Joseph Obasa, a rookie center for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, has been tasked with filling the shoes of the highly-successful Ange Kouame in the upcoming 86th season of the UAAP. Coach Tab Baldwin is impressed with Obasa’s progress so far, although he acknowledges that there is room for improvement. Despite being a rookie, Obasa has shown signs of good play and is praised for being a great teammate.
Kouame, who recently graduated and led the Eagles to last season’s championship, is considered one of the finest foreign student-athletes in UAAP history. Obasa, who is pursuing a master’s degree to play his one-and-done season with Ateneo, will face scrutiny throughout the season as the team aims to win its sixth title in the last seven years.
The Blue Eagles are currently in Tokyo for the World University Basketball Series, where they will compete against tough competition to further enhance their skills and preparation for the UAAP. Ateneo will open their campaign against the University of Sydney, and the tournament’s format will determine their future opponents in the round-of-8.
