I still remember the electric atmosphere of UAAP Season 85's opening games—the roaring crowds, the buzzer-beaters, and that palpable tension that defines Philippine collegiate basketball at its finest. Having followed the league for over a decade, both as a fan and an analyst, I can confidently say this season delivered some of the most memorable basketball moments in recent memory. The energy was particularly special this year, perhaps because we're seeing a new generation of athletes stepping into the spotlight, much like what's happening in the professional volleyball scene. Speaking of which, I couldn't help but notice the parallel narratives unfolding across different sports when Bella Belen, the consensus top pick, didn't show up for the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Combine at Paco Arena last Friday. It got me thinking about how these young athletes navigate pressure and expectations across different stages of their careers.
The UAAP season kicked off with several game-changing performances that set the tone for what would become an unpredictable tournament. One moment that particularly stood out to me was University of the Philippines' last-second alley-oop against Ateneo—a play that required not just skill but incredible court vision and trust between players. Having analyzed basketball tactics for years, I've rarely seen such perfectly executed desperation plays in collegiate ball. The Maroons were down by two with just 3.2 seconds remaining when they drew up that incredible out-of-bounds play. The precision required for that kind of last-second connection is something even professional teams struggle with, yet these college athletes made it look effortless. What impressed me more than the athleticism was the mental toughness—the ability to block out the screaming crowd of 12,847 fans and focus on the fundamentals under extreme pressure.
Another highlight that had everyone talking was De La Salle University's remarkable comeback from a 15-point deficit in the third quarter against Far Eastern University. I've always believed that comebacks reveal more about a team's character than dominant wins do, and this game proved it. The Green Archers' defensive adjustments in the second half were textbook material—their coach implemented a full-court press that generated 8 turnovers in just the fourth quarter alone. From my perspective, what made this particularly impressive was how they maintained their defensive intensity while strategically fouling at the right moments. The momentum shift was palpable even through the screen—you could see the confidence draining from FEU as La Salle chipped away at the lead. When the final buzzer sounded, completing what statistics show was the largest comeback in UAAP since 2019, the emotional release from the players was something I won't forget anytime soon.
The individual brilliance we witnessed this season deserves special mention, particularly National University's John Clemente recording back-to-back triple-doubles—a feat accomplished by only 3 players in the last 15 years of UAAP basketball. His versatility reminded me of professional imports I've seen in the PBA, capable of impacting the game in multiple statistical categories. What makes Clemente special, in my opinion, isn't just his stat sheet but his basketball IQ—he always seems to make the right read, whether it's finding the open man or taking over scoring when his team needs it most. His performance against University of Santo Tomas, where he put up 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists while playing all 40 minutes, was arguably the most complete individual performance I've seen in collegiate basketball this year.
These UAAP highlights become even more meaningful when we consider them in the broader context of Philippine sports. The absence of Bella Belen from the PVL combine—despite being the projected number one pick—speaks volumes about how top athletes today are approaching their careers differently. While some fans expressed disappointment, I actually respect her decision to potentially focus on her current commitments. It reflects a growing trend among elite athletes who are taking more control over their development paths rather than following traditional routes. This same independent thinking is evident in several UAAP standouts who've chosen unconventional training methods or skipped certain showcase events to work on specific aspects of their game.
The tournament's most dramatic moment came during the semifinals between Ateneo and University of the Philippines—a rivalry that never fails to deliver high-stakes drama. With 12.7 seconds left and the game tied, Ateneo's rookie point guard drove baseline and hit a contested fadeaway that ultimately sent them to the finals. From my experience covering basketball, what makes these moments special isn't just the shot itself but everything leading up to it—the play call, the defensive setup, the individual matchup, and the sheer audacity to take that shot as a freshman. The silence before the release, followed by the arena erupting, created one of those sports moments that transcends the game itself.
As the season progressed, we saw emerging patterns that distinguished UAAP 85 from previous tournaments. The pace of play was noticeably faster, with teams averaging 78.2 possessions per game compared to last season's 72.8—a significant statistical jump that indicates a stylistic shift in Philippine collegiate basketball. Teams also attempted an average of 24.3 three-pointers per game, up from 18.9 the previous season, reflecting the global trend toward perimeter-oriented offense. From my analytical perspective, this evolution makes the game more exciting for fans while developing players whose skills translate better to modern professional basketball.
Reflecting on the entire season, what stands out most isn't any single play or statistic but the overall quality of competition and the emergence of new stars ready to take Philippine basketball forward. The connection to athletes like Bella Belen in volleyball only reinforces how our collegiate sports system continues to produce exceptional talents across different disciplines. While the UAAP basketball season has concluded, the memories of those incredible highlights and game-changing moments continue to resonate. As someone who's followed Philippine sports for years, I'm genuinely excited about the future—these athletes aren't just playing for championships today; they're building the foundation for the next generation of Philippine sports excellence.
