Ateneo is set to compete in the inaugural edition of the World University Basketball Series next month as part of its offseason preparation ahead of UAAP Season 85.
The Blue Eagles, who skipped both the Filoil Preseason Cup and the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup, are one of the four squads participating in the invitational organized by All Japan University Basketball Federation (JUBF) and Rakuten Sports.
Teams will play in round-robin format at the Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium from Aug. 9 to Aug. 11.
Aside from Ateneo, Tokai University of Japan, National Chengchi University (NCCU) of Taiwan, and Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) of Indonesia will be participating.
“Ateneo is very excited and proud to be a university selected by WUBS to represent the Philippines in this prestigious event,” said Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin in a statement.
“We believe that the quality of competition and the excellent organization that is always present in Japan will make this event a significant element in our preparation for the upcoming UAAP. The opportunity to experience international competition as well as the cultural experience in Japan will be priceless for our student athletes.”
Ateneo, Season 84’s first runner-up, will be bannered by key mainstay Dave Ildefonso, Ange Kouame, who is nursing an injury, Chris Koon, and Geo Chiu, among others.