Ateneo, UP still teams to beat in UAAP Season 86

Games Saturday (MOA Arena, Pasay City)

2 p.m.- UE vs UST

4p.m.- Ateneo vs NU

University of Santo Tomas coach Pido Jarencio is as candid as he can be even if sometimes he makes it fun as he blurts out funny one-liners that drew laughter during interviews.

Men’s basketball head coaches pose for a photo during the UAAP Season 86 press conference at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO

That didn't change in his first official appearance back as UST mentor.

“Ateneo, La Salle, NU… sabay-sabay kaya nila mag-champion,” said Jarencio during Wednesday's press conference for the UAAP Season 86: “Fueling the Future” held at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.

“Kami (UST) nasa tabi-tabi lang kami, kaya mag-ingat kayo sa amin,” he added.

Jarencio, who steered the Growling Tigers to their last UAAP championship back in 2006, rejoined UST – where he played for in the 80s – last February as he replaced Bal David.

The last time he called the shots for the Espana-based team was in 2013.

Those words from Jarencio of course got his fellow UAAP coaches from other schools, officials, players and the media chuckling, but of course, what the veteran mentor mentioned has truthfulness.

After facing off in the finals the last two seasons, with UP winning in Season 84 that snapped a long title-drought of 36 years and Ateneo regaining the championship in Season 85, the two schools remain as the top picks as 'teams to beat' this year.

Back at the helm are coach Tab Baldwin for the Blue Eagles and coach Goldwyn Monteverde – the same mentor that guided the Fighting Maroons to the Season 84 title, the first for the school since 1986.

Add to the equation National University, which made it to the semifinals a season ago, and De La Salle University and majority of the UAAP coaches agree that they are part of the 'Top Four' this season.

“Given the championship experience of Ateneo and UP, La Salle laging anjan. Hopefully for us, last season sixth place, we'll try to do our best to improve that,” said coach Jack Santiago of UAAP Season 86 host University of the East.

While the Bulldogs will again rely on coach Jeff Napa at the sidelines, the Taft-based Green Archers will now have ex-pro mentor Topex Robinson, who joined the squad during the off-season.

Coaching in college, however, isn't new for Robinson as he called the shots in previous years for the San Sebastian College Stags and the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates in the NCAA.

“I'm just excited to be here,” said Robinson.

Also coaching not only for the first time in the UAAP but in his career is Denok Miranda, a former PBA player and playmaker for the FEU Tamaraws as he will call the shots for his alma mater.

On the other hand, Nash Racela will be returning for the Adamson Falcons for the third straight season.

“It's been eight long years since UE hosted the UAAP. So many firsts will happen (this season),” said UAAP board president Rod Roque, who has tabbed former UP player Javi Nunag as commissioner for basketball.