Chris Koon set to play his final eligible year with Ateneo

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Veteran guard Chris Koon is ready for a redemption campaign with the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles after announcing that he will suit up for the blue and white for one last time in the UAAP collegiate hoops tournament.

In a lengthy Instagram post uploaded last December 13, 2023, the leftie guard penned a heartfelt message to the Ateneo community while confirming his commitment to play for the upcoming UAAP Season 87.

Despite a sub-par outing during their disappointing Season 86 campaign, Koon decided to make one final run with his brothers under the tutelage of head coach Tab Baldwin.

The former UAAP champion was expected to lead the Blue Eagles to another grand finals appearance but the squad fell to the UP Fighting Maroons during the Final Four tournament.

Aside from a failed championship campaign, Koon also averaged a sub-par stat-line of 9.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game last Season 86.

Koon will be playing a vital role in the current Ateneo basketball program following the departure of his co-senior Kai Ballungay who is set to turn professional overseas.

Jason Credo, Ateneo’s off-the-bench energizer, is also leaving the Blue Eagles lair. That means Koon will be leading the team together with Mason Amos, Jared Brown, and Ilonggo point guard Ian Espinosa.

“I’m excited to say that I will be coming back for next season. The road to recovery and preparation starts now and I can’t wait to go through this journey together with all of you,” wrote Koon in his post.