Last Saturday, the Jordan Brand “The One” Manila Qualifier lit up the courts at the Jordan Manila Flight Deck in BGC, Taguig City, with fierce one-on-one basketball action that embodied passion, skill, and the relentless drive to be the best.
Twelve boys and twelve girls from across the Philippines battled it out in intense matchups that had fans on the edge of their seats. Crossovers, clutch shots, and raw determination defined the day, as players pushed themselves to the limit to claim the prestigious title of “The One.”
Emerging victorious were Gilas youth player Bonn Earvin Daja from De La Salle Zobel, who developed under Phenom Championship Clinic, and UST Junior Growling Tigress Rhiane Perez, winners of the Boys’ and Girls’ Divisions respectively. Their triumph means they will now carry the Philippine flag to the global finals in New York this August, where they will face off against top one-on-one players from over 15 cities worldwide, including basketball hotspots like Belgrade, Chicago, Hong Kong, Paris, and Tokyo.
Jino Ferrer, Nike Country Marketing Head, praised the young champions for their “incredible talent and competitive spirit,” adding that they perfectly embody the mentality needed to succeed on the world stage. “We’re excited to support them as they chase greatness and show the world the unique style and heart of Filipino basketball.”
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The event wasn’t just about hoops. Manila’s vibrant music scene also took center stage with a high-energy one-on-one DJ battle that crowned DJ Sky Dominique as the winner. This musical showdown brought a cultural edge to the day, highlighting the deep connection between basketball and the pulse of the city’s local talent.
Ferrer noted that the inclusion of the DJ battle reflects the tournament’s broader mission: to celebrate creativity and competition both on and off the court. “Just as Michael Jordan’s legendary one-on-one battles inspired generations, ‘The One’ tournament continues that legacy by encouraging the next generation to define what’s next—not just in basketball, but in culture as well.”
As Bonn Daja and Rhiane Perez prepare for the global finals, they’re sharpening their skills and focus, ready to take on the world’s best. For them, it is more than a competition — it’s a chance to write a new chapter in the story of Filipino basketball, one electrifying one-on-one matchup at a time.
