In one of the busiest offseasons in MPBL history, the reigning champions Abra Weavers may have just made the boldest move of all.
After claiming the 2025 MPBL crown with a sweep of the Quezon Huskers, Abra has officially reloaded for their title defense, acquiring KBL guards JD Cagulangan and Jake Figueroa, as well as former Strong Group Athletics forward DJ Fenner.
With the PBA Draft pushed back to 2027, the majority of graduating UAAP players have set their sights on the country’s biggest regional league—and this year’s crop features some of the biggest names in Philippine basketball.
Abra Weavers Remain the Team to Beat
The Abra Weavers went undefeated during their 2025 title run, and they may have just landed the biggest offseason haul of any team in the league.
Cagulangan and Figueroa bring seasoned leadership from their respective stints with the UP Fighting Maroons and NU Bulldogs in the UAAP, adding locker room chemistry alongside genuine offensive firepower. Fenner, who was part of the Philippines’ 2025 William Jones Cup title run, adds depth at the forward position—a spot already fortified by former La Salle champion Raven Gonzales.
Led by reigning league MVP Dave Ildefonso, the Abra Weavers enter the new season as the team everyone else is chasing—and they have now built a roster to match the star-studded lineups of fellow title favorites San Juan Knights and Caloocan Batang Kankaloo.
San Juan and Caloocan Poised for Title Runs of Their Own
The Weavers’ offseason moves have not gone unanswered.
San Juan already boasts the services of UP standouts Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, Reyland Torres, and Gerry Abadiano, and has since added reigning college champions Mike Phillips of La Salle and Jomel Puno of San Beda—though Puno’s signing remains unofficial as of press time.
Caloocan, meanwhile, is banking on the big three of Kean Baclaan, Dom Escobar, and Kymani Ladi to provide the size, length, and offensive punch needed to give the Batang Kankaloo their first MPBL championship.
With the season tipping off this week, local hoops fans are in for a title race that may be the most competitive in the league’s history. The Abra Weavers look like the head of the class still. But other contenders are lurking for sure.
