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| Photo provided by Red Bull |
Manila, Philippines, June 15, 2026 — Manila’s JSKILLS and
Pilipinas Aguilas emerged victorious as national champions at the Red Bull Half
Court 2026 Philippines National Finals in Bigger Pictures, Mandaluyong, on June
13. Following the qualifiers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the
Philippines’ top streetball teams collided at the recently held National
Finals, where pace, chemistry, and grit defined every possession.
With their championship wins, both teams earned the
right to represent the country on a global stage at the Red Bull Half Court
2026 World Finals in Manila this December.
“We want them to see that it’s not only about the
game. It’s about the chemistry, the love for the game. Basically, I tell
everybody, in the Philippines, basketball is like a religion. Everybody plays
it, and everybody loves it. And to represent that, it’s a very good thing,”
said Fubara Whyte from JSKILLS.
The games kept the audience on the edge of their seats
as teams competed in Red Bull Half Court’s fast-paced 3on3 format, which
features a 10-minute game clock, a 12-second shot clock, the signature ‘Own the
Court’ bonus, and Three-Point Shots from designated spots on the court. The
‘Own the Court’ bonus awards six points to the highest-scoring team in the
cumulative tally, while the Three-Point Shots rule gives three points for shots
made from specific scoring zones.
High Stakes and High Intensity at the
National Finals
Photo provided by Red Bull
The men’s final championship matchup between JSKILLS
and HoopJeep HCG delivered one of the tightest games of the tournament, with
both squads trading baskets deep into the closing minutes. A crucial defensive
stand and late conversion at the rim helped JSKILLS pull away to secure a 15-12
victory and claim the national title.
On the women’s side, Pilipinas Aguilas showcased
composure and teamwork in a hard-fought final against Uratex Dream. In a
buzzer-beating moment, Pilipinas Aguilas took over the game with a two-point
winning shot, eventually sealing an 11-9 win to become Women’s National
Champions.
“We just came in a lot more focused, this being our
last chance to win. We all were ready to give our 110% to win, even more so
than our qualifier games, because everything was on the line,” said Elizabeth
Means of Pilipinas Aguilas.
Photo provided by Red Bull
“This matchup was super tough because we lost to them
before. We really just focused on switching hard and locking them down on
defense,” added teammate Camille Malagar.
Uratex Tibay (Women’s Team), Lady Maroons (Women’s
Team), SGF Kings (Men’s Team), and Filipino Mixtape (Men’s Team) of Manila;
Gimcuad-Ninz (Women’s Team) and Team BOKKI (Men’s Team) of Cebu, and three-time
winner Coaches Corner and two-time winner Davao Agilas of Davao electrified the
courts with intense battles.
Courtside Energy Before Tip-Off
Before the National Finals tipped off, the venue
already felt like a celebration of Philippine streetball culture through a
series of pre-game activities that set the tone for the day.
The Last Man Standing audience activation opened the
action as guests showcased their shooting skills in front of a lively crowd.
Meanwhile, players from the men's and women's teams battled it out in the
Two-Point Shootout, while Air David, Joe Gomez De Liano, and Shawn Jackson
thrilled spectators during the Dunk Contest, bringing high-flying energy and
excitement to the National Finals.
The Hoop Trike, the latest addition to HoopJeepney’s
lineup of mobile basketball experiences, brought the game beyond the court with
a modified tricycle fitted with a basketball hoop. It spotlighted streetball’s
grassroots spirit and accessibility, turning everyday spaces into playable
courts.
Together, these activities enhanced the atmosphere
throughout the National Finals, creating an immersive streetball experience
that celebrated skill, community, and shared passion for basketball.
Philippine Basketball Headed to the
Global Stage
Photo provided by Red Bull
Beyond the competition, the Red Bull Half Court 2026
Philippines National Finals highlighted the passion that continues to fuel
basketball culture across the country. From teammates rallying each other to
courtside fans turning every possession into a significant moment, the event
reflected the community, pride, and intensity that define why the Philippines
is dubbed the Capital of Streetball.
Pilipinas Aguilas is headed to the World Finals
motivated, especially since the game is happening on their home turf. “There is pressure because we want to show up
for the Philippines and represent the Philippines well. But also, it’s
motivating because all our family and friends are gonna be here to support us,
and we’ll have all the extra support and encouragement,” sharedTrina Guytingco.
JSKILLS is fueled with the same drive as they prepare
for the World Championship. “We are much more motivated now, knowing that the
entire country is rooting for us at the World Finals. We will prepare, and
we’ll give our best to make sure we are representing the Philippines as best as
we can,” said TH Tumalip.
With JSKILLS and Pilipinas Aguilas earning their spots
at the Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals in Manila this December, the
Philippines now prepares to bring its unique brand of streetball energy onto
the global stage.
Support the squads as they carry the Philippine flag
into the Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals in Manila. Visit Red Bull
Philippines’ official website and social media channels (Facebook | Instagram | TikTok) for more information.
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