RAIN or Shine won’t be back to defend its title, but four other PBA teams will slug it out for the championship of the 2025 Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament in Davao City.
NLEX, Phoenix, Converge, and Blackwater make up this year’s cast that sees action in the annual tournament set August 21 to 24 at the University of Southeastern Philippines ym.
Last year’s edition was won by the Elasto Painters via a four-game romp including a 138-116 blowout of the La Salle Green Archers in the finals.
Phoenix and Converge were the other PBA teams that also competed in Davao a year ago.
The meet will see Willy Wilson making his coaching debut with Phoenix after taking over the job from Jamike Jarin, who has been elevated as team consultant.
READ: New coach Willy Wilson says no shortage of talent at Phoenix
Francis Escandor, whose family is from Davao, also sees action as a Fuel Master for the first time since parting ways with Rain or Shine by the end of Season 49.
Escandor was signed to a two-year deal by Phoenix.
Blackwater and Phoenix kicks off hostilities on opening day as they tangle at 5 p.m. followed by Converge and NLEX at 7 p.m.
The following day Phoenix takes on Converge and NLEX faces Blackwater, while the final day of eliminations features Blackwater versus Converge and NLEX against Phoenix.
The battle for third place and the championship game are set on August 24.
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