Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

ADMU

Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2


Just like that, the Philippine collegiate basketball season is approaching its most exciting phase, with the Final Four just weeks away in both the UAAP and NCAA. Yet, the top teams in each league are still vying for a spot, leaving the final four picture anything but certain.

With nearly a hundred games played between both leagues, we’ve had ample opportunity to assess how each school has fared so far. Even as teams solidify their identities, the final rankings remain unpredictable.

As UAAP and NCAA teams gear up for the final stretch of the season, let’s dive into the latest midseason power rankings as we head deeper into round two.

1. UAAP: De La Salle University (+1 | 9-1)

UAAP87-MBB-KEVIN-QUIAMBAO-MIKE-PHILLIPS-6130 Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports news

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

There’s not much more to say about La Salle’s dominant run in UAAP Season 87. As Ryan Alba noted, the Green Archers hold the UAAP’s highest net rating, outscoring opponents by 15.45 points per 100 possessions with the league’s top-ranked offense.

When two players are legitimate MVP contenders, it speaks volumes about the team’s talent. Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips have made La Salle look unstoppable, and either would be a worthy MVP recipient.

2. UAAP: University of the Philippines (-1 | 7-1)

UAAP87-MBB-JD-Cagulangan-3600 Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports news

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

Despite a tough rematch against La Salle, UP remains a major contender to challenge La Salle’s grip on the crown. The Fighting Maroons showed resilience in the second half, signaling they are still championship material.

JD Cagulangan was a top MVP candidate before his injury, but with UP back at full strength, they’re primed to reclaim the crown from Taft.

3. NCAA: College of Saint Benilde (- | 10-2)

NCAA-100-CSB-vs.-JRU-Sanchez-Liwag-0119 Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports newsAside from a surprise loss to Arellano, Saint Benilde has consistently dominated NCAA Season 100. The Blazers are on track to break the 15-year streak of NCAA titles claimed by either San Beda or Letran.

#ReadMore  Justin Brownlee on kid in viral video: 'The kid got game'

Coach Charles Tiu’s squad excels at attacking the rim, whether through the strength of Allen Liwag in the halfcourt or Tony Ynot’s speed in transition. With length and athleticism unmatched by many, Benilde looks ready for a title run.

4. NCAA: Mapua University (+1 | 10-3)

NCAA-100-MU-vs.-SBU-Chris-Hubilla-0682 Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports newsAthleticism is also a hallmark of Mapua University. Reigning Player of the Week Chris Hubilla has seamlessly integrated into the Cardinals’ frontcourt, posting 17 points and nine rebounds to help avenge their prior loss to reigning champs San Beda.

Hubilla, Escamis, and Mangubat have become a formidable trio. With Mark Cuenco contributing off the bench, the Cardinals appear well-positioned for a finals appearance.

5. NCAA: San Beda University (+1 | 8-5)

NCAA-100-SBU-vs.-UPHSD-Yukien-Andrada-9433 Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports newsSan Beda’s unique mix of size and shooting makes them one of the NCAA’s most dangerous teams. Yukien Andrada’s steady presence inside and out, along with Jomel Puno’s 47% three-point shooting, has given San Beda a reliable offensive spark. With Bismarck Lina improving each game, San Beda looks ready to defend their title.

6. UAAP: University of the East (+2 | 5-3)

UAAP-87-MBB-ADU-vs.-UE-Wello-Lingolingo-3946 Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports news

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

The UE Red Warriors have relied on spacing and size to secure a 5-3 record and third place in the standings. With UST struggling and other teams like Ateneo, FEU, and Adamson battling for position, Coach Jack Santiago’s team is poised to break a 15-year final four drought.

7. NCAA: Emilio Aguinaldo College (+4 | 6-6)

NCAA-100-SSCR-vs.-EAC-King-Gurtiza-6098 Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports newsAfter a rocky start, Emilio Aguinaldo College has won three of its last four games, tying with Letran and Lyceum in the standings. King Gurtiza and Harvey Pagsanjan’s dynamic backcourt duo, combined with Wilmar Oftana’s shooting, make the Generals a dangerous team capable of upsetting top squads.

#ReadMore  NCAA welcomes back fans with 'Pista ng mga Atleta'

8. UAAP: University of Santo Tomas (-4 | 4-6)

UAAP-S87-MBB-Nic-Cabanero-02534 Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports news

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

UST has faced a tough three-game skid, dropping five of its last six. Four of those losses came against UP and La Salle, meaning the hardest part of their schedule may be over. The Tigers’ offense is among the league’s best, but their defense is its worst, making them unpredictable in the standings.

9. NCAA: Lyceum of the Philippines University (+5 | 6-6)

NCAA-100-SBU-vs.-LPU-John-Barba-8493 Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports newsLyceum is the biggest riser in the rankings, thanks to John Barba’s stellar play. Despite missing key players, the Pirates have key wins over Letran and San Beda. As their lineup recovers, Lyceum is back in the hunt for a final four spot.

10. NCAA: Colegio de San Juan de Letran (-3 | 6-6)

NCAA-100-San-Sebastian-vs-Letran-Deo-Cuajao Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports newsLetran is on a three-game losing streak, having lost to Mapua, Lyceum, and Perpetual. With tough games against EAC, San Beda, and Benilde still on the schedule, they’ll need to make a strong comeback to secure a final four spot.

11. UAAP: Far Eastern University (+5 | 3-6)

UAAP87-FEU-Jorick-Bautista-2 Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports news

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

FEU’s recent win over National University was historic, marking their first win over a “non-bird” team in two seasons, as noted by UAAP statistician Pong Ducanes. Coach Sean Chambers’ team has shored up defensively, and their matchup with UST will be a must-watch to see if they can maintain that defensive form.

12. UAAP: Ateneo de Manila University (- | 3-6)

UAAP87-MBB-Kristian-Porter Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports news

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

After a rough first round, Ateneo has steadied itself with key wins over NU and UST. The improved shooting from Andrew Bongo, Chris Koon, and Ian Espinosa offers hope, though their final four chances remain slim.

#ReadMore  NCAA 97: Calma finds stroke vs JRU as San Sebastian rises to solo sixth

13. NCAA: University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (-4 | 5-7)

NCAA-100-SBU-vs.-UPHSD-Mark-Gojo-Cruz-9203 Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports newsDespite a strong start, Perpetual has lost five of its last six games and ranks last in points per game, with concerns about offensive consistency rising. Rookie Mark Gojo Cruz is a bright spot, but other players need to step up to regain a top-four spot.

14. NCAA: Arellano University (+2 | 4-8)

NCAA-100-Arellano-vs-San-Beda-Lorenz-Capulong Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports news

(C) NCAA

Arellano has proven itself a thorn in the side of top NCAA teams, scoring notable upsets against San Beda, Benilde, and Lyceum. Although their own final four hopes are slim, the Chiefs continue to play tough basketball and will keep fighting through the season’s end.

15. UAAP: National University (-4 | 2-7)

UAAP87-MBB-JAKE-FIGUEROA-4609 Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports news

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

National University’s rankings took a hit after an early-round loss to Ateneo. The absence of Mo Diassana is deeply felt, and second-year guard Reinhardt Jumamoy hasn’t made the expected leap. With their sights likely set on next season, the Bulldogs may look to give their younger players more time on the court.

16. UAAP: Adamson University (-3 | 3-6)

UAAP-MBB-Cedrick-Manzano-5025 Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports news

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

Adamson’s strong defensive identity helped them early, but their offensive struggles have started to weigh them down. With few reliable shot creators, the Soaring Falcons have the league’s worst offensive rating, making it difficult for them to climb back into the final four race.

17. NCAA: San Sebastian College-Recoletos (-2 | 3-9)

NCAA-100-San-Sebastian-vs-JRU-Aguilar Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports news

(C) NCAA/GMA

San Sebastian’s season has taken a downturn, losing nine of their last ten games. While their fast-paced style is exciting, it has left them vulnerable, giving up a league-high 88.33 points per game. The Stags will need to rein in their speed and shore up their defense if they hope to improve.

18. NCAA: Jose Rizal University (- | 3-9)

NCAA-100-CSB-vs.-JRU-Oli-Liwag-0210 Good Hoops Hunting: Collegiate Power Rankings 2024 Volume 2 ADMU AdU AU Bandwagon Wire Basketball CSB CSJL DLSU EAC FEU JRU LPU MIT NCAA NU SBC SSC-R UAAP UE UP UPHSD UST  - philippine sports newsDespite a four-game losing streak, Jose Rizal University has glimmers of hope. Shawn Argente is emerging as a scoring threat, and Joshua Guiab is a solid presence in the frontcourt. Though expectations for the Heavy Bombers were low this season, they’ve laid a foundation to build on for future seasons.

Written By

Vito Martin is a sportswriter from the Philippines. In 2023, he graduated from the Ateneo De Manila University with a degree in BS Psychology. He wrote for Ateneo’s official school publication The GUIDON, where he covered basketball, football, baseball, badminton, and other collegiate sports. He is a life-long fan of the Boston Celtics and an avid follower of the NBA


You May Also Like

NCAA

The Philippine volleyball community is mourning the loss of multi-titled head coach Sinfronio “Sammy” Acaylar (February 4, 1958 – January 30, 2025), who passed...

Basketball

University of the East has yet to make a final decision, but it is strongly considering Josh Reyes as the next head coach of...

Basketball

Jose Rizal University has chosen one of its own to lead the Bombers as their next head coach. Nani Epondulan has been appointed to...

Basketball

After one standout season with Jose Rizal University, MJ Raymundo has decided to make a move. The 6-foot all-around guard has transferred to Emilio...

Basketball

Figures that helped shape the seniors’ basketball program of Mapua University into what it is today came together in a grand reunion held last...

Basketball

University of Santo Tomas has long struggled to establish itself as a dominant force in UAAP boys’ basketball, especially against perennial contenders like National...

Football

If there’s one thing Claret School of Quezon City prodigy Filmar Tacardon doesn’t lack, it’s confidence. Coming from a family where football is practically...

Basketball

Just three games into the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys Basketball Tournament, De La Salle Zobel has found its “heart and soul” in...

Advertisement