Jared Bahay remains optimistic that it’s only a matter of time before he returns to full strength after dealing with a shoulder injury that has slowed him down in the past few games of the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
After sitting out the third overtime of Ateneo’s heartbreaking 89-98 loss to the University of Santo Tomas and missing their next outing against National University, Bahay finally returned to action on Wednesday.
However, his comeback wasn’t enough to stop the Blue Eagles’ skid as they absorbed a 68-75 defeat at the hands of Far Eastern University — their fourth straight loss after a 4-0 start.
The sophomore playmaker saw nearly 13 minutes of play, finishing with three points and an assist in a limited role as he continues to manage his recovery.
“Probably, I’ll say about 70 to 80-percent.
“It’s just a matter of time that I’ll be a hundred percent. I get therapy and strengthening of my shoulder. It’s a very important thing para makabalik ako sa full, one hundred percent,” Bahay told Tiebreaker Times after the loss.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu product shared that he has been working closely with a team of therapists and strength and conditioning coaches, who have been instrumental in his road to recovery.
“My recovery has been the best. I have the best physical therapist, I have the best strength and conditioning coaches, so I’m very grateful for them that they took care of me,” the 20-year-old floor general said.
“I’m very grateful that I came back to play today.”
Now at an even 4-4 record, Ateneo is desperate to regain its early-season form and get back on the winning track. For Bahay, returning to 100-percent fitness is key not only for himself but also for helping his team bounce back.
“Syempre I’d be very happy to help the team win. Of course, kaya naman nila manalo without me. But then, for me to help is also a big thing for the team,” he added.
“Babalik lang na 100 hundred percent and we’ll be good.”
#WATCH: Jared Bahay says his shoulder is at 70-80 percent and expects to be 100 percent soon 🦅🏀
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/F2W3a3EJio
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) October 22, 2025
