Eased restrictions amid the ongoing pandemic had given teams sufficient time to prepare for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 men's basketball tournament.

Coaches of participating teams all agreed that they are now better prepared than last season when the prestigious cage wars begin on Saturday.

"I think we took advantage of the short break before playing in Season 85. I think we're more prepared this time, not like the bubble tournament where we only had less than a month to get ready," De La Salle University mentor Derick Pumaren said.

As part of their buildup, the Green Archers joined and won the Philippine Basketball Association D-League Aspirants' Cup title while finishing third in the FilOil pre-season tournament.

"We took advantage of that, we joined preseason leagues and we wrapped up our preseason with a trip to Japan," Pumaren said.

The Taft-based squad opens its campaign on Saturday against repeat-seeking University of the Philippines.

The Fighting Maroons are also equipped with international exposure following their title conquest that ended the Diliman-based squad's 36-year wait for the title.

"We prepared well for this season. Although we started August, we made a trip to Korea just to get the team together and for better preparation. So far, we're good with our preparations," UP coach Goldwin Monteverde said.

Aside from their Korean trip, the Fighting Maroons also joined the FilOil EcoOil Pre-season tournament where they reached the quarterfinals.

National University head coach Jeff Napa, on the other hand, wanted to temper expectations despite the Bulldogs ruling the FilOil pre-season tourney.