For sure, we weren’t the only ones who became curious about how the jerseys of each school would look once it was announced that the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball wars will return after nearly three years — that felt like forever ago.
You see, college hoops, without a doubt, is a multi-million peso enterprise. Yet school merchandise, particularly team kits, are scarce here, thus the excitement among fans by simply waiting for what their squads would rock on the court.
The UAAP opened shop on March 26 at the Mall of Asia Arena. All eight schools saw action on that day and were able to parade their fresh uniforms.
Some were nicely done, while there were, frankly, so-so ones. So, here are the threads that No Cap feels are the best looking in the field.
CAME CLOSE
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
National University once again went for a classic design like what it had back in Season 82, but with a twist. Its current jerseys look inspired by the ones worn by the Phoenix Suns in the NBA — take a look at those side panels.
The only thing that keeps the Bulldogs’ uniforms from being great is the basic font used on the school name emblazoned on the chest. Remember what they had during their Season 77 title run? That was perfect.
TOP FOUR
FOURTH SEED
DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY
Yes, De La Salle University’s jerseys are simply the Nike Fadeaway jerseys, similar to what another Swoosh school Far Eastern University has.
But what we like about the Green Archers’ uniforms is how everything blended well with the pre-designed team kits — the classic La Salle in Old English on the chest, plus the block fonts used for the names and the numbers.
The same can’t be said with the Tamaraws’ threads, since the typeface of the names and numbers do not go nicely with the FEU branding at the front.
THIRD SEED
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
University of Santo Tomas is best known for wearing jerseys featuring the tiger print, though it has veered away from such in the past few seasons.
And we’re not complaining. The Growling Tigers and outfitter LB Activewear went for a modernized take on a classic silhouette this season, with their gold kits the best in their stash.
That fine shadow font used on the SANTO TOMAS on the chest serves as the cherry on top. A jersey that will surely be appreciated by retro lovers.
SECOND SEED
ADAMSON UNIVERSITY
Anta returned to the local college basketball scene by announcing that it has linked up with Adamson University to be its official outfitter.
That’s a major upgrade for the Soaring Falcons, whose jerseys in the past were hit-or-miss. Now, the Chinese brand has given them uniforms that definitely catch attention from afar with its mist-like graphic sashed across.
We do not know how long the partnership will last, but what’s exciting about it is the prospect of Anta exploring deeper into AdU’s basketball history which could well serve as an inspiration to jersey designs in seasons to come.
TOP SEED
ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY
Ateneo made headlines last March when Jordan Brand added the Blue Eagles in its Family of College Programs, making it the first-ever university in Southeast Asia and the only one outside the States to be sponsored by the Jumpman.
The squad was then provided with the Team Stock kits. Though simple, what we love most about those, especially the white ones, was that black made its way back to an Ateneo kit after a very long while — see the pipings and panels.
Of course, we like the shorts’ design too, which is clearly a nod to the Chicago Bulls uniforms that no less than His Airness steered to greatness.
Sure, the Jumpman logo made it look cooler. But, that black trim was nostalgic as well. The last time we saw that was in Season 71, a time when the school was still sponsored by Adidas — and the start of that historic five-peat.
Photo from Inboundpass.com
—
All UAAP games stream live on GigaPlay presented by Yamaha. Download it now on Android or IOS.
