Sean Dave Ildefonso and reigning Maharlika Pilipinas Basketbol ng Pilipinas (MPBL) champion Abra Weavers want to bring their massive winning attitude to the East Asia Super League (EASL) here at the newly-built 16,000 seater SM Arena Seaside Cebu.
They debut at 7:30pm against Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions, and hoping that they prove themselves as worthy replacement to the original Philippine Basketball Association teams that begged off to participate this time.
‘We are hoping to make a statement that we are not just here as a replacement, but we are here as a winner. You know me, I am a winner, and so hopefully we will have a memorable debut,’ Ildefonso told reporters after the team’s practice. Ildefonso, the youngest son of PBA great Danny Ildefonso, who won last year’s Most Valuable Player trophy averaging 17.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists plus 1.6 steals in the MPBL’s last season, is expected to bring his international experience to the game.
The Weavers tapped ex-Rain or Shine Commissioner’s Cup import Jaylen Johnson, 6-foot-11 Michael Eric, Asian import Jordanian point guard Freddy Ibrahim, and newly-naturalized player 6-foot-11 Malick Diouf who will be playing as local due to his naturalization.
Coach Yong Garcia also expressed excitement to represent MPBL in the international stage.
‘I am absolutely thrilled and excited about our debut. Hong Kong Eastern is also a champion at their league, and we are the MPBL champion, so it is going to be exciting,’ Garcia said.
Abra has already topped the MPBL north division with 24-2 record behind local players Ildefonso brothers Shaun and Dave, Encho Serrano, Drex delos Reyes, and DJ Fenner, who are all expected to showcase their wares at the global stage.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong Eastern will bring familiar faces Ramon Cao and Jenning Leung who both playing for Macau Giant Pandas in the PBA’s 50 Governors’ Cup. They will reinforce by Sulaiman Sheikh and Anthony Groot Baltink.
Prior to Abra-Hong Kong game, Macau Hou Chon battles Taipei Fubon Braves in the first game at 4:00pm to open the EASL’s 2026 season.