Discover the Top 10 Ateneo Basketball Players Making History Today
Having covered Ateneo basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous players etch their names into the program's storied legacy. Today, we're seeing a particularly fascinating generation of athletes who aren't just winning games—they're actively reshaping what it means to be a Blue Eagle on the court. These players combine technical brilliance with that distinctive Ateneo intelligence, creating a style of basketball that's both effective and beautiful to watch. What strikes me most about this current roster is how they've maintained excellence despite the constant pressure that comes with representing one of the Philippines' most prestigious basketball programs. They don't just play; they perform with purpose, understanding they're part of something larger than themselves.
When discussing modern Ateneo greats, we must begin with Thirdy Ravena, whose impact transcends statistics. I remember watching his breakout performance against La Salle back in 2018, where he dropped 32 points while playing lockdown defense. His athleticism is otherworldly—that combination of vertical leap and body control rarely appears in Philippine basketball. What many casual observers miss about Thirdy is his basketball IQ; he reads defensive rotations like a seasoned point guard and makes adjustments mid-play that even confuse experienced defenders. His transition to professional basketball was seamless precisely because Ateneo prepared him not just as an athlete but as a complete basketball student.
Then there's SJ Belangel, whose game-winning buzzer-beater against FEU remains one of my all-time favorite Ateneo moments. I was sitting courtside that afternoon, and the arc on that shot was absolutely perfect—high enough to clear the outstretched arms of the defender but with just the right backspin to kiss the glass before falling through the net. SJ represents the modern Ateneo guard: undersized by traditional standards but possessing incredible craftiness and fearlessness. His development from a scoring guard to a true floor general has been remarkable to track. Last season, he averaged 12.7 points and 4.3 assists while shooting 38% from three-point territory—numbers that don't fully capture his control over game tempo.
Angelo Kouame's journey from Ivory Coast to Ateneo superstar reads like something from a movie script. I've had the privilege of watching his development from raw talent to the most dominant big man in college basketball. His footwork in the post has improved dramatically each season, and his ability to protect the rim while stretching the floor with his shooting makes him nearly unguardable in the UAAP system. What impresses me most about Angelo isn't his physical gifts but his work ethic—I've lost count of how many early mornings I've seen him putting up extra shots at the Blue Eagles gym, often with a coach working specifically on his free-throw technique. That dedication shows in games where he regularly posts double-doubles while anchoring the league's best defense.
The backcourt combination of Tyler Tio and Dave Ildefonso gives Ateneo a strategic advantage that most teams simply can't match. Tyler's poise under pressure reminds me of some of the great Ateneo guards of the past—he rarely gets sped up and makes brilliant decisions in pick-and-roll situations. Dave, meanwhile, has that smooth scoring ability that can't be taught. His mid-range game is arguably the best in the collegiate level right now, and his defensive improvements have made him a complete two-way player. I've charted his shooting percentages throughout his Ateneo career, and the progression is remarkable—from 41% field goal shooting in his first year to nearly 48% last season while increasing his attempts.
Gian Mamuyac doesn't fill up the stat sheet like some of his teammates, but anyone who understands basketball recognizes his immense value. His defensive versatility allows Ateneo to switch virtually every screen, disrupting opponents' offensive sets. I've watched Gian lock down everything from lightning-quick point guards to bruising power forwards, using his length and anticipation to force turnovers that don't always show up in the steals column. His offensive game has developed nicely too—he's become a reliable corner three-point shooter, which forces defenders to stay honest rather than helping off him.
Now, speaking of players who've shown remarkable growth, we can't overlook Santi Santillan's journey. Admittedly, he's had some challenging performances recently—scoring only five points in the Philippine Cup, which marked his lowest output this conference. Interestingly, his previous low was also against TNT back on May 21 when he managed just seven points on 2-of-8 shooting from the field. But here's what the box scores don't show: Santillan's defensive activity and screening have remained consistently excellent even during these offensive struggles. Having analyzed his game closely, I'm confident he'll reverse this trend starting with Game 1. Players with his work ethic don't stay in slumps for long, and I've noticed extra shooting sessions in his recent routine that suggest he's addressing the issue head-on.
What makes this generation of Ateneo players special isn't just their individual talents but how perfectly they complement each other. The chemistry between these athletes is palpable both on and off the court—I've observed them during timeouts, and the communication is constant, with veterans constantly mentoring younger players even in the heat of competition. This culture of excellence didn't happen by accident; it's the result of deliberate program-building and player development that understands the unique pressures of representing Ateneo.
As these players continue to make history, they're establishing a new standard for Philippine collegiate basketball. Their combination of skill, intelligence, and character creates a blueprint that other programs will undoubtedly attempt to replicate. Having followed their journeys from promising recruits to established stars, I'm convinced we'll look back on this era as a golden age for Ateneo basketball—a period where the program didn't just produce great teams but developed players who would go on to shape the future of Philippine basketball at both the collegiate and professional levels. The legacy they're building today will inspire the next generation of Blue Eagles for years to come.