CEBU CITY -- He may end up as the newest kid on the block for the Ateneo De Manila University but Jared Bahay is predicted to make an instant impact for the Blue Eagles.

The Blue Eagles are optimistic that Bahay will be able to duplicate his strong showing with the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles.

Bahay led the Magis Eagles to two championships in the Cebu Schools Athletic Federation Inc. (CESAFI) and won two Most Valuable Player awards in the process.

“He’s gonna come in with the fundamental set, with the toughness, with the winning attitude, with being a man for others. It makes our job easier,” said Sandy Arespacochaga, who flew in on Thursday, Jan. 25, to join a media briefing where Bahay formally announced his decision to join Ateneo.

Arespacochaga said the Blue Eagles were ecstatic to learn Bahay’s decision to join the team, saying that the native of Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City is simply what the doctor ordered for the team.

“That’s big news for us because a lot of people agreed that we need help at the point guard position. Of course, we’re happy that things aligned for us,” said Arespacochaga.

Bahay’s decision to join Ateneo became controversial as he had already committed to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

Arespacochaga assured that in Ateneo, Bahay will be in good hands.

“He has done very well and we are more excited for his continued development not just as a basketball player but as a student and as a person. I think that’s one of the commitments that we have for him and his family. We’re here not to get him as a basketball player but we’re here to actually help him become a better person in all aspects,” Arespacochaga said.

In a video message, Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin welcomed Bahay’s decision to join the Blue Eagles.

“We are really excited. We’re excited for you, we’re excited for your family, we're excited for our time and certainly the Ateneo community.  It’s a big decision. We hope for a very bright future together. We are really looking forward to working with you and having you be part of our community,” Baldwin said.

Bahay had a dominant run in the CESAFI and his manager Dr. Rhoel Dejaño, a renowned sports doctor, believed that the 5-foot-9 point guard would excel in the UAAP. 

“I’ve known Jared since he was in Grade 6 and I've seen him grow. I’ve seen him developed athlete-wise. With all the training that he’s been receiving, he’s ready to face bigger or taller players,” Dejaño said.

Bahay plays bigger than his size, and that’s what makes him a special athlete, Dejaño said.

“People always have this misnomer that in order to be a good athlete, you have to have the size and the height. Of course height is might, but Jared has innate character and innate athleticism which is  kinda unique because he knows how to carry his body, he knows how to move, he’s very quick in his decision making when to jump, when to change direction,” said Dejaño.

Bahay is the top-ranked high school player in the country, but for Dejaño, the athletic guard is still scratching the surface of his potential.

“I’m pretty sure he has not yet achieved or attained his full potential. There’s still a lot in him to be tapped and to be improved,” Dejano said.

Bahay is aware of the high expectations on him, and despite his impressive credentials, he knows he has to prove his worth.

“I’m excited to play for them. I’m also excited to play under coach Tab’s leadership. But I still have to fight for my spot, to earn my coaches and teammates’ respect,” said Bahay.

With the controversial switch, an Ateneo-UP match is going to be a must-see. 

Bahay said he will be ready whoever he will play against in his UAAP debut.

“I feel excited. It's been a long-time dream to play in the UAAP.  Whoever I face in my debut game, I will be ready,” Bahay said.(Calvin D. Cordova)