Perasol: This is my final year with Ateneo

MANILA, Philippines – Following the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ loss to the FEU Tamaraws that dropped them to 4-4 in the UAAP Season 78 senior’s basketball tournament on Sunday, October 11, the team’s head coach, Bo Perasol, made an announcement that many had already expected.

Perasol, who’s in the third and final year of his contract coaching Ateneo, says that the 2015 season will be his final with the team, regardless of how far they get the rest of the way.

“Yeah, it’s my final year and meron na kaming (we have an) agreement this is going to be my last year, regardless,” Perasol told the media near the locker room area of the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The announcement of the former PBA head coach comes days after Ateneo’s president released a statement addressing the university’s community that they have full faith in Perasol and the coaching staff.

“Napagusapan na namin (we already talked about it), so I don’t think that’s going to be something that needs to be talk about,” Perasol said when asked if, given the opportunity by the school, to return to his job. “We all understand that already.”

When asked if he has already received offers for jobs elsewhere, Perasol said yes, but added that his full concentration is on the Blue Eagles right now as they fight for a Final Four seed.

“Ang mga offers ko (my offers) are from outside, but I don’t talk to them, because meron akong (I have an) obligation dito (here). The mere fact na pinaglaban ako nang (I was fought for by) management to continue this… I’m really bent on doing something with this team,” he said.

Ateneo actually led FEU 32-30 at the half, but the Tamaraws’ strong start to the fourth period gave them momentum, which helped them eventually seal their seventh victory in 8 games.

Ateneo’s next game is against Adamson next weekend. The Soaring Falcons currently have one win in 8 games.

“Alam nila lahat yan na (they all know that) this is my last year. The team knows that. The players know that. Kaya nga lagi namin pinapagusapan (that’s why we always talk that), this is my last hurrah with Kiefer, with Von,” said Perasol, who also believes that what he contributed to the team throughout his time will help them even in the future.

“I think I have made my little contributions in as far as the composition of the team is concerned. This team is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come, pero importante saakin kasi (what’s important to me) is this year.”

In his first season with Ateneo in Season 76, Perasol went 7-7 coaching Ateneo as they missed the Final Four. Last season, the Blue Eagles went 11-3 in the eliminations but lost to NU as a number one seed in the Final Four round. – Rappler.com