As a longtime follower of collegiate sports in the Philippines, I’ve always found the UAAP basketball season to be one of the most exciting periods of the year. With the 2024 season just around the corner, I wanted to put together a complete guide for fellow fans—covering everything from the schedule highlights to key players and format updates. This year feels particularly special, not just because of the usual rivalries, but because of emerging talents like Mapua’s Cyril Gonzales, who I believe could shake things up in a big way. Let’s dive right in.

First off, the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament is set to tip off on September 7, 2024, and will run through December 1, assuming no major delays. The opening weekend will feature four games across two venues—the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena—with defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles facing the UP Fighting Maroons in what promises to be an explosive rematch of last year’s finals. I’ve marked my calendar already, and if you’re like me, you won’t want to miss that one. The first round alone spans five weeks, with each of the eight teams playing seven games. What’s interesting this time is the league’s decision to stick with the double-round elimination format, which I think really tests a team’s consistency and depth over 14 game days.

Now, when we talk about players to watch, Cyril Gonzales from Mapua University stands out, and not just because of his scoring ability. Having followed his progress since his high school days, I’ve been impressed by his growth as a combo guard who can create opportunities under pressure. Last season, he averaged around 14.2 points and 4.5 assists per game—numbers that might not scream MVP yet, but his impact on the court goes beyond stats. Mapua, though not always in the UAAP basketball spotlight, has a real chance to climb the standings if Gonzales continues to develop his playmaking. I see him as a potential game-changer in matches against traditional powerhouses like La Salle or FEU. His performance in the preseason tournaments has already turned heads, and I won’t be surprised if he lands in the Mythical Team by season’s end.

Beyond individual talents, the 2024 season introduces a few tweaks in scheduling and broadcasting that I find really fan-friendly. For instance, there will be more double-header games on Sundays, which I love because it gives working folks like me a full day of basketball immersion. The UAAP has also partnered with local TV networks and streaming platforms to air all 56 elimination round games live—a step up from last year’s 48 broadcasts. This move not only expands reach but keeps the league competitive amid growing interest in other sports. From a strategic viewpoint, it’s smart; as a fan, it’s pure joy. I’ve already set reminders for the key matchups, like the Ateneo-La Salle showdown on October 12, which historically draws crowds of over 20,000. That rivalry, by the way, never gets old—the energy in the arena is just electric.

Of course, no season is without its challenges. I’ve heard whispers about potential roster changes due to academic eligibility issues, which could affect teams like UST and UE. Add to that the fact that some squads are integrating new foreign student-athletes, and the dynamics could shift unpredictably. But that’s part of what makes UAAP basketball so compelling—the human element, the underdog stories. Take Mapua, for example; they haven’t won a championship since 1991, but with players like Gonzales leading the charge, I’m optimistic they could make a surprise Final Four appearance. My prediction? They’ll finish in the top 4, edging out one of the usual contenders.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that the 2024 UAAP season is shaping up to be one of the most balanced and exciting in recent memory. Between the updated scheduling, rising stars, and that ever-present playoff intensity, there’s plenty for fans to savor. I’ll be tuning in every game day, and I encourage you to do the same—whether you’re cheering from the stands or from your living room. After all, it’s these moments of raw competition and school pride that remind us why we love college sports. Here’s to a thrilling season ahead