As I sit down to analyze the upcoming UAAP Season 85 basketball tournament, I can't help but draw parallels with recent developments in Philippine volleyball that might just foreshadow what's coming in collegiate basketball. The surprising absence of consensus top pick Bella Belen at the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Combine last Friday at Paco Arena serves as a stark reminder that in Philippine sports, nothing is ever certain until the ball is actually in play. This unexpected development in volleyball circles makes me wonder which basketball stars might similarly surprise us when the UAAP season kicks off.

Looking at the complete schedule for Season 85, I'm particularly excited about the opening weekend matchups on September 3-4 at the Mall of Asia Arena. The defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles will face their archrivals La Salle Green Archers in what promises to be an explosive Sunday showdown. Having covered UAAP basketball for over eight seasons now, I've learned that these early games often set the tone for the entire tournament. The schedule features 56 elimination games across 14 playing dates, with the traditional Sunday double-headers at MOA Arena and Saturday games rotating between various venues including the Araneta Coliseum and smaller gyms for that classic collegiate atmosphere.

When examining team rosters, the player movements this offseason have been nothing short of dramatic. The Ateneo Blue Eagles, despite losing their veteran center to graduation, have secured what I believe to be the most impressive recruiting class in recent memory. Their incoming freshman batch includes three players from the NBTC Top 10 high school prospects list, giving them what could be the deepest bench in the league. Meanwhile, the UP Fighting Maroons have managed to retain their core from last season's runner-up finish, which gives them a significant advantage in terms of team chemistry. From my perspective, having watched these players develop through the years, UP's continuity might just be their secret weapon against more star-studded lineups.

The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers have made what I consider the most intriguing roster move - securing the services of a 6'8" Filipino-American center who previously played Division II basketball in California. While his numbers stateside weren't spectacular - averaging 8.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game - his presence could completely change the defensive dynamics for a team that struggled mightily last season. I've watched his highlight reels, and if he can adapt quickly to the UAAP's physical style of play, he might just be the difference between another disappointing season and a surprise Final Four appearance.

Now, let's talk championship predictions - the part that always gets me into trouble with passionate fans. Based on my analysis of the schedules, rosters, and having watched preseason tournaments, I'm going out on a limb to predict that this will be UP's year to reclaim the championship after their 2021 triumph. Their backcourt combination of veteran leadership and young explosiveness reminds me of their championship-winning squad, and I believe they've learned valuable lessons from last season's heartbreaking finals loss. The Fighting Maroons have what it takes to win approximately 12 of their 14 elimination games, which should secure them a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the Final Four.

That being said, I wouldn't count out the Ateneo Blue Eagles, who have this uncanny ability to peak at exactly the right moment. Coach Tab Baldwin's system has proven time and again that it can maximize player potential, and I suspect we'll see at least two players make significant leaps in their development this season. Their championship experience cannot be underestimated, especially in high-pressure situations. However, their relatively younger roster might struggle with consistency throughout the long elimination round, particularly against physical teams like La Salle and FEU.

The dark horse in all this? The NU Bulldogs. They've been quietly building what I consider to be the most disciplined defensive system in the league, and if their offense can catch up, they could surprise everyone. Having spoken to their coaching staff during the offseason, I'm convinced they've identified the right pieces to complement their star player, who averaged 16.3 points per game last season. Their schedule also works in their favor, with what appears to be a relatively easier second round that could give them momentum heading into the playoffs.

What fascinates me most about this upcoming season is how it reflects the changing landscape of Philippine collegiate sports. The Bella Belen situation in volleyball demonstrates how unpredictable young athletes can be, and I suspect we'll see similar surprises in basketball. The increased focus on player development and the growing pipeline from high school to college programs has raised the overall quality of play, but it's also made outcomes harder to predict. Still, after covering this beat for so long, my gut tells me we're in for one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory, with the championship likely coming down to which team can maintain their composure during the crucial moments. The beauty of UAAP basketball has always been its unpredictability, and Season 85 appears poised to deliver exactly that - thrilling games, unexpected heroes, and memories that will last long after the final buzzer sounds.