The city’s annual big basketball show is back and this time, it will be a four-cornered fight among PBA ballclubs against the reigning UAAP champion.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will lead the four-team Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament on July 25-28 at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Gym in Davao City.
Joining ROS are Davao-based Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters, Converge Fiber Xers and UAAP champion Dela Salle University.
Coached by veteran mentor Yeng Guiao, the Elasto Painters will have the chance to suit up its PBA draftees led by 7th overall pick Caelan Tiongson, 8th overall pick Felix Lemetti, 13th pick Francis “Ef” Escandor, and 16th pick Mike Malonzo.
ROS’ late second round pick Miggy Corteza has been traded to Blackwater for a second-round pick in the 2026 PBA Draft. The deal is pending league approval.
The 6-foot-2 Escandor, son of Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) regional director Glenn Escandor, is a familiar face in the Kadayawan cagefest having suited up for De La Salle University in previous editions. The sharpshooting lefty is eyeing a roster spot with the Elasto Painters.
He plays in the mold of another former ROS player Jeff Chan who is also a southpaw perimeter deadshot.
Converge, which drafted top pick Justine Baltazar, may miss the services of the former Green Archer who still has a live contract with the Pampanga Lanters in the MPBL.
Converge also drafted three picks in the second round and tabbed Pao Javillonar (19th), Ben Philips (21st) and Jason Credo (24th).
Phoenix only has one pick in the recent draft in former Ateneo Blue Eagle Kai Ballungay. The 22-year-old Ballungay will join a Phoenix army that parades the likes of Ricci Rivero, Ken Tuffin, Tyler Tio, Sean Manganti, and Simon Camacho.
The Green Archers, lone amateur club in the tournament, will be led by reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao.
The tournament is organized by the City Mayor’s Office in partnership with The Royal Mandaya Hotel, and Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) 11.
