Ateneo Gears Up For UAAP Season 89 After Big Dance 2026 Final Four Run

Following the most difficult stretch that the program had to endure, the Ateneo Blue Eagles entered the Pinoyliga The Big Dance 2026 as a team still finding its footing.

“Pinoyliga was a perfect preseason for us. We really needed that preseason for us to be able to compete this upcoming Season 89,” Jared Bahay said in an interview during the UAAP Season 89 Press Conference.

For Ateneo, the objective was never to chase a deep run from the outset. It was about building chemistry, finding its identity, and putting the pieces together.

However, they found themselves pushing deeper into the tournament than expected, eventually reaching the Final Four before falling to eventual champions UST, 76-68.

The run also gave interim head coach Louie Alas a better look at the players who could shoulder significant roles once the UAAP season gets underway.

Kieffer Alas and Travis Roberts emerged as key cogs in Ateneo’s offense, providing the firepower that powered the Blue Eagles throughout the competition. Meanwhile, sophomore Bahay and veteran Ian Espinosa showed that they can stabilize the ship, bringing composure and control when Ateneo needed it most.

For a team coming together under challenging circumstances, the Final Four appearance gave the Ateneo community something tangible to hold on to.

One thing for sure, Ateneo exited the Big Dance with more questions answered than when they entered.

Now, the Blue Eagles take those answers into Season 89, where the stakes are at its peak and bigger battles are awaiting.

For their healing, for those who never stopped believing, and more importantly, for their fallen brothers Rene and Divine.