Ateneo to spend offseason in Japan to battle with top collegiate Asian basketball teams in invitational series
Ateneo Blue Eagles are looking to head start their redemption season for UAAP Season 85 overseas as they are set to compete in the inaugural edition of the World University Basketball Series at the Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium from Aug. 9 to Aug. 11.
The Blue Eagles, after finishing second in Season 84 men’s basketball, skipped both the Filoil Preseason Cup and the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup, to represent the country as one of the four squads in the invitational games organized by All Japan University Basketball Federation (JUBF) and Rakuten Sports.
“Ateneo is very excited and proud to be a university selected by WUBS to represent the Philippines in this prestigious event,” said Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin in a statement.
“We believe that the quality of competition and the excellent organization that is always present in Japan will make this event a significant element in our preparation for the upcoming UAAP. The opportunity to experience international competition as well as the cultural experience in Japan will be priceless for our student athletes.”
Completing the cast who will play in a round-robin format are Tokai University of Japan, National Chengchi University (NCCU) of Taiwan, and Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) of Indonesia
National Chengchi University topped Tawan's University Basketball Association, while Universitas Pelita Harapan remained in the top of Indonesia’s Liga Mahasiswa while Tokai University finished second
in the All Japan Intercollegiate Basketball Championship, all qualify as part of the best collegiate basketball teams in Asia.
Ateneo will parade a young core as Dave Ildefonso is expected to take the lead, following the early exit of Sj Belangel to sign in Korea, Gian Mamuyac and Tyler Tio’s PBA stint and Ange Kouame’s untimely partial ACL injury.
Helping Ildefonso keep the team afloat are Forthsky Padrigao and Josh Lazaro, as well as incoming recruits Kai Ballungay and Andrew Bongo.
Tags: #basketball, #UAAP, #Japan