ATENEO remains the bar this UAAP Season 82, but the field is gaining ground just before the games begin on Wednesday.
Coaches were unanimous in picking the Blue Eagles as the team-to-beat in the men's basketball tournament.
"It's quite obvious already, it's Ateneo," said Adamson coach Franz Pumaren. "From player one to 16 skills-wise, they're all the same. Ateneo should be rated No. 1."
UP mentor Bo Perasol added: "It's a given that Ateneo is going to be on top."
"Ateneo will be No. 1," chimed in NU coach Jamike Jarin.
The idea shouldn't really come as a surprise with the boys of coach Tab Baldwin aiming to complete a three-peat this year.
And the American-New Zealander acknowledges the pressure on his side.
"I know expectations are high on our team and it's our job to play the best basketball as we can," said Baldwin.
Yet as favored as Ateneo is, the seven other squads are motivated to deny it of that feat and assert their claim to the throne.
Riding high from their silver medal finish last year, the Fighting Maroons are motivated to win it all this time.
"I think that the expectations for our team are in place. Every team is going to be prepared and hopefully we can live to the expectations thrown at us," said Perasol, who is welcoming recruits Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero.
Equally regarded as a conteder is a more seasoned Soaring Falcons side that, although lost Sean Manganti, will be bringing in a more lethal Jerrick Ahanmisi.
La Salle, UST and FEU are also potential Final Four contenders, while UE and NU, though not making much noise, are still considered as dark horses.
"We're all excited for what's in store for this coming season. It's gonna be very unexpected but we're all ready to go," said La Salle coach Gian Nazario.
FEU bench tactician Olsen Racela added: "As much as Ateneo is number one, all the teams have improved this season."
"It's going to be a very unpredictable season," ended UST mentor Aldin Ayo.
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