UAAP Season 87 will have a star-studded rookie class looking to make waves right off the bat.
As UAAP Season 87 opens, we won’t just have intriguing storylines to follow. This year’s rookie class is just as interesting given the quality of talents. Long awaited names are moving up, and are set to be foundations for their university’s immediate, and long-term futures in the league.
With that, we’ve listed down five must-watch rookies when the UAAP re-opens this September 7.
Veejay Pre
Six-foot-five Veejay Pre will be one of FEU’s biggest pieces in the Sean Chambers era. The former Baby Tamaraw has stood out in FEU’s preseason campaigns with his finishing, mobility, and a good shooting touch.
He will also be an important piece in Chambers’ triangle, given the system’s need for a skilled big man. Perhaps the stars aligned with Chambers’ appointment, and Pre’s graduation from FEU-Diliman.
Jared Bahay
Jared Bahay will need to mature quickly as he debuts for Tab Baldwin’s rebuilding Ateneo. It’s a tall task, but it’s also a perfect time for Bahay to show why he was highly sought after coming out of Ateneo de Cebu.
Bahay, though, does have good offensive and playmaking foundations he can build on as he adjusts to the collegiate style of play. Ateneo also had a productive trip to Taiwan in August, which gives him and the Blue Eagles timely confidence as the offseason winds down.
Tebol Garcia
What NU lost in Kean Baclaan, they hope to regain with UAAP juniors champion Justine “Tebol” Garcia. Five-foot-eleven Garcia was the Baby Falcons’ star point guard who heads to Jhocson with a winning mentality.
Garcia was also the fifth-best highschooler in NBTC’s 2024 rankings, and led the Baby Falcons to the NBTC 2024 Finals against Fil-Am Nation Select. Adamson finished second, but Garcia nabbed Mythical Five honors alongside teammate Vince Reyes.
Now, Garcia needs to adjust his elite game accordingly to the collegiate level. After all, he joins a National U team that’s looking to hurdle over the Final Four hump.
Jacob Bayla
Jacob Bayla is set to bolster UP’s trademark depth heading into Season 87. With him, they get a lengthy winger who’s a capable slasher. Shooting is a work in progress, but there is the confidence that he and UP’s coaches can build on.
Bayla also showed great hustle in his first games with UP, which is a big plus given his offensive upside. At the time, he was still adjusting to Goldwin Monteverde’s system. So what more now that he’s gotten a couple of months in with them?
Alex Konov
Defending champs La Salle won the Alex Konov sweepstakes in June as part of a productive offseason haul. The Fil-Bulgarian is a former Gilas Youth player, and was teammates with fellow Season 87 rookies Bahay, Bayla, and UST’s Zain Mahmood in 2022.
Konov’s biggest strength right now is his shooting, being a threat off the catch and shoot. It’s worth noting that Konov also stands six-foot-seven, and his wingspan isn’t too bad either.
Simply put, Topex Robinson gets a project in Konov, whose potential can be unleashed with the right guidance.
Could also make some noise:
Janrey Pasaol
Like teammate Pre, Janrey Pasaol is a top Baby Tamaraw who remained in Morayta. He’s shown off his scoring and playmaking potential in FEU’s preseason campaigns, which will be welcome in the Sean Chambers era of the Tams.
At the same time, FEU has long produced elite guards in Philippine basketball. Will Pasaol be next in line?
Amiel Acido
A major UST pickup was NCAA Juniors MVP Amiel Acido, who heals their loss from losing Andrei “Doy” Dungo to La Salle. Besides his upside, Acido also joins a UST team that includes playmaking ace Forthsky Padrigao, scorer Kyle Paranada, and the now-veteran Nic Cabañero.
In choosing UST, he’ll also have a share of kuyas who can help fine tune his game for the collegiate level. Acido also brings in disruptive length, and a shooting touch that can complement UST’s playmakers.
Banner Images from FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup Media Team, NBTC and Alex Konov on Instagram.