As I sit down to map out the UAAP Season 87 basketball schedule, I can’t help but reflect on how much this league means to Filipino sports culture. Having followed collegiate hoops for over a decade, I’ve seen last-second plays that define seasons—and sometimes, careers. Take, for instance, that moment last season when Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao commented on a crucial error by the Elasto Painters. Guiao described the play as a "desperation attempt," and while he wasn’t exactly furious about the bad pass from the 29-year-old Caracut, it was one of those split-second decisions that can haunt a team. That’s the beauty—and brutality—of UAAP basketball. Every matchup, every quarter, carries that kind of weight.
This season, the UAAP has rolled out a schedule that promises high-stakes drama from the opening tip-off to the final buzzer. Let’s dive into the details. The tournament kicks off on September 7, 2024, with a double-header at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles will face off against the UP Fighting Maroons in what I believe will set the tone for the entire season. Frankly, I’m putting my money on Ateneo’s disciplined half-court offense to overpower UP’s aggressive transition game, at least in this early clash. The following weekend, we’ll see De La Salle University take on Far Eastern University—a rivalry that’s produced some of the most physical games in recent memory. I’ve always admired La Salle’s depth in the paint, but FEU’s guard rotation, led by veterans who’ve played together for three seasons, might just pull off an upset. Mark your calendars for October 12, too, when the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers meet the National University Bulldogs. UST’s young roster showed flashes of brilliance last year, but NU’s experience—they’ve retained 80% of their core players—could make this a lopsided affair if the Tigers aren’t careful.
What fascinates me about this season’s structure is the balanced yet grueling format. Each of the eight teams will play 14 elimination round games, with the top four advancing to a stepladder semifinal. The schedule is spaced out thoughtfully, with games mostly on weekends, but there’s a brutal stretch in late October where teams play twice in five days. I’ve always thought that’s where championship mettle is forged—fatigue sets in, and you see which coaches have prepared their benches. For example, Ateneo’s bench only averaged 18 points per game last season, a stat that could hurt them in back-to-back fixtures. Meanwhile, teams like UE, which focused on recruiting depth in the offseason, might surprise us. I’m particularly excited about the February matchups, which include a rematch of last year’s finals between Ateneo and UP. Having attended that nail-biter live, I can say the atmosphere was electric—a sold-out Mall of Asia Arena with over 18,000 fans. This time, I expect UP’s revamped defense, which held opponents to under 70 points in their preseason games, to challenge Ateneo’s execution in crunch time.
From a strategic standpoint, the UAAP schedule isn’t just a list of dates; it’s a narrative engine. Coaches have to manage player minutes, scout opponents on short turnarounds, and adjust to injuries. Remember, in Season 86, key players missed an average of 3.2 games each due to minor injuries, according to league data I reviewed. That’s why I’m keeping an eye on how teams handle the mid-season grind. For instance, La Salle has a relatively light schedule in November, which could give their star shooter, who’s recovering from an ankle sprain, time to heal. On the other hand, Adamson faces a brutal three-game stretch against top contenders in December—a make-or-break period that could define their playoff hopes. Personally, I’d love to see Adamson’s underdog story unfold; their coach has been vocal about building a "system over stars," and it’s a philosophy I respect, especially in a league often dominated by marquee names.
As we look ahead, the UAAP Season 87 isn’t just about who lifts the trophy—it’s about the journey. Those desperation attempts, like the one Guiao highlighted, remind us that every game is a chapter in a larger story. I’ll be watching closely, analyzing rotations, and maybe even cheering a little too loudly from my couch. Because in the end, this schedule is more than a calendar; it’s a roadmap to memories waiting to be made.