I still remember the electricity in the Mall of Asia Arena last week when Mason Amos stepped onto the court. The moment the La Salle forward’s name echoed through the speakers, a wave of boos washed over the stadium—and honestly, it never really stopped. As someone who’s followed UAAP basketball for over a decade, I’ve seen rivalries flare, but this felt different. It wasn’t just about school pride; it felt like a statement. And in many ways, that game set the stage for what’s shaping up to be one of Ateneo’s most intriguing seasons in recent memory. Let’s dive into the complete Blue Eagles roster and unpack how this team is navigating the pressures and possibilities of UAAP Season 86.
At the heart of Ateneo’s lineup is a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, each bringing something unique to the floor. Leading the charge is team captain Chris Koon, whose court vision and defensive tenacity have been crucial in tight games. I’ve always admired his calm under pressure—it’s something you can’t teach. Alongside him, Kai Ballungay has emerged as a reliable scoring option, averaging around 14.2 points per game so far this season. His ability to finish in the paint and stretch the floor with mid-range jumpers gives Ateneo a versatile offensive weapon. Then there’s Joseph Obasa, the towering center who’s been a force in the paint, pulling down roughly 9.5 rebounds per game and altering countless shots. But what really stands out to me this year is the depth of the bench. Players like Jared Brown and Sean Quitevis have provided sparks off the pine, hitting clutch threes and upping the tempo when the starters need a breather. It’s this balance that makes Ateneo dangerous—they don’t rely on one star to carry them.
Of course, no discussion of this season would be complete without addressing the Mason Amos storyline. When he transferred to La Salle after his high school years, it added fuel to an already fiery rivalry. In that first matchup, the boos weren’t just noise; they were a reflection of how personal this sport can get. From my seat, it felt like the crowd was trying to get into his head, and to some extent, it worked. Amos finished with just 8 points on 3-of-11 shooting, well below his season average of 12.5. But what impressed me was how Ateneo’s defense capitalized on that hostility. They double-teamed him aggressively, forcing turnovers and limiting his impact. It’s a testament to coach Tab Baldwin’s game planning—he knows how to exploit emotional moments. I’ve always believed that in UAAP basketball, mental toughness is as important as physical skill, and that game proved it. The Blue Eagles didn’t just win on the scoreboard; they won the psychological battle.
Looking at the bigger picture, Ateneo’s season has been a rollercoaster, but one with clear upside. They’ve racked up 7 wins in their first 10 games, putting them in a strong position for the Final Four. Offensively, they’re averaging about 78.3 points per game, which ranks them third in the league. Defensively, they’ve been stout, holding opponents to under 70 points in 60% of their outings. But it’s not all rosy. Turnovers have been a nagging issue—they’re giving up nearly 15 per game, which against disciplined teams like UP or La Salle, could be costly down the stretch. I’ve noticed that when they slow the pace and run half-court sets, they’re efficient, but in transition, they sometimes get careless. That’s an area they’ll need to tighten up if they want to contend for the championship.
Personally, I think this Ateneo squad has the pieces to make a deep run. The leadership of Koon, the scoring punch of Ballungay, and the defensive anchor in Obasa create a solid core. And let’s not forget the role players—guys like Gab Gomez, who might not fill the stat sheet but brings energy and hustle every minute he’s on the floor. In my years covering UAAP, I’ve seen teams with more talent falter because they lacked chemistry, but this group seems to gel. They share the ball, communicate on defense, and play for each other. That intangible quality could be the difference in a tight playoff game.
As the season winds down, the Blue Eagles face a tough schedule, including rematches against La Salle and UP. Those games will test their resilience and depth. If they can maintain their focus and cut down on mistakes, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them in the finals. The Mason Amos incident was just one chapter in a long story, but it highlighted what makes Ateneo special: they thrive under pressure. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, keep an eye on this team. They’ve got the talent and heart to make this season one to remember.
