WATCH: UAAP Primer: Ateneo Blue Eagles eye return to Final Four

The Blue Eagles are out to redeem themselves after falling out of a Final Four finish since 1999. They landed top recruit Arvin Tolentino this summer together with home-grown Thirdy Ravena. They still sport a rather sizeable hole in the middle with transferee Ponso Gotladera, the only true center in the bunch. However, with Tolentino, they are getting a big who dribbles and runs like a guard and able to create space with his ability to knock down three balls. Kiefer Ravena, Chris Newsome, Nico Elorde and Von Pessumal are expected to provide not only the points but also the leadership. It is intriguing to think that on paper, the Blue Eagles can parade a small ball lineup of Tolentino-Newsome-Pessumal-Ravena-Elorde­. Sorely missed would be Ryan Buenafe's swag especially in the end game.

Predicted record: 7-7