UNIVERSITY of the Philippines opens its redemption season with a clash against Katipunan rival Ateneo in the lone UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball game on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Fighting Maroons and the Blue Eagles meet for the first time since last season’s Final Four at 6:30 p.m. Both teams split the championships in 2022, with each series extending to three games.
De La Salle begins its title-retention bid against National University at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, also at the Big Dome.
Other matches to wrap up the opening weekend include legendary PBA import Sean Chambers making his coaching debut for Far Eastern University against Adamson University at 3 p.m., following the University of the East and University of Santo Tomas game at 1 p.m.
After ending their 36-year championship drought in the 2022 bubble tournament, UP has settled for runner-up honors in the last two seasons. The Fighting Maroons lost to the Kevin Quiambao-led Green Archers in the Finals last year.
“Regardless of who we play, the first game sets the tone for our season and helps us start strong. Every team in the UAAP is led by experienced coaches who know how to maximize their respective teams,” said fourth-year Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monterde.
“That is why it is important for us not to take any team lightly, as anyone can be beaten in our league on any given day.”
Despite losing CJ Cansino and former MVP Malick Diouf to graduation, UP still has key players to contend, led by holdovers Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, and Francis Lopez. Additionally, UP boasts a stronger frontline compared to last season’s team.
“We are a bigger team this year with the additions of one-and-done Quentin Millora-Brown, Dikachi Ududo, and Gani Stevens. Along with Sean Alter, Francis Lopez, Mark Belmonte, and Jacob Bayla, this is definitely a taller team compared to last season,” said Monteverde.
Ateneo, which placed fourth last year, has lost several key players due to decisions to turn professional, such as Kai Ballungay, or transfer to other schools, like Mason Amos, as well as injury, with LeBron Nieto ruled out due to an ACL injury.
Coach Tab Baldwin, who has led the Blue Eagles to four UAAP championships since taking over in 2016, hopes the leadership of Sean Quitevis and Chris Koon will be crucial for remaining a championship contender.
“Sean is doing a great job. They were captains last year and I think that is a great learning experience despite last year not being a great year for us. There was a lot of adversity on the court and a lot of tough situations, losing a lot of close games,” Baldwin said.
“Those sorts of situations provide a lot of lessons for all of us. I’m sure that Chris and Sean grew a lot and I’ve seen that this year. They’ve done a good job leading this very young team, and it’s a very important role for them. I’m excited, I think the challenge is huge, and I’m just a guy who loves challenges.”
The Blue Eagles, who defeated the Soaring Falcons in a playoff for the No. 4 spot last year, have not missed the Final Four since Season 76 (2013).
Meanwhile, a star-studded opening ceremony will kick off UAAP Season 87 at 11:00 a.m., featuring performances from iconic Filipino artists, headlined by the Eraserheads, and dynamic acts from various musical genres and dance groups.
Hosted by UP, the celebration will highlight the season’s theme of “Stronger. Better. Together.”
Game Saturday (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
11 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
6:30 p.m. – Ateneo vs UP (Men)
