UAAP Season 85 Basketball: Complete Schedule, Team Updates, and Predictions

As I sit down to analyze the upcoming UAAP Season 85 basketball tournament, I can't help but draw parallels with what's happening in the Philippine volleyball scene. Just last Friday, consensus top pick Bella Belen was notably absent from the PVL Rookie Draft Combine at Paco Arena, and this kind of unexpected development reminds me how unpredictable collegiate sports can be. The UAAP basketball season promises similar surprises and dramatic turns that keep fans like myself on the edge of our seats throughout the competition. Having followed collegiate basketball for over a decade, I've learned that preseason expectations often get completely overturned once the actual games begin.

The complete schedule for UAAP Season 85 basketball has been carefully crafted to maximize excitement and competition. The opening weekend kicks off on September 3rd at the Mall of Asia Arena with defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles facing their archrivals, the La Salle Green Archers, in what promises to be an explosive matchup. The first round alone features 56 games spread across 14 playing dates, with venues alternating between MOA Arena, Smart Araneta Coliseum, and occasionally the Ynares Center. What I particularly appreciate about this season's scheduling is how the organizers have created natural rivalry weeks and ensured that prime weekend slots feature the most anticipated matchups. The elimination round stretches until November 12th, followed by the traditional Final Four format playoffs beginning November 18th. If my calculations are correct based on previous seasons, we're looking at approximately 78 total games if the finals go the full three-game distance.

Team updates coming into the season reveal significant roster changes that could dramatically shift the competitive landscape. The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, fresh off their championship two seasons ago, have reportedly strengthened their lineup with two transferees standing over 6'7" – a move that addresses their previous rebounding deficiencies. Meanwhile, Ateneo has lost their veteran point guard to graduation but has secured commitments from three highly-touted recruits from their junior program. From what I've gathered through my sources, La Salle has focused on developing their three-point shooting during the offseason, with their coaching staff implementing analytics-driven training regimens that have improved their players' shooting percentages by roughly 17% during practice sessions. The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, traditionally a powerhouse, appears to be in rebuilding mode after losing four starters, which might explain why some analysts are projecting them to finish outside the playoff picture this season.

My predictions for the season might surprise some traditionalists, but having watched these teams develop over the years, I'm convinced we'll see some unexpected outcomes. I'm putting my money on UP and Ateneo securing the top two spots, though not necessarily in that order. The Fighting Maroons have what I believe to be the most complete roster, with depth at every position and a coaching staff that has demonstrated tactical flexibility in crucial moments. Ateneo's championship experience gives them an edge in close games, but their relative lack of interior presence compared to previous seasons concerns me. The battle for the remaining Final Four slots will likely involve La Salle, Far Eastern University, and National University in what I anticipate will be a tightly contested race that might require tie-breakers to resolve. I'm particularly skeptical about Adamson's chances despite their impressive preseason performance – history has taught me that February success doesn't always translate to UAAP season dominance.

The player development aspect this season appears more advanced than in previous years, with multiple teams investing in sports science and specialized training. I've noticed that strength and conditioning programs have become more sophisticated, with teams reportedly spending between ₱1.2 to ₱2 million per season on athlete development alone. The emphasis on three-point shooting across all teams reflects the global trend toward perimeter-oriented basketball, though I worry this might come at the expense of developing post skills among big men. Having visited several team practices during the offseason, I was particularly impressed with NU's focus on defensive fundamentals – their coaching staff has implemented innovative drills that I haven't seen elsewhere in the collegiate circuit.

When it comes to potential breakout players, keep an eye on University of the East's sophomore guard who averaged 18.7 points in the preseason tournaments – a significant jump from his 5.3 point average during his rookie year. I've watched this player develop since high school, and his work ethic reminds me of some of the greats who've come through the UAAP before moving on to professional careers. Another intriguing prospect is Ateneo's rookie center who stands at 6'9" with an impressive wingspan that makes him a natural rim protector, though his offensive game still needs refinement based on what I observed during the summer leagues.

The coaching carousel has been relatively quiet this offseason compared to previous years, with only two teams making changes to their head coaching positions. This stability should benefit team chemistry and system implementation, though it does reduce the element of surprise that new coaching philosophies often bring. From my conversations with several coaches, the strategic trend appears to be moving toward positionless basketball, with an emphasis on switching defenses and offensive versatility. I'm particularly curious to see how La Salle's coach implements the offensive system he studied during his offseason stint observing European professional teams.

As the season approaches, the excitement within the UAAP community is palpable. Ticket sales for opening weekend have reportedly reached 85% capacity already, indicating strong fan enthusiasm despite the economic challenges many Filipinos face. The television rights negotiations concluded with a 5-year deal worth approximately ₱3.2 billion, ensuring extensive coverage across multiple platforms. From my perspective, this increased visibility benefits not just the universities but Philippine basketball as a whole, providing young athletes with aspirational pathways and development opportunities.

Looking at the bigger picture, UAAP basketball continues to evolve in ways that reflect both global trends and local basketball culture. The level of play has noticeably improved over the past decade, with faster pace, better shooting, and more sophisticated strategies becoming the norm rather than the exception. As someone who's witnessed this evolution firsthand, I'm convinced we're entering a golden era of collegiate basketball in the Philippines. The combination of improved coaching, better facilities, and increased investment creates an environment where talented players can flourish and showcase their abilities to professional scouts. While my predictions might prove completely wrong once the games actually begin – they often do – the journey of discovering what unfolds makes following UAAP basketball one of my greatest passions year after year.