Count on Ateneo veteran Sarah Makanjuola to provide invaluable support to reigning MVP Kacey Dela Rosa as the Blue Eagles encounter an up-and-down campaign in Season 87.
Ateneo’s Sarah Makanjuola hasn’t been one to shy away from her role, even as she plays alongside reigning UAAP MVP Kacey Dela Rosa during the Blue Eagles’ hot-and-cold start to UAAP Season 87.
After towering over the FEU Lady Tamaraws with Dela Rosa as they bagged double-doubles on Sunday, September 29, Makanjuola said that she just focused on whatever role she has with defenses focused on Dela Rosa’s offensive prowess.
Already used to Coach LA Mumar’s system, her contributions now fall into place.
“We all have a role to play and being with Kacey is also recognizing that they’re always going to be players around her. So, we also learn to play off of her. It’s not about who is best. It’s about the team getting the win, right? So I’ll do anything I can to make us win,” she said.
Against FEU, Makanjuola finished with 17 points and 17 rebounds, supplementing Dela Rosa’s 20 points and 12 boards.
Realizing just how dominant his bigs can be, Mumar said that he once again saw a NBA-esque comparison.
“Medyo old school — Tim Duncan and David Robinson kami dito, twin towers kami ngayon.” said Mumar, who previously dubbed Dela Rosa and former guard Jhaz Joson as ‘Shaq and Kobe.’
“So, again, we’re an inside-out team so we pattern a lot of our stuff with them, so, sa mga millennials sorry, di niyo na kilala yun. Pero Tim Duncan, and David Robinson itong si Sarah and Kacey.”
Taking themselves to a winning record so far with a 3-2 slate, Makanjuola firmly embraced the heavy comparison and expectations.
Now with more experience, she knows that both herself and Dela Rosa are able to lead the team better.
“I think me and Kacey actually did a good job with handling in the clutch. We’re recognizing [the situation] and comparing previously, where it’s always difficult for us to adjust because we’re playing the same role, I think now, we kind of get it,” said Makanjuola.
“It’s about communicating and yeah, that’s why we are great,” she added.
Still, Makanjoula knows that it has been a learning process for the Blue Eagles this season – as they aim to enter the Final Four without Joson on their side.
With their rookies still adjusting to the system, she believes that it’s taking just a little more patience for them to be able to get better.
“I think first, we’re training with new recruits, we’re all adjusting to the system — especially them. Sometimes, not every day is a good day. But on the days that are bad, I try to check what’s wrong,” she said.
“And even on the bad days, I try to add what I can at that point in time, because even if I’m not efficient with my shooting, at least the defense should be there,” she continued.
But the Ateneo Blue Eagles will certainly work to keep the good days coming as they face the UE Lady Warriors next on Wednesday, October 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.