Ateneo Blue Eagles Recruit One-and-Done Fil-Ams Lazo, Escobar

The Ateneo Blue Eagles have taken a major step toward rebuilding their basketball program by securing commitments from U.S. collegiate guards Jaden Lazo and Dominic Escobar. Both Fil-Ams, who recently wrapped up their senior seasons at Cal State LA, will suit up for Ateneo in UAAP Season 88 as one-and-done prospects.

Lazo, a 6’0″ guard from Richmond, California, brings speed, leadership, and veteran experience. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 7.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game across eight appearances. His performance earned him Cal State LA’s Athlete of the Week honors in January 2025. Known for his defensive grit and basketball IQ, Lazo is expected to provide a steady presence in the Blue Eagles’ guard rotation.

Escobar, a 6’5″ guard from Indio, California, is a proven scorer and versatile playmaker. He averaged 11.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over 28 games during the 2024–25 campaign. He also reached a career milestone by surpassing 1,000 career points – only the second player in Cal State LA history to do so. His size and skillset make him a key two-way asset for Ateneo’s roster.

Their arrival comes at a crucial time for Ateneo, following a disappointing UAAP Season 87. The Blue Eagles, under longtime coach Tab Baldwin, finished with a 4–10 record and failed to reach the Final Four for the first time since 2013. With the program aiming to bounce back, the addition of Lazo and Escobar signals a clear intent to return to championship contention.

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Lazo explained his decision to join the Blue Eagles:

“Ateneo was an easy choice for me because of their history of winning and culture. But it was better than I expected when I saw it up close on my visit. Meeting Coach Tab Baldwin and the team was a great experience. Seeing how hard they practice and how close-knit they are from coaches to players is definitely something I wanted to be a part of. I want to help bring Ateneo back to the top in the UAAP.”

He added, “It’s been my dream to play in the Philippines, learn more about my roots and my culture, and what better way to do it than to play basketball there.”

Escobar echoed that enthusiasm, saying:

“When I took my visit to Ateneo I wasn’t too sure on what to expect. Once I got there, everyone was very welcoming and very friendly. You can see they have big goals and big visions in the future, and they made me feel like they wanted me a part of those goals and visions. As it is already, they have guys who can hoop and I know with the addition of myself we can do some big things over there.”

He continued, “Of course, nothing is given, but I know with these guys’ work ethic and under Coach Tab we are definitely going to make some noise. After experiencing Ateneo and seeing what they got going on, it was an easy decision to be fully committed. I’m excited to get to work and I’m going to do whatever I can to help this team win.”

With these high-impact additions, Ateneo is aiming to reestablish itself as a UAAP powerhouse and write a new chapter of success in Season 88.