Looking at the Ateneo Blue Eagles this UAAP Season 86

MANILA, Philippines -- For the 12th time in their UAAP history, the Ateneo Blue Eagles find themselves opening the season as defending champions.

Previously, the only time they entered a campaign NOT expected to win was in 1989, but that was when they did not have a chance to address the shocking and untimely exits of some players.

This 2023, the season starts with seven holdovers from last season’s champion squad – Kai Ballungay, Gio Chiu, Ian Espinosa, Gab Gomez, Chris Koon, Josh Lazaro and Shawn Quitevis. Of those players, Espinosa hardly got playing time.

I have to express surprise that Paul Garcia was cut. I was really looking forward to a rebound year for him.

Jason Credo returns after missing two years due to academics and an injury, and you have to wonder if that has hurt his growth as a basketball player. The talent is there. If he can keep it under control and play to his potential, Ateneo might have its do-it-all swingman.

Not since UAAP Season 78 has there been a huge turnover of players. That campaign, there were eight new faces in Aaron Black, Hubert Cani, Isaac Go, Chib Ikeh, Mike Nieto, Matt Nieto, Jerie Pingoy and Adrian Wong.

That squad under Bo Perasol finished third after the elimination round with a 9-5 record then was ousted by FEU in the Final Four.

The previous season, they also had eight new faces but they topped the elimination round but fell in the semifinals despite owning a twice-to-beat advantage.

Having said that, since 1999, Ateneo has given a good account of themselves even with a huge turnover of players. Winning a championship though is a crapshoot.

There are a few questions in three key areas that bear watching.

How do you replace Forthsky Padrigao?

Aye, that’s a tough question. Forthsky Padrigao gave Ateneo someone savvy enough to deal with opposing defensive guards, to bring up that ball, and shoot from the outside. He’s had tremendous big games and international experience since he was in high school and that has to count for a lot.

Yes, he did take a lot of bad shots and shockingly, questionable decisions especially in the championship game. And yet, his presence was huge.

The Blue Eagles have had time to work on this --