PACESETTERS

Cutoff Date: October 12, 2026

The first few weeks of the collegiate basketball season have proven that the only predictable thing about this season is its unpredictability.

If we are accustomed to seeing traditional modern basketball giants rule the rankings, then the new edition of the Pinoyliga Big Dance Collegiate Basketball Power Rankings will surely shock some.

This is because the familiar script we use to see has been shredded into pieces by some teams.

Gone are the days when you watch a game, and you instantly know who will get the win.

This is because teams have prepared hard during the offseason and the chance of representing themselves and the school has pushed the players to give everything in each game.

And the result? Exciting games all through.

Far Eastern University, Jose Rizal University, College of St. Benilde, San Beda University and National University now occupy the upper portion of the rankings.

While the University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle University, Letran Knights are trying to keep themselves within striking distance after the bumps they suffered in the previous weeks.

Let's go over the rankings

SURPRISE PACKAGE

The FEU Tamaraws did not figure in the list of favorites of the basketball experts when the UAAP season began.

This is because of their inconsistent play during the pre-season.

However, a lot had changed, especially when Coach Sean Chambers and the rest of the team went off the radar for a few weeks. When the squad came back, it was as if a new team was reborn.

Sure, they suffered a loss in the opener, but they have now won four straight, including big wins against UP and DLSU.

Mo Konateh has matured to be the man in the middle for the Tams, while Kirby Moncopa, Janey Pasaol, Jorick Bautista and rookie Cabs Cabonilla have done their share to push the team on top of the team standings.

BOMBS AWAY

The JRU Heavy Bombers have proven that their performance during the offseason was no fluke as they played well in the early part of the tournament, winning 5 of their 6 games.

Lawrence Mangubat has provided the leadership for the team as the offense of the Heavy Bombers will go through his hands.

If the Heavy Bombers can get the "gigil" out of their systems, especially against talented teams, then expect JRU to have a smooth ride in the tournament.

BLAZING ALL THE WAY

The College of St. Benilde Blazers also surprised a lot of fans as they have won 6 of their first 7 matches despite missing the services of reigning back-to-back MVP Allen Liwag.

A lot thought that when Liwag went down to an injury, the hopes of the Blazers went with it. However, out of nowhere, Justin Sanchez took the cudgels and carried his team in the NCAA.

Helping Sanchez are SJ Moore and Gomel Ancheta, who have also played good basketball this season.

GROWLING TOWARDS THE TOP

Defending NCAA Champions, San Beda Red Lions is in the 4th spot after a 5-2 win-loss start to the season.

They got tripped by the Blazers in the tournament opener but immediately bounced back the following game. This goes to show how talented and deep the squad formed by Coach Yuri Escueta.

Their other defeat came at the hands of Mapua, but the Red Lions had that game in their hands except that they did not expect a big clutch game from Cardinals' rookie Jamal Diaz.

Aldous Torculas and Jomel Puno will be the focal point of the Red Lions and if the Red Lions go far in the tournament, both should bring their A-game to the court.

BITING HARD

The NU Bulldogs have experienced up and down moments this UAAP Season.

Despite suffering losses to La Salle and Ateneo, the Bulldogs have bitten back and showed their strength with victories against UP, Adamson and UST.

The question of being able to show consistency on both ends of the court is a question because if they can get things done on offense and defense at the same time, then NU will definitely reach the top 2 of the tournament.

ROUNDING SIXTH TO TENTH

Occupying the 6th spot are the Mapua Cardinals.

The Chito Victolero-mentored squad has enjoyed success for the past 4 games after opening the tournament with three straight defeats.

Yam Concepción, Lance Nitura, Cyrus Cuenco and rookie Jamal Diaz have stepped up and were the reasons why the Cardinals are on a rampage mode.

The question right now is if the Cardinals have peaked or do they still have surprises in store for the competition.

But so far, Life after Clint Escamis is not bad after all for Mapua if they continue to play this way.

Behind them are the UP Fighting Maroons, who have struggled a bit in their first 5 games, but a victory against modern-age rivals DLSU Green Archers may have started a momentum for them.

Key players led by VJ Pre, Rey Remogat and James Payosing have carried the team and a lot is expected from them as the first half of the season is about to end.

Lurking at the 8th spot are the Ateneo Blue Eagles, who have shown that they are a team to contend with after performing well in the first few weeks. They were on top of the team standings for a week with 3 wins and 1 defeat before losing their next 2 matches.

The Adamson Falcons, meanwhile, have slowly crawled into the Top 10 as they ranked 9th after performing above what was expected from them in the early part of the UAAP Season.

Rounding up the top 10 are the Arellano Chiefs.

The Chiefs started the NCAA season hot as they swept its group stage games. However, things turned nasty as they began their crossover group matches as they fell three straight.

The challenge for them now is how to bounce back and get back to the right track.

Pre-season favorites Letran, La Salle and UST have found themselves outside the top 10 after inconsistent performances in their games.

For the Knights, their main concern is their life without their main guard, Tiring Manalili, who was sidelined until November.

The Green Archers, meanwhile, have continued to show that they are missing Mike Phillips badly as they have yet to resolve their front court concerns.

Inconsistency has bugged the Growling Tigers despite having probably the best FSA in the country in Collins Awoke.

MAKING THEIR CASE

The Benedicto College Cheetahs have taken over the top of the team standings in the CESAFI tournament after handing out defending champions University of the Visayans Green Lancers their first loss this season.

The Cheetahs have a 7-win, 1-loss record, including a three-game winning streak, while the Green Lancers are a half game behind them at 6-1.

Over to BUCAL, the Unibersidad Sta. The Isabel Falcons have maintained the strength of the team standings after going undefeated in 7 matches, maintaining space over defending champions ACC Green Serpents and UNC Greyhounds.

FINAL THOUGHTS

FEU has earned the top spot, but this has created a big target for their backs.

JRU and CSB are just behind them, and they are creating ripples in everything they do, While teams outside UAAP and NCAA are also making their presence felt.

And that is exactly what everyone wants from collegiate basketball. A wide open race to the top.

Records are bound to change, destiny will find a way to end streaks and new contenders will soon emerge.

The climb to the top has just begun.

FEU might have reached the top right now, but the next edition might have a different story unless the Tamaraws refuse to give up the throne.