MANILA – Ateneo Blue Eagles team captain Jared Bahay has been a leader for the Blue and White before, but he is embracing an even bigger role this UAAP Season 89.
Bahay has taken on the leadership role both on and off the court for the Blue Eagles, following the Aurora tragedy that claimed the lives of Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia last June 8.
READ: 'Persevering' Blue Eagles continue to heal through playing, says Alas
The third year guard is focusing on being a leader for the Blue and White, helping both his teammates and new head coach Louie Alas prepare for the new season.
"You know, as a team captain, I just share my knowledge as much as I can, especially to the younger guys and especially helping coach Louie, talking to my teammates and our team. It's a challenge for us, especially for me as a leader of this team," he told ABS-CBN News on the sidelines of the UAAP Season 89 press conference on Tuesday.
Bahay said the team is grateful to have been able to return to competitive basketball at the 2026 PinoyLiga Cup: The Big Dance, where they reached the semifinals.
"Pinoy Liga was a perfect preseason for us. We really needed that preseason for us to be able to compete this upcoming Season 89," he shared.
"It was really an unexpected win. We didn't expect to reach the final four of the Pinoy Liga. But then, yeah we didn't expect it, but we were hoping to, just to build chemistry and win as many games as we can," Bahay added.
READ: Ateneo triumphant in return, overcomes OLFU
While Alas is tempering expectations for the young team in the new season, Bahay said the team is determined to do their best to bring glory for the blue and white.
"The ultimate goal for us this season is getting the championship. And the mindset for us this season for the team I think it's just to polish a little bit more of our system," he said.
"Again it's brand new. We have a brand new coach, a brand new system. And we just have to polish it as the season is fast approaching, it's a week from now," Bahay shared.
HONORING DIVINE AND RENE
Members of the Ateneo men's and women's basketball teams at the UAAP Season 89 press conference, September 8, 2026 at Novotel in Cubao, Quezon City. UAAP Media The Blue Eagles were earlier given the greenlight by the UAAP Board to compete in the Season 89 men's basketball tournament.
According to team manager Nico Salva, they ultimately honored the players' desire to compete and dedicate their campaign to Baterbonia and Adili.
READ: UAAP board perpetually bans Tab Baldwin; Ateneo Blue Eagles eligible for Season 89
"The players really wanted to play, they wanted to dedicate the season to their fallen brothers, to Rene [Baterbonia] and to Divine [Adili]. Basketball is their refuge, basketball helps them heal as players and as persons. They're really eager to play," Salva said.
Aside from playing this season, all of Ateneo's basketball teams will honor Adili and Baterbonia by wearing a special jersey with patches.
"You'll notice that they will be wearing bands [patches] on their jerseys. It says DA and RB. So as they play, they bring them in every game. Divine and Rene will always be part of Ateneo," Salva said.
For Bahay, the special patches are a symbol of them remembering and honoring their fallen teammates on the hardcourt.
"The first time I saw those patches made me emotional, seeing the patches on our jerseys. Let us remember them and play for them, play for their families. This season, we're going to dedicate it to them, to our fans, to the Ateneo community, and especially for us," he said.
READ: Memorials held in Aurora and Agusan del Sur for Baterbonia, Adili
The Blue Eagles likewise expressed gratitude to the entire Ateneo community for supporting them, especially this coming UAAP Season 89.
"We are grateful that we get to play in the UAAP. To all the alumni, non-alumni, to all the Ateneo supporters, we dedicate this season to you. We dedicate this season to the parents of the players," Salva said.
"As we play our first game on September 16, we would like to invite the Adili family, the Baterbonia family to come and watch us, who are very much part of this team. We would like to dedicate all the games to you," the Ateneo team manager added.
The Blue Eagles will open their UAAP Season 89 campaign against the UE Red Warriors on September 16 at the Mall of Asia Arena.