Filipino basketball players have made significant strides overseas, establishing themselves in various international leagues. Yet, the PBA remains a stage where legacies are solidified. For some players, it’s the next chapter they've been postponing. For others, it’s the final piece of their basketball journey. Whether it’s about proving themselves on home soil, reigniting their careers, or simply finding closure, these players face a defining choice—should they finally take the plunge into the PBA?
NOTES: STATS GOOD AS OF MARCH 12, 2025
10 | JASON BRICKMAN | KAOHSIUNG AQUAS
T1LEAGUE | 2024-25
2024-25 | KAOHSIUNG | 7.7 PPG | 3.2 RPG | 8.2 APG | 1.8 SPG | 0.0 BPG | 28.7 MPG
Brickman, one of Asia's top point guards, has declared for the 2025 PBA Draft. This is why he's listed this low, and it's because he is going to be in the draft no matter what. A longtime fixture in the ABL and other Southeast Asian leagues, most recently with the Kaohsiung Aquas, Brickman is now looking to carve a career in the Philippines. He's currently sharpening his game with the MPBL’s Abra Weavers. Turning 34 this year, Brickman follows a path similar to players like Christian Standhardinger, Caelan Tiongson, and Mikey Williams, who explored international options before committing to the PBA. Then again, there's always the cautionary tale of Maurice Shaw, who had a solid international résumé but struggled in the PBA.
9 | MATTHEW AQUINO | GUNMA CRANE THUNDERS
JB1LEAGUE | 2024-25
0.3 PPG | 0.3 RPG | 0.1 APG | 0.0 SPG | 0.1 BPG | 1.6 MPG
His numbers in Japan aren’t much to talk about, and even his college days in Adamson didn’t make him stand out like his superstar dad, Marlou Aquino. Still, his height at 6'9" and international experience could be his edge if he takes a shot at the PBA. Asian centers often struggle overseas because of towering imports, and even June Mar Fajardo had a rough time in the ABL. The PBA could be a place for Aquino to find his rhythm, even if it’s not as a top scorer. Sometimes, it's about being in the right system, and with his background, he could surprise some teams.
8 | CALVIN EPISTOLA | JEONJU KCC EGIS
KBL | 2024-25
2.9 PPG | 1.9 RPG | 1.7 APG | 0.8 SPG | 0.1 BPG | 14.0 MPG
Calvin Epistola has found stability in Korea, now on his third year with Jeonju Egis. While his stats don’t exactly jump off the page, he's carved a niche as a reliable bench contributor. However, turning 29 this year, the thought of a PBA stint might be creeping in. Sure, Avan Nava’s rookie season was underwhelming, but he also got stuck in San Miguel’s deep rotation. Epistola might thrive in a team looking for fresh talent, like Phoenix or Blackwater, where he could make an immediate impact.
7 | JUSTIN GUTANG | SEOUL SAMSUNG THUNDERS
KBL | 2024-25
8.9 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 2.9 APG | 1.2 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 23.7 MPG
Justin Gutang has carved a solid career in the KBL, but if there’s a moment for him to test the PBA waters, it’s now. The former Benilde Blazer has been putting up decent numbers during his three-year KBL stint, with this season being his best across the board. However, he’s already 28, and moving back to the Philippines might be a long shot. His cousin AJ Benson’s draft experience didn’t go as planned—thanks to an application mishap where his real name, Alfonso Ventura, was used instead of his known basketball name. But unlike Benson, Gutang has the game to warrant a first-round selection if he gives the PBA a shot.
6 | JAMES SPENCER | EARTHFRIENDS TOKYO Z
JB3LEAGUE | 2024-25
4.4 PPG | 2.4 RPG | 1.5 APG | 0.4 SPG | 0.0 BPG | 19.2 MPG
Ever since departing from the UP Fighting Maroons, James Spencer made the Japan B.League his home. Unfortunately, he picked the wrong team, as Earthfriends Tokyo Z was kicked out of Division 1 and Division 2. Now stuck in Division III, he is averaging modest numbers as a second-stringer and missing the exposure his contemporaries enjoy. Yes, he is still an international import, but for a Division 3 league? Come on. A move to the PBA could be the reset he needs.
5 | GEO CHIU | EHIME ORANGE VIKINGS
JB2LEAGUE | 2024-25
2.9 PPG | 3.5 RPG | 0.4 APG | 0.2 SPG | 0.3 BPG | 17.2 MPG
Geo Chiu has bounced around various leagues before landing in Japan's B2 League. Similar to James Spencer, he's competing in a tier below the top Japanese league. The former 6’8 Ateneo standout might be enjoying the experience, but in terms of hierarchy, he's still behind Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, and perhaps even Angelo Kouame, depending on local status. Still, if he transitions to the PBA and makes noise with his size and skills, he could turn heads and elevate his career.
4 | KOBE PARAS | ALTIRI CHIBA
JB2LEAGUE | 2022-23
2022-23 | ALTIRI | 5.3 PPG | 0.9 RPG | 1.0 APG | 0.7 SPG | 0.5 BPG | 12.7 MPG
His entry on this list is similar to that of mock draft darlings Taylor Statham and CJ Lane. Kobe Paras was once seen as the future of Philippine basketball. He made waves in juniors basketball, took his talents to the U.S. college scene, and even had a Gilas Pilipinas stint. But somewhere along the way, his passion for the game seemed to fade. Maybe the PBA could reignite that spark. His dad is a two-time PBA MVP, and even his actor-brother Andre held his own during a short stint with Blackwater. If Kobe can find the right team that gives him the space to explore both basketball and off-court ventures like showbiz, this could be his shot at a solid comeback.
3 | JUAN GOMEZ DE LIANO | SEOUL SK
KBL | 2024-25
2.2 PPG | 1.2 RPG | 0.8 APG | 0.4 SPG | 0.0 BPG | 6.7 MPG
Juan GDL was once seen as one of the brightest young prospects during his time with the UP Fighting Maroons. Now turning 26, he has played in Japan, Lithuania, and Korea. However, his recent numbers haven’t been encouraging. This season, he's struggled to even crack double-digit minutes per game. What’s puzzling is that while other Filipino guards like SJ Belangel, Migs Oczon, RJ Abarrientos, and even Avan Nava (before moving to the PBA) have made their mark, Juan seems stuck. His brother Javi used the PBA as a confidence booster with Terrafirma before returning to Korea, and Juan could benefit from the same path. If he wants to continue globetrotting, that's fine, but the PBA could be a great place to rebuild his confidence and momentum.
2 | RHENZ ABANDO | ANYANG KGC
KBL | 2023-24
2023-24 | ANYANG | 9.9 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 1.1 APG | 0.8 SPG | 1.0 BPG | 24.1 MPG
Rhenz Abando isn't on this list because of a lack of talent—he's here because of uncertainty. During his time with Anyang KGC, he thrilled fans with savage dunks, crazy athleticism, and plays that made his teammates shine. Before his KBL stint, he led the Letran Knights to a perfect 12-0 season and was named both MVP and Rookie of the Year. But when his contract expired, he didn't apply for the PBA Draft, saying he was "waiting for something." Now 26, he's still an open invite for Gilas Pilipinas if available and is currently active in pocket tournaments with Strong Group Athletics. If he decides to enter the PBA Draft, he'll easily be one of the top attractions.
1 | THIRDY RAVENA | DUBAI BASKETBALL
ABA LEAGUE | 2024-25
2023-24 | SAN-EN | 12.5 PPG | 4.7 RPG | 2.9 APG | 1.2 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 28.4 MPG
2024-25 | DUBAI | 0.5 PPG | 0.6 RPG | 0.1 APG | 0.3 SPG | 0.1 BPG | 4.5 MPG
Thirdy Ravena is a big deal in Philippine basketball. He was the first pure Filipino to play in the Japan B-League and was named B.League Impressive Asia Player of the Year in 2024. He played for the dominant Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP, winning three championships and three Finals MVPs. He is also a second-generation star, with his dad, Bong Ravena, being a former PBA Mythical Second Teamer and Rookie of the Year, and his brother Kiefer, who once played for the NLEX Road Warriors, is also in Japan. I know the level of competition is far more superior in Dubai, but a player will lose his confidence if he continues to become a benchwarmer. And turning 29 this year, I doubt if he’ll make the NBA or the Euroleague. He hasn’t had a Gilas Pilipinas call-up ever since Chot Reyes left the program, and his skills are bound to deteriorate. If he’s enjoying globetrotting, that’s fine, but his basketball journey is not complete without an exceptional PBA stint.
There are other Filipino ballers thriving in Japan and Korea, and it might be best for them to stay put, especially if they're getting solid playing time. However, one major opportunity worth considering is the Starhorse Sea Titans' advantage in the upcoming 2024-25 PBA season. With dibs on Terrafirma's weak season, whoever they select first could instantly step into a star role.
In the end, the PBA is more than just a league. It's home. It’s where Filipino players are celebrated, critiqued, and remembered. Some of these athletes have found success abroad, but the chance to compete in front of Filipino fans and embrace the challenge of the PBA remains a powerful draw. Whether they choose to stay overseas or come home to make their mark, one thing is clear—their basketball journey won’t be complete until they’ve faced the roar of the Filipino crowd.