UAAP Season 85 Basketball: Complete Team Rosters and Championship Predictions
As I walked into the packed arena last Friday, the energy was electric yet something felt conspicuously absent. The 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Combine was underway at Paco Arena, but all anyone could talk about was the missing star - consensus top pick Bella Belen. Her unexpected no-show created more buzz than any vertical leap measurement or shooting drill happening on court. This got me thinking about how unpredictable sports can be, and how these surprise developments often foreshadow bigger stories. Which brings me to our main focus today - UAAP Season 85 Basketball: Complete Team Rosters and Championship Predictions.
Having covered collegiate basketball for over eight years, I've learned that preseason developments often tell us more about championship contenders than actual game statistics. The Bella Belen situation reminds me of similar surprises we've seen in UAAP history - remember when Thirdy Ravena missed an entire season due to academic concerns? These absences create ripple effects that reshape team dynamics and championship trajectories. That's why analyzing complete rosters matters more than just looking at star players.
Let's talk about the defending champions, the Ateneo Blue Eagles. Their roster retains about 70% of last season's championship core, which gives them a significant advantage in team chemistry. I've watched their preseason games, and their ball movement is already at mid-season form. However, their biggest challenge will be filling the leadership void left by SJ Belangel. My sources tell me that Forthsky Padrigao has been putting in extra hours at the gym, often staying until 10 PM working on his decision-making under pressure. This dedication could make him the surprise MVP candidate this season.
The UP Fighting Maroons present the most intriguing case. After their historic championship run, they've managed to keep their core intact while adding some promising rookies. I had the chance to speak with coach Goldwin Monteverde last month, and he emphasized how their recruitment focused specifically on adding depth to their frontcourt. They've added two players standing 6'8" and 6'7" respectively, addressing what I considered their only weakness last season. If these big men can contribute immediately, UP might just repeat as champions.
Now, about the De La Salle Green Archers - they're my dark horse pick this season. Their roster features what I believe is the most balanced lineup in recent memory. They have experience with five seniors returning, youth with three highly-touted rookies, and that elusive combination of size and speed that coaches dream about. Having watched their training sessions, I'm particularly impressed by their defensive intensity. They're running drills that I haven't seen since the Pumaren era, and it shows in their preseason defensive ratings.
The NU Bulldogs deserve special mention because they've quietly assembled what might be the deepest backcourt in the league. With four legitimate point guards who could start for most teams, they have the versatility to match up against any style of play. I recall watching them dismantle a visiting Korean university team last month, and their guard rotation was simply relentless. They pressed full-court for forty minutes without any drop in intensity - something I haven't seen from a collegiate team in years.
What fascinates me about this season's UAAP landscape is how the Bella Belen situation parallels some of the roster uncertainties we're seeing in men's basketball. Just as her absence creates questions about the PVL draft, several UAAP teams are dealing with their own roster mysteries. The UST Growling Tigers, for instance, are still waiting on eligibility clearance for two key transfers, while the FEU Tamaraws have three players recovering from injuries that might affect their early season availability.
My championship prediction comes down to timing and momentum. While Ateneo looks strong on paper, I've learned that championship teams often peak at the right moment rather than starting strong. That's why I'm putting my money on UP to win it all again. Their core has been through the pressure cooker of a championship run, and that experience is worth more than any single player's talent. They understand how to win close games, how to manage playoff pressure, and most importantly, they know what it takes to lift that trophy.
The Adamson Falcons could surprise everyone though. Coach Nash Racela has implemented a system that maximizes their athleticism, and I've noticed they're playing at a much faster pace compared to last season. During their preseason game against a PBA D-League team, they attempted 38 three-pointers - that's modern basketball right there. If their shots fall consistently, they could upset the established hierarchy.
As we approach opening tip-off, what excites me most about UAAP Season 85 Basketball: Complete Team Rosters and Championship Predictions is the sheer unpredictability. We can analyze rosters until we're blue in the face, but the beauty of college basketball lies in those unexpected moments - the breakout performances from unknown players, the last-second game-winners, the Cinderella stories that defy all predictions. That's why we watch, that's why we care, and that's what makes covering this sport so endlessly fascinating. The action begins next week, and I can't wait to see which of these predictions hold up and which get completely blown out of the water.
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