MANILA, Philippines — Jared Bahay made sure to come prepared heading into his much-awaited UAAP Season 87 debut playing against the school he initially intended to join.

That’s why Bahay didn’t seem to be bothered by the jeers and boos from the University of the Philippines crowd at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday night.

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“Inexpect ko na kung ano mangyayari. I’m ready for it. I didn’t worry sa game, focus lang sa game plan ni coach Tab,” Bahay told Inquirer Sports after the game that drew 12,932 fans.

READ: UAAP: Cagulangan tells UP fans to stop hate toward Jared Bahay

Jared Bahay on his #UAAPSeason87 debut. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/JU5Kz3IqOx

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 7, 2024

True enough, Bahay blocked the outside noise and kept his mind in the game from the get-go on his way to a team-high 13 points that went with five rebounds and four assists in the Blue Eagles’ 77-61 loss.

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In the end, the top prospect from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu was just happy to realize his dream of playing in the UAAP.

“Masaya lang na nandito na ko na parang pinangarap ko lang to nung bata ko. Nag-perform lang ako kung ano yung kaya ko,” said Bahay, who committed to play for UP a year ago before having a change of heart.

READ: UAAP: UP dominates Ateneo in Season 87 opener

Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin said Bahay’s debut “got some good and some bad” as he embraced the leadership role right in his first year.

“He’s a very good leader. His talent, that will be evident throughout the season. But he’s still a young player. He’s gonna make mistakes. The team out there today, our team only made 10 turnovers. It’s pretty rare,” said Baldwin.

“I think Jared is gonna recognize these situations. He’s gonna rise to the occasion because he’s a player of that caliber. But it isn’t gonna happen overnight. There’s gonna be mistakes made in the process so you know overall, his game was okay. I expect more. But there wasn’t really a negative.”