Ateneo’s Kai Oani finally gets over her personal hump in UAAP Season 87, using a timely change in mindset as the Blue Eagles take the win over UE.
After six games, Ateneo blue-chip recruit Kai Oani finally lived up to some of her billing, going for a season-high 13 points in the Blue Eagles’ convincing win over the UE Lady Warriors, 90-62, in round 1 of UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball action on Wednesday, October 2.
Coming off a string of low-scoring games, Oani was able to make her presence felt for Ateneo as the Blue Eagles tallied their first winning streak this year, making it back-to-back wins.
After the game, where Oani joined three other Ateneo players in double figures, she said that it was a change of mindset that helped her get over the slump.
“My coach was a big reason. Coach LA [Mumar] was very supportive of me and he’s been encouraging me a lot so, I think just reflecting on myself, knowing what’s going on in my head, and just taking accountability for that,” said Oani.
The Filipino-American guard joined Ateneo’s roster with a lot riding on her shoulders – especially as she replaced former playmaker Jhaz Joson, who already exhausted her playing years.
But with the help of Mumar and her teammates, Oani was able to regain her bearings.
Prior to Wednesday, Oani had been just under the radar for the Blue Eagles.
She was especially distraught after a sorry outing against the Adamson Lady Falcons, where Ateneo squandered a significant lead late in the match. During the loss, Oani had 11 turnovers and went 0/6 from the field.
Still, her team wasn’t one to point fingers and Oani said that her fellow Ateneo Blue Eagles continued to encourage her.
“Everyone’s really supportive on the team. They back me up all the time… Even when I played against Adamson, I had a lot of turnovers, they still were encouraging and they had my back,” she said.
Much like any other rookie, there are a lot of adjustments for Oani heading into her first year with the Blue Eagles. Adding more to that is Ateneo’s style of play not adhering to what she did back in high school.
Tasked to be a playmaker for both Kacey Dela Rosa and Sarah Makanjoula, Oani simply wants to be able to contribute for her team no matter what.
“Well, it’s different coming from my previous team in high school. But I would say I’m here to play for Ateneo so whatever helps the team win is my mindset,” she said.
Oani and the Blue Eagles are headed for a tough challenge to end the first half of the season, as they face last year’s finalists NU Lady Bulldogs.
There, she goes up against some of her national team teammates, including the likes of Camille Clarin and Angel Surada.
Knowing the caliber of her opponents, Oani is eager to show out.
“I’m excited. It’s gonna be a tough game but I think we’re gonna compete,” she said.
Ateneo and NU collide on Saturday, October 5, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.