PhilippineBasketball

Philippine basketball is a hugely popular sport in the Philippines. It is played both professionally and recreationally across the archipelago. The most prominent professional league is the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), founded in 1975, which is the first professional basketball league in Asia and the second oldest continuously existing in the world after the NBA. The PBA features a competitive level of play and has a large and passionate fanbase.

Beyond the professional league, collegiate basketball is also highly popular, with major rivalries between universities in leagues like the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). These collegiate games often draw large crowds and serve as a breeding ground for future professional talent.

The Philippine national basketball team, known as Gilas Pilipinas, competes internationally. The team has a long history of participation in regional tournaments like the FIBA Asia Cup and has also represented the country in the FIBA World Cup. Basketball's popularity in the Philippines is attributed to its accessibility, the excitement of the game, and a deep cultural connection that has been fostered over decades. Many Filipinos play basketball in local barangays and community courts, making it a ubiquitous part of daily life for many.