By MARK REY MONTEJO
Jared Bahay and Kris Porter have come a long way since their celebrated high school days at Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu.
So it’s no surprise the two have strong connection especially when fielded together now that they’re playing for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
That was evident in the team’s pulsating 70-68 win over National University on Sunday, Oct. 13.
“For the guys that don’t know, me and (Kris) Porter have been teammates since grade school. We know each other well,” said the 19-year-old Bahay, finished with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists.
“And I know how he moves. He knows how I move. And so, that relationship really helped us in this game and for our upcoming games,” he added.
Same thing for Porter, who led the way for Blue Eagles (2-6) over the Bulldogs (2-6) with an all-around performance of 14 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
“It’s the same as Jared. He knows the back of my hand the way I know the back of his hand. I know his tendencies, he knows mine,” the 6-foot-5 Porter added. “So, that’s how we just connect and bring that chemistry on the court.”
With hopes of keeping their Final Four contention this year, the two are looking forward for an even stronger connection not only for the two of them but also for the whole squad.
“Of course. Just gotta be connected and lead as an example. For example, Ports and I. We have great chemistry. And then, we’re gonna show our teammates how great it is,” Bahay continued. “Hopefully, they’re gonna buy in also.”
“Like what the coaches tell us, especially the both of us, we can’t think like rookies. We have to mature. And from that, hopefully, our fellow rookies will follow us, our sophomores, veterans,” Porter added.
“Both of these guys have the educational background, they have the leadership background, and I think they have the character to grow in that role as well,” said coach Tab Baldwin.
“And that’s going to be extremely important if we want to try and get this program back to where it has been in recent years,” he added.
