THE historic rivalry between Ateneo and La Salle takes a
significant meaning on Easter Sunday when college basketball’s rival schools
clash for charity.
Former Blue Eagles and Green Archers currently playing in the
pro league will comprise the rosters of the two teams that will see action in a
one-game showdown on March 23 at the Araneta Coliseum, presented by Yakult.
An undertaking by the PBA headed by Commissioner Sonny
Barrios and Board Chairman Tony Chua, the project’s proceeds will go directly to
the Players’ Educational Trust Fund.
Making up the Ateneo side to be coached by Talk N Text mentor
Chot Reyes are Enrico Villanueva, Larry Fonacier, JC Intal, Paolo Bugia, Wesley
Gonzales, LA Tenorio, Doug Kramer, Macky Escalona, Magnum Membrere, Gec Chia and
veteran Olsen Racela.
To be coached by Barangay Ginebra’s Jong Uichico, La Salle
will be made up of RenRen Ritualo, Don Allado, Mark Telan, Mark Cardona, Mike
Cortez, Adonis Sta. Maria, Ryan Arana, Carlo Sharma, Willie Wilson, Joseph Yeo,
JunJun Cabatu and JR Aquino.
The core of the Ateneo roster is made up of the team that
annexed the 2002 UAAP men’s basketball championship while the Archers’ nucleus
is a mixture of players that won titles during La Salle’s reign from 1998-2001
and those that made the Finals in 2004 and 2005.
"This is going to be a great endeavor not only for basketball
fans, especially supporters of La Salle and Ateneo, but also for a good cause,"
said Chua, also the team manager of Red Bull.
La Salle’s rivalry with Ateneo goes a long, long way and is
considered the most frenzied rivalry in all of Philippine basketball.
Last year, the Blue Eagles and Green Archers clashed five
times during the 70th season of the UAAP, culminating in a winner-take-all
showdown for the second Finals berth that La Salle won. The Archers went on to
sweep the University of the East in the title series.
The PBA held a similar exhibition match between the two
schools three years ago, a match-up marred by a fight between Yeo and
Villanueva. Former commissioner Noli Eala was responsible for staging the game
in a joint venture with Vintage big boss Bobong Velez and Barrios.
The Ateneo-La Salle charity game will be played a week before the
season-ending Fiesta Cup comes off the wraps.
