Davao City and the Philippines are celebrating a monumental victory on the international youth sports stage. Team Pilipinas-Davao has been crowned the 2025 Asean Schools Games basketball champions after a thrilling tournament held in Brunei Darussalam.
A Gutsy Finale Seals the Championship
The road to gold culminated in a heart-stopping final match against a determined Malaysian squad. In a display of sheer grit and composure, the Filipino boys' team secured a hard-fought 90-86 victory. This win completed a perfect, undefeated run through the tournament, showcasing not just raw athletic talent but the profound character and discipline of these young athletes.
A Winning Formula: Chemistry and Leadership
The foundation of this championship team was a masterful blend of local synergy and strategic reinforcement. Under the guidance of Head Coach Jess Linus Evangelio, the roster was built around the core of the Palarong Pambansa 2025 secondary boys champion team from Ateneo de Davao University. This established unit, already familiar with each other's play, was bolstered by the addition of four skilled players from Central Luzon.
This combination proved to be the perfect recipe for success. The existing chemistry from the Ateneo de Davao core, combined with the fresh energy and talent from Luzon, forged a unified and adaptable squad capable of overcoming any challenge the tournament presented.
More Than Talent: Resilience and Values in Action
This championship sweep was about much more than physical skill. It was a testament to resilience, unwavering teamwork, and a shared commitment to playing with purpose. The team's flawless record of five wins in five matches speaks volumes about their meticulous preparation and mental fortitude.
Each game demonstrated their ability to adapt under pressure, trust each other implicitly, and dig deep when it mattered most. These qualities are a direct reflection of the Ignatian values nurtured at Ateneo de Davao—principles of excellence, discipline, and being "men for others" both on and off the basketball court.
This triumph at the Asean Schools Games is more than just another trophy. It is a powerful celebration of what Filipino youth can achieve when innate talent is fused with strong values, when rigorous preparation meets a golden opportunity, and when a team prioritizes character formation alongside competition. Team Pilipinas-Davao did not merely win games; they represented Davao City, the entire nation, and the Ateneo community with immense honor and distinction. Their journey stands as a potent reminder: when you play with a deeper purpose, excellence is sure to follow.
Notes from the sidelines: Congratulations are also in order for BEST Center Davao, which successfully concluded its SBP-Passerrelle Twin Tournaments on November 30, 2025.
