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Tag: Korean Basketball League

  • William Navarro keeps PBA door open as future remains uncertain 

    William Navarro keeps PBA door open as future remains uncertain 

    William Navarro is not closing the door on a PBA return, even as his basketball future in the league remains largely out of his hands.

     

    The 29-year-old forward remains hopeful that he can once again play in the PBA, but knows that any comeback will depend on the league’s decision regarding the three-year ban imposed on him.

     

    “Hopefully, why not,” Navarro said during Strong Group Athletics’ media day ahead of the 45th William Jones Cup. “Naka-ban ako, eh. If tanggalin nila ‘yun, babalik ako.”

     

     

    Navarro was among the players sanctioned by the PBA after turning down a contract offer from his mother team and choosing to continue his career overseas.

     

    The former Ateneo standout declined a renewal from Magnolia before moving to South Korea, where he helped KCC Egis win a championship. He later parted ways with the club just weeks after their title triumph.

     

    His PBA playing rights have since changed hands, with Magnolia trading them to the Titan Ultra Giant Risers for Arvin Tolentino.

     

    For now, though, Navarro can only wait for the league to make its next move.

     

    “We’re just waiting for what they’re [PBA] gonna say,” Navarro said. “Whatever happens, happens.”

     

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    Rather than allow the uncertainty surrounding his PBA status to become a distraction, Navarro has chosen to put his attention on the opportunity immediately in front of him.

     

    That means helping Strong Group-Pilipinas defend its Jones Cup crown and chase a third consecutive championship in the prestigious tournament.

     

    “I’m just very grateful for the opportunity kasi ‘di naman lahat nakaka-experience niyan,” he said.

    For Navarro, the Jones Cup provides more than another competition. It gives him a chance to stay sharp, contribute to a talented national selection and continue proving what he can bring on the court while his next chapter remains unclear.

     

    “I’m just going to prepare for this moment. Whatever happens in the future, wala pa. After nito, I don’t know what’s going to happen next.”

     

    For now, Navarro’s focus is simple: play, compete and make the most of the opportunity in front of him.

     

    Whatever comes after the Jones Cup — including a possible return to the PBA — will have to wait.

     

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  • Former UP-star Gerry Abadiano takes next step overseas, signs with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis in KBL 

    Former UP-star Gerry Abadiano takes next step overseas, signs with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis in KBL 

    Gerry Abadiano’s basketball journey is taking him beyond Philippine shores.

     

    After establishing himself as one of the University of the Philippines’ most reliable backcourt players and carving out a solid start to his professional career in the MPBL, the 25-year-old guard is set to begin a new chapter after signing with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis for the 2026-27 Korean Basketball League season.

     

    The South Korean club officially announced Abadiano’s arrival, making him the latest Filipino to earn an opportunity in one of Asia’s top professional leagues.

     

    His signing also continues Ulsan Hyundai Mobis’ growing connection with Filipino talent. Abadiano becomes the fourth Filipino Asian import to suit up for the Phoebus, joining the likes of RJ Abarrientos, Miguel Oczon, and Jake Figueroa.

     

    Before completing the move, Abadiano secured clearance from his current Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League team, San Juan, allowing him to pursue the overseas opportunity.

     

    The move caps a memorable stretch in which the Iloilo City native helped anchor one of the most successful eras in UP men’s basketball.

     

    In his final UAAP campaign, Abadiano embraced the role of the Fighting Maroons’ starting point guard, averaging 8.72 points, 1.94 rebounds, and 1.56 assists per contest during Season 88 while providing leadership and defensive intensity in the backcourt.

     

    He carried that consistency into the MPBL, where he has averaged 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists through 14 games with San Juan.

     

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    His departure also signals the closing of a significant chapter for UP’s veteran core. Over the years, Abadiano formed the backbone of the Fighting Maroons alongside longtime teammates Harold Alarcon, Reyland Torres, and Terrence Fortea, helping sustain the program’s rise as one of the UAAP’s perennial contenders.

     

    Now, Abadiano follows the growing path of Filipino players seeking opportunities abroad, with the KBL continuing to emerge as a destination where local talents can test themselves against a higher level of competition while further developing their games.

     

    His arrival also comes at an important time for Ulsan Hyundai Mobis, which is looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025-26 campaign after finishing eighth in the league standings with an 18-36 record.

     

    For Abadiano, the opportunity represents more than just his first overseas contract. It is the next step in a career built on steady growth, as he looks to prove he belongs on another international stage while adding his name to the expanding list of Filipinos making an impact in the Korean Basketball League.

     

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  • Magnolia bets on the future by acquiring Arvin Tolentino rights in deal with Titan Ultra 

    Magnolia bets on the future by acquiring Arvin Tolentino rights in deal with Titan Ultra 

    Magnolia may not have added an active player to its roster, but the Hotshots may have made one of the boldest future-oriented moves of the offseason.

     

    With the PBA Commissioner’s Office approving a trade with the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, Magnolia secured the signing rights to Arvin Tolentino — a player many still view as one of the most talented Filipino forwards currently playing outside the league.

     

    The transaction, first reported by SPIN.ph, also allowed the Hotshots to regain their own second-round pick for Season 51, a selection that had previously been sent away as part of the Calvin Abueva deal.

     

    In exchange, Titan Ultra acquired the rights to William Navarro along with Magnolia’s second-round selection in Season 52.

     

    At first glance, the trade appears unusual. Neither Tolentino nor Navarro is expected to suit up in the PBA anytime soon.

     

    But for Magnolia, the move is less about immediate impact and more about securing a potentially valuable asset for the future.

     

    Tolentino remains under contract with the KBL powerhouse Seoul SK Knights, where he enjoyed a strong debut campaign. His performances abroad have only increased his value, making it difficult to imagine the Korean club parting ways with him anytime soon.

     

    That reality means the Hotshots are essentially placing a long-term wager on the possibility that one day, one of the country’s premier wing scorers could find his way back to the PBA wearing Magnolia colors.

     

    On the other side of the deal is Navarro, whose professional path has taken a far different turn.

     

    The versatile forward was recently released by Busan KCC Egis following a difficult first season in the KBL. Injuries and inconsistent opportunities limited Navarro to just 21 appearances, where he averaged 5.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per contest.

     

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    While Navarro is currently unattached, a return to the PBA is not as straightforward.

     

    The former Gilas Pilipinas standout remains subject to the league’s three-year ban policy imposed on players who joined overseas leagues despite having existing offers from their PBA mother teams.

     

    That restriction clouds his immediate future and adds another layer of uncertainty to the transaction.

     

    Viewed through that lens, the deal is less about present-day basketball and more about positioning.

     

    Titan Ultra acquires a player whose future status remains unresolved, while Magnolia secures the rights to a proven talent whose stock continues to rise overseas.

     

    Whether either player eventually suits up in the PBA remains unknown. But if Tolentino eventually decides to return home, the Hotshots have ensured they will be first in line.

     

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  • Will Navarro, Kevin Quiambao headline KBL Finals as Busan sets duel with Goyang 

    Will Navarro, Kevin Quiambao headline KBL Finals as Busan sets duel with Goyang 

    The Korean Basketball League Finals will carry a distinct Filipino flavor.

     

    With Busan KCC Egis completing its semifinal mission and Goyang Sono Skygunners already waiting, the championship series now becomes more than just a battle for the title—it’s a showcase of rising Filipino influence overseas.

     

    At the heart of that narrative are Kevin Quiambao and William Navarro, two players representing different paths but converging on the same stage.

     

    Busan secured its place with an emphatic 84-67 win over Anyang KGC in Game 4, closing out the semifinal series with authority. While Navarro did not see action in the clincher, his presence throughout the campaign has been part of a deeper rotation that helped power the KCC Egis’ playoff run.

     

    On the other side, Quiambao has been front and center for Goyang’s breakthrough, leading the Skygunners past top-seed Changwon LG Sakers in a stunning upset that shifted the balance of the league.

     

    Together, their journeys reflect a growing trend—Filipino players not just participating abroad, but impacting winning teams in meaningful ways. 

     

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    The semifinal closeout itself was a statement from Busan.

     

    From the opening quarter, the KCC Egis imposed their tempo, controlling both ends of the floor and limiting Anyang’s rhythm. A decisive 25-15 run to end the first half created separation, and from there, the result never felt in doubt as the home squad steadily widened the gap.

     

    For Rhenz Abando, it was a tough outing on the losing end. The high-flying guard struggled to find his groove, finishing with just three points alongside four rebounds, one steal, and one block as Anyang’s campaign came to a close.

     

    Now, the focus shifts to the finals—where the spotlight only grows brighter.

     

    Game 1 is set for May 5 at the Goyang Gymnasium, with Busan and Goyang meeting in a best-of-seven series that not only determines a champion, but also highlights how far Filipino talent has come on the international stage. 

     

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  • KBL Rookie of the Year Kevin Quiambao powers Goyang Sono’s stunning march to KBL Finals

    KBL Rookie of the Year Kevin Quiambao powers Goyang Sono’s stunning march to KBL Finals

    What began as a late-season surge has now turned into something far bigger for Kevin Quiambao and the Goyang Sono Skygunners—a legitimate shot at a championship. 

     

    Behind the steady brilliance of their Rookie of the Year, Goyang completed a stunning semifinal sweep of the Changwon LG Sakers, sealing a 90-80 victory on Monday to advance to the Finals of the Korean Basketball League.

     

    For a team making its first-ever playoff appearance, the Skygunners are no longer just a feel-good story. They are now the last team standing between expectation and history.

     

    At the center of this improbable run is Quiambao, who once again delivered a composed all-around performance in the series-clinching win. He tallied 17 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, controlling the tempo and providing balance in a game that demanded poise.

     

    Goyang weathered an early push from Changwon before taking control late in the opening quarter, closing with a 17-10 run to build a 26-19 lead. From there, the Skygunners dictated the pace, never allowing the Sakers to mount a serious comeback.

     

    On the other side, Carl Tamayo capped his strong campaign with nine points, three rebounds, and two assists, as Changwon’s season came to an end.

     

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    But this victory was not built overnight.

     

    Goyang’s rise traces back to the closing stretch of the regular season, when a 10-game winning streak propelled them past contenders like Busan KCC Egis and Suwon KT Sonicboom to secure the fifth seed. That late push gave them just enough momentum to enter the playoffs—but few expected what followed.

     

    Instead of merely competing, the Skygunners dominated.

     

    They swept the Seoul SK Knights in the quarterfinals, then repeated the feat against Changwon in the semifinals, remaining unbeaten through their first two playoff rounds. What was once considered a Cinderella run has now evolved into a statement of consistency and belief.

     

    With the Finals ahead, Goyang now awaits the winner of the series between Busan KCC Egis and Anyang KGC.

     

    For Quiambao, the stage only gets bigger. His rookie season has already been defined by milestones and leadership beyond his years, but the opportunity now is different—finishing the story.

     

    From a late playoff push to an undefeated postseason run, the Skygunners are one step away from completing a journey few saw coming.

     

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  • Kevin Quiambao sets up semis clash vs Carl Tamayo in KBL 

    Kevin Quiambao sets up semis clash vs Carl Tamayo in KBL 

    Some rivalries don’t fade—they evolve. For Gilas Pilipinas teammates Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo, the next chapter will unfold on a different stage, but with the same competitive edge that has followed them for years.

     

    The stage now shifts to the Korean Basketball League semifinals after Quiambao steered the Goyang Sono Skygunners past the Seoul SK Knights, escaping with a tense 66-65 win in Game 3 to complete a stunning 3-0 sweep of the higher-seeded squad.

     

    It wasn’t just an upset—it was a statement.

     

    Sono, the lower seed, showed composure in the tightest moments, even after letting a comfortable cushion slip away late in the fourth quarter. What once looked like control quickly turned into a scramble, as Seoul clawed back and briefly seized the lead behind a clutch basket from Jameel Warney.

     

    But just as quickly, the momentum flipped again. With four seconds left, Nathan Knight delivered the decisive blow, knocking down the go-ahead shot that ultimately sealed the series and silenced any hopes of a comeback.

     

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    In the middle of it all was Quiambao. The Gilas standout finished with 19 points and nine rebounds—just shy of a double-double—while anchoring Sono’s effort on both ends. It was another steady performance that underscored his growing role in the team’s playoff run.

     

    Knight led the way with 22 points and 11 rebounds, providing the finishing touch in a game that demanded execution under pressure.

     

    On the other side, Filipino reinforcement Arvin Tolentino added 11 points for Seoul in a losing effort, as the Knights saw their campaign end earlier than expected.

     

    Now, the spotlight shifts to what lies ahead. Waiting in the semifinals is the defending champion Changwon LG Sakers, bannered by Tamayo—a familiar name in Quiambao’s journey.

     

    From their days as teammates at NU-Nazareth School to their fierce collegiate clashes between De La Salle and UP, their paths have long been intertwined. Now, they meet again, this time with a trip to the KBL Finals on the line.

     

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  • Kevin Quiambao outduels Arvin Tolentino as Goyang Sono beats Seoul SK in KBL playoffs 

    Kevin Quiambao outduels Arvin Tolentino as Goyang Sono beats Seoul SK in KBL playoffs 

    After spending two quarters chasing the game, the Skygunners flipped everything in a single stretch, riding a third-quarter explosion to an 80-72 win over the Seoul SK Knights in Game 2 of their Korean Basketball League quarterfinal series Tuesday at Jamsil Students’ Gym.

     

    At the center of that shift was Kevin Quiambao.

     

    Fresh off a dominant playoff debut, Quiambao delivered another composed all-around performance with 19 points, five assists, and four rebounds in 36 minutes—less about flash, more about control as Goyang dictated the game when it mattered most.

     

    But the night didn’t begin in their favor. Seoul SK came out sharp, setting the tone early and building a 46-34 halftime cushion behind crisp execution and tempo. For a moment, it looked like the series was headed for a reset.

     

    Then came the break—and a completely different Goyang team. Out of halftime, the Skygunners unleashed a stunning 29-7 barrage in the third quarter, turning a double-digit deficit into a commanding lead. The rhythm shifted, the defense tightened, and the pace swung entirely in their direction.

     

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    From there, there was no looking back. Quiambao anchored the turnaround with steady decision-making, picking his spots while keeping teammates involved as Goyang maintained control down the stretch. It wasn’t just a scoring effort—it was a performance built on timing and poise.

     

    On the other end, fellow Filipino Arvin Tolentino struggled to find consistency, finishing with 10 points on 4-of-11 shooting as Seoul SK couldn’t recover from the third-quarter collapse.

     

    Now, the stakes shift. With a 2-0 series edge—including a 104-76 rout in Game 1—Goyang Sono Skygunners stand just one win away from advancing to the semifinals, where a potential showdown awaits against the top-seeded Changwon LG Sakers—bannered by Quiambao’s former high school teammate Carl Tamayo.

     

    Game 3 now becomes a chance to close.

     

    Back on their home floor Thursday, Goyang will look to finish what they’ve started. Seoul SK, meanwhile, faces a simple reality—win, or the season ends. 

     

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  • Kevin Quiambao bags KBL Rookie of the Year Award

    Kevin Quiambao bags KBL Rookie of the Year Award

    A breakout season by Kevin Quiambao has turned what was once a promising overseas stint into a defining chapter—not just for himself, but for Filipino talent making waves in the Korean Basketball League.

     

    Taking center stage at the end of the regular season, Quiambao emerged as the league’s Rookie of the Year after anchoring Goyang Sono’s historic push into the playoffs. The versatile forward didn’t just contribute—he dictated the tempo for the Skygunners, averaging 15.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while leading all rookies across the board in production.

     

    More importantly, his presence translated to wins. Goyang Sono finished with a 28–26 record, clinching the fifth seed and a franchise-first postseason berth. Standing in their way is a tough test against the Seoul SK Knights in a best-of-three quarterfinal showdown.

     

    Quiambao’s seamless transition to the pro ranks comes as no surprise to those who followed his decorated run in the UAAP. A two-time MVP, Season 86 Finals MVP, and Season 85 Rookie of the Year, he built his reputation on versatility—and has now proven that his all-around game travels well beyond Philippine shores.

     

    “It is an honor to receive the Rookie of the Year award,” Quiambao said in his acceptance speech. “I am grateful not only to the club officials but also to the fans in Korea and the Philippines.”

     

    His accolade came alongside another major individual recognition, with Lee Junghyun taking home the league’s Domestic MVP honors, highlighting a season defined by emerging stars and high-level performances.

     

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    But Quiambao wasn’t the only Filipino making noise.

     

    Ethan Alvano continued his stellar run with Wonju DB Promy, earning a place in the KBL Best 5 after putting up 17.7 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. His impact extended beyond the stat sheet, as he also bagged the E-Jong Sports Orthopedic Surgery Play of the Season award—an exclamation point on an already impressive campaign.

     

    Behind Alvano’s leadership, Wonju wrapped up the eliminations with a 33–21 record, securing the fourth seed. They are set to face Busan KCC Egis in another tightly contested best-of-three quarterfinal pairing.

     

    With Quiambao’s rapid ascent and Alvano’s sustained brilliance, the KBL is quickly becoming a proving ground for Filipino players—one where impact is immediate, and the spotlight is well-earned.

     

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  • Carl Tamayo, Changwon clinch KBL Regular Season title

    Carl Tamayo, Changwon clinch KBL Regular Season title

    Carl Tamayo and the Changwon LG Sakers are heading into the KBL playoffs exactly where every contender wants to be.

     

    With an 87-60 rout of the Suwon KT Sonicboom on Friday, Changwon officially clinched the 2025-26 KBL regular season championship, adding another major achievement to what has already been a strong title defense for the reigning champions.

     

    It was a dominant performance from the opening tip.

     

    The LG Sakers came out firing and quickly buried Suwon under a huge first-quarter blitz, building a 28-7 lead by the end of the period and never allowing the hosts to recover. That early separation set the tone for the rest of the game as Changwon cruised to the win.

     

    Tamayo did his part once again for the LG Sakers, finishing with 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists in another steady outing.

     

    The Filipino forward has been one of Changwon’s most reliable players all season, providing consistent production on both ends and emerging as one of the team’s top offensive weapons in his KBL campaign.

     

    For the season, Tamayo has been averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, good for second in scoring on the team.

     

    Assem Marei led the way in the clincher with a near triple-double of 21 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists in just 23 minutes, helping power another well-rounded effort from a team that has looked like one of the league’s best for most of the season.

     

    With the win, Changwon improved to 36-16 and officially moved out of reach of second-running Anyang JKJ Red Boosters, who remained at 33-18.

     

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    That gave the LG Sakers the regular season crown even with two games still left on their schedule, underlining just how strong and consistent they have been throughout the year.

    For Changwon, this latest milestone strengthens its case as the team to beat heading into the postseason.

     

    The LG Sakers are not only the defending champions, but now enter the playoffs carrying the confidence of a group that once again finished on top of the standings.

     

    Last season, Changwon captured the KBL title in dramatic fashion, beating the Seoul SK Knights in seven games after nearly letting a 3-0 series lead slip away.

     

    That championship run gave the LG Sakers their crown, and this regular season title now gives them momentum as they prepare for another push.

     

    For Tamayo, it is another important step in what has become an impressive season overseas.

    The former UAAP star has continued to establish himself as one of the top Filipino imports in Asia, and his role in helping Changwon secure the top seed only adds to that growing résumé.

    The LG Sakers will wrap up the regular season against KCC Egis on Sunday, April 5, and Ulsan Mobis Phoebus on Wednesday, April 8, before turning their full attention to the playoffs.

     

    But with the regular season title now secured, Changwon has already made one thing clear.

    Carl Tamayo and the LG Sakers are entering the postseason with momentum, confidence, and another championship firmly in sight.

     

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  • Kevin Quiambao on track to extend Filipinos’ KBL Rookie of the Year streak

    Kevin Quiambao on track to extend Filipinos’ KBL Rookie of the Year streak

    The Korean Basketball League has become fertile ground for Filipino talent, and Kevin Quiambao has quickly emerged as the latest standout in a growing tradition of Philippine players succeeding in Korea. After a decorated collegiate career with De La Salle University—where he captured two UAAP Most Valuable Player awards, a Finals MVP, and a championship—Quiambao has made an immediate impact at the professional level, proving himself one of the most exciting rookies in the KBL.

     

    His transition to the professional ranks hasn’t just been smooth—it’s been impactful. This season, Quiambao has been a key contributor for his team, posting strong all‑around numbers that have made him one of the league’s most productive first‑year players. 

     

    Through the bulk of the campaign, he has averaged approximately 16.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, showcasing his ability to score, rebound, create for teammates, and stretch the floor.

     

    Beyond the stats, what stands out is his composure against tough competition and his adaptability to the faster, more physical style of play in Korea—traits that have helped elevate his team’s performance. 

     

    Quiambao’s club, the Goyang Sono Skygunners, has battled its way to a middling position in the standings in the current Korean Basketball League season with a 26-23 win-loss record, occupying roughly an above .500 record as it chases a coveted playoff spot in the tight 10‑team KBL field.

     

    His influence has been felt in more ways than one. In a display of elite playmaking rare for import and local players alike, Quiambao set a KBL single‑game mark this season with a stunning 18 assists in a win for the Skygunners—an assist total that’s the highest in the league this year and the most in Korea in five seasons.

     

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    Off the court, his value to the organization was rewarded with a three‑year contract extension that secures his future with Goyang through his peak development years, a testament to the team’s belief in his growth and long‑term impact.

     

    Quiambao’s squad has been competitive throughout the season, positioning itself firmly in the playoff hunt as one of the upper‑tier teams in the standings. Their solid record has bolstered his case not only as a contender for individual honors but also as a player whose contributions have real team implications.

     

    All signs point to further recognition. Should his team secure a spot in the KBL playoffs—which appears increasingly likely—Quiambao will enter the postseason not just as a rising star but as a frontrunner for the KBL Rookie of the Year award. His consistency and influence on both ends of the court have caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, making him a natural successor to a growing line of Filipino players who have excelled in Korea.

     

    Quiambao isn’t the first Filipino to make such an impact in the KBL. The award has become something of a home for talent from the Philippines, with RJ Abarrientos and JD Cagulangan capturing Rookie of the Year honors in recent seasons. Both guards arrived in Korea and immediately adjusted to the professional game, setting a high benchmark for any Filipino rookie who followed.

     

    Now, Quiambao is on track to extend that legacy. While the race for Rookie of the Year will ultimately be decided when the regular season closes and the playoffs begin, his current trajectory suggests he isn’t just in the conversation—he’s the one to beat.

     

    If his team qualifies for the postseason and he continues producing the way he has all season, a third straight Filipino winning KBL Rookie of the Year could soon become reality. And for a player who thrived in pressure situations in college, it would be fitting confirmation that his game has grown yet again on one of Asia’s biggest stages.

     

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