The EASL has become a key platform for PBA teams such as NLEX, Blackwater, TNT, San Miguel, and Meralco, to compete against top squads from across Asia.
The East Asia Super League (EASL) has become a key stage for showcasing talent from top basketball leagues in the region, including the Philippines' very own Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Over the years, several PBA teams have had the opportunity to compete in the EASL, facing off against elite squads from Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan.
These matchups have not only allowed PBA teams to test their mettle against their East Asian counterparts, but have also brought thrilling international basketball action to Filipino fans here and abroad.
As the new 2024-25 season is set to open, here's a look at the PBA teams that have competed in the EASL:
NLEX Road Warriors & Blackwater Bossing
NLEX and Blackwater were the first two PBA teams to participate in an EASL-organized competition, seeing action in the Super 8 tournament held in Macau from July 17 to 22, 2018.
The Road Warriors made a strong showing, making the semifinals and finishing fourth. Meanwhile the then-Elite also had a solid campaign, but missed the semis due to an inferior quotient in group play.
Philippine teams were not pioneers in the East Asia Super League, but the 2018 Super 8 marked the start of what would become a recurring participation of PBA teams in the EASL.
TNT Tropang Giga & San Miguel Beermen
In 2019, the rebranded East Asia Super League held the second edition of The Terrific 12 tournament once again in Macau, running from September 17 to 22.
In addition to Blackwater, PBA flagship teams TNT and San Miguel joined the competition, making the field even more exciting.
The Elite finished 0-2 in Group A, losing to the Seoul SK Knights of Korea and the Chiba Jets of Japan.
Meanwhile, TNT came close to advancing to the semifinals but fell short against eventual champions Liaoning Flying Leopards, led by former NBA player Lance Stephenson. The then-KaTropa finished 1-1 in their first foray in EASL, beating Japan's Niigata Albirex BB.
The Beermen, on the other hand, would show off their dominance after going 2-0 in their group, defeating China’s Shenzhen Aviators and Japan’s Ryukyu Golden Kings, who entered The Terrific 12 as defending champions.
San Miguel, however, would fall to the Stephenson-led Liaoning in the semifinals before bowing to the Zhejiang Lions in the battle for bronze.
Following the pandemic, TNT and San Miguel would once again return to the EASL in the 2023 Champions Week, but the two clubs would make quick exits after going 0-2 in their groups.
Barangay Ginebra & Meralco Bolts
After reaching the PBA Season 47 Governors’ Cup Finals, the Gin Kings secured their spot in the 2023-24 EASL season.
However, Ginebra’s debut in the East Asia Super League was not meant to be just yet after the Tim Cone-led squad begged off from competing in the tournament.
Taking their place was Meralco, who joined the Governors’ Cup champions TNT as the EASL realized a long-standing goal to play a true home-and-away tournament.
The Bolts would finish the tournament with a 1-5 record, with their only win coming against the Ryukyu Golden Kings thanks to the clutch play of Chris Newsome.
Despite this, the Bolts admitted that their EASL experience significantly contributed to their PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup championship run, a first in franchise history.
[ALSO READ: How EASL win became a factor in Meralco Bolts' first-ever PBA championship]
New EASL season ahead
Set to compete in the upcoming EASL season will be Meralco and San Miguel, with the Beermen returning after a one-season gap.
Fresh off their stinging exit in the Governors’ Cup, the Bolts, led by their trio of imports in Durham, DJ Kennedy, and naturalized player Ange Kouame, will look for glory on the international stage this time.
The Beermen, on the other hand, will look to juggle their Governors’ Cup and EASL campaigns, powered by their stacked local squad led by June Mar Fajardo and their strong imports EJ Anosike and Quincy Miller.
San Miguel is placed in Group A alongside Suwon KT Sonicboom, B.League champion Hiroshima Dragonflies, Taoyuan Pilots of the P.League+, and the newly-added Hong Kong Eastern team.
Meanwhile, Meralco finds itself in Group B, competing against the Macau Black Bears, Ryukyu Golden Kings, Korean Basketball League champion Busan KCC Egis, and P.League+ titleholder New Taipei Kings.
The Beermen and Bolts begin their EASL campaign Wednesday, October 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City with SMB facing off Suwon KT at 6:10 p.m., while Meralco battles Macau at 8:10 p.m.
[NEXT: EASL: Meralco Bolts aim to bounce back at home against expansion team Macau Black Bears]