Ryan Buenafe Back In Practice?

It seems that the Blue Eagle gone stray has come back and is set to reclaim what he was and has earned in his three-year stay in the UAAP. According to members of the Gameface Media Forum, Ryan Buenafe has gone back to practice alongside other Blue Eagles (together with a lot of hopefuls) at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center of the Ateneo. Quoting a conversation between a certain "stow" and the "5footcarrot":

"i probably missed something but is there any new development to ryan's comeback? nagpractice na ba siya w the team?"

"Yes, I understand he scrimmaged with the team yesterday. I hope that those who were actually present could give us some first impressions of how he might jell [sic] with the rest of the team (especially the new guys last season)."

This still has to be validated by empirical evidence; nevertheless, having the former Rookie of the Year and Finals MVP at practice, which is an indication that he will have a chance at landing a roster spot in the Season 75 Blue Eagles, will boost Ateneo's chances of grabbing its fifth straight plum in the UAAP. Buenafe has been one of the most important players of the Blue Eagles from Seasons 71 to 73, and he might just play a bigger role now that the team is in need of a more dynamic small forward (having only Von Pessumal and Gwynne Capacio, which definitely need more improvement), now that Nico Salva has taken over the four spot. Plus, Buenafe, alongside Greg Slaughter, Nico Salva and Kiefer Ravena, could constitute the "big four" of the Ateneo offense, which could perhaps serve as the best offensive combo in Season 75.

With Ateneo winning their fourth straight title without Buenafe, his absence seems to be a blessing in disguise. Had he played in Season 74, he is set to graduate this year alongside Slaughter, Salva, Justin Chua, Tonino Gonzaga, and Oping Sumalinog, which consequently will leave a big hole in the Blue Eagles roster to fill up come Season 76. Fortunately, Buenafe will be there to stay and will have to lead a team that might just undergo a process of rebuilding.

But then, all of these are just mere speculations, and nothing is yet to be finalized. The team is currently having regular practices, and players, both included in last year's roster and those who have yet to vie for a spot, will have to be evaluated, giving them the opportunity to belong to the Blue Eagles' 16-man roster.

Photo from Fabilioh.com