Humblebola

by: Karl Batungbacal

UAAP Season 88 hosted by University of Santo Tomas emphasizes the theme “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action”. In this preview series, HumbleBola will feature how the teams have moved to strengthen their chances of gaining victory and the hope that these actions bring.

Action starts: September 20, 2025

Let’s get it out of the way as early as now: losing Veejay Pre to the UP Fighting Maroons was not how the FEU hopeful expected their offseason to begin. Add in the fact that key contributor Royce Alforque has used up all his playing years, the Tamaraws appeared to be in a bit of a pickle.

Regardless of the reason/s for Pre’s departure, there are more reasons to be excited about heading into Season 88 — starting with projected-to-be-new team captain and well-respected figure Jorick Bautista.

The Davaoeno guard will now have to fill in the shoes that last season’s Rookie of the Year left behind, both on the box score and as a teammate, something he appears to be on track to do, similar to what happened with RJ Abarrientos and LJay Gonzales. Lucky for him, he won’t be alone in this endeavor.

Foreign student-athlete Mo Konateh was expected to be a solid piece for the Tams’ future, but few would have guessed that he would average a double-double of 10.2 points and 16.7 rebounds with 2.3 blocks in his first go-around. Expect the Senegalese big man to continue putting up the same numbers, if not better, in Season 88.

Unsurprisingly (or thankfully, depending on who you ask),  Sean Chambers is still the head coach of the Tamaraws despite a tense summer upheaval owing to the Pre drama. His determination to bring the winningest squad in UAAP history back to relevancy remains as steadfast as ever. Along with the much-anticipated arrival of the Baby Tamaraws’ exceptional combo guard in Liam Salansang and his two stars leading the way, the PBA legend just might have what it takes to lead FEU’s charge back into the Final Four.

All in all, the Tamaraws still have a lot of reasons to look forward to another season of collegiate basketball, and it might turn out to be a surprisingly positive one.

Prediction: FEU will fight it out throughout the season, but lose some close-call games. However, a return to the Final Four is not outside the realm of reason.

Result: 4th.