Macau Black Knights open PBA campaign without Sam Deguara as giant center heads to Taiwan

A towering presence expected to headline the Macau Black Knights’ campaign in the upcoming Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup will no longer be part of the team’s plans.

When the Black Knights revealed their roster on their official social media page ahead of the conference, one name stood out for its absence—Sam Deguara, the 7-foot-6 center who had been anticipated to anchor the visiting squad.

The Macau franchise, previously known as the Black Bears, is among the foreign guest teams set to compete in the mid-season tournament. 

But instead of battling inside the paint in the Philippines, Deguara appears to have taken his talents elsewhere.

Reports indicate the towering big man has signed with Yankey Ark in Taiwan’s P. LEAGUE+, with the deal believed to have been finalized as early as the first week of February. 

The move was later confirmed by head coach Garret Kelly in response to a fan inquiry online about the center’s whereabouts.

For teams preparing for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Deguara’s absence means one less towering matchup in the paint.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

MISSION TO THE TOP!

The Macau Black Knights are set to participate in two conferences in the PBA’s 50th season as part of what Alternate Team Governor Jacque Ruby described as a testing phase.

Read more: https://t.co/wnaNm5djAY pic.twitter.com/LGqbsmO2Dd

— Fastbreak (@fastbreaknewsph) March 6, 2026

Instead, Macau will rely heavily on its other reinforcement, Tony Mitchell, who had originally been expected to share import duties with Deguara. 

The plan was for the two to rotate throughout the tournament—a setup allowed for guest teams since the league began inviting foreign squads.

With Deguara now out of the picture, Mitchell could shoulder the import responsibilities alone unless the Black Knights decide to bring in another reinforcement. So far, the team has not announced whether a replacement is on the way.

Despite shifting teams, Deguara wasted no time making an impact in Taiwan. He debuted for Yankey Ark over the weekend, producing 20 points and 12 rebounds to help secure a victory.

Back in Manila, the focus now shifts to Macau’s opening assignment in the PBA conference. The Black Knights will headline opening day on March 11, facing the Converge FiberXers in the 7:30 p.m. game at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Whether Mitchell alone will be enough to carry the visiting team remains to be seen—but one thing is certain, the Commissioner’s Cup will unfold without one of the tallest players expected to take part. 

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!