The Abra Weavers have tapped Jaylen Johnson and Malick Diouf as their reinforcements for the upcoming 2026‑27 campaign in the EASL.
Diouf and Johnson Solve Abra’s Frontcourt Problem
One of the biggest concerns since the announcement that the Abra Weavers would represent the Philippines in the EASL has been their lack of big men capable of competing against international teams.
Their tallest local center, Drex Delos Reyes, stands at 6‑foot‑8. He has some skill and agility to keep up with taller players, but Abra does not have a reliable backup for him on the bench.
Diouf, a 6‑foot‑11 big man who played for the UP Fighting Maroons during his collegiate years in the UAAP, instantly provides elite interior defense while also anchoring the rebounding department. Most recently, the Senegalese player was approved for Filipino naturalization and was part of the Strong Group Athletics lineup at the 45th William Jones Cup.
Meanwhile, Johnson, who suited up for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, is a 6‑foot‑10 big man who can stretch the floor, create plays, and score at all three levels.
Having Diouf and Johnson on Abra’s roster addresses the team’s problems in the shaded lane on both ends of the floor. Considering they are no strangers to Philippine basketball, their familiarity with the country’s basketball culture should also help them adjust to the Weavers’ system. Notably, Diouf’s signing gives the Abra Weavers flexibility to sign a second import given his status as a naturalized player. Teams in the EASL are permitted to field one naturalized player and two imports, and with Diouf filling that spot, the defending MPBL champions are free to tap another reinforcement to pair with Johnson. It will, thus, be interesting if they will look to recruit another big man to further bolster the frontcourt or bring in a wing or guard to help Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, and company.
A Tough Challenge in Group C for the Abra Weavers
The Abra Weavers will face Hong Kong Eastern, the Ryukyu Golden Kings, and the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots in Group C.
The Taoyuan Pauian Pilots are particularly formidable as they have reached the EASL Finals in back‑to‑back years. Despite two straight runner-up finishes, the Taiwanese ball club have consistently displayed a dominant level of international basketball and have proven capable of beating any team in Asia.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Ryukyu Golden Kings present another formidable challenge, having consistently reached the B.League Finals over the last five years. They are more than capable of replicating that level of performance in the EASL.
Hong Kong Eastern is the team the Abra Weavers may have the best chance of defeating. However, if they wish to advance further into the tournament, they must also find a way to overcome the stronger teams in their group.
As the Abra Weavers prepare for their opening assignment on October 3 at SM Seaside Arena in Cebu against Hong Kong Eastern, both Malick Diouf and Jaylen Johnson are expected to play integral roles for the Philippine team as they aim to achieve the best finish by any Filipino squad in the tournament.
