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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Ateneo adds playmaker Albert Opena Jr.

Ateneo adds playmaker Albert Opena Jr.

Published Apr 27, 2022 07:33 pm

Reigning UAAP champion Ateneo continues to fortify its roster after securing the commitment of Albert Opena Jr., who will be playing guard position in Season 86.

Albert Opena Jr. (left) (Screenshot from Zoom media briefing and UAAP photo)

This as Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo introduced the 20-year-old Opena in a media briefing Wednesday night, April 27.

Opena, a full-blooded Filipino who migrated to Canada with his family, will don the white and blue in Season 86 and compete with four-year eligibility.

His father is from Nueva Viscaya while his mother is from Pasig City.

Baldwin believes that the 6-foot-2 playmaker, who played for St. Lawrence College in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association, would be of great fit for the Ateneo system.

The three-time UAAP champion coach did not hesitate on recruiting Opena and welcoming him with open arms after he participated in scrimmages and tryout sessions.

"As a basketball player, Albert impresses very much. He's a big guard... but very, very strong. He's well-built. And he's got great quick feet, quick hands," said Baldwin.

"We were liking a lot of what his game presents. He's very good off the bounce. He creates well, has good court vision. And we think that his unselfishness, his toughness, and his physicality will fit well here into the UAAP system and to our system. We have no doubt that Albert will be a big asset to our program going forward."

Opena admitted feeling nervous trying out for the defending champion but expressed glee on how it became a "quick turnaround," as Baldwin said," for him.

Per Quimpo, Opena and his family flew to Manila just a week and a half ago. He won't be returning to Canada anytime soon as the team is currently processing his transfer to Katipunan.

"I'm a bit shocked at how well it went. Coming in I was like a little nervous and felt very out of shape also. I was really glad how it turned out and how nice everybody is," he said. "I'm just excited to work hard. Just excited."

Opena became the latest addition to the Eagles alongside big man Filipino-Australian Mason Amos, who will also join in Season 86 but with five-full years of eligibility.

Related Tags

Ateneo Albert Opena Jr. UAAP Season 84 uaap Tab Baldwin Ateneo Blue Eagles Blue Eagles
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