UAAP Season 88 begins this weekend, and we think that the Ateneo Blue Eagles are poised to surprise everyone.
It sounds controversial after the Katipunan-based squad placed dead last with a 4-10 record last season.
But there is reason to be excited.
Case in point, point guard Jared Bahay.
After taking last season to immerse himself in the Blue Eagles’ offense, fans should certainly be on the lookout for a breakout year for him.
Key Additions and Rising Stars Powering Ateneo’s Revival
Ateneo also added some much-needed firepower and defense on both ends of the floor with the fully eligible Divine Adili, plus one-and-done do-it-all forward Kymani Ladi.
Fans got an up-close and personal look at both players during the Asiabasket College Campus Tour this past May, where the Blue Eagles finished as runner-ups to eventual champions DLSU Green Archers.
Add in the quiet but steady development of key pieces Shawn Tuano, Kyle Gamber, Ian Espinosa, and Joshua Lazaro, plus the arrival of new Sacred Heart School — Ateneo de Cebu’s Jelo Rota, Lars Fjellvang, and Alden Cainglet, and Ateneo looks like a surefire dark horse contender.
There’s a lot to be excited about for Ateneo fans, and they will catch their first glimpse at the Season 88 Blue Eagles when they open their campaign on Saturday, September 20, versus the FEU Tamaraws.
