Former Ateneo star LA Tenorio remains upbeat about Blue Eagles rookie Jared Bahay's potential and skill despite his lackluster start in UAAP Season 87.
It hasn’t been exactly the best start for prized rookie Jared Bahay in his UAAP career.
In four games with the Ateneo Blue Eagles, Bahay has averaged just 7.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, with the team stumbling to a 1-3 record.
Still, the Katipunan-based squad has been patient with Bahay’s performance, but while many continue to doubt the young guard, Ateneo legend LA Tenorio himself backed the Gilas Youth standout with his ongoing development in collegiate hoops.
“Hindi naman ire-recruit ni coach Tab [Baldwin] ‘yan eh kung wala silang nakita na ganung potential,” Tenorio told reporters.
“For now, nakikita ko naga-adjust pa siya pero ako, lagi kong napapanood ‘yung games ng Ateneo, nakikita ko naman ‘yung potential niya as a point guard ng Ateneo,” he added.
Knowing what it takes to be successful in the UAAP and PBA, Tenorio urged fans to be patient on Bahay as he continues to find his bearing in the UAAP.
“You just have to be aggressive and from there dun niya makukuha 'yung groove niya as a point guard while playing in the UAAP seniors,” said Tenorio, who won the UAAP crown with Ateneo in 2002.
“Nangangapa pa siya. Obvious naman eh. Hindi naman ganyan maglaro eh. Nakita ko naman mga games niya before so just give it some time,” he added.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Coach Tab Baldwin refuses to rush Jared Bahay’s growth for Ateneo amid challenging Season 87 start]
But what could be the reason for Bahay’s slow start? The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel veteran pointed out his thoughts as a former Ateneo star as well.
“I think masyado siya maraming iniisip,” said Tenorio. “As a young player, the most important thing is just enjoy the moment. I think he’s already at that level already, so make the most out of it.”
“Taon sa UAAP mabilis lang, so make sure to make the most out of it,” he emphasized.
As Bahay looks to improve his performance for the rest of Season 87, Tenorio gave the 19-year-old point general some sound advice, especially amid the plenty of criticisms he's faced so far.
“Don’t read social media, ‘yun lang ‘yun. As a young player, hindi niya kailangan masyadong isipin mga sinasabi ng ibang player,” said Tenorio. “I mean criticism is also good at some point na sana maisip niya na kaya siya na-criticize kasi he’s a prized rookie and much is expected from him.
“It’s up to him how he handles those pressure and ‘yung mga naririnig niya outside the circle. Dun mo makikita kung gaano siya ka-big time player,” he added.
[RELATED STORY: UAAP: JD Cagulangan urges UP fans to quit throwing jeers at Ateneo’s Jared Bahay]
Expect a breakout game from J-House sooner rather than later.