For years, the Ateneo Blue Eagles have maintained a reputation for dominance, often tempering expectations by claiming they were in a rebuilding phase—only to exceed them and contend for championships. However, Season 87 proved to be different. Two seasons removed from their last title run led by Ange Kouame, Dave Ildefonso, Kai Ballungay, BJ Andrade, Inand Fornilos, Matthew Daves, and current UST Growling Tiger Forthsky Padrigao, Ateneo found themselves in an unfamiliar position: dead last in the UAAP elimination round.
This season felt reminiscent of the pre-Enrico Villanueva and LA Tenorio days when Ateneo struggled to find its footing in the league. Even with the leadership of Tab Baldwin, the Blue Eagles can't fight the inevitable, finishing with a dismal 4-10 record, ranking 8th among the eight teams.
ATENEO BLUE EAGLES
SEASON 87 IN REVIEW:
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FINAL RANK | ELIMINATION ROUND
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ELIMINATION ROUND | 4-10 (8 OF 8)
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AWARDS
NONE
Despite the struggles, several players stepped up in various capacities. Jared Bahay showed flashes of promise, leading the team in scoring and assists. Shawn Tuano provided offensive contributions, but it was unfortunately not enough to elevate the team from their bind. Chris Koon tried to make his final year a good one, but graduating with a title was unfortunately not in the cards.
With other UAAP teams aggressively recruiting talent and building formidable rosters, the Blue Eagles need to reestablish their identity. Whether this season is a mere blip or the beginning of a true rebuilding era remains to be seen.
Ateneo’s struggles this season raise major questions about the program’s immediate future. Ateneo fans are not accustomed to being at the bottom of the standings and the players will look to seek retribution from this forgettable campaign.
And this will be the problem the rest of the teams need to watch out for in Season 88.
Are they ready for the Ateneo bounceback?