JSKILLS and Pilipinas Aguilas emerged as national champions at the Red Bull Half Court 2026 Philippines National Finals on Saturday, June 13, earning the right to represent the country at the World Finals in Manila later this year.

Held at Bigger Pictures in Mandaluyong, the tournament brought together the top streetball teams from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao following months of regional qualifiers. The country’s best squads battled through Red Bull Half Court’s fast-paced 3-on-3 format, where speed, teamwork and resilience proved decisive.

With their championship victories, both teams secured coveted spots at the Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals scheduled for December in Manila.

“We want them to see that it’s not only about the game. It’s about the chemistry, the love for the game,” said JSKILLS player Fubara Whyte.

“In the Philippines, basketball is like a religion. Everybody plays it, and everybody loves it. To represent that, it’s a very good thing,” he added.

The tournament featured Red Bull Half Court’s signature rules, including a 10-minute game clock, a 12-second shot clock, the ‘Own the Court’ bonus and designated three-point scoring zones that added extra excitement to every contest.

Champions Rise

The men’s championship game delivered one of the most competitive matches of the tournament as JSKILLS and HoopJeep HCG battled possession by possession deep into the closing minutes.

A crucial defensive stop followed by a late basket helped JSKILLS pull away for a 15-12 victory and the national crown.

On the women’s side, Pilipinas Aguilas showcased poise under pressure in a tightly contested final against Uratex Dream.

With the game hanging in the balance, Pilipinas Aguilas delivered a clutch two-point basket at the buzzer to secure an 11-9 victory and capture the women’s national championship.

“We just came in a lot more focused, this being our last chance to win,” said Pilipinas Aguilas player Elizabeth Means.

“We all were ready to give our 110 percent to win, even more so than our qualifier games because everything was on the line,” she added.

Teammate Camille Malagar highlighted the importance of defense after facing a familiar opponent in the title game.

“This matchup was super tough because we lost to them before. We really just focused on switching hard and locking them down on defense,” Malagar said.

Eyes On World Finals

The National Finals also featured strong performances from teams across the country, including Uratex Tibay, Lady Maroons, SGF Kings and Filipino Mixtape from Manila, Gimcuad-Ninz and Team BOKKI from Cebu, and Davao-based squads Coaches Corner and Davao Agilas.

Before the championship games, fans were treated to several interactive activities, including the Last Man Standing shooting challenge, a Two-Point Shootout and a crowd-pleasing Dunk Contest featuring Air David, Joe Gomez De Liano and Shawn Jackson.

The event also showcased the Hoop Trike, a modified tricycle equipped with a basketball hoop that highlighted the grassroots spirit of Philippine streetball and its accessibility in local communities.

Now, both national champions are focused on preparing for the World Finals, where they will compete against elite teams from around the globe on home soil.

“There is pressure because we want to show up for the Philippines and represent the Philippines well,” said Pilipinas Aguilas player Trina Guytingco.

“But it’s also motivating because all our family and friends are going to be here to support us.”

JSKILLS shared a similar mindset as they begin preparations for the international competition.

“We are much more motivated now, knowing that the entire country is rooting for us at the World Finals,” said TH Tumalip.

“We will prepare, and we’ll give our best to make sure we are representing the Philippines as best as we can.”

As Manila prepares to host the Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals this December, JSKILLS and Pilipinas Aguilas will carry the hopes of a nation known for its deep passion for basketball and thriving streetball culture.