Jacob Lacson commits to Ateneo, set for UAAP seniors jump
(Updated)
Promising young talent Jacob Lacson is set to take the next step in his basketball career after committing to the Ateneo Blue Eagles for the UAAP seniors division, according to confirmation from team manager Epok Quimpo.
The move marks a major transition for the 6-foot-6 Cebu-based big man, who has steadily built his resume in the CESAFI juniors division and now earns a spot in one of the most competitive collegiate programs in the country.
Lacson comes off an extended and successful run with Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu, where he was part of the Magis Eagles’ dominant stretch in CESAFI juniors basketball.
Across multiple championship seasons, he developed into a dependable interior presence. In documented league games during the 2024–2025 season, Lacson regularly posted double-doubles, including performances of 11 points and 12 rebounds, 14 points and 11 rebounds, and a Finals-clinching outing with 10 points and 11 rebounds. His rebounding numbers were often among the team’s best, particularly in playoff games where possession control became critical.
Those traits align closely with Ateneo’s long-standing player development approach. His commitment to the Ateneo Blue Eagles reflects the program’s preference for players who already understand team structure, defensive discipline, and system-based basketball. Coming from an Ateneo-affiliated high school, Lacson enters the program familiar with its culture and expectations.
The move to the UAAP seniors division will naturally come with adjustments. Lacson will be facing older and more physically mature opponents, and early contributions are likely to come through rebounding, interior defense, and high-effort minutes rather than scoring volume.
For Lacson, the commitment represents a clear progression from regional standout to national-level prospect. His CESAFI body of work shows a player who understands his role, produces steadily, and performs in high-stakes games. For Ateneo, it adds another developmental big man whose statistical profile and playing style fit the program’s long-term mold.
