ATENEO BLUE EAGLES HAVE FOUND A POTENT BACKCOURT PAIRING in Jared Bahay and Kieffer Alas, two guards whose complementary skills have helped to fuel the team's rise in UAAP Season 89. But beyond their production on the court, their growing chemistry is rooted in a bond that began years before they became teammates.
"Ever since I was in Grade 11, me and Jared have had that connection," Alas told ESPN. "We've been in constant contact with one another ever since."
Alas revealed that he and Bahay remained in touch for more than a year before committing to Ateneo.
"He had been trying to convince me to go to Ateneo, so I feel like I'm drawn to him."
That connection has blossomed into a partnership that has given Ateneo two reliable offensive weapons and a backcourt built on trust.
Bahay arrived in Ateneo as one of the country's most highly touted prospects after making a name for himself in Cebu. The point guard has become the engine of the Blue Eagles' offense, combining his playmaking instincts with the ability to create shots off the dribble.
Alas, meanwhile, has wasted little time making his mark as a 19-year-old rookie. A UAAP high school MVP, the guard brings an explosive scoring touch and an advanced offensive feel that belies his limited collegiate experience.
The two also played together in the Gilas Pilipinas youth programme, giving them another layer of familiarity as they navigate the demands of collegiate basketball.
Their paths to this season took different turns, however.
In early 2025, Alas was still in Grade 11 when he claimed the UAAP Season 87 high school MVP award while playing for De La Salle-Zobel. He then flew to the U.S. to explore collegiate opportunities there before eventually returning to the Philippines to suit up for Ateneo.
Bahay, meanwhile, had already experienced the highs and lows of collegiate basketball. During Season 87, his rookie year, Ateneo posted the worst record in program history, winning just four of 14 games under former head coach Tab Baldwin.
Now, with Alas alongside him, Bahay has embraced the opportunity to help guide a talented rookie through the college game.
"Kieffer's growth was tremendous," Bahay told ESPN. "Ever since I found out he would be part of our team, I was excited. Now that I'm here, I'm really enjoying it. Even if he is a rookie, I already trust him a lot."
That trust has translated into a significant role for Alas, who has emerged as Ateneo's leading scorer. Through the first nine games, he averaged 15.56 points, 4.56 rebounds, 2.22 assists and 1.78 steals per game.
Bahay has also made a point of encouraging his younger teammate to play with confidence, helping him read defenses and take the shots he is comfortable making.
He reinforced that trust during Ateneo's 69-65 win over NU on Wednesday
Bahay was seen motioning for Alas to pull the trigger after a timeout, reinforcing the freedom he has given his younger teammate.
"I've always just told every one of the guys to shoot their shots," Bahay said. "That's one of my jobs as the point guard."
The two, sometimes joined by team captain Ian Espinosa, also communicate regularly during after-timeout plays and crucial stretches of games. Bahay helps direct the offense, while Alas provides the scoring punch, with both able to exchange reads as situations develop.
That freedom has been important as Alas adjusts to the demands of a high-volume scoring role. He has averaged 15 field-goal attempts per game, converting 37.14%, while making 22.73% of more than seven three-point attempts per outing.
Those numbers reflect the growing pains that come with a high-volume scoring role, but Bahay and the coaching staff continue to trust Alas with the ball, even when the shots are not falling.
"I've always trusted Kieffer," Bahay said.
For Alas, that faith comes with a willingness to learn. He sees Bahay as more than a backcourt partner, viewing the third-year guard as a mentor who can help him adjust to the collegiate game.
"He is my vet," Alas said.
"He knows more than me. Regardless of age, we both want to learn. We are just taking whatever we are giving to each other."
In practice, Alas said, Bahay has been vocal in helping him understand Ateneo's plays and system -- guidance that has become especially valuable in moments when games tighten and possession carries great weight.
Bahay has continued to produce himself, ranking second for Ateneo in scoring with 13.56 points per game. He has also averaged 2.89 rebounds and 3.78 assists while shooting 41.18% from the field. From beyond the arc, Bahay has attempted nearly seven triples per game, converting 32.20% of them.
Both have endured stretches when their shots refuse to fall, like any guards who carry a significant offensive burden, but their connection gives them someone to lean on when the offense stalls and confidence begins to waver.
"I've always kept in mind that Jared has been doing this before me," Alas said.
"He had been in these situations before. He has always given me reminders.
"For example, last season, they got eliminated by La Salle in the final game. So, he is teaching me how to avoid that type of scenario and how we can mature in the endgame, especially."
Having experienced those moments, Bahay understands that leadership means more than directing the offense; it also means helping younger teammates develop the composure needed to handle pressure.
Bahay sees Alas' maturity as one of his most valuable qualities.
"He's really mature now," Bahay said. "He is a really mature player. And that's what I like about him. Even though he's a rookie, he's mature beyond his age."
Bahay hopes to set the tone through his decisions, defense and willingness to put the team first. For him, the priority is to help his teammates trust their preparation and understand that their contributions extend beyond scoring.
"I always remind myself not to focus on scoring, but on facilitating first and playing defense first," he said. "The scoring is always going to come."
"I want them to trust their work."
As Ateneo chases a return to the Final Four, the partnership between Bahay and Alas will be tested in the games that matter most. The trust they have built gives them a foundation to handle the pressure together.