National champs all-in for Worlds

JSKILLS and Pilipinas Aguilas emerged as national champions at the Red Bull Half Court 2026 Philippines National Finals, earning the right to represent the country at the World Finals in Manila later this year.

The country’s top streetball squads converged at Bigger Pictures in Mandaluyong recently after qualifying tournaments across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

JSKILLS captured the men’s title after edging HoopJeep HCG, 15-12, in one of the tournament’s most tightly contested matches. The teams traded baskets throughout the final before JSKILLS delivered a crucial defensive stop and converted at the rim late to pull away for the victory.

The women’s championship proved equally dramatic.

Pilipinas Aguilas defeated Uratex Dream, 11-9, on a game-winning two-point shot in the closing moments, completing a determined run to the national crown.

“We just came in a lot more focused, this being our last chance to win,” Pilipinas Aguilas player Elizabeth Means said. “We all were ready to give our 110 percent to win, even more so than our qualifier games because everything was on the line.”

Both champions will now advance to the Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals, scheduled in Manila in December, where they will compete against elite teams from around the globe.

“There is pressure because we want to show up for the Philippines and represent the Philippines well,” Pilipinas Aguilas player Trina Guytingco said. “But it’s motivating because all our family and friends are going to be here to support us.”

JSKILLS shares the same determination.

“We are much more motivated now, knowing that the entire country is rooting for us,” said teammate TH Tumalip. “We will prepare, and we’ll give our best to make sure we are representing the Philippines as best as we can.”

For JSKILLS, the opportunity extends beyond basketball.

“We want them to see that it’s not only about the game,” said JSKILLS player Fubara Whyte. “It’s about the chemistry, the love for the game. In the Philippines, basketball is like a religion. Everybody plays it and everybody loves it.”