Veteran guard JD Cagulangan expressed disappointment over fans’ hostile reaction towards Jared Bahay, a rookie for Ateneo, during his inaugural UAAP game. Bahay, previously committed to UP, faced jeers from the crowd, sparking Cagulangan’s response.
The initial game of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament saw intense emotions as the UP Fighting Maroons clashed with the Ateneo Blue Eagles at Araneta Coliseum. The atmosphere, charged by the historic rivalry between the two universities, was palpable even before the game commenced.
The tension escalated notably when the former UP recruit, Jared Bahay, appeared on the Araneta Coliseum screens. Having returned to Ateneo, his high school alma mater, after reversing his prior commitment to UP, Bahay was met with loud boos from the UP supporters. This reaction was a clear indication of the community’s lingering discontent over his switch.
Reacting to the unsporting behavior of the fans, JD Cagulangan, veteran guard for the Maroons, expressed his dismay. He stated in Filipino, ‘First of all, I feel bad for Jared because fans booed him when he appeared on the screen, and that’s a terrible start in the UAAP.’ Cagulangan emphasized that UP as an institution harbors no ill will towards Bahay, respecting his decision on where to play. He said, ‘I have nothing against Jared on where he wants to play. I want him to know UP has no problem with him. Wherever he wants to play, there’s no problem.’
He also voiced his approval of Bahay’s UAAP debut performance despite the hostile reception, urging fans to cease such unsportsmanlike conduct in the future. ‘I’m happy that Jared was able to debut in the UAAP, and hopefully, the fans who booed him should stop what they’re doing because it really looks bad.’ Cagulangan reiterated, ‘His entry to the UAAP was bad. He got that treatment immediately.’
Despite the rocky start, Bahay showcased commendable resilience and focus on the court. Without letting the unfriendly reception affect his game, he delivered an impressive performance, scoring 13 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and providing 4 assists in just 20 minutes off the bench. Bahay chose not to comment on the jeers but shared his strategy for dealing with the situation. ‘I already expected that amount of people and that atmosphere,’ he noted in Filipino, reflecting on his performance before an audience of 12,932 at Araneta. ‘I guess I just faced that challenge given to me to not think about my game, but rather just think about coach Tab’s game plan. I expected what would happen, and I didn’t worry. I just focused on the game.’
Cagulangan’s call for civility highlights the importance of sportsmanship and respect in collegiate sports. Bahay’s composed performance despite the initial hostility serves as a testament to his mental fortitude. As the UAAP season progresses, it is hoped that fans will adhere to the spirit of the sport, celebrating the athletes’ dedication and talent regardless of past affiliations.
Source: Rappler