Ateneo de Davao Blue Knights Set Sights on DCAA Title Defense
The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Blue Knights are riding a wave of momentum as they intensify preparations to defend their championship title in the upcoming Davao City Athletic Association (DCAA) Meet 2025. This comes on the heels of their recent victory at the Xavier-Sucere Basketball Cup, which they clinched on October 29, 2025, in San Juan, Metro Manila.
Coach Evangelio's Grounded Philosophy
Leading the charge is coach Jess Linus Evangelio, the mastermind who steered the Davao Region to a historic gold medal in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City. Despite the heightened expectations, Evangelio remains remarkably grounded. In an interview with SunStar Davao on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, he revealed the team's simple yet effective mantra.
"We always practice every day. We’re not thinking about the Davraa yet. One game at a time. We always focus first on our own game," Evangelio stated, highlighting a disciplined approach that has previously yielded historic results.
The Blue Knights' Formidable Lineup
The current Blue Knights lineup is a potent mix of experienced champions and promising new talent. The team's core includes returning players Matt Cayetano, Rhysus Bajenting, Macky Peligrino, Rene Baterbonia, JM Sanoria, Aeron Luague, and Aaron Bayanban. They are joined by new additions John Repompo, Al Damag, Marcus Sisican, Elijah Quintao, and Gerard Siason, all eager to contribute to the title defense.
When asked about the pressure to win, Evangelio exuded calm confidence. "Not really. I just make sure we practice every day. We always keep that underdog mentality," he said, emphasizing that humility and relentless hard work form the foundation of their campaign.
Rigorous Preparation and Winning Form
The team's commitment is undeniable. The Blue Knights train for three to four hours daily, six times a week, in a rigorous preparation regimen that began in June. This dedication is already paying off, as evidenced by their recent tournament win, proving they are in strong competitive form heading into the city meet.
The DCAA Meet 2025 is scheduled for November 14–19 and will serve as the qualifying event for the Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet, which is the gateway to the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan.
Official Preparations for the DCAA Meet
In related developments, the Department of Education (DepEd) Davao City has been finalizing logistics for the upcoming games. DepEd Davao City sports coordinator Deony Ferolino confirmed that a refresher course for technical officials and coaches was held on Wednesday. The meet will officially open at 2:30 p.m. on November 14 at the Davao City National High School.
DepEd Davao City Division superintendent Rey Solitario added that Vice President Sara Duterte, who was initially invited as the keynote speaker, will not be able to attend. Final details for the opening program were still being finalized.
As the city meet approaches, Coach Evangelio and his squad are locked in. "One day at a time, one game at a time," he reiterated. "We just make sure we’re ready every game." For a team that has already transformed grit into gold, this focused mindset could very well be the start of another triumphant chapter for the Blue Knights.
