MANILA, Philippines — Following a disappointing campaign in the UAAP, the Ateneo Blue Eagles gave themselves more reasons to look ahead after securing three promising talents in Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu’s Jelo Rota, Alden Cainglet, and Lars Fjellvang

The Blue Eagles on Tuesday announced the commitment of the trio, who led Ateneo de Cebu to a fourth consecutive CESAFI Juniors Basketball championship after sweeping the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguar Cubs last Saturday in the Season 24 finals.

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All three are eligible to play starting UAAP Season 88 next year.

READ: UAAP: Tab Baldwin wants to stay in Ateneo, focused on recruitment

Ateneo, which finished last in UAAP Season 87 with a 4-10 record, has started its offseason work with fresh faces set to join fellow Sacred Heart products Jared Bahay, Michael Asoro, and Kris Porter.

Rota, a 6-foot-6 forward who gained valuable experience at the 2023 NBA Basketball Without Borders Asia camp, is excited to showcase his skills with the Blue Eagles. 

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“It’s an honor for me and my family to be given the chance to play for Ateneo in the UAAP,” Rota said. “I never imagined that an island boy from Bantayan would be able to reach this far. What was once a dream has now become a reality.”

READ: UAAP: Koon, Quitevis grateful for Ateneo stint despite bottom finish

Fjellvang, a 6-foot-7 Fil-Norwegian center, is set to bolster the frontline of Ateneo.

“I’m thrilled to join the Ateneo Blue Eagles for my college journey,” Fjellvang said. “It’s been my dream to play in the UAAP, especially under Coach Tab.”

Cainglet, the 6-foot-3 team captain of the Magis Eagles, hopes to help the program as he realizes his dream to play for his dream league.

“Playing in the UAAP has been my dream since I started playing basketball, and I’m very excited for this new journey, especially since I’ll be part of the Ateneo Blue Eagles,” Cainglet said.