THE wait is finally over. UAAP Season 88 officially kicks off its men’s basketball tournament this afternoon with an electrifying opening-day double-header at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Fans can expect a thrilling start, as the first game showcases a battle of tradition and tenacity, followed by a high-intensity clash between two squads determined to make an early impact this season.
With new-look rosters, fresh coaching strategies, and plenty of unfinished business from last year, all four teams are hitting the floor not just to notch a win, but to set the tone for what could be one of the most hotly contested UAAP seasons in recent memory.
Rookies to Veterans
The Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles open the day, both looking to bounce back from underwhelming campaigns last season.
The Tamaraws are already missing Veejay Pre this year, and were dealt another blow with Cholo Anoñuevo sidelined due to an ACL injury sustained in the preseason. That puts second-year coach Sean Chambers in a position to rely heavily on his promising young core.
Spearheading the effort is crafty sharpshooter Jorick Bautista, supported by young guns John Rey Pasaol, Jedrick Daa, Kirby Mongcopa, and Senegalese center Mo Konateh.
“It’s been great actually. I think it’s been amazing how we’ve really built our roster this year. We got 15 guys that can all step up and play this year,” FEU head coach Sean Chambers said, when asked about their adjustments.
“Last year, we had nine rookies and everything was new to them. The first game, the first win, the first loss. This year it’s like we have a little bit of being a veteran this time around, with just a few rookies this year,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ateneo, coming off its first absence from the Final Four since 2013, underwent a quiet rebuild, with coach Tab Baldwin’s squad opting out of major local preseason tournaments.
The team saw the departures of Sean Quitevis, Chris Koon, and Kristian Porter. In their place, the Blue Eagles are also leaning on a youthful core led by returning players Jared Bahay, Josh Lazaro, Shawn Tuano, Andrew Bongo, and Ian Espinosa.
Adding depth and excitement to the lineup is team captain and key newcomer Kymani Ladi—a long, athletic forward who has already caught the attention of scout during the NBA Summer League with his potential.
Redemption Season
On the other side, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers begin their redemption journey against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons—a rematch of their Final Four clash from last season.
Head coach Topex Robinson is taking a patient approach as he looks to bounce back from the team’s failed title defense, a shortcoming that denied two-time MVP Kevin Quiambao a championship farewell.
With a revamped roster, Mike Phillips now takes the reins as team captain, embracing leadership duties while building chemistry with high-profile transferees Kean Baclaan, Jacob Cortez, Mason Amos, and Luis Pablo.
“I think the team is preparing very well. People like KQ and Josh David—you can’t replace these guys. It has been a collective effort. Everyone is really pitching in. I’m proud of how much the guys bond,” Phillips said.
“They are sacrificing their own roles, pride, and egos. It really makes something beautiful. Hopefully, we can showcase everything and enjoy this ride together,” he went on to explain.
Adamson, meanwhile, looks to carry over the momentum from a strong preseason campaign as it aims for a deeper run this year. The Falcons narrowly clinched the final Final Four slot last season, only to be quickly eliminated by La Salle.
While they’ve parted ways with Joshua Yerro and Mario Barasi, the Soaring Falcons will lean on the leadership of Matthew Montebon, Ced Manzano, and Matt Erelon, with promising freshman Earl Medina also expected to make an immediate impact.
The FEU Tamaraws and Ateneo Blue Eagles will open the action at 2:00 p.m., followed by a high-stakes clash between the Adamson Soaring Falcons and DLSU Green Archers at 4:30 p.m.
