The BST Team made history once again with the successful launch of the very first BST Hoops Inter-Collector League, an exciting new tournament that brought together Filipino pop culture enthusiasts and collectors through the power of basketball. The one-day event officially tipped off on March 29, 2025, at Dubai British School in Jumeirah, uniting fans for a celebration that blended high-energy sports action with community spirit.
Four uniquely themed teams—Team Pinoy Anime Portal, Team Hot Wheels Die-Cast Collectors UAE, Team Christon Gamers, and Team Goon Squad—hit the court for a day filled with intense matchups under a single-elimination format. But before the games even began, a lively team parade, skills showcase, and shoot-out hyped the crowd and set the tone for a day to remember.
In the opening matchups, Team Christon Gamers overcame Team Hot Wheels in a gripping battle, while Team Goon Squad edged out Team Pinoy Anime Portal. A thrilling Three-Point Shootout followed, where Paulo Dela Rama of Christon Gamers claimed the “Three-Point King” title with his sharp shooting skills.
The race for third place saw Team Hot Wheels bounce back with a win against Team Pinoy Anime Portal. But all eyes were on the grand finale between Goon Squad and Christon Gamers. After falling behind early, Team Goon Squad launched a dramatic comeback to secure the championship title in a heart-pounding finish.
At the forefront of this trailblazing event were organizers Ian Eleria, Arabie Mark Dela Cruz, Maynard Cruz, Gilbert Del Rosario, and Anton Molina of The BST Team. With the support of ACBL’s Francis and Ann, as well as food partners Viking Seafood Grill and Jally’s Kitchen, the day unfolded seamlessly.
The awarding ceremony was graced by Philippine Vice Consul Jim Jimeno, who presented the trophies, medals, and certificates to the top teams and individuals. Among the standout honors was the MVP award, which went to Leslie Arcala of the champion Team Goon Squad.
Joining Arcala in the Mythical Five were Johnny Grafia (Pinoy Anime Portal), Paulo Dela Rama (Christon Gamers), Bryan Dominguez (Hot Wheels), and Maynard Cruz (Goon Squad).
BST’s Ian Eleria shared that BST Hoops is more than just a tournament—it’s a reminder that their shared passion for collecting also fosters unity, wellness, and sportsmanship. With such a successful kickoff, fans and players alike are already looking forward to what the next season will bring.
