of UAAP Season
TOKYO—The Ateneo Blue Eagles’ incoming rookie, Joseph Obasa, displayed his eagerness and talent during an exhibition game against a Japanese Under-21 selection at Yoyogi Stadium. Despite being 24 years old and a rookie, the 6-foot-10 center impressed with his strong performance.
Obasa played for almost 24 minutes in the game, contributing 17 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks. His excellent performance helped the Blue Eagles secure a narrow 70-69 victory over their opponents. The team’s coach, Tab Baldwin, gave the big guns a rest, allowing Obasa to step up and shine.
After the game, Obasa was approached by Filipino fans who asked him to pose for photographs and sign autographs. Grateful for the support, he expressed his excitement for the upcoming UAAP season.
Ateneo had a strong start in the game but faced tough competition from the Japanese team, trailing behind several times. Obasa had a minor injury to his wrist after slipping on one play but continued to play without indicating any desire to step out. He made crucial plays in the fourth period, securing the victory despite going scoreless in the final 52.1 seconds.
Coach Baldwin praised Obasa, stating that he is still learning but is already a valuable teammate due to his excellent attitude and commitment. Obasa, a finely-built player, will shoulder a significant role in Ateneo’s lineup following the graduation of Ange Kouame.
Shawn Tuano, another rookie, also played well in the game, scoring 12 points. Lebron Nieto was the third player to finish in double digits for the Blue Eagles. Coach Baldwin acknowledged the tough challenge posed by the Japanese team, stating that his team needed such a game to prepare for the upcoming season.
The Blue Eagles will commence their defense of the World University Basketball Series title on Friday against the University of Sydney, the Australian champions. Coach Baldwin plans to utilize his full roster to secure a second consecutive victory in the tournament.
The performance of Obasa and the rest of the team is a promising sign for Ateneo as they prepare for the UAAP season. The Blue Eagles aim to continue their winning streak and defend their championship title.
