Discover the Complete Ateneo Men's Basketball Roster for the Current Season
When I first saw Mason Amos step onto the court against Ateneo last week, I couldn't help but feel the electric tension in the arena. The booing started during player introductions and didn't let up until the final buzzer—a testament to how seriously Ateneo fans take their basketball rivalries. As someone who's followed UAAP basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed how these intense matchups often reveal more about a team's character than any regular season game. That's why understanding the complete Ateneo men's basketball roster becomes crucial—it's not just about knowing names and numbers, but understanding the ecosystem of talent that makes this program so special.
Let me walk you through what I consider one of the most balanced rosters Ateneo has assembled in recent years. Starting with the backcourt, we have veteran guard SJ Belangel entering his final season—and what a journey it's been watching this young man develop. I remember his rookie season when he averaged just 4.2 points per game, and now he's putting up 13.7 points with 4.8 assists. His backcourt partner, Dave Ildefonso, brings that unique combination of size and shooting that's so rare in college basketball. At 6'3", he can create mismatches against smaller guards while still maintaining the quickness to defend the perimeter. Then there's Chris Koon, who in my opinion might be the most underrated player in the entire UAAP. His defensive versatility allows coach Tab Baldwin to use him in multiple positions, something I've noticed becomes particularly valuable during crunch time.
The frontcourt situation fascinates me even more, especially considering how it matches up against players like Mason Amos from La Salle. Kai Ballungay stands out immediately—at 6'7" with a wingspan that seems to go on forever, he's developed into a legitimate two-way threat. What impresses me most isn't just his 11.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, but how he's improved his free throw percentage from 58% last season to 74% this year. That's the kind of dedication to improvement that defines this Ateneo program. Then we have Geo Chiu, who at 6'8" gives them that traditional big man presence they've sometimes lacked. I've tracked his playing time throughout the season, and it's remarkable how his efficiency improves when he plays 20+ minutes—shooting 52% from the field compared to 41% in shorter stints.
What really makes this roster special though—and this is where my personal bias might show—is the depth. Players like Sean Quitevis and Jacob Lao might not get the headlines, but I've watched how they've transformed practice sessions into competitive environments that push the starters every day. Quitevis in particular has developed into what I'd call a "glue guy"—the type of player who does all the little things that don't show up in stat sheets but win basketball games. His defensive rotations, his communication on switches, his ability to make the extra pass—these are the elements that separate good teams from great ones.
The Mason Amos situation last week actually highlighted something important about this roster's mental toughness. While Amos faced that relentless booing, it was Ateneo's players who maintained their composure throughout the emotional rollercoaster. I noticed how Belangel consistently gathered his teammates during timeouts, keeping them focused despite the hostile environment. That leadership quality isn't something you can teach—it develops through experience and the unique culture that Ateneo basketball has cultivated over the years. This roster isn't just talented—they're mentally prepared for the big moments.
Looking at the international players on the roster adds another layer of intrigue. The inclusion of Matthew Daves and Raffy Celis provides that international flavor that has become increasingly important in modern college basketball. Having watched Daves develop over the past two seasons, I'm convinced he could become one of the program's most impactful big men in recent memory. His footwork in the post reminds me of a young June Mar Fajardo, though he still needs to add strength to compete against more physical centers in the league.
As we approach the crucial part of the season, I believe this Ateneo roster has all the components needed for another championship run. The balance between veteran leadership and young talent, between offensive firepower and defensive discipline, between star power and role players—it's what championship teams are made of. The way they handled the pressure against La Salle, despite the Mason Amos distraction, tells me this group has the mental fortitude to match their physical talents. In my years covering UAAP basketball, I've learned that rosters are more than just collections of players—they're living organisms that either grow together or fall apart. This Ateneo team? They're growing in all the right ways, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them playing deep into the postseason.