By Paolo S. Mariano (uaapsports.com)

Back in 1987, Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and University of the East (UE) figured in the UAAP Finals for the first time. ADMU was in its ninth year in the league and had yet to win a UAAP title. UE, on the other hand, was in its 35th season and has already won a league-record 18 titles.

Last Thursday, in Game 3 of this season’s UAAP Finals between Ateneo and UE, two players from the 1987 championship game, Danny Francisco and Boysie Zamar, met each other on the court again after 22 long years. But this time around, they were not there to play. They were to watch how the game would be played.

Big differences

A lot has happened since 1987. The Internet was born, MTV began a culture revolution, and short shorts became a fashion crime in basketball. Things also changed in the wide world of basketball as technology continued to spread its arms.

In the early years of the UAAP, television networks only covered the league’s opening festivities and the championship. Today, every game is aired live, giving players the chance to showcase their skills in front of millions of fans.

“Before, just being able to play and wear your school jersey is already pride and honor itself. Today, playing has become more prestigious with the league’s wider reach. Players are lucky to get a lot of exposure,” Zamar said.

“The game is more scientific now. During our time, we had a purist view of playing. When they say play, we just play. Today, there are game plans and other things,” Francisco added.

The lack of a comprehensive game plan did not prevent Francisco and the rest of the Blue Eagles win the 1987 title. They played when their coach asked them to play, especially in the latter part of the game, wherein they came back from a seemingly insurmountable 20-point deficit to steal the crown from Zamar and the Red Warriors, 94-92

Smaller game-changes

Aside from the game itself, other factors have also evolved from the late 80s up to today as the UAAP has grown in leaps and bounds and has become one of the most marketable and most awaited sporting events in the country.

“Obviously, we played in a smaller venue during our time. The Rizal Memorial Coliseum couldn’t accommodate the people watching the league today,” said Francisco, who starred for ADMU in the 80s, along with future PBA players Jun Reyes, Olsen Racela, and Jayvee Gayoso.

“Our elimination games were played in Loyola then. I remember taking the bus all the way to Katipunan and walking to the gym,” Zamar fondly recalled. “Minsan nga, sumasabit lang kami sa jeep.”

After their collegiate careers, Francisco and Zamar went on almost similar paths. The former, unfortunately, had to hang his jersey prematurely despite having a stellar college stint due to a heart ailment, while the latter tried his luck in the 1990 PBA Draft, but sadly did not get chosen.

“The draft was different back then. You just submit your application to the PBA and then wait for your name in the newspaper,” Zamar shared.

Like father like son

For Zamar, who played with the likes of PBA great Jerry Codiñera, former PBA assistant coach George Ella, and Wilmer Bañares during the 1987 Finals, this year’s ADMU-UE championship was more personal, with his son, Paul, playing for the Red Warriors.

Unfortunately, just like his dad, the 21-year-old Paul, who was born a few months after Boysie’s championship game, failed to win the title versus Ateneo as UE lost Game 3, 71-58. He averaged 9.1 minutes and 2.2 points in the best-of-three series as he played back-up to star swingman Paul Lee.

“I’m very happy that he reached this far. I always tell him that basketball is a process, just like life,” the older Zamar told uaapsports.com.

“This year’s Finals was really something special. Historically, you look back (in the 1987 Finals), Boysie played for UE versus Ateneo. Now, his son played against the same team while playing for UE,” Francisco chimed in.

Old college try

Just like in 1987, Francisco and Zamar were on opposite sides of the court last Thursday as they cheered for their respective alma maters. But just like in 1987, it was only the Blue Eagles who whooped it up on the court to celebrate the championship.

Francisco, who now serves as TV analyst for the PBA, and Zamar, who is set to coach an international team in Asia, may disagree on who should really win the UAAP diadem, but they sure agree about one thing: they miss their playing days.

“I just realized last Thursday how overwhelming the support of the school is. I miss the crowd and how they boost your morale,” said Zamar.

“I miss the general atmosphere (of the UAAP). It’s very festive. It’s always a nice feeling making the Ateneo fans happy,” Francisco added. “I just miss the playing the game and winning it.”

The 1987 UAAP season was a memorable one, particularly for Ateneo winning its first league title, I didnt saw it on TV the Ateneo-UE finals but I read on papers how the blue eagles rallied from a 20 point deficit (63-83) to win, 94-92. championship games were held then at the Old Rizal Memorial Coliseum, yes wala gano TV coverage ng mga UAAP games that time.