SACRED Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu standout Raffy Celis said it best: “Blue planted blue.”
Along with Magis Eagles teammate Michael Asoro, Celis yesterday officially chose to suit up for reigning champion Ateneo in the UAAP in a press conference at the SHS-Ateneo de Cebu campus in Mandaue City.
Celis and Asoro led the Magis Eagles to back-to-back titles in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI).
Celis, a native of Bacolod, is a 6-foot-3 wingman who made the Mythical Team of the recently concluded Smart-NBTC National Finals with averages of 17.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 steals. He also played in the 2023 NBTC All-Star Game, being adjudged the 21st-best high school player, per the NBTC 24.
“Gustong-gusto ko talagang mag-Ateneo hindi lamang dahil sa basketball– madami akong matutunan sa life at lalo na being under Coach Tab (Baldwin),” Celis said.
“I also graduated from Ateneo. Blue planted blue,” he added.
Celis, 19, will be a big boost as a do-it-all weapon for the Blue Eagles, who lost last season’s finals MVP Ange Kouame and Dave Ildefonso due to his ability to play multiple positions from the two to four under coach Tab Baldwin’s equal-opportunity system.
Asoro, who hails from Lapu-Lapu City, was also an NBTC All-Star, and was good for 17.8 points, including three triples, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in the National Finals.
“Gusto ko talagang mag-Ateneo kasi gustong gusto ko talaga dati na makapaglaro at mag-graduate sa Ateneo,” Asoro said.
“Alam ko na hindi lang basketball iyong ituturo sa amin, pati sa life and academics rin.”
Baldwin, who also made the trip to Cebu, welcomed the duo with open arms.
“One of the limitations that we face as the Ateneo coaching staff is our ability to recruit players, which is affected by the academic process. We can confidently say that both of these guys possess the academic ability to be part of Ateneo,” he said.
“I would like to thank Sacred Heart School for everything you’ve done to bring these two young men to this point. We are very proud that they will be part of our program.”
Also gracing the press conference were school president Fr. Michael Pineda, SJ.; director for formation Fr. Nono Levosada, SJ; Magis Eagles coaches Rommel Rasmo and Francis Auquico; and Landmasters executive vice president Franco Soberano.
“Ateneo de Cebu is extremely proud of Raffy and Michael for their contributions to our basketball program, leading us to a championship. We believe in their character and are grateful for both of them. They are happy to be going to another Ateneo school where they will be coached by Tab,” Pineda said.
“We know that they are in good hands and will be part of a team that will help build good relationships with them, as we believe that these relationships will matter in the end.”
Celis and Asoro are expected to beef up Ateneo which will now be led by Kai Ballungay and Chris Koon, as well as fellow newcomers Mason Amos and Kyle Gamber.
