Draft:Ateneo Blue Eagles Basketball

The Ateneo Blue Eagles men's basketball team represents Ateneo De Manila University in UAAP college basketball. The team is currently coached by Tab Baldwin.

Ateneo previously competed in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (Philippines), where it won fourteen (14) Championships, which is third all-time. After leaving the NCAA in 1977, and moving to the UAAP in 1978, Ateneo has won eleven (12) senior men's basketball championships, the fourth-most in UAAP history. The combined total of 26 senior men's basketball championships in the NCAA and UAAP is the most in the Philippines.

Early years (1914–1924)
Even before the organization of formal inter-collegiate basketball leagues, students from Ateneo de Manila played informal games against students from nearby schools. An early rivalry was formed with the neighboring University of the Philippines, beginning a rivalry that was renewed in the UAAP.

In these early years, Ateneo's varsity basketball teams were simply referred to by the school community as the Ateneo Seniors and Ateneo Juniors. They were later dubbed the Blue and Whites by the sports press in the early 1920s when Ateneo joined sports leagues. . The first star player of the nascent Ateneo basketball program was Guillermo Velez.

NCAA Era (1924–1977)
Ateneo was a founding member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (Philippines), which started hosting inter-collegiate competition in 1924.

Pre-War Era (1924 to 1941)
In the initial format of the NCAA, teams would play a single-round-robin elimination round, and a certain number of teams, varying by year, would advance to another round-robin championship round.

1928 Season - First Championship

Ateneo first won an NCAA Championship in 1928, with James A. Martin, S.J as the coach, and future Olympian and Senator Ambrosio Padilla as the captain. .

1929 Season

Ateneo would return to the finals in 1929, but would lose to the UP Fighting Maroons.

1930 Season

Ateneo again advanced to the championship round in 1930, and faced UST in the deciding game. Ateneo thought that they had won the deciding game 48-47 after regulation, but after tallying the scores, it was decided that the final score was 47-47. One of the referees, Lou Salvador, had gone home as soon as the game was finished. UST won the game in overtime, 55-53. "

Ateneo filed a protest, on the ground that two referees must be present for a game to be valid. After deliberations, the NCAA board decided that UST's win would stand.

First Three-Peat (1931-33)

From 1931 to 1933, Ateneo won three consecutive championships. The first two championships were under coach Matthew Kane, S.J., while the three-peat was finished under Coach Joseph Gieb, S.J. Notable players during this championship run were Jesus "Jess" Suarez, Bibiano "Bing" Ouano, Amador Obordo , and Primitivo Martinez.

1931 Season

Fr. Matty Kane was appointed head coach of Ateneo for the 1931 season. Ateneo swept the qualifying round 4-0 to qualify for the championship round against Letran, NU, and UST. Ateneo also swept the championship round 3-0. A bonfire celebration was held to celebrate Ateneo's wins in the NCAA, the "Big Four," and the collegiate division of the NCAA.

1932 Season

Despite Ateneo's Intramuros Campus burning down in 1932, Ateneo decided to remain in the NCAA. Ateneo won their second straight championship after winning all three of its games. After winning the NCAA, Ateneo earned the right to play the "Big 3" Champion University of Sto. Tomas team in the finals of the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation basketball tournament, but these games were never played. Ateneo's best players were Obordo, Ouano, Martinez, Raul Torres, and Peter Schlobohm.

1933 Season

Fr. Joseph Geib took over coaching duties for the 1933 season. After winning their first two games against San Beda and Letran, Letran withdrew from the NCAA in protest to a referee's decision to eject a Letran player and an Ateneo player for unnecessary roughness. . Ateneo won the 1933 championship after defeating Jose Rizal College in their last game. Obordo was named 1933 NCAA Most Valuable Player.

1934 Season

In 1934, Ateneo opened their season with their first loss in 3 years, to San Beda, 38-32. Ateneo then won their second game against La Salle, 41-29. In the first implementation of the "banner" rule, San Beda won the first round, with Ateneo finishing second at 3-1. Ateneo went undefeated in the second round by beating San Beda 53-46, to force a final game decider. However, San Beda won the final match.

1935 Season

In 1935, Fr. Denis Lynch took over as coach. With the graduation of Obordo, the team's star players were Tibing Martinez and team captain "Lil' Poison" Joe Coruna. The first round ended with a triple tie between Ateneo, San Beda, and La Salle, all with 3-1 records, leading to a playoff series. San Beda ended up winning both pennants, and clinched the championship by beating Ateneo in the final game, 43-31.

In 1937, Ateneo won its fifth NCAA championship by defeating Jose Rizal College in the finals, 40 - 26. . The team was coached by Augusto Bautista, and led by high school Senior Jess Arce, Simon LaO, Fermin “the Black Fury of Zamboanga” Fernando, and Cesar Basa, later to be a war hero and namesake of Basa Air Base.

In 1938, Ateneo officially adopted the Blue Eagle as its sporting mascot. Future Senator Raul Manglapus, then head cheerleader, composed Ateneo's fight song Blue Eagle, the King that summer. However, Ateneo failed to defend its crown, losing to Letran in the title game.

In 1939, Ateneo swept through the eliminations and were heavily-favored in the finals against De La Salle University, then known as De La Salle College. However, in an upset, La Salle won the title game 27-23. During their championship parade, students from De La Salle threw fried chickens, representing fried eagles, at the Ateneo gates. This has been cited as the start of the Ateneo–La Salle rivalry

In 1941, Ateneo added one last pre-war championship, bringing its NCAA men's basketball championship total to six. The team included 1939 NCAA MVP Eduardo Cortez, Robert "Bobby" Jones, Jimmy "Wonder Boy" Hampton, and team captain Simon LaO. The championship was decided barely a month before World War 2 began in December 1941.

Post-War Era (1947 to 1960)
No NCAA tournaments were held after World War 2 broke out in December 1941 until the games were resumed in 1947. During the war, several Ateneo basketball stars were killed, including Cesar Basa, Fermin Fernando,, and Amador Obordo.

In 1947, the NCAA tournament resumed. This first set of postwar Ateneo Blue Eagles was captained by the debuting Moro Lorenzo, who was joined by the returning Simon LaO, and a young Baby Dalupan. While the team started with a victory over San Beda, Ateneo was eliminated from championship contention by Mapua in a one-game playoff, 43-40.

The late 1940s and early 1950s featured individual accolades for Ateneo players, but little success for the team as a whole. Moro Lorenzo was named 1948 and 1949 NCAA MVP, and set the then-Ateneo record of 30 points in a game. After Lorenzo's graduation, Antonio Ma. "Choly" Gaston took over as Ateneo's star. However, despite their best efforts, neither Lorenzo nor Gaston were able to lead Ateneo to a championship. Other notable players during this era included Ignacio "Ning" Ramos.

In 1953, former great Bing Ouano was appointed as men's basketball head coach. The team was rebuilt around Francisco "The Rajah of Rebound" Rabat, who won the NCAA MVP award in 1953. Rabat was duly supported by Mike Littaua, Quintellano "Tiny" Literal,, Honesto Mayoralgo,Jose Ma. "Rusty" Cacho, and Mario "Bay" Ballesteros, in winning the NCAA Championship. overcoming San Beda and "the Great Difference" Caloy Loyzaga in the final game. With Loyzaga and other NCAA stars playing for the national team at the 1954 FIBA World Championship, Ateneo, without Rabat, took home another championship in 1954. Loyzaga and San Beda would have their revenge the next year, beating Ateneo in the finals.

After losing to San Beda in the finals in 1955, Ateneo won back-to-back titles in 1957 and 1958, led by team captain Ed Ocampo, who was the first Team Captain to be called a "King Eagle." Joining Ocampo were Bobby Littaua, Cris Arroyo, Tony Jose, Mike Jalandoni and Jimmy Pestaño. Actor Paquito Diaz was a member of the 1957 team. The 1958 Championship was decided by a last-second putback by Arroyo, for a final score of 105-103.

Final Years in the NCAA(1961 to 1977)
In 1961, Ateneo was coached by Al Dunbar, led by Antonio Guidotti, and captained by NCAA MVP Amado Martelino.

Ateneo played the Mapua Cardinals in the finals for the NCAA Championship. In the second game of the NCAA Finals, a brawl broke out involving both players and fans after Felix Flores was knocked to the ground by a Mapua player. After the melee subsided, Ateneo won the game in overtime, 82-81.

Due to the violence and ineligibility of several players, the NCAA basketball championship was suspended for 1962. While home-and-away games were held in 1963 to 1964, these were later deemed unofficial.

NCAA basketball resumed in 1965. Ateneo's stars during this era included Jimmy Alabanza, who was named NCAA MVP in 1966, and sharpshooter Chito Afable.

In 1968, Ateneo was heavily-favored in its finals matchup against Jose Rizal College, but lost the title game.

In 1969, Ateneo recruited high school standouts Francis Arnaiz, Marte Samson, and Joy Cleofas. Along with veterans Afable, Ricky Palou, Jun Ross, and Baby Boy Morales, Ateneo won the championship after losing only one game to Letran. The team was coached by Nilo Verona. However, after the season, eight members of the champion team were dismissed for academic reasons.

With the loss of Arnaiz, Samson, and Cleofas, Ateneo was unable to challenge for a title until 1974, when the Blue Eagles lost to Lim Eng Beng's La Salle Green Archers, 90-80. During the season, two players were dismissed due to academics, leading to the resignation of Coach Baby Dalupan.

Dalupan returned for the 1975 season. Co-captained by Gerry Versoza and Max Estrada, the team was led by veterans Fritz Gaston, Bernardo Carpio, and Chito Narvasa, as well as rookies Padim Israel, Francisco Rabat's son Louie Rabat, and high school senior Steve Watson. Finishing 12-1, and taking both pennatns under then-NCAA rules, Ateneo was awarded the men's basketball championship.

Ateneo won a second successive title in 1976, with Watson being named 1976 NCAA MVP.

In 1977, Ateneo was in a position to win its first "three-peat" since 1931-1933. Joined by Chito Narvasa's brother Ogie Narvasa, the core of the 1976 team was intact. However, a rule change prohibited Dalupan from coaching in the UAAP at the same time as in the PBA. Dalupan was succeeded by Adriano "Bong" Go. Bernardo Carpio was named season MVP.

After winning the second-round pennant, Ateneo faced San Beda in a three-game series for the Championship. While Ateneo won the first game 105-99, San Beda took the second game 71-68.

The 1977 finals series was marred with violence and hooliganism, with fans throwing objects at players, and fans opening umbrellas inside sports arenas to avoid injury. As a result, the deciding Game 3 was held behind closed doors. With San Beda leading 76-75, Ateneo team captain Pons Valdez was called for an offensive foul as he drove for what would have been a game-winning layup, giving San Beda star JB Yango two free throws to seal San Beda's championship, 77-75.

Departure and transfer to UAAP
Due to league-wide violence, including a brawl between Ateneo and San Beda fans after Game One of the finals, Ateneo officials decided to tranfer from the NCAA to the UAAP in 1978. Ateneo players were informed of this decision the day before Game 3 of the 1977 NCAA finals.

During their stint in the NCAA, Ateneo won 14 men's basketball championships, the most of any team at the time.

Early UAAP Years (1978 to 1986)
Ateneo was accepted into the UAAP in 1978. Elevated from teaching the high school team was Coach Dodie Agcaoili. However, as the UAAP was then regarded as a less prestigious league, most of Ateneo's players from the 1977 season refused to join the team, including Steve Watson, Padim Israel, and Louie Rabat. The only veteran holdovers were Ogie Narvasa, Rayboy Narvasa, and Bambi Kabigting. Ateneo finished its first UAAP season with a 6-6 record.

In 1979, the Narvasa brothers decided not to return for the UAAP season, and the Ateneo Blue Eagles suffered the only winless season in school history, at 0-12.

In 1980, Chito Narvasa was appointed head coach. Narvasa convinced his brothers Ogie and Rayboy to return to the team. That season, Ateneo finished with a 5-7 record.

In 1981, Jojo Lastimosa was recruited to play for Ateneo at an inter-Jesuit school meet. For these two seasons, Lastimosa joined Chot Reyes in leading the team to two successive 6-6 records in 1981 and 1982. Lastimosa transferred to the University of San Jose-Recoletos after the 1982 Season.

In the first round of the 1983 Season, Ateneo upset the defending champion UE Red Warriors of Allan Caidic and Jerry Codinera, which was coached by Baby Dalupan, 109-107. After ending the first round tied for first at 4-2, Ateneo only won one more game and ended the season at 5-7. In 1984, Ateneo finished the season 3-9.

In 1985, a strong senior class from the Ateneo High School Blue Eaglets was elevated to the senior team, including Jun Reyes, Joseph Canlas, Alex Araneta, and Jet Nieto. Len Mumar was also recruited from Lasalle Greenhills. Veteran holdovers included Nonoy Chuatico and team captain Mike Facundo. The team finished with a 7-5 record in the UAAP.

In 1986, Eric Reyes and Billy Reyes joined the Ateneo Blue Eagles, while Jayvee Gayoso returned after a one-year stint playing for La Salle. La Salle joined the UAAP this season, expanding the UAAP to its current complement of eight teams. This allowed the Ateneo-La Salle rivalry to resume after eight years. Ateneo took the first two rivalry games 77 - 65 and 81- 80, en route to a 6-8 record.

Back to Back Championships (1987-1988)
Season 50 (1987)

In 1987, Ateneo appointed Cris Calilan as its new head coach. Joining the Blue Eagles were centers Danny Francisco and Alex Araneta, power forwards Eric Reyes and Albert Mendoza, and point guard Olsen Racela. After an opening day loss to the defending Champion UP Maroons, Ateneo only dropped one more game to the UST Glowing Goldies during the eliminations. When UST forfeited their win due to fielding an ineligible player, Ateneo finished 13-1, good for first place after the eliminations.

One week before the UAAP Finals, Francisco suffered a collapsed lung and was hospitalized. Without Francisco to counter UAAP MVP Jerry Codinera, Ateneo found itself down twenty points, 83-63, with 10:03 remaining. However, led by Jun Reyes and Jet Nieto, Ateneo came back to win the title game 94-92, and clinch its first UAAP men's basketball championship.

In the second semester, Ateneo defeated the reigning NCAA Champion Letran Knights in an exhibition game, 107-92. They also won the Metro Manila Basketbal League by defeating all the teams in the championship round. Finally, Ateneo won the National UAAP by defeating a Southwestern University Cobras team led by future PBA players Calvin Tuadles and Mark Anthony Tallo 98-97 in the finals.

Season 51 (1988)

Ateneo began the 1988 UAAP season as heavy favorites to retain their championship. Nonoy Chuatico had graduated, but was replaced by Gene Afable. Coach Calilan had taken a job as the head coach of the Purefoods Hotdogs in the PBA. Former Ateneo player Fritz Gaston was hired as Calilan's replacement.

Ateneo began their title defense with six straight wins, extending their win streak from the previous season to twenty. However, at the end of the first round, the La Salle Green Archers led by Dindo Pumaren defeated the Blue Eagles, 78-76.

During Ateneo's second-round game against UP. With 1:21 left in the game, Jayvee Gayoso] was called for a tripping foul against [[Samuel Marata. A fight ensued and a fan threatened to fire a gun. Ateneo thus left the court and conceded the game. Under UAAP rules, a team that walked out on a game could be suspended for up to one year. However, the UAAP board decided to just credit Ateneo with a loss rather than mete out a suspension.

After the controversy surrounding the UP game, in the middle of the second round, Jayvee Gayoso was accused of game-fixing. While Gayoso was later cleared of game-fixing by the school, he would never return to play for Ateneo.

Ateneo won its remaining games, including its last game against La Salle, 73-72, to finish with a 12-2 record. Under then-UAAP rules, Ateneo would face La Salle in the finals, with a twice-to-beat advantage.

Ateneo won Game 1 of the Finals, and the UAAP Championshp against La Salle, 75-66. Danny Francisco scored 14 points and had 21 rebounds.

In the second semester, Ateneo went on to finish second in the National Students Intercollegiate Championship, losing to Eugene Quilban's San Sebastian Stags, 93-91.

"The Dark Ages" (1989-2001)
After the 1988 championship, Ateneo failed to win a UAAP championship for fourteen years. Ateneo did not even qualify for the UAAP Final Four until 1999. This unsuccessful period is referred to as Ateneo's "Dark Ages."

1n 1989, Ateneo lost several key players from its 1988 Championship team. Jayvee Gayoso, despite being cleared of any allegations of game-fixing, did not return to play for Ateneo. Before the season, Danny Francisco was diagnosed with a heart ailment, and was forced to retire from competitive basketball. Alex Araneta was cut from the team due to academic deficiencies. Ogie Narvasa was appointed head coach, replacing Fritz Gaston. Richie Ticzon debuted for the Blue Eagles. Ateneo finished with an 8-6 record, and a 4th place finish. In 1990, Chot Reyes was appointed head coach. Led by Olsen Racela and sophomore Richie Ticzon, Ateneo was able to force a one-game playoff with the UE Red Warriors for a finals slot. However, Ticzon missed two free-throws at the end of the game, which UE won, 80-78.

In 1991, Ateneo finished 5th in the UAAP, with a 6-8 record.

In 1992, after Olsen Racela's graduation, Ateneo's main scorer was Ticzon. During the first-round game against UP, future UP coach Bo Perasol and Lino Ong climbed into the stands to confront Ateneo hecklers. Ateneo beat FEU in the first round, 63-61, on a late-game jumper by Ticzon. Ateneo finished the season 5-9, in fifth.

In 1993, Vince Hizon joined Ateneo after playing for Boise State University in the US NCAA. Future coach Sandy Arespacochaga also joined the team. Baby Dalupan also returned for one last stint as coach. Ateneo finished with another 6-8 record and 5th place. Ticzon and Hizon led the Blue Eagles to a win over rival La Salle in their last games as Blue Eagles, 77-66.

In 1994, Dalupan retired and was replaced by the returning Cris Calilan. However, Ticzon and Hizon were drafted into the PBA. With the loss of its two leading scorers, Ateneo finished with a 4-8 record and placed 6th out of 7 teams, as Adamson was suspended that year. Ateneo thus missed the first UAAP Final Four. However, Ateneo was able to notch a win against the eventual UAAP runners-up, the DLSU Green Archers, in the second round, by a score of 73-72. Red Camua led the Blue Eagles with 18 points, and hit four straight free throws to win the game.

In 1995, Ateneo appointed a third head coach in as many years, with Mark Molina taking over coaching duties. Twins Brandon and Brian Sison joined the team from Lasalle-Zobel. Ateneo finished the UAAP with a 4-10 record, in 7th place, and out of the Final Four.

In 1996, Ateneo again changed head coaches, appointing Ricky Palou. Ateneo sought to add Chinese recruit Ma Ming, brother of NBA player Ma Jian to its roster, but a new player eligibility rule prevented this from happening.

While Ateneo missed the Final Four for a third consecutive year, its record improved to 7-7, good for fifth place. In its second round game against La Salle, Ateneo routed its archrival by 25 points, 80-55. John Verayo and Brandon Sison made several 3-point shots in the opening minutes of the game. This game is known as the "Raining Threes" game among Ateneo fans.

In 1997, Perry Ronquillo was appointed head coach. Rainier Sison joined the team. However, after a 2-7 start, Ronquillo was fired and replaced by Mark Molina. The team finished with a 4-10 record, and in 6th place.

In 1998, Enrico Villanueva and Wesley Gonzales were elevated from the Juniors to the Seniors Team. Molina continued on as coach. However, the team again finished sixth, with a 5-9 record.

Joe Lipa Era (1999-2001)
UAAP Season 62 (1999)

In 1999, the Ateneo Basketball Program was reorganized, with an increased focus on recruitment. Joe Lipa, coach of the 1986 UAAP Champion UP Parrots, was hired as head coach.

The first batch of recruits under the revamped program included several members of the Champion 1998 Ateneo Blue Eaglets including Paolo Bugia and Bajjie Del Rosario, and Rich Alvarez from Japan. Notably, however, star high school point guard BJ Manalo, hoping to forge a career in the PBA, controversially chose to join the archrival De La Salle Green Archers.

Ateneo beat defending champions LaSalle 55-50 in the first round, but lost the second round encounter. Ateneo finished the eliminations 10-4, and qualified for the UAAP Final Four for the first time. Their season ended with a loss to the UST Growling Tigers in the Semifinals, 75-74. Ateneo initially filed a protest, citing three supposedly wrong calls, but withdrew the protest before the finals began.

UAAP Season 63 (2000)

In 2000, Larry Fonacier, Magnum Membrere, Marco Benitez, and Gec Chia joined the team. On Opening Day of the Season, LaSalle blew out Ateneo, 94-70. In its first-round game against UE, Villanueva was ejected after a brawl with rookie James Yap, leading to Villanueva's suspension and disqualification from the MVP race. Ateneo ended its season by beating La Salle, 66-63, and finished second in the standings.

Ateneo held a twice-to-beat advantage over third-placed FEU in the Semifinals. However, Ateneo was twice beaten, and was eliminated by FEU in the second game, 75-67.

UAAP Season 64 (2001)

In Lipa's third year as head coach, he decided to cut Wesley Gonzales from the team, and decided that the latter was no longer a fit for the team. Gonzales was replaced in the lineup by San Beda high school standout LA Tenorio.

Ateneo's first game was once again against defending champions La Salle. The Green Archers won another opening day blowout, 91-76. After the loss, rumor had it that Lipa would be dismissed if he failed to win the next two games. Lipa confronted the media about these rumors, and challenged one reporter to a fight.

Further controversy ensued when Villanueva got into a brawl with Adamson player Steve Rolan. In the same game, Lipa threw a chair in the direction of a referee. After a shaky start, Ateneo finished the eliminations with a 10-4 record, good for second place behind La Salle.

Ateneo defeated FEU in the Semifinals, 67-63, to return to the UAAP finals for the first time since 1988.

La Salle then won the first game of the finals, 74-68. Prior to game 2, La Salle forward/center Carlo Sharma was suspended for one game due to rough play. Led by Villanueva's 22 points, Ateneo won Game 2, 76-72. At the post-game press conference, Lipa accused the officials of poor refereeing, while La Salle coach Franz Pumaren made accusations of his own regarding gamesmanship.

Ateneo came out of the dugouts for Game 3 wearing "I love Joe" patches on their jerseys. Tenorio scored 30 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter. However, this was not enough to win the championship, as La Salle triumphed, 93-88, to complete a "four-peat." After the game, Lipa announced that he was leaving his post as Ateneo coach.

Joel Banal Era (2002-2003)
UAAP Season 65 (2002); Championship

Joel Banal was hired as the new Ateneo coach for Season 65. At his job interview, Banal stated that he wanted to become Ateneo coach because "Somebody has to stop La Salle."

Wesley Gonzales was recalled to the team, as was Sonny Tadeo. Freshmen Macky Escalona, Doug Kramer and JC Intal were recruited to replace the graduating Rainier Sison and Paul Tanchi. Prior the UAAP season, the core of the Ateneo team, competing as Ateneo-Hapee-NENACO, won the 2002 PBL Chairman's Cup. However, Magnum Membrere and Paolo Bugia both suffered ACL injuries during the PBL campaign.

Ateneo began the season with wins over NU, UST, and FEU. However, after an upset loss to UP, Ateneo dropped 4 of its next 5 games. Ateneo thus fell to a 4-5 record and fifth place, in danger of missing the Final Four. LA Tenorio also suffered a fractured hand during practice.

Ateneo earned a Final Four spot by winning four straight games, setting up a matchup in the last game of the regular season against La Salle. La Salle had been undefeated thus far, with a 13-0 record. A win against Ateneo would give La Salle an automatic finals slot, with a twice-to beat advantage. After a fourth-quarter run led by Gonzales, Ateneo won the final game of the eliminations, 76-63. Finishing the season 9-5, Ateneo finished 3rd due to the quotient system.

UE was Ateneo's Final Four opponent, with the former holding a twice-to-beat advantage. Tenorio returned for the first game, and led Ateneo to an 84-78 victory. Prior to Game 2, Sonny Tadeo and UE's Arnold Booker were suspended for rough play. In Game 2, Gec Chia made a buzzer-beater, giving Ateneo a 72-70 victory. Chia's jumper is known to Ateneo fans as "The Shot."

In Game One of the Finals, Ateneo led 72-70 with eight seconds left. Mac Cardona attempted a game-tying shot, but was blocked twice by Larry Fonacier The defensive stand, and Wesley Gonzales' post-block taunt, became the subject of a famous sports photo.

La Salle came back strongly in Game Two, winning 85-77, to force a deciding Game 3.

Ateneo won Game 3 and the UAAP championship, 77-70. Enrico VIllanueva was awarded season MVP. Fonacier and Gonzales were named co-Finals MVPs.

After the game, Mike Cortez was accused of game-fixing. However, no evidence was ever presented to prove the allegations.

UAAP Season 66 (2003)

Villanueva graduated in 2002, leaving Alvarez, Tenorio, Fonacier, and Gonzales to defend the UAAP championship in 2003. The team was reinforced with the return of Paolo Bugia and Magnum Membrere, as well as the recruitment of Chris Tiu and Ford Arao.

Ateneo started off poorly, losing its first two games. However, Ateneo recovered its form and finished the eliminations with an 11-3 record, first place, and a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four. After a UE protest was upheld, Ateneo faced La Salle in the Final Four. Rich Alvarez was named to the Mythical Five.

La Salle beat Ateneo in the first Final Four game in overtime, 76-72, thereby forcing a sudden death playoff. A brawl broke out late in the fourth quarter after LA Tenorio punched Jerwin Gaco in the ribcage. As punishment, Tenorio and Bajjie Del Rosario were suspended for one game for Ateneo, whie Ryan Arana was likewise suspended for La Salle after kicking Wesley Gonzales. Ateneo won the second game, 74-68. Former Eagles Rico Villanueva, Rainier Sison, Epok Quimpo, Andrew Cruz, and Sonny Tadeo got into another brawl with La Salle fans after the game.

In a series dubbed a "Holy War," due to the coaches of the teams both being surnamed Banal, FEU swept Ateneo, 2 games to 0. FEU won the first game 83-65 and the second game 69-56.

Sandy Arespacochaga Era (2004-2005)
UAAP Season 67 (2004)

After the 2003 UAAP Season, Banal decided not to come back as Ateneo head coach in order to coach in the PBA. Sandy Arespacochaga was appointed head coach, with Norman Black acting as consultant.

After the graduation of Rich Alvarez and Wesley Gonzales, the team's star players were LA Tenorio, Larry Fonacier, and Paolo Bugia. Before the season, BJ Manalo considered returning to Ateneo to play for its senior basketball team. However, Manalo did not make the final team. Instead, the team was reinforced by Japeth Aguilar, Yuri Escueta, Ken Barracoso, and Jobe Nkemakolam.

Ateneo started off by winning its first give games. However, during the first-game against UP, Fonacier fell to the ground while driving to the basket, tearing his MCL and ACL. Fonacier was ruled out for the remainder of the season. Despite winning the next two games to complete a first-round sweep, the Blue Eagles could only win 3 of their remaining 4 games, finishing the eliminations tied for second with a 10-4 record.

In order to break the second-place tie, Ateneo had a playoff with La Salle. As the winner would hold a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four, the games between Ateneo and La Salle were effectively a best of three series to earn a finals spot. The Green Archers won the playoff game, 82-69. La Salle then eliminated Ateneo by winning the Final Four game, 69-55. Tenorio and Bugia were named to the UAAP Mythical Five, while JC Intal won most improved player.

Norman Black Era (2005-2012)
UAAP Season 68 (2005)

For the 2005 season, Norman Black was formally appointed head coach after acting as team consultant the previous year.

Larry Fonacier and Paolo Bugia graduated, while Chris Tiu spent the year studying abroad. Jai Reyes and Rabeh Al Hussaini were recruited to join the team, while Zion Laterre and Emman Nazareno were elevated from Ateneo's Team B.

After getting blown out by La Salle on opening day, Ateneo won 5 of its next 6 games to finish the first round 5-2, and in second place. Ateneo had a chance to clinch a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four, but dropped their last game to La Salle, 72-55, resulting in a triple tie for second place at 10-4. As a result of the quotient system, Ateneo had to play UE in a playoff to determine its placing. Ateneo won the playoff game against the Red Warriors, 76-65.

By virtue of the win, Ateneo faced La Salle in the Final Four. However, the Lasalle swept the season series and eliminated the Blue Eagles in the semifinals, 74-57. LA Tenorio was named to the season's Mythical Five, while Jai Reyes was named Rookie of the Year.

UAAP Season 69 (2006)

For 2006, Tenorio and Membrere graduated and were drafted into the PBA, while Japeth Aguilar transferred to Western Kentucky University. Eric Salamat and Eman Monfort were recruited to join the team, while Chris Tiu returned from his foreign exchange program. Martin Quimson, Johann Uichico, and Yuri Escueta were elevated from Team B. Macky Escalona, Doug Kramer, and JC Intal were named co-captains, and were referred to by Ateneo fans as the "Three Kings."

As La Salle had been suspended for the year due to fielding an ineligible player, only seven teams competed in the UAAP. Ateneo swept the first round by winning its first 6 games. The winning streak only ended in the Blue Eagles' ninth game against UST, when the Growling Tigers won 88-80. With a final-game loss to UE, Ateneo finished the eliminations with the best record, at 10-2. After the season, Intal was named to the Mythical Five.

Ateneo won the Final Four game against Adamson, 76-73. UST advanced to the finals after beating No. 2 seed UE twice.

Ateneo won Game 1 of the Finals on a buzzer-beating layup by Doug Kramer off an inbound play with only 1 second on the clock. However, UST won the last 2 games of the series, 87-71,, and 76-74. Escalona scored 28 points in his last game, but Intal missed two shots to win the deciding game.

UAAP Season 70 (2007)

Escalona, Intal, and Kramer graduated after the 2006 season. They were replaced in the lineup by Nonoy Baclao, who was elevated from Team B, along with the returning Yuri Escueta, Mike Baldos, and Jobe Nkemakolam. Kirk Long, Chris "Oping" Sumalinog, and Season 69 UAAP Juniors MVP Bacon Austria were recruited to join the team.

Ateneo won its first game against La Salle 80-77 in overtime. However, La Salle filed a protest on the ground that Ateneo's two foreign players, Zion Laterre and Kirk Long, were on the court at the same time. After deliberations, the protest was denied, and Ateneo's win was upheld. The second round game against La Salle also saw a review, after Rico Maierhofer appeared to have tied the game with a last-second layup. However, after checking the footage, Maierhofer was not able to release the ball before time expired. Ateneo had a chance to clinch second place with a final day win against the NU Bulldogs, but they lost the game, 96-88.

Ateneo and La Salle tied for second, both with 9-5 records. Thus, the two teams had a playoff for second place. La Salle won the game 70-69. As UE had gone undefeated in the eliminations, Ateneo was entered into a "step-ladder" format.

Ateneo beat 4th-seeded UST in the first step of the semifinals, 69-64. This set up a rematch between Ateneo and La Salle in the semifinals, with La Salle holding a twice-to-beat advantage. After the game, an Ateneo fan was banned for two years after getting into a scuffle with UAAP commissioner Ed Cordero.

Ateneo won the first game, 65-64, on a late-game layup by Chris Tiu, forcing a sudden-death game. However, La Salle eliminated Ateneo by winning the second semifinal game, 65-60. After the season, Tiu was named to the Mythical Five for the season.

UAAP Season 71 (2008)

Following the 2007 season, Ford Arao, Ken Barracoso, and Zion Laterre graduated, while Eman Monfort was relegated to Team B. Ateneo's recruiting class included Ryan Buenafe, Nico Salva, Justin Chua, Tonino Gonzaga, and Vince Burke.

Ateneo finished 1st after the eliminations round, with a 13-1 record. Rabeh Al-Hussaini was named UAAP MVP, and was included in the Mythical Five alongside Chris Tiu. Ryan Buenafe was named Rookie of the Year.

In the Final Four, the Blue Eagles routed UE, 70-50, to set up a finals matchup with their archrivals La Salle.

In Game 1 of the Finals, Al-Hussaini scored 31 points and collared 9 rebounds to lead Ateneo to a 69-61 victory. Four days later, Ateneo won the UAAP championship by winning Game 2 of the Finals, 62-51. La Salle star forward Rico Maierhofer was ejected after receiving his second techincal foul after giving Nonoy Baclao a middle finger. La Salle contended that Maierhofer was just calling to a teammate with his finger. After the game, La Salle Coach Franz Pumaren called the officiating the "worst officiating" he had seen. La Salle refused to come out to receive their runners-up trophy. Baclao was named Finals MVP.

UAAP Season 72 (2009)

After the 2008 season, Chris Tiu and Yuri Escueta graduated. Jobe Nkemakolam left the team, while Mike Baldos was declared ineligible to play due to not meeting academic standards. In their place, Emman Monfort was called back up from Team B. Freshmen Juami Tiongson, Frank Golla, and Chris de Chavez also joined the team.

Ateneo finished the elimination rounds on top of the standings, with a 13-1 record. Their only loss was an upset 68-58 defeat to the UP Fighting Maroons in the first round. Ateneo thus held a twice-to-beat advantage against UST in the Final Four.

The Blue Eagles routed UST in the semi-finals, 81-64. In the other semi-final, UE upset no. 2 seed FEU to earn the right to challenge Ateneo. Rabeh Al-Hussaini was named to the Mythical Five for the season.

During the season, a complaint was field against Ateneo, which alleged that former player Jobe Nkemakolam had not finished college. However, the UAAP and CHED cleared Nkemakolam and Ateneo of all charges.

Game 1 of the Finals was postponed by the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy. When the first game was finally played, Ateneo won 78-71. Point guard Jai Reyes had to be airlifted from his flooded home before the game.

UE blew out Ateneo 88-68 in Game 2, thereby forcing a deciding game 3. In Game 3, Ateneo won a second consecutive championship by prevailing 71-58. Rabeh Al-Hussaini was named Finals MVP.

UAAP Season 73 (2010)

Rabeh al-Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao, and Jai Reyes all graduated after the 2009 season. Art dela Cruz and Jeric Estrada were recruited, while Poy Erram, Jumbo Escueta, and Carlo Balmaceda were elevated from Team B.

After losing their first game against FEU, Ateneo won two straight games, before losing to archrival La Salle, 66-63. The Blue Eagles then won three straight games to finish the first round in second place, with a 5-2 record. Ateneo then won the first three games of the second round, including a 74-57 rout of La Salle. The Blue Eagles then won 2 of their next 3 games going into their final elimination round match with FEU. The Tamaraws won the last game, 74-72, to clinch the No. 1 Seed.

Ateneo then faced Adamson in the semi-finals, and beat the Falcons 68-55.

In Game 1 of the finals, Ateneo logged its first win of the season against FEU, 72-49. The Blue Eagles then swept the finals by beating FEU in Game 2,65-62, on a clutch three-pointer by Ryan Buenafe, who was named Finals MVP.

UAAP Season 74 (2011)

After winning the Season 73 Championship, Eric Salamat and Jumbo Escueta graduated. Before the 2011 Season, Art Dela Cruz transferred to San Beda, while Ryan Buenafe was academically suspended. The team was reinforced by rookies Kiefer Ravena, Von Pessumal, Gwynne Capacio, and Bonifacio Jovito "Bon Jovi" Cipriano, as well as transferee Greg Slaughter. Slaughter's eligibility was questioned prior to the season, as he played in the PBA's All-Filipino conference as a member of Smart-Gilas. However, he was eventually cleared to play.

Ateneo swept the first round with a 7-0 record. Ateneo then won the next six games, before dropping their final elimination-round game to Adamson, 62-46, to finish with a 13-1 record, and in first place. After the season, Kiefer Ravena was named Rookie of the Year, as well as a member of the season Mythical Five alongside Greg Slaughter.

Entering the Final Four with a twice-to-beat advantage, Ateneo faced UST in the semifinals. Ateneo took the first chance to advance to the finals with a 69-66 win.

Ateneo's finals opponent was FEU, who upset no.2 Adamson in their semi-final series. Ateneo took Game 1, 82-64, behind Nico Salva's 24 points. The Blue Eagles then clinched their fourth consecutive UAAP Title with an 82-69 win in Game 2. Salva was named Finals MVP.

UAAP Season 75(2012)

In February 2012, Norman Black announced that the 2012 UAAP season would be his last as Ateneo Coach. For Black's final season, Eman Monfort, Kirk Long, and Bacon Austria graduated. Ryan Buenafe returned to the team, joined by rookies Kris Porter and Giboy Babilonia. Nico Elorde also suited up for the Blue Eagles after transferring from the De La Salle Green Archers.

Ateneo finished the first round of the eliminations with a 6-1 record, with the only loss coming to UST. After Ateneo's second round game against FEU, JP Erram was suspended for incurring two unsportsmanlike fouls, while Arvie Bringas was suspended for two games for spitting on Justin Chua. Ateneo would only lose one more game in the elimination round, against UE after a Chris Javier buzzer-beater. In their last game, Ateneo beat UST 68-66, after Ryan Buenafe completed a three-point play after a goaltending call. UST protested the goaltending call, as well as a non-call on Ateneo coach Norman Black for confronting the referees; the protest was later denied. WIth their win against UST confirmed, the Blue Eagles finished the eliminations with a 12-2 record, and in first place.

After the eliminations, Greg Slaughter was named to the Mythical Five for the season. Team Patron Manuel V. Pangilinan announced his withdrawal of support of Ateneo over disagreements regarding Pangilinan's investments in mining, and over Ateneo's position regarding the Reproductive Health Bill.

In the Final Four, Ateneo eliminated La Salle in the Semi-final round, by a score of 66-63. Ateneo thus moved on to the finals against the UST Growling Tigers.

Ateneo captured its fifth straight UAAP Championship by sweeping UST in the finals, by scores of 83-78 in the first game, and 65-62. Nico Salva was named Finals MVP for a second straight year. and 65-62.

Bo Perasol Era (2013-2015)
On 26 November 2012, former Powerade Tigers coach Bo Perasol was named Ateneo's new head coach.

UAAP Season 76(2013)

Greg Slaughter, Nico Salva, Justin Chua, and Tonino Gonzaga graduated from the Season 75 Team. Among others, Chris Newsome, Vince Tolentino and Anton Asistio debuted for the Blue Eagles.

Star guard Kiefer Ravena missed the first three games after spraining an ankle while filming a commercial. After the second-round loss to archrivals La Salle, Coach Perasol got into an altercation with a La Salle fan, and had to be restrained.

Ateneo finished the regular season 7-7, and missed the UAAP Final Four for the first time since 1998.

UAAP Season 77(2014)

Ryan Buenafe, Poy Erram, Juami Tiongson, and Frank Golla graduated after Season 76. In their stead, Thirdy Ravena, Arvin Tolentino, Kris Porter, Clint Doliguez and John Apacible debuted for the Blue Eagles. Alfonzo Gotladera transferred to Ateneo from La Salle.

The Blue Eagles surged to a 6-1 record after the first round, landing in first place. Kiefer Ravena led the team in scoring, while making a buzzer-beater to beat UST, and dropping a career-high 38 points in a win over UE.

Ateneo went 5-2 in the second round, dropping games against La Salle and NU. FEU protested Ateneo's win, on the ground that a Von Pessumal shot was upgraded to a three-pointer three minutes after it was made; the protest was denied. Ateneo topped the standings after the elimination round, with an 11-3 record.

Kiefer Ravena and Chris Newsome were named to the Season's Mythical Five, while Arvin Tolentino was named Rookie of the Year.

Ateneo squared off against No. 4 seed NU in the Final Four. NU won Game One 78-74 to force a Game Two.

Ateneo's season ended with a 65-63 loss in Game Two of the semifinal round. Despite having thirty minutes to prepare a play due to a power outage, Ravena's attempt at a game-tying layup was blocked by Alfred Aroga.

UAAP Season 78(2015)

For Season 78, Ateneo replaced the graduated Nico Elorde and Chris Newsome with a recruiting class composed of Aaron Black, Isaac Go, Mike Nieto, Matt Nieto, Jerie Pingoy, Hubert Cani, Chibuze Ikeh, and Adrian Wong. Thirdy Ravena, however, was declared academically ineligible for the season.

Ateneo struggled in the first round and finished with a 4-3 record. The first round finished with a loss to archrival La Salle, where Ateneo blew a 15-point lead. After the loss, Coach Perasol's firing was discussed among the team's backers. A few days, Perasol announced that he would not return to coach the Blue Eagles for Season 79.

Off the court, Ateneo's players also found themselves in trouble. John Apacible was filmed in a viral video expressing drunken road rage and declaring himself "Councilor." Apacible was suspended from the team. A few days later, Chibueze Ikeh was taken into custody for charges of Violence against Women and Children.

Ateneo's form improved in the second round, as the Blue Eagles finished the eliminations with a 9-5 record, in third place. However, Ateneo lost its Final Four game against FEU 76-74, on a Mac Belo putback at the buzzer.

Kiefer Ravena was awarded his second straight MVP award after the season.

Tab Baldwin Era (2016 - present)
On 7 December 2015, Tab Baldwin was announced as Ateneo's new head coach.

Season 79 (2016)

With the graduation of Kiefer Ravena, Von Pessumal, Ateneo was planning to line up CJ Perez for Season 79 to supplant its roster, but Perez, along with Arvin Tolentino, Jerie Pingoy, Hubert Cani, Clint Doliquez, John Apacible, and Kemark Carino were expelled for academic reasons.

With the loss of these seven players, Ateneo's roster was filled by rookies and Team B players, including Byron Allmond, Anton Asistio, Jme Escaler, Shaun Ildefonso, Jolo Mendoza, Raffy Verano, and Jawuan White. Thirdy Ravena also returned from his academics-based hiatus.

The rookie-laden Blue Eagles started the season 4-3 after the first round, and absorbed a blowout 97-81 loss to archrival La Salle.

After being upset by the UP Fighting Maroons for the first time in seven years to start the second round, Ateneo went on a six-game winning streak to end the season. In their second round game against La Salle, the Blue Eagles denied the Green Archers a season sweep by besting the latter, 83-71. Ateneo finished the regular season in second place, with a 10-4 record, and a twice-to-beat advantage against the FEU Tamaraws in the Final Four.

Ateneo dropped the first game of the semifinals to the Tamaraws, 62-61. However, the Blue Eagles won the rematch, 69-68, after Isaac Go put Ateneo ahead on a falling putback, and after Ron Dennison's would-be winner was adjudged to have come after time expired.

In Game One of the Finals against top seed La Salle, Ateneo fell behind early, 14-2, before fighting back to tie the game at 65-65. However, Jeron Teng put La Salle ahead with a jumper, before blocking Aaron Black's attempt at the buzzer. La Salle sealed the championship with a win in Game 2, 79-72.

Thirdy Ravena was named to the Mythical Five for the season.

Season 80(2017)

Ateneo entered Season 79 with a nearly-intact roster, losing only Gboy Babilionia to graduation and Shaun Ildefonso via transfer to NU. In the preseason, Adrian Wong suffered an ACL injury. He was replaced in the roster by rookie Tyler Tio, who had been delared ineligible the year before.

The Blue Eagles swept the first round, punctuated by a 76-75 win over La Salle, after Matt Nieto stole a crucial inbound play. Ateneo then won the first six games of the second round to go undefeated into their last regular-season game against La Salle. La Salle denied Ateneo a regular-season sweep by beating the latter 79-76. Nevertheless, Ateneo entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed and a 13-1 record.

King Eagles
Ateneo Blue Eagle team leaders, whether or not officially named team captains, have been nicknamed "King Eagles," as a reference to Ateneo's fight song, "Blue Eagle, the King. "

Edgardo Ocampo, team captain of the 1957 to 1958 Blue Eagles, was the first to be called a "King Eagle."


 * Ambrosio Padilla
 * Chole Gaston
 * Macky Escalona (2006)
 * JC Intal(2006)
 * Doug Kramer (2006)
 * Chris Tiu (2007-2008)
 * Rabeh Al-Hussaini (2009)
 * Eric Salamat (2010)
 * Kiefer Ravena (2013-2016)
 * Vince Tolentino (2017)
 * Thirdy Ravena (2018-2019)
 * BJ Andrade (2022)

NCAA Most Valuable Player

 * Amador Obordo(1933)
 * Eduardo Cortes (1939)
 * Bobby Jones (1940)
 * Moro Lorenzo- (1948 and 1949)
 * Francisco Rabat - (1953)
 * Edgardo Ocampo- (1958)
 * Amado Martelino - (1961)
 * Jimmy Alabanza - (1966)
 * Steve Watson - (1975)
 * Bernardo "Joy" Carpio- (1976)

UAAP Most Valuable Player

 * Jun Reyes (1987 and 1988)
 * Rich Alvarez (2000 and 2001)
 * Enrico Villanueva (2002)
 * Rabeh Al-Hussaini (2008)
 * Kiefer Ravena (2014 and 2015)
 * Angelo Kouame (2021)

UAAP Mythical Five

 * Enrico Villanueva (2001 and 2002)
 * Rich Alvarez (2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003)
 * Paolo Bugia (2004)
 * LA Tenorio (2004 and 2005)
 * JC Intal (2006)
 * Chris Tiu (2007 and 2008)
 * Rabeh Al-Hussaini (2008 and 2009)
 * Greg Slaughter (2011 and 2012)
 * Kiefer Ravena (2011, 2014 and 2015)
 * Chris Newsome (2014)
 * Thirdy Ravena (2016, 2017)
 * Ange Kouame (2021)
 * Forthsky Padrigao (2022)
 * Dave Ildefonso (2022)

UAAP Rookie of the Year

 * Enrico Villanueva (1998)
 * Jai Reyes (2005)
 * Ryan Buenafe (2008)
 * Kiefer Ravena (2011)
 * Arvin Tolentino (2014)
 * Angelo Kouame (2018)

UAAP Finals MVP

 * Larry Fonacier and Wesley Gonzales (2002)
 * Chris Tiu (2008)
 * Rabeh Al-Hussaini (2009)
 * Ryan Buenafe (2010)
 * Nico Salva (2011 and 2012)
 * Thirdy Ravena (2017, 2018 and 2019)
 * Ange Kouame (2022)

Blue Eagles in Professional Basketball
As of 28 April 2024, these former Blue Eagles players are playing in professional leagues, whether in the Philippines or abroad:

Philippine Basketball Association
*Nonoy Baclao - Free Agent *Adrian Wong - Free Agent
 * BJ Andrade - Converge FiberXers
 * Japeth Aguilar - Barangay Ginebra San Miguel - Transferred to Western Kentucky University
 * Anton Asistio - Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
 * Aaron Black (basketball) - Meralco Bolts
 * Kemark Carino - Terrafirma Dyip
 * Justin Chua - Blackwater Bossing
 * Poy Erram - TNT Tropang Giga
 * Andre Flores - Converge FiberXers
 * Inand Fornilos - Converge FiberXers
 * Isaac Go - Terrafirma Dyip
 * Patrick Maagdenberg - Converge FiberXers
 * Troy Mallillin - San Miguel Beermen
 * Gian Mamuyac - Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
 * Jolo Mendoza - Meralco Bolts
 * William Navarro - Northport Batang Pier
 * Chris Newsome - Meralco Bolts
 * Matt Nieto - NLEX Road Warriors
 * Mike Nieto - Converge FiberXers
 * CJ Perez - San Miguel Beermen - transferred to Lyceum of the Philippines University
 * Von Pessumal - Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
 * LA Tenorio - Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
 * Tyler Tio - Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters
 * Juami Tiongson - Terrafirma Dyip
 * Arvin Tolentino - Northport Batang Pier - Transferred to Far Eastern University
 * Raffy Verano - Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters

Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League

 * Rabeh Al-Hussaini - Manila Stars
 * John Apacible - Rizal Golden Coolers - transferred to UE
 * Andrey Armenion - Valenzuela Classic - transferred to UE
 * Hubert Cani - Negros Muscovados - transferred to FEU
 * Gwynne Capacio - Iloilo United Royals
 * Jason Credo - Iloilo United Royals
 * Chris De Chavez - Valenzuela Classic
 * Arthur dela Cruz - Davao Occidental Tigers - Transferred to San Beda University
 * Clint Doliguez - Iloilo United Royals - Transferred to San Beda University''
 * RV Berjay - Iloilo United Royals
 * Nico Elorde - South Cotabato Warriors
 * Paul Garcia - Pampanga Giant Lanterns
 * Alfonzo Gotladera - Valenzuela Classic
 * Jay Javelosa - Iloilo United Royals
 * Carlo Lastimosa - Biñan Tatak Gel - transferred to College of St. Benilde''
 * Gab Gomez - Iloilo United Royals
 * Jerie Pingoy- Rizal Golden Coolers - transferred to Adamson University
 * Kris Porter - Batangas City Embassy Chill
 * Brix Ramos - Negros Muscovados - transferred to UP
 * Greg Slaughter - Manila Stars
 * Vince Tolentino - Pangasinan Heatwaves

PBA 3x3

 * Tonino Gonzaga - Cavitex Braves
 * Nico Salva - MCFASolver Tech Centrale

Korean Basketball League

 * SJ Belangel - Daegu KOGAS Pegasus
 * Dave Ildefonso - Suwon KT Sonicboom

B.League

 * Dwight Ramos-Levanga Hokkaido
 * Kiefer Ravena - Shiga Lakestars
 * Thirdy Ravena - San-en NeoPhoenix
 * Kai Sotto - Hiroshima Dragonflies
 * Greg Slaughter - Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka

Retired Professional Blue Eagles
The following Ateneo Blue Eagles Players previously played in the Philippine Basketball Association, and won championships and/or awards:
 * Rabeh Al-Hussaini - 2011 PBA Rookie of the Year; 3 x PBA All-Star; 1 x PBA Champion
 * Rich Alvarez - 2004-05 PBA Rookie of the Year; PBA All-Star.
 * Francis Arnaiz - PBA Hall of Fame; 10 x PBA Champion; Member, PBA's 25 Greatest Players and PBA's 40 Greatest Players.
 * Paolo Bugia - 2 x PBA Champion
 * Bernardo Carpio (basketball) - 8 x PBA Champion
 * Gec Chia - 2 x PBA Champion
 * Macky Escalona - PBA Champion
 * Larry Fonacier - 2006 PBA Rookie of the Year, 3 x PBA All Star, 1 x PBA Finals MVP, 7 x PBA Champion
 * Vince Hizon - 1 x PBA Mythical Five; 4 x PBA Champion
 * JC Intal - 3 x PBA All-Star; 1 x PBA Champion
 * Padim Israel - 6 x PBA Champion, 1985 PBA Most Improved Player
 * Doug Kramer - 1 x PBA Champion
 * Jojo Lastimosa - 10 x PBA Champion; Member, PBA's 25 Greatest Players and PBA's 40 Greatest Players, 1988 PBA Rookie of the Year; 3-time Mythical First Team Selection ; 4-time Mythical Second Team Selection; 10-time PBA All-Star; 1 x Finals MVP
 * Emman Monfort - 1 x PBA All-Star
 * Olsen Racela - 9 x PBA Champion; 6 x PBA All-Star; 2× PBA Mythical First Team; 3× PBA Mythical Second Team; PBA Mr. Quality Minutes (1993)
 * Richie Ticzon - 2 x PBA Champion
 * Chris Tiu - 1 x PBA Champion
 * Enrico Villanueva - 1 x PBA Champion; 1 x Best Player of the Conference; 7 x PBA All-Star; 1 x PBA Mythical First Team.

Blue Eagles in International Competition
The following Ateneo Blue Eagles Players have represented the Philippines in international competition:

1936 Summer Olympics

 * Primitivo Martinez
 * Amador Obordo
 * Bibiano Ouano
 * Ambrosio Padilla

1948 Summer Olympics

 * Primitivo Martinez

1960 Summer Olympics

 * Ed Ocampo

1968 Summer Olympics

 * Ed Ocampo

1972 Summer Olympics

 * Ed Ocampo (Captain)

1954 FIBA World Championships

 * Francisco Rabat

1959 FIBA World Championships

 * Ed Ocampo

1974 FIBA World Championships

 * Franciz Arnaiz
 * Ricardo Cleofas

1978 FIBA World Championships

 * Steve Watson
 * Padim Israel
 * Joy Carpio

2014 FIBA World Championships

 * LA Tenorio
 * Japeth Aguilar

2019 FIBA World Championships

 * Kiefer Ravena
 * CJ Perez
 * Japeth Aguilar

2023 FIBA World Championships

 * Kiefer Ravena
 * Dwight Ramos
 * Japeth Aguilar
 * CJ Perez

2011 FIBA Asia Championships

 * Chris Tiu
 * Japeth Aguilar

2013 FIBA Asia Championships

 * LA Tenorio
 * Larry Fonacier
 * Japeth Aguilar

2015 FIBA Asia Championships

 * JC Intal

2017 FIBA Asia Championships

 * Japeth Aguilar

2022 FIBA Asia Championships

 * Thirdy Ravena
 * Kiefer Ravena
 * Poy Erram
 * Geo Chiu
 * William Navarro
 * SJ Belangel

1973 ABC Championship

 * Francis Arnaiz
 * Ricardo Cleofas

1951 Asian Games

 * Ignacio Ramos

2002 Asian Games

 * Olsen Racela

2010 Asian Games

 * Japeth Aguilar
 * Chris Tiu
 * Greg Slaughter

2014 Asian Games

 * Japeth Aguilar
 * LA Tenorio

2018 Asian Games

 * Poy Erram
 * Chris Tiu

The Blue Eagle Gym
Ateneo's home gym is the Blue Eagle Gym, located on the Ateneo De Manila University's Campus. The Blue Eagle Gym was constructed in 1949, and holds 7,500 spectators. The Blue Eagle Gym, then known as the Loyola Center, became the home of the NCAA Philippines.

Unusually, Ateneo rarely played on its own home court during its time in the NCAA. To avoid any perceived home court advantage, Ateneo's games were played at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum

Coaches
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Ateneo–La Salle rivalry
The rivalry between Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University, widely regarded as Philippines' foremost collegiate rivalry for decades, has resulted in sold-out games (especially in men's basketball and women's volleyball, the latter of which both schools hold the current all-time record for the longest joint UAAP Finals appearance from 2012 to 2017) that attract several public figures in attendance, including politicians, movie stars, and foreign diplomats. It is also the foremost school rivalry in the UAAP since La Salle joined the UAAP from the NCAA in 1986. However, the rivalry dates back to the time when both schools were playing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association from 1924 until Ateneo transferred to the UAAP in 1978.

Ateneo–San Beda rivalry
Prior to the Ateneo-La Salle Rivalry, Ateneo's original rival was the San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA.

San Beda and Ateneo dominated the early years of the NCAA, with Ateneo winning 14 championships, a record that San Beda would go on to break. Ateneo won championships over San Beda in the finals games of 1932, 1941, 1953, and 1976, while San Beda prevailed over Ateneo to win the NCAA in 1934, 1935, and 1955.

The rivalry ended in 1977, when Ateneo transferred to the UAAP. In one last finals series, San Beda denied Ateneo a three-peat by winning a game held behind closed doors.

Ateneo–UP rivalry
A rivalry between the Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines, the country's 2 highest-ranked academic institutions for decades, existed even before the formation of the NCAA and UAAP. Students of UP would troop from Padre Faura to the Ateneo campus in Intramuros to play basketball with the Ateneans, which led to Ateneo forming the first organized cheering squad and pep band in the Philippines and what is now known as the Blue Babble Battalion. This would later become UAAP's "Battle of Katipunan" when both universities transferred to their respective campuses along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, and when the two schools began competing in the UAAP.

Despite both schools being featured in several UAAP Finals matchups in other events like men's football, the now-dubbed "Battle of Katipunan" garnered nationwide attention for the first time in UAAP history when third-seeded UP Fighting Maroons, after ending a 21-year long drought of Final Four appearance, overcame second-seeded Adamson Soaring Falcons' twice-to-beat advantage to advance to the finals for the first time since their 1986 championship to face defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles in men's basketball in 2018. Since that season, excluding 2019, Ateneo and UP jointly figured in the championship series in UAAP men's basketball, with UP winning during Season 84 in 2022 via overtime in both opening and do-or-die games,   and Ateneo winning in 2018 via sweep,  and Season 85 in 2022 via do-or-die game.

Ateneo Basketball Records
Team Records

Most Points in one game: 114 points, vs. UST, Season 69 1st round, 2006.

Largest Margin of Victory: 88 points, (97-9) vs. NU, 28 September 1940.

Individual Records

Most Points in a Game: Kiefer Ravena, 38 points vs. UE, 10 August 2014. ,

Most Points in a Half: Kiefer Ravena, 26 points vs. NU, 1st Half, 15 October 2015.

Most Rebounds in a Game" Ange Kouame, 27 rebounds v. FEU, 20 October 2018.

Most Assists in a Game" Kiefer Ravena, 11 Assists v. Adamson, 17 October 2015.

Most Steals in a Game: Gian Mamuyac, 6 Steals v. La Salle, 2 April 2022.

Most Blocks in a Game: Ange Kouame, 8 Blocks v. NU, 5 April 2022.