THE debuting Abra Weavers found themselves bracketed in perhaps the toughest group in the coming 2026-27 season of the East Asia Super League.
The reigning MPBL champions ended up in Group C in the company of Ryukyu Golden Kings, Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, and Hong Kong Eastern.
Both the Pilots and Golden Kings were semifinalists last season.
Taoyuan finished runner-up for the second straight year after losing to Utsunomiya Brex in the finals, while Ryukyu won the battle for third place against Alvark Tokyo.
Last season, the Meralco Bolts were also in the same pool as Ryukyu and Taoyuan, with the PBA side missing the playoffs after losing its final game of the group stage to the Golden Kings, 88-79.
The other groupings for the fourth Home and Away season of the EASL have reigning B.League champion Nagasaki Velca and Korean Basketball League titlists Busan KCC Egis ending up in the same pool in Group B along with Taipei Fubon Braves and newcomer Macau Hou Chon.
KBL runner-up Goyang Sono Skygunners featuring Gilas standout and last season’s KBL Rookie of the Year Kevin Quiambao lead Group A along with Alvark Tokyo, TSG Ghosthawks of Taiwan’s T1 League, and Ulaanbaatar Xac Broncos of Mongolia.
The new EASL season kicks off on Oct. 3 at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, with the Weavers spearheading the doubleheader by battling Hong Kong Eastern in the main game.
The Weavers are led by reigning MPBL MVP Dave Ildefonso, former PBA players Encho Serrano, Nico Elorde, Mike Ayonayon, Shaun Ildefonso, and potential Season 51 first rounder DJ Fenner, among others.
The first game will have Taipei Fubon Braves against Macau Hou Chon.
“The strength of this year's field reflects exactly what EASL was created to achieve," said Henry Kerins, Chief Executive Officer of EASL. "Every club has earned its place by proving themselves in Asia’s top domestic leagues.
"This season combines established champions, ambitious newcomers and some of the most exciting players in Asian basketball. We know fans will see the highest level of competition and the most compelling stories EASL has delivered to date."
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