UAAP Basketball Champions 2023: How They Dominated the Season and What's Next
I still remember the electric atmosphere at the Mall of Asia Arena last November when the final buzzer sounded, sealing the UAAP Season 85 championship for the Ateneo Blue Eagles. Having covered collegiate basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous championship runs, but there was something particularly special about this team's journey. They didn't just win—they dominated in a way that reminded me of championship teams from other sports, including our very own Philippine women's football team that recently departed for Vietnam to defend their crown in the 2025 ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup. Both teams share that championship DNA—the relentless drive, strategic preparation, and mental toughness that separates good teams from legendary ones.
What made Ateneo's championship run so impressive was their statistical dominance across multiple categories. They finished the elimination round with a 13-1 record, the best winning percentage in UAAP history since the Final Four format was introduced. Their average margin of victory was 15.2 points, and they led the league in both offensive rating (112.3) and defensive rating (94.7). I've crunched numbers for years, and these metrics are what championship teams are made of. Their defense was particularly noteworthy—they held opponents to just 38% shooting from the field, a testament to coach Tab Baldwin's system that emphasizes disciplined positioning and communication. Watching them rotate on defense was like watching a well-oiled machine, each player knowing exactly where to be and when.
The parallels between Ateneo's basketball dominance and our women's football team's regional success aren't coincidental. Both programs have invested heavily in sports science and player development. Ateneo's training facility, which I've had the privilege to tour, features state-of-the-art equipment for monitoring player load, recovery protocols, and nutritional planning. They've created an environment where athletes can perform at their peak throughout the grueling season. Similarly, our women's football team has benefited from similar advancements, with their preparation for the ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup involving specialized training camps and exposure to international competition. I've spoken with coaches from both programs, and they all emphasize the importance of creating championship habits in practice that translate to game situations.
From my perspective, what set Ateneo apart this season was their depth and adaptability. When star player Forthsky Padrigao went down with an ankle injury mid-season, many thought their championship hopes would derail. Instead, role players like Sean Quitevis and Josh Lazaro stepped up magnificently. Quitevis averaged 14.3 points during that stretch, up from his season average of 8.7, while Lazaro became a defensive stalwart, recording 2.3 steals per game. This ability to overcome adversity is what championship teams are built on, and it's the same resilience our women's football team will need as they face tough opponents in Vietnam.
Looking ahead, the challenge for Ateneo will be maintaining this level of excellence. They're losing three key seniors to graduation, including team captain BJ Andrade, who provided invaluable leadership. Having observed championship teams across different sports, I believe the true test of a program's strength isn't winning one championship but sustaining success. The recruitment pipeline needs to remain strong, and player development must continue at its current pace. Personally, I'm excited to see how their young core—particularly incoming sophomores like Lebron Nieto—will develop with another offseason under coach Baldwin's system.
The women's football team's journey to defend their ASEAN title offers valuable lessons for Ateneo's repeat bid. International competitions like the MSIG Serenity Cup test teams in ways domestic leagues cannot—different styles of play, unfamiliar environments, and the pressure of representing the country. Our football team has learned to thrive in these conditions, and Ateneo would do well to study their approach to high-pressure situations. Both teams represent the pinnacle of Philippine collegiate and national sports, and their successes inspire the next generation of athletes.
As someone who's followed UAAP basketball since the late 90s, I can confidently say this Ateneo team ranks among the most complete squads I've ever seen. Their blend of offensive firepower, defensive discipline, and mental fortitude created the perfect storm for a championship season. The real question now is whether they can build a dynasty. With coach Baldwin at the helm and a culture of excellence firmly established, I wouldn't bet against them. The blueprint for sustained success exists—we're seeing it with our women's football program, and I believe Ateneo basketball is positioned to follow a similar trajectory of regional dominance. The future looks bright, but as any champion will tell you, complacency is the enemy of greatness.