Discover the Complete Ateneo Basketball Team Roster for the Current Season

As I sat in the bleachers watching Ateneo’s recent preseason game, I couldn’t help but feel excited about what this season holds for our Blue Eagles. The energy in the arena was electric, especially during those final moments when every possession mattered. It reminded me of that crucial play where Abis demonstrated incredible defensive awareness, holding his ground when JRU tried to shift their attack to the perimeter. That kind of composure is exactly what makes me confident about our complete Ateneo basketball team roster this season. Having followed college basketball for over a decade, I’ve seen how roster depth can make or break a championship run, and I genuinely believe this year’s lineup has what it takes to go all the way.

Let’s talk about the backcourt first because, in my opinion, this is where games are often won or lost. Our starting point guard, Jolo Mendoza, brings not just speed but a basketball IQ that’s rare for someone his age. I’ve watched him develop over the past two seasons, and his improvement in three-point shooting—now hitting around 42% from beyond the arc—is nothing short of impressive. Alongside him, Tyler Tio offers a steady hand and experience, which is invaluable during high-pressure situations. Remember that game against UP last year? Tyler’s clutch free throws in the final seconds sealed the win, and I see him playing a similar role this season. Then there’s SJ Belangel, whose versatility allows him to switch between shooting guard and point guard seamlessly. What I love about SJ is his fearlessness in driving to the basket; he’s not afraid to draw contact and get to the line. These guards form a dynamic trio that can adapt to various defensive schemes, something that will be crucial as we face teams known for their aggressive perimeter defense, much like how Abis contained JRU’s outside threats in that nail-biter of a game.

Moving to the wings, we have Gian Mamuyac and Raffy Verano, two players who embody the term "two-way players." Gian, in particular, has grown into a defensive stalwart. His length and anticipation remind me of pros I’ve seen overseas; he averaged 1.8 steals per game last season, and I expect that number to rise. On the offensive end, Raffy brings a smooth mid-range game and the ability to create his own shot, which is so important when the shot clock is winding down. I’ve always been a fan of players who can score in isolation, and Raffy does that with a finesse that’s enjoyable to watch. What stands out to me, though, is how these wings complement each other. Gian locks down the opponent’s best scorer, while Raffy provides scoring punch. It’s a balance that not every team has, and I think it gives Ateneo a significant edge, especially in close games where every defensive stop and bucket counts.

Now, let’s dive into the frontcourt, which I believe is the backbone of this team. Ange Kouame is the anchor—no doubt about it. Standing at 6’10", he’s a force in the paint, averaging a double-double last season with 12.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. But what impresses me most is his shot-blocking; he swatted away 2.5 shots per game, altering countless others. Having a dominant big man like Ange allows the guards to play more aggressively on the perimeter, knowing he’s got their back. Then there’s Dave Ildefonso, who transferred from NU and has already made his presence felt. Dave brings scoring versatility; he can post up, hit the three, and facilitate from the high post. I’ve had the chance to chat with a few fans who think he might be the missing piece for a championship run, and I’m inclined to agree. Together with role players like Matthew Daves and BJ Andrade, this frontcourt provides the toughness and rebounding needed to control the boards and initiate fast breaks.

Of course, a complete Ateneo basketball team roster isn’t just about the starters. The bench depth this season is something I’ve been raving about to fellow fans. Players like Geo Chiu and Inand Fornilos offer reliable minutes off the bench, giving the starters much-needed rest without a significant drop in performance. Geo, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance with his energy and hustle plays. I recall a practice game where he grabbed three offensive rebounds in a single possession—that kind of effort can swing momentum in tight contests. And let’s not forget the rookies; Fornilos brings a fresh legs and a hunger to prove himself. In my view, having a deep bench is like having insurance; it might not always be in the spotlight, but it’s essential for navigating a long season filled with injuries and fatigue.

As we look ahead to the upcoming games, I can’t help but feel optimistic. The way this roster is constructed—with a mix of veteran leadership and young talent—reminds me of championship teams from the past. Take, for instance, how Abis’s defensive resilience in that JRU game highlighted the importance of role players stepping up in critical moments. Similarly, I see players like Mendoza and Kouame rising to the occasion when it matters most. From a strategic standpoint, Coach Tab Baldwin has a wealth of options to experiment with, whether it’s going small with a lineup of guards or playing big with Kouame and Ildefonso dominating the paint. Personally, I’d love to see more pick-and-roll actions between Belangel and Kouame; I think that could be a deadly combination against slower defenses.

In wrapping up, discovering the complete Ateneo basketball team roster for this season has been a thrilling journey for me as a fan. From the backcourt’s playmaking to the frontcourt’s dominance, every piece seems to fit together beautifully. I’ve shared my thoughts and biases—like my admiration for two-way players and deep benches—because that’s what makes following sports so engaging. As the season unfolds, I’ll be keeping a close eye on how this roster evolves, especially in clutch situations where composure, like Abis showed, can define a game. If you’re as excited as I am, let’s cheer our Blue Eagles on to what I hope will be another memorable championship run.