Hubert Cani eager to suit up for Ateneo

MANILA, Philippines – Hubert Cani could only watch as the Ateneo Blue Eagles fell to the NU Bulldogs during the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball Final Four round. 

Forced to sit out this past season due to the UAAP’s residency rule regarding high school transfers, Cani was relegated to watching on the bench as the Blue Eagles became only the second no. 1 seed in UAAP Final Four history to lose their twice-to-beat advantage and get eliminated. 

The first no. 1 seed to get eliminated by a no. 4 seed were the 2013 NU Bulldogs, whose team in 2014 beat Ateneo in the semis to go on to the finals, where they took care of the FEU Tamaraws and won their first UAAP men’s basketball title in 60 years.

Prior to the Final Four, Ateneo went 11-3 in the elimination round and was expected to advance to the finals. However, the Bulldogs had other plans. 

“From the top four teams, Ateneo was the weakest link. It was the system that made them number one in the elimination round, but if you look at the other teams, they were championship contenders,” Cani said in an exclusive interview with Rappler. 

“National U had the edge to win because of their imports, which was a mismatch for Ateneo.” 

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Cani explained how the breaks of the game, such as 50-50 balls among others, went NU’s way during the Final Four. 

“Ateneo worked really hard and relied on [UAAP MVP Kiefer Ravena], but the breaks of the game dictated why NU won.” 

He also gave credit to Bulldogs assistant coach Jeff Napa, who together with Cani helped steer NU’s team in the UAAP junior’s basketball tournament in 2013 to a championship. 

“I observed how Jeff Napa orchestrated the rotation of players. He was a factor for the win.” 

Because Cani played high school ball at NU and decided to move to ADMU for college, he was forced to do residency via UAAP policy unless National University granted him a release to take his talents to Ateneo. 

But his old school wasn’t feeling generous.

“Gusto ko na mag laro, kaya for Season 77, I prepared a lot. But unfortunately, walang release paper.” 

(I really wanted to play. That’s why for Season 77 I prepared a lot. But unfortunately, NU didn’t grant my release paper.) 

“I told myself (during Ateneo’s loss to NU), I could contribute, assist, and hustle. Malaking tulong yun.” (That would have been a big help.)

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With Season 77 behind them, Ateneo now looks to improving for 2015. However, challenges may present itself with the departures of graduating Chris Newsome, the team’s Mythical 5 small forward, and starting point guard Nico Elorde. 

With Elorde gone, the starting PG role may present itself to Cani.

“Hopefully next year mapagbigyan na ako. Right now continue lang ako sa practice and adjustment sa studies, para next season ready na ako to be a regular member of the Blue Eagles and to compete in a higher level of competition.”

(Hopefully next year I’ll get to play. For now I’ll contribute with practices and adjusting to my studies, so that for next season I’ll be ready to be a Blue Eagle and compete in a higher level.) 

– Rappler.com