Discover the Complete UAAP Basketball Champions List and Historic Winners

I remember watching that heartbreaking game when UP’s star guard JD Cagulangan went down with an eye injury last season. He later explained, "I told the guys if this is just a black eye or a fracture, I could play. But when it’s messing with my vision and I’m out there seeing two rims, it’s kind of hard to be out there." He added, "I want to help the team, I don’t want to be a liability." Moments like these aren’t just dramatic—they shape championships. That’s why exploring the complete UAAP basketball champions list isn’t just about numbers; it’s about understanding the stories, sacrifices, and turning points that built this league’s legacy. As a longtime follower of collegiate sports, I’ve always believed that knowing history adds depth to every game we watch today.

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines, or UAAP, has been the stage for some of the most intense rivalries and unforgettable moments in Philippine sports. Since its founding in 1938, the league has grown from a small collegiate meet into a nationwide phenomenon. The men’s basketball tournament, in particular, draws millions of viewers each season. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve debated with friends over which team had the most dominant run. Was it the FEU Tamaraws of the ’50s or the Ateneo Blue Eagles under Tab Baldwin? Let’s dive into the champions list, starting from the early days. The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Glowing Goldies, as they were known then, were practically unstoppable in the league’s infancy, bagging around 14 titles before the 1970s. Their legacy is a testament to disciplined, fundamental basketball—something I feel is occasionally missing in today’s run-and-gun style.

Fast-forward to the ’70s and ’80s, and you’ll see the rise of the UE Red Warriors. Oh, what I’d give to have witnessed those teams live! They clinched back-to-back championships multiple times, with one stunning stretch from 1984 to 1985 where they went 14–0 in the elimination round—a feat that’s nearly unimaginable today. Their roster was stacked with future PBA legends, and their full-court press was pure artistry. But then came the De La Salle Green Archers in the ’90s, a team I’ve always had a soft spot for because of their gritty, never-say-die attitude. They grabbed their first UAAP title in 1989 and went on to build a mini-dynasty, especially when they won four straight from 1998 to 2001. I still get chills thinking about that 1999 finals series against UST—overtime thrillers, last-second shots, and a crowd that nearly brought the Araneta Coliseum down.

The 2000s ushered in what I like to call the "Ateneo-La Salle era," a period that redefined UAAP fandom. As someone who’s attended dozens of their matchups, I can say the atmosphere is electric—almost tribal. Ateneo, under coach Norman Black, secured a five-peat from 2008 to 2012, a run that included that iconic 2008 win against La Salle. On the other hand, La Salle’s 2013 championship, led by Jeron Teng and a resilient coaching staff, felt like a triumphant comeback after years of rebuilding. And let’s not forget the UST Growling Tigers’ Cinderella run in 2006. I’ll admit, I didn’t see that one coming. They entered the finals as underdogs against the Ateneo Blue Eagles but pulled off a stunning victory in Game 3, thanks to Jervy Cruz’s monstrous double-doubles and a clutch performance by Dylan Ababou.

More recently, the UP Fighting Maroons ended a 32-year drought by winning the championship in 2022. I cried—no shame in admitting it. Seeing them lift that trophy after decades of struggle was emotional for any true sports fan. Their journey mirrors the unpredictability of the UAAP: one season you’re at the bottom, the next you’re making history. Which brings me back to injuries, like Cagulangan’s. They’re part of the game’s fabric. In 2017, Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena played through an ankle sprain in the finals, and in 2014, Kiefer Ravena battled fatigue and cramps to will his team to victory. These moments aren’t footnotes; they’re why we remember certain championships more vividly than others.

So, what does the complete champions list tell us? Well, as of 2023, I’d estimate UST still leads with around 18 titles, followed by FEU with 20, and UE with 14—though don’t quote me on the exact numbers, as record-keeping has had its gaps over the decades. But beyond stats, it’s the narratives that endure. The UAAP isn’t just a league; it’s a chronicle of passion, heartbreak, and triumph. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, knowing this history enriches every game. Next time you watch a player grimace through an injury or sink a game-winner, remember—you’re witnessing another chapter in this incredible legacy. And who knows? Maybe next season, we’ll see a new dynasty begin.