With the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament fast approaching, this season preview delves into the roster upgrades and preseason performances of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team (AMBT) as they aim to reestablish their place among the elite teams in the league.

GLORY HAS become synonymous with the Blue Eagle Band of Brothers, driven by the legacy left behind by previous dynasties. However, last season marked Ateneo’s most tumultuous season in recent memory, as they ultimately missed the Final Four for the first time in 11 years.

Early into UAAP Season 87, it became clear that the Blue Eagles lacked firepower after ending the first round with an unprecedented 1-6 win-loss record. As gloomy skies clouded their playoff hopes, the AMBT restored the Ateneo community’s optimism by claiming consecutive wins against the National University Bulldogs and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers in the first two games of the second round.

Despite appearing to hit their stride, the Blue and White’s semifinals bid was quickly shut down due to consecutive defeats against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, and Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

Rounding out their Season 87 campaign, the Blue Eagles then split their last two games with a victory over the University of the East Red Warriors and a loss against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons, ultimately concluding their season with a 4-10 record.

Looking to erase last season’s infamy, the Blue Eagles have combined bold offseason moves with their newfound determination to reignite excitement for UAAP Season 88.

As the AMBT embarks on a new chapter in their bid for resurgence, here are three key narratives entering this Saturday’s season opener.

Reloaded backcourt

Photo by Finomena Chang

Mario: As the countdown to tipoff quickly nears, the spotlight falls on their retooled backcourt, which is expected to lead the charge in their quest to reclaim the top spot. Adding stability and scoring to their guard rotation, the Katipunan-based unit has made key additions in the offseason, securing highly-touted players Dominic Escobar and Jaden Lazo. Together with the vast development of senior guard Ian Espinosa and sophomore Jared Bahay, the Blue Eagles build a strong case for the best backcourt in the UAAP.

After a stellar stint with the Cal State Golden Eagles in Los Angeles, Escobar is set to provide a massive scoring punch for the Blue Eagles this season. Following a California Collegiate Athletic Association honorable mention, the 6’5” guard’s combination of size and athleticism allows him to play minutes at both guard and wing positions as well, adding more flexibility to the Ateneo rotation. With a smooth midrange jumper coupled with a relentless drive to score at the basket, Escobar looks to make his mark in his lone season with the Blue and White.

Equally as intriguing as a prospect, six-foot guard Lazo provides the Blue Eagles with leadership on and off the court. With the ability to drain baskets from distance, the steady point guard fills the hole for distance shooting in the Ateneo attack. Lazo also gives Head Coach Tab Baldwin a tall point guard to match up against the best guards in the UAAP. Amassing 63 made threes and 66 steals in his final season playing alongside Escobar for the Golden Eagles, Lazo brings not only production but also established chemistry with his fellow recruit—a trait that should steady the Blue Eagles’ younger pieces in Season 88.

Building on the strength of their new recruits, the Blue Eagles also benefit from the remarkable growth and development of holdovers Espinosa and Bahay.

Espinosa’s improved ability to read the defense in pick-and-roll play, coupled with a more aggressive playstyle, has elevated his game to a new level, as evidenced by his inclusion in the All-Asiabasket First Team in the Asiabasket 2025 Collegiate Tour. Bahay, meanwhile, has taken on the mantle of team co-captain for the squad, as the sophomore sensation will be calling the shots for the first time in his UAAP career.

Now boasting a unique blend of talent, leadership, and experience, Coach Baldwin possibly has one of the most formidable backcourts in his near-decade-long tenure. Punctuated by the quartet’s strong belief in one another and the strength of their team, do not be surprised to see the Blue and White stun teams with their ever-impressive backcourt.

Twin towers

Photo courtesy of One Sports

Ravi: While the expectations for the Blue and White are high, this excitement is not without reason, as the Blue Eagles now have the pieces to bring their championship aspirations to life. After having to play small-ball and being outrebounded for the majority of Season 87, Head Coach Baldwin has addressed the need for size with the recruitment of Divine Adili and Co-Captain Kymani Ladi.

Adili, a five-year-eligible 6’10” product from New Era University, was highly-touted after earning back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards in the National Athletic Association of Schools Colleges and Universities. Showing he can carry his dominance over to the senior level, the freshman collected consistent double-double performances in the 2025 Asiabasket College Campus Tour, including key matchups against AdU and DLSU. His superior strength and footwork provide the Blue Eagles a legitimate interior threat—someone they can rely on to generate inside baskets and create spacing for their shooters.

Meanwhile, Ladi is a 6’8” power forward with the rare blend of a center’s length and athleticism, accompanied by the shooting and dribbling skills of a guard. Averaging 14.7 points and 7.0 rebounds in Asiabasket, the one-and-done recruit proved to be a versatile asset, adept at defending multiple positions and scoring in various ways. With years of overseas experience under his belt, Ladi has the potential to become the main option for Ateneo in clutch moments–something they struggled to find last season.

Unlike most double-big lineups that sacrifice speed for height, the Ladi-Adili duo forms a dream partnership capable of playing together. Ladi’s perimeter shooting complements Adili’s post-centric style, allowing them to space the floor without clogging the paint. Both players are also agile enough to run back on defense and handle pick-and-roll coverages, bolstering what is already regarded as one of the most disciplined systems in the league.

With veteran Kyle Ong and rookie Lars Fjellvang rounding out the frontcourt rotation, Ateneo has enough inside presence to keep up with the top centers in the league. This upgrade signifies the return of forwards Andrew Bongo, Shawn Tuano, and Josh Lazaro to their natural position—enabling the Baldwin-coached unit to operate with no limitations in the upcoming season.

Strength in numbers

Photo by Finomena Chang

Diego: Alongside an already formidable frontcourt and backcourt, the Blue Eagles have remained active in bolstering their depth, fitting in key pieces to complement their star-studded roster. Junior guard Kyle Gamber played impressively in the preseason with his elite shooting from beyond the arc, averaging 4.2 threes per game on a 63.6% clip in the Asiabasket tournament.

Further fortifying the lineup, Ateneo retains its steady backbone with veterans Bongo, Tuano, and Lazaro chipping in with their polished offensive skill sets and reliable shotmaking. Adding to the team’s rotation is the return of Lebron Nieto, who steps back onto the hardwood after suffering an ACL injury days before season 87. Eager to play again, Nieto’s comeback provides both tenacity and added depth in what promises to be a grueling season.

Beyond the established core, the Katipunan-based squad also has a handful of rising names waiting in the wings. Reserves Waki Espina, Thirdy Ebdane, Jelo Rota, Alden Cainglet, and Matt De Luna are candidates to make the cut, evidenced by their consistent showings in the preseason. Whoever ends up on the final list, these players are ready to contribute, eager to prove that Ateneo’s pipeline of talent runs deep.

Coupled with tenacity and grit, this year’s Blue Eagles are prepared to leave everything on the floor. Led by returning veterans and strengthened by an influx of new talent, the group has been tailor-made for the biggest stage. With all the tools to mount a strong campaign, Ateneo finds itself in a true win-now moment, where only a championship will satisfy their hunger.

This week’s games:

Saturday, September 20, 2:00 PM, vs. Far Eastern University Tamaraws at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion

Wednesday, September 24, 2:00 PM, vs. University of the East Red Warriors at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion