La Salle kickstarts ML:BB title defense in 2026 UAAP eSports tournament

c/o UAAP Media

Games today (ML:BB) at the (MVP Studios)
10:30 a.m. - UE vs UST
12:00 p.m. - AdU vs NU
1:30 p.m. - DLSU vs Ateneo
3:00 p.m. - UST vs UE

Defending champion De La Salle University faces an early test in its bid for back-to-back titles as it opens its 2026 UAAP Mobile Legends: Bang Bang group-stage campaign against last season’s runner-up National University today (Sunday) at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong City.

The Green Aces will immediately be tested by an NU side that reigning MVP Aaron Lim considers one of the biggest threats to their title defense.

“I think NU because they are the strongest team right now,” Lim said when asked which team poses the biggest threat to La Salle's back-to-back title bid.

The Bulldogs swept the group stage in last year's tournament and were already on match point in the championship series before the Green Aces pulled off a reverse sweep to capture the title.

NU returns this season with an even stronger résumé, having won three international collegiate tournaments: the Galaxy Gaming Academy Campus Series 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia; the Infinix Campus Cup 2025 in Manila; and the OPPO Hyper Legend Cup 2026 in Selangor, Malaysia.

Despite entering the tournament as defending champions, La Salle is taking nothing for granted in a field that head coach Renaldo Labjata believes has become increasingly competitive.

“Lahat ng teams ngayon sa UAAP contender so ibibigay lang namin lagi best namin and ang first goal muna namin ay makapasok ng playoffs,” said Labjata, who replaced Kenneth Villa after the latter moved to the professional ranks and joined the MLBB Professional League Malaysia.

La Salle will approach its title defense with a simple mindset — remain confident and prepared while respecting every opponent.

The championship, however, has also brought a different challenge for the coaching staff, with the Green Aces now carrying the expectations that come with being the team to beat.

“Medyo mabigat kasi nandoon yung pride at ego ng players kaya need ko makuha loob nila dahil champ sila last season,” Labjata explained.

“Pero di naman sila ganon kahirap i-handle dahil open at good listener sila lahat.”

Lim, meanwhile, is approaching the Green Aces' title defense with the same caution.

The reigning MVP believes their preparations have put them in a good position to contend for another championship but stressed that last season's success gives them no reason to be overconfident.

“We’re confident because we’ve been training hard and doing our best as a team. But we know every team is also preparing, so we won’t be overconfident,” Lim said.

Lim is also embracing the added expectations that come with defending both the team championship and his MVP plum.

“I just use the pressure as motivation to do better. My mindset is to stay focused and to keep improving,” he said.

La Salle and NU will be joined by Far Eastern University and the University of the Philippines in Group A, while Adamson University, Ateneo de Manila University, University of the East, and University of Santo Tomas make up Group B.

With little room for error in a loaded Group A, the Green Aces' road to a second straight championship begins against the same Bulldogs side they had to overcome to claim the crown last season.

UAAP announces decision on Aurora incident

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), upon the internal investigation of Ateneo de Manila University and upon administrative review of the publicized official reports of the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into the tragic deaths of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili during a team-building activity held in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8, 2026, and with the representatives of Ateneo de Manila University having recused themselves from the Board’s final deliberations and decision-making to ensure the integrity of the process, the UAAP Board, in compliance with its mandate to foster educational development through amateur sports, has reached the following decisions:

1. Thomas Anthony Baldwin is PERPETUALLY BANNED from all UAAP competitions and related activities, in any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity, and he is also prohibited from entering any UAAP competition venue. This sanction is final and shall not be appealable.

2. Team Manager Christopher John Quimpo, assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Hernan Ameer Domingo, Caesar Vincent Javellana Elumba, and Grant Dearns, and physical therapist John Eric Rueca shall be SUSPENDED FROM PARTICIPATION in all UAAP competitions and related activities, in any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity, until further determination by the UAAP Board. During this period, they shall likewise not be permitted to enter UAAP competition venues in an official capacity. This sanction may be appealed to the UAAP Board in accordance with its applicable rules and procedures.

In its administrative review, the Board noted the findings of the investigative government agencies, which did not make any recommendation to hold liable the student-athletes present at the incident. With this, the Board also recognizes that the Ateneo men’s basketball student-athletes are themselves victims of this tragedy.

In light of these findings, the Ateneo men’s basketball team shall remain eligible to compete in UAAP Season 89, taking into consideration the expressed desire of these student-athletes to honor the memories of their fallen teammates through competition. However, as a precondition for their continued participation in the UAAP, the Board has required Ateneo de Manila University to undertake a comprehensive reassessment of the organizational structure and management of its men’s basketball team in relation to the University’s entire athletics program in order to strengthen student-athlete protection, welfare, accountability, and institutional oversight. 

The UAAP’s approach in imposing these sanctions is both protective and restorative. It is intended to ensure accountability, strengthen safeguards for the welfare and best interests of all student-athletes, address the harm caused by this incident, and reinforce the lessons learned to foster a safer and more responsible environment across the league.

The UAAP again extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili. Their passing is an immeasurable loss to the community.

adidas Philippines to hold activations in line with upcoming Anthony Edwards visit

Believe That

adidas is set to turn Metro Manila peach.

With the upcoming Believe That Tour that Anthony Edwards is undertaking, adidas Philippines will have some activations in place, capped off with the Anthony Edwards Fan Fest on August 15 at Bonifacio Global City.

On August 9, the 5th Avenue branch of adidas is set to be reimagined into Edwards' signature peach aesthetic, inspired by the merchandise destinations seen on global concert tours. In addition, the branch will be the only place to secure exclusive "Manila, Believe That." tees, as well as limited-edition decals designed by Charlie Salazar, and a curated selection of Anthony Edwards footwear and apparel.

The store will also serve as home to a couple of adidas Philippines two basketball SMUs this year: the AE2 "Magpakitang Gilas" and the Believe That. 1 "Tibay ng Lahi," which were both designed by Melvin Rodas.

Select adidas branches elsewhere, as well as on adidas.com.ph will also stock up on these tees and decals on a date TBD.

On August 14, in conjunction with Foot Locker, a 1v1 basketball tournament is slated to take place at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater called the Believe That. Challenge.

To earn the opportunity to compete, players would need to purchase either an AE2 or Believe That. 1 at select Foot Locker stores, or on footlocker.ph, as well as completing an online registration process before August 9.

The winner of the competition, which is open to the public for fans to watch and check out, will receive PhP 100,000 and gets to be personally crowned by Anthony Edwards himself. 

One can check more details here.

As mentioned above, the Anthony Edwards Fan Fest will take place on August 15 at 5th Avenue and C1 Park. Open to the public and free of charge, the event allows fans to experience a full afternoon and evening of basketball, culture, and entertainment as inspired by Edwards and his Believe That. movement.

At the Fan Fest, one will be able to check out:

• Interactive basketball challenges with exclusive tour merchandise up for grabs
• The Gamer Zone, where adiClub members can compete on NBA 2K on PlayStation 5 consoles
• Photo moments and installations created for fans to capture and share their Fan Fest experience
• Lifestyle, community, and brand activations spread throughout the festival grounds

The streets of Bonifacio Global City will also host the much-anticipated arrival of Edwards in time for the sun setting over 5th Avenue. In addition, a live stage program will be held to celebrate his first visit to the Philippines with adidas.

adidas Country Manager Dave Sexton shares, "We've always wanted to bring Anthony Edwards to the Philippines because we know how much Filipino fans connect with his personality and the way he plays the game."

He adds, "Ant represents a new generation of basketball athletes who are as influential off the court as they are on it. The Fan Fest is our way of celebrating that connection while also bringing together the incredible basketball community that makes the Philippines one of the most passionate basketball nations in the world. We're excited to give fans a chance to experience that energy firsthand in a way no other brand has done."

More details will be available on the social media platforms of adidas Philippines.

UP continues reload with five commits for Season 90

Lising twins and Kristan Yumul (c/o UP WBT)

While UAAP Season 89 has the full focus of the University of the Philippines women's basketball team (WBT), work is also already being done to ensure continued contention in the future.

Five more players have been added to the Fighting Maroons' pool, headlined by Fil-Am twins Heart and Hannah Lising, who will undergo one-year residency before being eligible for UAAP Season 90.

The 21-year-old sisters, both guards, made a splash in Los Angeles Mission College before deciding to move to the Philippines and be part of State U's new era under coach Eric Altamirano.

Likewise serving residency are two more talents in Fil-Am Kristan Yumul, 5-6 at age 21, and Fil-Aussie Lecita Sherriffs, 5-10 at age 19.

Nigerian Okesola Victoria Olauluwa, 6-4 at age 18, is also just biding her time before linking up with compatriot Blessing Chuole Francis, with the UAAP now allowing two foreign student-athletes in the lineup.

"Siyempre, recruitment naman ang lifeblood of any program, and we're just happy for the trust these players gave us, even as they wait for a year before being able to play," said Altamirano. "What we can promise naman is all of them will be given the chance to prove themselves, kasi kailangan natin lahat sila."

With Louna Ozar and Camille Nolasco showing the way alongside highly touted newcomers Kennan Ka, Ashley Loon, and Francis, UP is hoping for a return to the playoffs after finishing fifth and seventh in the last two years.

Former Gilas Youth standout Ashley Loon commits to UP

Ashley Loon (c/o UP WBT)

A team-up that once powered Gilas Pilipinas Youth Women has come back online, and this time, Louna Ozar, Camille Nolasco, and Ashley Loon are hoping to get the University of the Philippines women's basketball team (WBT) over the hump.

Loon, a 5-foot-7 guard, committed to a one-and-done season for the Fighting Maroons in the oncoming UAAP Season 89, where she will reunite with Ozar and Nolasco, her teammates in the national team that bagged bronze in the FIBA Asia Women's Under-18 Championship 2022 Division B.

"Ashley gives us another option on offense, and more size na rin on defense," said first-year head coach Eric Altamirano. "More importantly, makikita natin, hopefully, yung chemistry nila ni Louna and Camille coming from Gilas."

With Ozar, Nolasco, Kaye Pesquera, Ninay Tapawan, and Achrissa Maw keeping the State U core intact, the additions of Loon, 6-foot Kennan Ka, and 6-2 Blessing Chuole Francis are big boosts to get the maroon-and-green back on track for a playoff berth it last clinched in Season 86.

Also reinforcing the roster are two more one-and-done players in Claire Tapinit from Centro Escolar University and Rica Torres from Rizal Technological University.

Tapinit and Torres - who stand 5-7 and 5-6, respectively - are both guards who provide experience and depth for a UP side ushering in a new era under the watchful eye of a school legend who once led its men's basketball team to a title.

"Excited tayo for all the talent coming in to strengthen yung foundation built by the veterans. Hopefully, mabilis silang maka-adapt and maka-contribute sa atin," said Altamirano, who teamed up with the likes of Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc in UP's 1986 championship.

Meanwhile, Chiang Kai Shek standout guard Ashley Mabazza, 5-6 at age 20, committed to the Fighting Maroons, as well, and will redshirt her first year in Diliman.

Asiabasket Launches NSAC World Invitational in Partnership with PSC and SBP

Asiabasket is set to bring Philippine collegiate basketball to the international stage with the launch of the NSAC World Invitational, an eight-team tournament featuring some of the country's top university programs alongside elite teams from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Organized by Asiabasket in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the tournament is set for August 14 to 16, 2026, marking another milestone in the organization's commitment to growing the game and providing Filipino student-athletes with world-class competition.

Representing the Philippines are a selection of collegiate teams—the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, San Beda University Red Lions, Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, and Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

Joining them are four international teams: Fighting Eagles Nagoya and Tenri University from Japan, Elite Stacks AUS from Australia, and National Formosa University from Taiwan.

"The NSAC World Invitational is a reflection of our vision to elevate Philippine collegiate basketball beyond our borders," said Jai Reyes, Founder and CEO of Asiabasket. "We want to provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete against quality international programs while showcasing the talent, passion, and competitiveness of Philippine basketball on a larger stage."

Reyes also expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for their trust and support in making the tournament possible.

"We are truly grateful to the PSC and SBP for believing in this vision and partnering with us for the NSAC World Invitational. Together, we're creating more opportunities for Filipino student-athletes to compete internationally while continuing to raise the standard of collegiate basketball in the Philippines," he added.

The eight-team tournament will follow a knockout format with classification games, ensuring each participating team plays three games over the course of the three-day event. Quarterfinal matches will be held on August 14, followed by the semifinals and classification games on August 15 before the tournament concludes with the championship and placement games on August 16.

More than just a competition, the NSAC World Invitational aims to strengthen basketball ties across the Asia-Pacific region while giving Filipino fans the opportunity to witness high-level international collegiate basketball on home soil.

The tournament also builds on the success of the National Student Athletes Championship, Asiabasket's flagship collegiate competition, as the organization continues to expand opportunities for student-athletes and establish Philippine collegiate basketball as a rising force in the region.

Additional details, including the official venue, ticket information, match schedule, and broadcast plans, will be announced in the coming weeks.

UP boosts ceiling with Ka, Francis commitments

Kennan Ka (c/o UP WBT)

Lack of size has been addressed for the University of the Philippines women's basketball team (WBT) with the entry of a Fil-Am one-and-done player and a new Nigerian foreign student-athlete.

Six-foot Kennan Ka and 6-1 Blessing Chuole Francis have arrived to add much-welcome height for the Fighting Maroons in the oncoming UAAP Season 89.

The 22-year-old Ka recently starred for Long Beach State before committing to play one season for State U. Despite the San Diego, California native's size, she actually also brings ballhandling and playmaking to complement stalwarts Louna Ozar, Camille Nolasco, and Kaye Pesquera.

Francis, age 21, is then a traditional inside presence who finally fills the space once occupied by former Rookie of the Year Favour Onoh, who powered UP to a playoff berth in Season 86.

"Talagang big boost sila sa atin because, as we all saw, height is what we had been lacking in the last two years," said first-year head coach Eric Altamirano.

Francis will join forces with veterans Achrissa Maw and Ninay Tapawan up front, as the Fighting Maroons try to get back into the Final Four picture after fifth and seventh-place finishes in the past couple of seasons.

For her part, Ka will also provide valuable experience for a maroon-and-green side ushering in a new era under the watchful eye of a school legend who once led its men's basketball team to a title.

"We have high hopes for the upcoming season, but at the same time, we know how competitive the field is. So the first thing we want to do is just to compete," said Altamirano, who teamed up with the likes of Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc in UP's 1986 championship.