Analyzing the Key Players on the Ateneo Men's Basketball Roster This Season

When I first heard Mason Amos being introduced at that Ateneo-La Salle game last week, the immediate roar of boos that filled the arena told me everything I needed to know about the intensity of this rivalry. As someone who’s followed UAAP basketball for over a decade, I’ve seen my fair share of heated moments, but this was something else—the crowd’s reaction wasn’t just noise; it felt like a statement. It got me thinking about the composition of this season’s Ateneo Blue Eagles roster and how each player, whether a seasoned veteran or a controversial newcomer, fits into the bigger picture. This team isn’t just a collection of athletes; it’s a carefully crafted unit with distinct roles, and understanding those roles is key to appreciating their potential this season.

Let’s start with the backcourt, where I believe the real engine of this team resides. Kai Ballungay, for instance, has been nothing short of impressive. Standing at 6’7”, he’s not just tall—he’s agile, and his ability to drive to the basket while maintaining control under pressure is something I’ve rarely seen in college ball. In their last three games, he averaged 14.3 points and 7.5 rebounds, numbers that don’t even fully capture his defensive presence. Then there’s Chris Koon, who, in my opinion, is the unsung hero of this squad. His three-point shooting accuracy hovers around 38%, but it’s his decision-making in clutch moments that sets him apart. I remember one play against UP where he intercepted a pass and converted it into a fast-break layup, shifting the momentum entirely. These guys aren’t just playing; they’re thinking several steps ahead, which is why I’m confident the backcourt will be a major strength throughout the season.

Of course, no discussion of Ateneo’s roster would be complete without addressing the elephant in the room: Mason Amos. Now, I’ll be honest—when he transferred from La Salle, I had my doubts. The boos he received in that recent game weren’t just about school loyalty; they reflected the raw emotions that come with such a high-profile move. But here’s the thing: Mason has turned that negativity into fuel. In the same game where fans jeered him relentlessly, he dropped 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, showing a level of resilience that I find downright admirable. It’s not just about stats, though; it’s about how he’s integrated into the team’s dynamics. Coach Tab Baldwin has been using him in a hybrid forward role, and from what I’ve observed, it’s paying off. Mason’s versatility allows Ateneo to switch defenses seamlessly, and his chemistry with Ballungay in the paint is slowly becoming one of the most lethal combinations in the league. Sure, some purists might criticize his decision to switch sides, but in modern basketball, adaptability is everything, and Mason embodies that.

Moving to the frontcourt, Joseph Obasa has been a revelation. At 6’10”, he’s a defensive anchor, but what really stands out to me is his shot-blocking prowess. He’s averaging 2.8 blocks per game this season, a number that puts him among the top five in the UAAP. I’ve watched him shut down opposing centers with a mix of timing and sheer physicality, and it’s clear he’s worked on his footwork during the offseason. Pair him with Sean Quitevis, who brings a scrappy, energy-off-the-bench vibe, and you’ve got a frontcourt that can dominate both ends of the floor. Quitevis might not have the flashy numbers—he’s averaging around 6.2 points per game—but his hustle plays, like diving for loose balls or setting solid screens, often go unnoticed by casual fans. In my view, that’s what makes this roster so special: the balance between star power and role players who do the dirty work.

Now, let’s talk about the bench depth, because that’s where I think Ateneo has a slight edge over other teams. Players like Jared Brown and Gab Gomez might not start every game, but their impact off the bench can’t be overstated. In their match against UE, Brown came in during the third quarter and hit three consecutive three-pointers, effectively putting the game out of reach. That kind of instant offense is invaluable, especially in a league where games are often decided by slim margins. Gomez, on the other hand, provides steady ball-handling and has an assist-to-turnover ratio of about 3.1, which is solid for a backup guard. I’ve always believed that championship teams are built not just on starters but on a reliable second unit, and Ateneo’s bench, in my estimation, is among the deepest in recent memory.

All this brings me back to that opening game against La Salle and the ongoing narrative around Mason Amos. The boos, the tension—it’s all part of what makes college basketball so compelling. But beyond the drama, this Ateneo roster is shaping up to be one of the most well-rounded in years. From Ballungay’s offensive versatility to Obasa’s rim protection and the emotional resilience of players like Amos, every piece seems to fit. As the season progresses, I predict they’ll finish with a win-loss record around 11-3, potentially securing a top-two seed in the playoffs. Of course, injuries or unexpected slumps could change that, but based on what I’ve seen, this team has the talent and mental toughness to go all the way. In the end, it’s not just about who’s on the roster, but how they come together—and if that La Salle game was any indication, they’re more than ready for the challenges ahead.