Where to Find the Best UAAP Basketball Jerseys for Your Collection

As a longtime collector of UAAP basketball jerseys and someone who's followed the Philippine basketball scene for over a decade, I've developed a pretty good eye for what makes a jersey truly special. Let me tell you, the thrill of finding that perfect addition to your collection never gets old. Just last month, I finally got my hands on a 2018 Ateneo Blue Eagles championship jersey in mint condition, and I swear I felt like I'd won the championship myself. The market for these jerseys has evolved dramatically in recent years, with prices for rare pieces sometimes reaching ₱15,000-₱20,000 for authentic game-worn items. What fascinates me about this collecting niche is how it intersects with the professional careers of these athletes after their UAAP days.

This brings me to an interesting development that caught my attention recently. The situation with the Fil-foreign trio of Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, and Tia Andaya potentially facing consequences if they play for Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho in the 2025 Reinforced Conference without proper clearance raises important questions about player transitions. From my perspective, this kind of regulatory oversight actually adds to the collectibility of UAAP jerseys. When players navigate these professional transitions successfully, their collegiate jerseys become more valuable pieces of basketball history. I've noticed that jerseys from players who went on to have notable professional careers typically appreciate 30-40% faster than those who didn't.

Finding authentic UAAP jerseys requires knowing where to look and developing relationships within the collecting community. My personal journey started with university campus stores, which remain the most reliable sources for current season jerseys. The Nike-made UP Fighting Maroons jerseys from their championship run, for instance, still command premium prices in the secondary market. What many new collectors don't realize is that the official UAAP online store typically stocks only the current season's merchandise, making past seasons increasingly difficult to find. I've built relationships with several trusted sellers who specialize in vintage UAAP memorabilia, and they've helped me complete my collection of all eight UAAP member schools' jerseys from the past decade.

The secondary market for these jerseys has exploded since 2020, with online platforms like Carousell and dedicated Facebook groups becoming hotspots for collectors. Just last week, I saw a game-worn Thirdy Ravena jersey from his final season with Ateneo sell for ₱25,000 within hours of being listed. That's the kind of demand we're seeing for premium pieces. What I love about these platforms is the community aspect - you get to connect with fellow enthusiasts who share your passion. I've made some great friends through these groups, and we often trade insider tips about upcoming releases or rare finds.

What many casual fans might not consider is how international players' jerseys have become increasingly sought after. The potential regulatory issues surrounding Van Sickle, Phillips, and Andaya actually highlight how the UAAP has become a launching pad for international careers. I've noticed that jerseys of foreign student-athletes tend to be produced in smaller quantities, making them inherently rarer. My personal favorite in my collection is a Ricci Rivero De La Salle jersey from his final season, but I've been hunting for a Juan Gomez de Liaoño Ateneo jersey for months without success - they're just that scarce.

University official stores remain the best starting point, but the real treasures often surface in unexpected places. I've found some of my best pieces through connections I made at actual UAAP games. There's something special about chatting with fellow fans during halftime and discovering they have exactly what you've been looking for. The energy at these games is incredible, and it's where you truly appreciate how these jerseys represent more than just fabric - they're symbols of school pride and athletic excellence.

The business side of jersey collecting has become increasingly sophisticated. Limited edition releases, particularly those commemorating championship seasons or milestone games, have seen their values increase by an average of 60% within two years of release. I always advise new collectors to focus on jerseys that have personal meaning to them rather than purely thinking about investment potential. That said, it's hard to ignore that certain players' jerseys have shown remarkable appreciation - Kiefer Ravena's number 15 Ateneo jersey, for instance, has tripled in value since his final UAAP season in 2017.

Looking at the broader landscape, the connection between collegiate careers and professional opportunities significantly impacts collecting trends. The situation with the Fil-foreign trio underscores how regulatory frameworks shape player pathways, which in turn affects the narrative value of their collegiate jerseys. In my experience, jerseys from players who navigated complex transitions between collegiate and professional basketball often become the most compelling pieces in a collection. They tell richer stories beyond just the games played in them.

Building a meaningful collection takes time, knowledge, and sometimes just plain luck. I'll never forget stumbling upon a 2007 UE Red Warriors jersey at a thrift store in Quezon City - the sheer unexpectedness of that find made it one of my most cherished possessions. The hunt is as rewarding as the acquisition, and that's what keeps me engaged in this hobby year after year. As the UAAP continues to produce incredible talent and memorable moments, the market for these jerseys will only grow more vibrant and competitive.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-12 16:01