MANILA, Philippines – Sports never stops in the Philippines, and just a month after the historic frenzy of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the collegiate scene is back in full swing, highlighted by the start of UAAP Season 87, to complement the action of the PBA, PVL, and many other leagues keeping the country busy.
The University of the Philippines is pulling out all the stops for its season hosting duty, which kicks off at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, September 7.
Here are the important things to know as the country’s most lucrative and popular amateur league picks up steam once again.
Eraserheads give back to alma mater UP in blockbuster opening
Now at the fine-wine twilight of their legendary run, the Eraserheads make the ultimate tribute to their alma mater and season host UP after agreeing to perform in what is now shaping up to be a blockbuster mini-concert opening ceremony at 11 am at the Big Dome.
Ely Buendia, Raymund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, and Marcus Adoro, fresh off receiving the UP Gawad Oblation — the university’s highest honor — for their massive cultural contributions to OPM, are all expected to take the young and old crowds back in time for a whirlwind afternoon of entertainment.
UP, Ateneo rekindle rivalry; La Salle opens title defense
Rivals UP and now-underdog Ateneo serve as Saturday’s sole opening-day game in Araneta at 6:30 pm, while defending champion La Salle kicks off its title defense against NU on Sunday, September 8, at the 6:30 pm main event in the same venue.
Other games for the loaded Sunday slate pit revamping UE against new-look UST at 1 pm, while gutsy squads Adamson and FEU square up as well at 3 pm.
Check the first-round schedule of the men’s basketball tournament, as well as the women’s and junior high school basketball slate here: Game schedule, standings: UAAP Season 87 basketball tournaments
Players to watch
As is the case every year, all schools have to deal with inevitable shuffling of players among their ranks due to transfers and graduations, and this year is no different. Here are the stars to watch for each UAAP squad.
- Adamson Soaring Falcons
With the departure of school legend Jerom Lastimosa, leadership of the Falcons now falls on the shoulders of its holdover core, with the likes of bruisers Cedrick Manzano and OJ Ojarikre, and gunners Joshua Yerro and Monty Montebon setting the tone.
Other standouts at the disposal of head coach Nash Racela include Eli Ramos, Royce Mantua, Matty Erolon, and Ray Allen Torres.
- Ateneo Blue Eagles
Still searching for an identity after the departure of Gilas Pilipinas standout Ange Kouame, the once-mighty Eagles are also left to fill in the absences of Season 86 big-minute guys like Kai Ballungay, Mason Amos, and Geo Chiu.
Swingman Chris Koon and highly-touted guard Jared Bahay will be the obvious focal points of Tab Baldwin’s rotation, while other very intriguing pieces such as rookie Kristian Porter and Femi Edu — brother of Gilas prospect AJ — stand to make names for themselves.
- FEU Tamaraws
The ever-reliable Tamaraws, now under the tutelage of the legendary Sean Chambers, are back for another round of hard-nosed basketball, with the likes of Jorick Bautista, Royce Alforque, Chiolo Anonuevo leading the fray.
The spotlight, however, is on FEU’s impressive collection of rookies like Janrey Pasaol, Luke Felipe, and preseason revelation VJ Pre, especially now that leaders L-Jay Gonzales, Patrick Sleat, and Xyrus Torres are out the door.
- La Salle Green Archers
The hunters become the hunted as the Topex Robinson-coached Green Archers kick off their title defense still with pro-ready superstar Kevin Quiambao and ever-energetic scrapper Michael Phillips leading the way.
With Evan Nelle gone and stars like Kean Baclaan and Jacob Cortez still doing residency, attention turns to other intriguing pieces of the men in green like slasher CJ Austria, new foreign student-athlete (FSA) Henry Agunnane, lanky big man Raven Cortez, and Fil-Bulgarian Alex Konov.
- NU Bulldogs
As NU head coach Jeff Napa said, he wants the Bulldogs to go toe-to-toe with the “big boys,” and he may get just that effect as the likes of all-around Jake Figueroa, flashy guard Steve Nash Enriquez, bruiser Ian Manansala, and prospect guard Reinhard Jumamoy tow the Season 87 crew.
Even without the La Salle-bound Baclaan, NU still has plenty of other weapons at its disposal like FSA Omar John, star rookies Tebol Garcia and Vince Reyes, to make enough noise for another Final Four run.
- UE Red Warriors
Another team in a continuous search for identity, the Red Warriors are set to look for weapons beyond possible MVP candidate FSA Precious Momowei and do-it-all Fil-Canadian Jack Cruz-Dumont following the departure of Season 86 MVP runner-up Noy Remogat to UP.
For head coach Jack Santiago, he may just find the answers he’s looking for in Fil-Am gunner Ethan Galang, long-range specialist Wello Lingolingo, returning Fil-Am guard Gjerard Wilson, and Jack’s brother Hunter Cruz-Dumont.
- UP Fighting Maroons
Still the talk of the town after a Season 86 runner-up finish and a subsequent aggressive recruitment drive, the Fighting Maroons are again in win-now mode with senior guards JD Cagulangan, captain Gerry Abadiano, and Harold Alarcon leading the title hunt.
Options remain aplenty for the stoic, yet ever-brilliant head coach Goldwin Monteverde as new FSA Dikachi Udodo, one-and-done giant Quentin Millora-Brown, high-flyer Francis Lopez, and recovering gunner Terrence Fortea, among many others, are all available to deal considerable damage.
- UST Growling Tigers
No longer just a Nic Cabanero team, head coach Pido Jarencio’s Growling Tigers are back with a significantly better bite this time around, as new star guard recruits Kyle Paranada and the controversial Forthsky Padrigao ply their wares for a possible Final Four surge.
FSA choices Peter Osang and Mo Tounkara also leave Jarencio spoiled for choice as he continues to hone the likes of veterans Migs Pangilinan and Christian Manaytay, and mystery prospects Zain Mahmood and Chase Lane, among other standouts.
– Rappler.com