Arvin Tolentino powers all-Filipino Team Asia to statement win at KBL All-Star Weekend

What was billed as a lighthearted midseason showcase turned into a proud declaration of Filipino presence in Korea, as Arvin Tolentino led an all-Pinoy cast to victory during the KBL All-Star Weekend in Seoul. 

Wearing the colors of Team Asia, Tolentino anchored the group with authority, steering them to an 82–79 win over Team Rookie at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium. 

The Seoul SK Knights import delivered a commanding all-around performance, finishing with 19 points and 14 rebounds to emerge as the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Rather than treating the exhibition as mere entertainment, Team Asia played with purpose, echoing a similar result achieved by Filipino reinforcements in Japan’s B.League earlier this season. 

The message was clear: Filipino imports are no sideshow in Asian basketball — they are difference-makers.

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PINOY PRIDE IN SEOUL

Arvin Tolentino was named MVP while Will Navarro was the late-game hero for Team Asia as they trumped Team Rookie during the 2026 KBL All-Star Weekend festivities on Saturday.#KBLhttps://t.co/43elqsePLc pic.twitter.com/nvUztDjRr0

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) January 17, 2026

Busan KCC Egis forward William Navarro was hot in the clutch with a game-high 22 points, while also contributing five assists and four rebounds. 

He was ably supported by Kevin Quiambao of Goyang Sono Skygunners and Justin Gutang of Seoul Samsung Thunders, who chipped in 14 and 10 points, respectively, to keep Team Rookie at bay.

Veteran trailblazer SJ Belangel, now suiting up for Daegu KOGAS Pegasus, stuffed the stat sheet with nine points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals — a reminder of the all-around reliability that made him one of the first Filipinos to break through in the KBL.

The night also marked a personal milestone for Jake Figueroa, who finally saw action in Korea just days after arriving. Playing alongside his fellow Filipinos, Figueroa made the most of his brief stint with three points, an assist, and a steal — a quiet but meaningful debut.

Team Asia pulled off the win despite notable absences, with Carl Tamayo and Rhenz Abando sidelined due to undisclosed injuries. 

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