UAAP Basketball 2023 Standings: Which Teams Are Leading the Championship Race?
As I sit here scrolling through the latest UAAP Season 86 basketball updates, I can't help but feel that familiar thrill mixed with anxiety about how this championship race is shaping up. Having followed collegiate basketball in the Philippines for over a decade, I've developed a keen sense for spotting which teams have that special championship DNA, and this season has been particularly fascinating with its unexpected twists and dramatic roster changes. The current standings tell a compelling story of ambition, strategy, and raw talent competing for collegiate basketball supremacy.
The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons have been absolutely dominant this season, and frankly, I didn't see them maintaining this level of consistency after their championship run last year. They're sitting comfortably at the top with an impressive 9-2 record as of this writing, showing remarkable composure in close games. What strikes me most about UP is their depth - they've managed to weather injuries and still pull off crucial wins. Their game against La Salle last week was a masterclass in defensive adjustments, holding the Green Archers to just 68 points when they'd been averaging nearly 80 all season. The way JD Cagulangan has been orchestrating their offense reminds me of some of the great UAAP point guards I've watched through the years.
Meanwhile, De La Salle University has been hanging tough in second place with an 8-3 record, though I have some reservations about their sustainability. They've shown flashes of brilliance, especially when Evan Nelle gets hot from beyond the arc, but their reliance on perimeter shooting makes me nervous come playoff time. I've seen too many teams crumble when the three-pointers stop falling in high-pressure situations. Their recent 85-80 victory over Adamson was impressive, but they nearly blew a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter - that kind of inconsistency could haunt them against more disciplined squads.
The real surprise package for me has been National University. Sitting at 7-4, they've exceeded everyone's expectations, including mine. I had them pegged for fifth or sixth place during preseason, but their young core has developed much faster than anticipated. Their defensive intensity has been phenomenal, holding opponents to just 71.3 points per game - the best in the league. However, their offensive execution still needs work, particularly in half-court sets where they tend to become predictable.
Now here's where things get really interesting - the situation at University of Santo Tomas illustrates exactly how quickly fortunes can change in this league. The Growling Tigers were building decent momentum until key player Nic Cabañero suffered a groin injury that's sidelined him for their last two games. Deputy coach Pat Aquino's statement really resonated with me: "Sumasakit yung groin niya, kaya we decided not to play na lang him muna." This decision, while frustrating for fans, shows real wisdom in player management. I've seen too many teams rush injured players back only to lose them for the season. Cabañero was averaging 16.8 points and 4.2 assists before the injury, and without him, UST's offense has looked disjointed, scoring just 65 and 62 points in their last two outings. They've dropped to 4-7 and their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, proving how one key injury can derail an entire campaign.
Adamson University at 5-6 continues to be the enigma of the tournament. They have the talent to compete with anyone - I watched them push UP to overtime last month - but they lack the mental toughness to close out games. Their last three losses have been by a combined 9 points, which tells you everything about their inability to execute in crunch time. Far Eastern University at 4-7 still has mathematical playoff chances, but realistically, they're playing for pride at this point. Their offense has been anemic, ranking last in field goal percentage at just 38.7%, and unless they find some scoring punch quickly, they'll be watching the playoffs from the sidelines.
Ateneo de Manila University's situation fascinates me because it shows how even traditional powerhouses can struggle with transition years. At 5-6, they're fighting for their playoff lives, which is unfamiliar territory for a program that's won 4 of the last 7 championships. Coach Tab Baldwin is still working his magic, but the loss of key veterans from last season has left them vulnerable, especially in rebounding where they're being outworked nearly every game. University of the East at 3-8 has shown improvement from last season, but they're still a year or two away from truly competing with the top teams.
Looking at the remaining schedule, I believe UP has the clearest path to the top seed, with three relatively manageable games left. La Salle faces a tougher road, including a potential season-defining rematch against UP that could determine playoff positioning. The battle for the fourth seed between Adamson and Ateneo will be must-watch television, with both teams needing to win at least two of their final three games to have a shot.
From my perspective, the championship is UP's to lose. They have the most complete roster, the best coaching staff, and they're peaking at the right time. However, if Cabañero returns healthy for UST and they sneak into the fourth seed, they could be a dangerous first-round opponent for anyone. The beauty of UAAP basketball is that momentum matters more than records come playoff time, and I've seen enough upsets over the years to know that nothing is guaranteed. Whatever happens, these final weeks will deliver the drama and excitement that makes Philippine collegiate basketball truly special.