As I sit here scrolling through the UAAP Season 85 basketball schedule, I can't help but feel that familiar buzz of anticipation. This isn't just another season—this is potentially one of the most competitive years we've seen in recent memory, and I've been following Philippine collegiate basketball since my college days back in 2010. The schedule drops on October 1, 2022, with opening games scheduled at the Mall of Asia Arena, and let me tell you, there are some matchups that already have me marking my calendar.
What makes this season particularly intriguing isn't just the usual rivalries—though those Ateneo vs La Salle games on November 5 and December 3 are always electric—but the shifting landscape of player movements that could dramatically alter team dynamics. Just last week, I was reading about how Estil had secured his release papers from the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL. Now, for those who might not follow the regional leagues as closely, this is significant because Estil was putting up solid numbers—I believe he averaged around 14.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game last season. His availability could completely change the calculus for whatever UAAP team picks him up, particularly if he lands with one of the squads that struggled with frontcourt presence last season.
The schedule itself is structured with 14 elimination round games per team, running from October through December, followed by the traditional Final Four format. What I appreciate about this season's layout is how the scheduling committee has strategically placed rivalry games at intervals that maintain fan engagement throughout the entire season rather than clustering them all at the beginning or end. The first round concludes around mid-November, giving teams approximately three weeks to adjust their strategies before the second round begins. From my perspective as someone who's analyzed basketball scheduling patterns for years, this mid-season break could be crucial for teams integrating new players or dealing with injuries.
Speaking of integration, that's where stories like Estil's become so fascinating. When a player transitions from a professional setup like the MPBL to the collegiate level, there's always that question of how they'll adapt to different coaching styles, academic responsibilities, and generally younger teammates. I've seen this play out before—sometimes it works beautifully, other times the fit just isn't right. My gut tells me Estil's professional experience could give him an edge in handling pressure situations, which might be the difference in those tight fourth-quarter moments that often decide UAAP games.
The key matchups I'm most excited about extend beyond the usual suspects. Sure, the December 10 matchup between UP and Ateneo will likely have championship implications—they've met in three of the last four finals after all—but I'm particularly intrigued by how teams like UE and Adamson will fare against the traditional powerhouses. Both programs have been building steadily, and with potential additions of experienced players like Estil, we could see some unexpected upsets that reshape the standings. Last season, we had 12 games decided by three points or less, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see even more close contests this year given the apparent parity.
From a tactical perspective, the condensed schedule—with teams sometimes playing twice in a week—will test roster depth in ways we haven't seen since the pandemic-affected Season 84. Coaches will need to manage player minutes carefully, and this is where having experienced players who've competed in professional environments could prove invaluable. The teams that succeed will likely be those with reliable benches, which makes recruitment stories like Estil's more than just sidebar conversations—they're potentially season-defining narratives in the making.
What often gets overlooked in schedule discussions is the travel component. While most games are at MOA Arena, there are scheduled matches at other venues including Araneta Coliseum and possibly a return to UAAP host UST's home court. The adjustment to different shooting backgrounds, court feels, and crowd dynamics—especially for players transitioning from regional leagues—adds another layer to an already complex competitive landscape. I remember talking to a former player who told me it took him weeks to adjust to the sightlines at Araneta after playing primarily in provincial arenas.
As we approach tip-off, my prediction is that this could be one of those special seasons where the championship isn't just about which team has the most talent, but which program best integrates diverse player backgrounds and manages the grueling schedule. The Estil situation exemplifies how the lines between collegiate and professional basketball continue to blur, creating more nuanced storylines than we've seen in previous years. When the final buzzer sounds sometime in December, I wouldn't be surprised if we're talking about how a mid-season acquisition or strategic rest during a less critical matchup made all the difference. The beauty of the UAAP has always been its unpredictability, and Season 85 appears poised to deliver that in abundance.