In the post-pandemic era of UAAP boys’ basketball, Adamson University has quietly built a reputation as one of the most reliable grassroots programs for developing big men.
Under the guidance of long-time mentor Mike Fermin, the Baby Falcons have turned raw, unpolished prospects into serviceable—and eventually indispensable—interior anchors, with Allen Perez, JC Bonzalida, and Jireh Tumaneng serving as living proof of Adamson’s developmental program.
As that previous crop of talent moved on to their respective collegiate careers, Fermin didn’t have to look far for his next long-term project.
At just 16 years old, Keeff Iledan has emerged as Adamson’s steady anchor through an impressive 2-2 start in the UAAP Season 88 Boys’ Basketball Tournament—a raw center whose current trajectory mirrors the early development of Perez and his predecessors.
Through four games, Iledan—who spent two years with the program’s 16-under team—ranks third on the Baby Falcons in scoring with 9.25 points per game, leads the team in rebounding with 6.75 boards, and also contributes 2.5 assists and one steal per game.
“Malayo ang mararating [ni Keeff]. Hindi lang naman sa kanya, pero ang message namin sa team is stay disciplined and stay grounded,” Fermin said after Adamson’s thrilling 68-67 win over the University of the East on Thursday afternoon at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
“Si Keeff, hindi ko alam if naabutan niya si JC Bonzalida, kasi si Carlo yung ganyan namin dati ‘eh—hindi mo lang maasahan sa puntos lang, pero sa trabaho talaga. Siguro, na-pickup niya ‘yon, and then, pag may free time siya, talagang nage-extra work siya ‘eh—if not lifting weights, skill work siya.”
But beyond the impressive stats Iledan has contributed in his first UAAP 19-and-under stint, what has impressed Fermin most is the poise and resiliency the 16-year-old from Aklan has continuously shown.
Eager to atone for a missed game-winner in the Baby Falcons’ loss to the NUNS Bullpups, Iledan stepped up against the Junior Warriors.
After a triple by Ethan Aguas gave UE a 67-64 lead with 36.9 seconds left, Iledan displayed composure beyond his years, sinking two straight layups—including the game-winner—to propel Adamson to a narrow 68-67 victory.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Tingin ko, [Iledan] learned his lesson from the NUNS game—the ball was in his hands nung last play namin, he missed a layup point blank. This time, he just made sure siguro, siya na nga mismo nagsabi, na hindi na mauulit ‘yan. Hats off to him,” Fermin shared.
Despite the impressive start to his UAAP boys’ basketball career, Iledan credited his success to the guidance of his teammates, Fermin, and the rest of the coaching staff—all of whom helped him transition smoothly from the 16-under division to the more physical 19-under level.
Still, Iledan remains grounded, eager to refine his game to not only prove himself against other formidable big men in the league but also to help Adamson return to the Final Four in what is widely considered the most competitive UAAP boys’ basketball landscape in years.
“Rineady ko lang yung sarili ko at inumpisahan ko lahat sa training kasi alam ko na mas malalaki pa yung mga big mans nila kaysa sa akin. Dahil din sa mga teammates ko at sa mga coaches na gumagabay kaya ako ganito. Nag-eextra lang ako,” Iledan shared.
“Marami pa ako kailangan i-improve sa sarili ko—yung finishing ko at yung depensa ko kasi minsan may lapses ako. Sa training lang talaga, doon ko kukunin yung lapses ko sa game.”
