Pinoy Masters set to compete in World Masters Games in Taiwan
Following the establishment of Masters Pinoy Pilipinas 45up Basketball team in the latter part of 2024, the said basketball team is now preparing themselves and getting ready to compete in the upcoming World Masters Games to be held in Taiwan on May 17 to May 30.
Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Team Manager and Architect Rey Punongbayan said that the initial practice already started since December last year and they are now in the process of selecting the 12 players who will join and be included in their roster list who will compete in 5x5 and 3x3 category.
“We have 12 players, that's for the World Masters Games, plus we also have 3x3. So that we can maximize our participation,” said Punongbayan in an exclusive interview with Dribble Report.
Punongbayan also said that their players are among those who are ex-pro in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and other collegiate basketball leagues in the country that are physically capable and conditioned themselves in this field of sports.
“Right now, we are in deep preparation for our participation. We combine all the players that are young in age and ex-pro only, 45 years old and up. It will happen on May 17 to 30," Punongbayan shared.
"So, we will compete there (Taiwan), and in other Asian countries,” he added.
Pinoy Masters head coach Arlene Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of this team to those who are in the age 45 years old and above because they already understand the game better and they already have a lot of experience playing basketball physically fit but also mentally prepared and alert.
“Actually, they understand the game better as they already have a lot of experience playing. Mentally, they are prepared, they can pick the instructions easily, unlike the young ones that need details of everything,” said coach Rodriguez.
Coach Rodriguez added that upon the selection of their players in Pinoy Masters they need to work out and level up the conditioning of all players including the team effort from both defense and offense.
“The only thing that we need to work out is their conditioning, including team effort from both offense and defense,” Coach Rodriguez added.
Punongbayan and Coach Rodriguez asked our countrymen to support the Masters Pinoy in their upcoming tournament happening on May 17 to 30.
“Please support our Pinoy Masters Pilipinas 45 up team that will compete in the World Masters tournament from May 17 to 30 in Taiwan. So, please support us and Laban Pilipinas,” Punongbayan concluded.
“I hope you support us. Masters Pinoy in the World Masters tournament in Taiwan from May 17th to 30th,” Coach Rodriguez finished.
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The East Asia Super League (EASL) is officially set to raise the curtain on its new season with a twin opening in Taipei and Tokyo on October 8, 2025 — a move that reflects the league’s expanding reach and growing stature as Asia’s premier basketball competition.
All eyes in Taiwan will be on the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium, which will host a blockbuster doubleheader featuring some of the region’s most decorated clubs.
The action tips off with a clash between the B.LEAGUE champions Utsunomiya Brex and the P. LEAGUE+ runners-up Taipei Fubon Braves. Utsunomiya, led by veteran guard Makoto Hiejima, entered as one of Japan’s most successful franchises. The Braves, meanwhile, look to prove their resilience after falling short in a grueling seven-game finals series last season, banking on the leadership of Chinese Taipei legend Lin Chih-Chieh.
The second game of the night brings a rematch between the P. LEAGUE+ champions Taoyuan Pauian Pilots and Japan’s Ryukyu Golden Kings. Their last encounter came in the 2025 EASL Final Four semifinals, where Taoyuan stunned Ryukyu, 71–64. This time, the Golden Kings are eager for redemption, while the Pilots hope to reaffirm their place among Asia’s elite.
Game schedule (HKT):
- Utsunomiya vs. Taipei Fubon – 6:30 PM
- Taoyuan vs. Ryukyu – 8:30 PM
China came within a single basket of toppling Oceania powerhouse Australia in the FIBA Asia Cup final, bowing 90-89 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but sending a clear message that it remains a force in Asian basketball.
The Chinese squad, bannered by Hu Mingxuan and Hu Jinqiu, led by as many as 15 points through three quarters before faltering in the final minutes against the defending champions. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the performance was a reminder of China’s proud basketball heritage and its potential return to continental supremacy.
Gilas Pilipinas advanced to the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals after triumphing over host nation Saudi Arabia in a tense 95-88 overtime victory on Monday, August 11 (Tuesday, August 12 in Manila) at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Justin Brownlee once again showed his ‘Never Say Die’ attitude after drilling a contested three-pointer with 3.7 seconds left to force the extra period. He went on to finish with 29 points, five assists, and four rebounds, paving the way for a quarterfinal showdown with two-time defending champion Australia on Wednesday, August 13.
Brownlee’s heroics set the stage for Kevin Quiambao, who buried two triples in OT to complete a 17-point performance alongside three dimes and three deflections.
"It was a special game, it was a special performance from both teams," said head coach Tim Cone. "They (Saudi Arabia) posed a lot of problems for us, and by all rights, they had the game won — except for the guy sitting to my right (Brownlee). If you know his history, that’s not unusual. He’s been hitting big shots."
AJ Edu anchored the middle with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Dwight Ramos chipped in 13 markers, 10 boards, three dimes, and a rejection.
Beyond Brownlee’s late-game magic, the Philippines secured the win by neutralizing Saudi Arabia’s high-scoring duo of Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mohammed Alsuwailem in the extra frame.
Abdur-Rahkman erupted for 33 points on 8-of-14 shooting from deep, while Alsuwailem tallied 26 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks — but the two combined for only five points in OT as Gilas closed the door on the hosts’ upset bid.
The Scores:
Philippines 95 – Brownlee 29, Edu 17, Quiambao 17, Ramos 13, Fajardo 6, Tamayo 5, Thompson 4, Newsome 4, Malonzo 0, Perez 0, Aguilar 0.
Saudi Arabia 88 – Abdur-Rahkman 33, Alsuwailem 26, Almuwallad 10, Abdel Gabar 8, Ma. Almarwani 4, Belal 3, Kadi 3, Mo. Almarwani 1, Shubayli 0.
Quarters: 25-15, 40-37, 60-59, 79-79 (reg.), 95-88 (OT).