Champions from four countries set for NSAC World Invitational 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Champions, collegiate contenders, and international talent from across the region are set to converge in Manila as eight teams from the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia compete in the inaugural NSAC World Invitational, happening August 14 to 16 at the PhilSports Arena.

Presented in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the tournament brings together four Philippine collegiateprograms — University of Santo Tomas, San Beda University, Jose Rizal University, and Far Eastern University — and four international teams in Fighting Eagles Nagoya, Tenri University, National Formosa University, and Elite Stacks AUS.

The field features recent champions from both the Philippines and Japan, a top-flight Japanese professional club, one of Taiwan's leading collegiate programs, and a select Australian squad featuring players with experience across Australian and U.S. basketball.

Philippine Champions Take on International Challenge

Leading the Philippine contingent are the UST Growling Tigers, who enter the World Invitational as the reigning NSAC champions. UST will once again lean on NSAC Finals MVP Mark Llemit, alongside Collins Akowe and Amiel Acido, as the Growling Tigers look to carry their championship form into a considerably different challenge against international opposition.

Joining them are the San Beda Red Lions, the reigning NCAA Season 101 champions and third-place finishers in the recent NSAC.San Beda captured its record-extending 24th NCAA men's basketball championship last season nand brings a talented core featuring RC Calimag, Aldous Torculas, and Dan Marcelo into the World Invitational.

The JRU Heavy Bombers also arrive with championship momentum after capturing the 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, defeating San Beda in the title game. Filoil Finals MVP Lawrence Mangubat and Chris Hubilla headline a JRU side looking to carry its strong preseason form into international competition.

Completing the Philippine field are the FEU Tamaraws, who reached the quarterfinals of the recent NSAC. mFEU will feature Kirby Mongcopa, Janrey Pasaol, and Mohamed Konateh, while the World Invitational could also provide another look at highly touted incoming rookie Cabs Cabonilas.

Cabonilas enters the senior ranks after a historic UAAP juniors campaign in which he became the first player to win the UAAP Boys Basketball Season MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same season, helping FEU-Diliman capture the Season 88 championship.

Japan Sends Professional and Collegiate Champions

Two teams will represent Japan coming from different levels of the country's basketball system.

Fighting Eagles Nagoya brings professional pedigree to Manila as a member of Japan's top-flight B1 League. Founded in 1957, the club won the 2021–22 B2 championship before earning promotion to B1, where it has since competed against some of Japan's best professional teams.

Alongside the Fighting Eagles are Tenri University, which arrives as the reigning Kansai Collegiate Basketball Division I champion. Tenri completed a historic 14–0 undefeated campaign in 2025, securing its first Kansai Division I championship in 12 years. The Japanese collegiate champion built that run around an imposing defense that surrendered just 58.1 points per game.

The World Invitational will offer Philippine basketball fans a rare opportunity to see Japan's professional and collegiate systems represented in the same tournament.

Taiwan's Final Four Contender Joins the Field

National Formosa University represents Taiwan after establishing itself among the country's top collegiate programs.