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San Juan Knights
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The San Juan Knights (also abbreviated as SJK) are a Filipino professional basketball team based in San Juan. The team competes in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) as a member of the league's North Division. The team plays its home games at Playtime Filoil Centre.
Key Information
The team's first incarnation was established in 1999 as a member of the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) and played there until 2001. In 2018, the Knights were revived as they joined the MPBL for the 2018–19 season. The team's second incarnation has taken part in other leagues, including FilBasket, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3, and Pilipinas Super League (PSL), the latter of which they compete under the name San Juan Kings. In 2023, their volleyball counterpart, the San Juan Lady Knights became one of the eight charter teams of the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA).
The San Juan-based franchise is one of the most successful region basketball teams in the country. Across both incarnations, the Knights have clinched two championships: one in the MBA (2000) and one in the MPBL (2019). The Knights also made the MPBL's division finals five times in a row from 2019 to 2024, and the MPBL finals in back-to-back seasons (2019 and 2021).
The Knights are one of four teams based in the Eastern Manila District of Metro Manila. The team is also backed by the sports program Go For Gold Philippines, hence the team is also known as San Juan Knights–Go For Gold (SJK–G4G).
History
[edit]First incarnation (1999–2001)
[edit]The San Juan Knights were founded in 1999 by then-mayor and current senator Jinggoy Estrada and businessman Sandy Javier. The team entered the Metropolitan Basketball Association as an expansion team for the league's 1999 season alongside the Surigao Miners and Nueva Ecija Patriots.
During the pre-season, the team acquired 6'9" Bonel Balingit from the Philippine Basketball Association to a three-year, P16 million contract. Joining Balangit are Gherome Ejercito from the Pampanga Dragons, a cousin of Estrada, 1998 NCAA Most Valuable Player Christian Calaguio, and Chito Victolero.
During the playoffs of the 2000 season, San Juan first swept the Laguna Lakers, 2–0, in the Northern Conference Semifinals and went past the Manila Metrostars, 3–1, in the Northern Conference Finals, bringing the Knights to the 2000 MBA National Championship. Game 5 of the championship series against the Negros Slashers had a debris-throwing incident at the La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, as the Knights were way ahead, 87–65, with 11:38 left in the fourth quarter when play was stopped. The Negros Slashers conceded game 5, giving the San Juan Knights a 3–2 heading into game 6.[1] San Juan would go on to win their first of back-to-back MBA championships.[2]
| Team | Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3 | Game 4 | Game 5 | Game 6 | Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Juan | 76 | 88 | 84 | 85 | W | 104 | 4 |
| Negros | 75 | 77 | 90 | 89 | L | 91 | 2 |
Second incarnation (2018–present)
[edit]2018–2020: The Ayonayon and Wilson era
[edit]In April 2018, San Juan Knights were revived as an expansion team in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.[3] The return of the Knights brought in names such as Mark Cardona and John Wilson. The team finished its inaugural season with a 20–5 record and clinched the third seed in the playoffs. In the playoffs, San Juan swept both Navotas and Quezon City, and won 2–1 against Manila to advance to the 2019 MPBL finals against the Davao Occidental Tigers. The series went all the way to a game 5 as San Juan won its first MPBL championship and the third overall in franchise history. Their winning traditions continued into the 2019–20 season, after facing only four losses throughout the whole season, San Juan managed to finish the season as the North Division's first seed. With a 26–4 record and a .867 win percentage, they also tied for best record that season alongside the Davao Occidental Tigers. As the playoffs began, the team swept through Pasay and Pampanga before facing the Makati Super Crunch in the North Division Finals. The series was tied before the season's suspension but San Juan were able to win deciding game 3 against a depleted Super Crunch squad to make back-to-back National Finals appearances for a chance to repeat against the Davao Occicdental Tigers. This time around, San Juan failed to defend their title as Davao Occidental won 3–1.
2022–present: The Orlan Wamar era
[edit]![[icon]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (December 2024) |
After the conclusion of the 2022 MPBL season, San Juan made their debut in the Pilipinas Super League, under the name San Juan Kings. In the 2022–23 DUMPER Cup, the team went undefeated in the regular season, winning all 15 games. After beating Manila in the Quarterfinals, the Kings met the Baltazar-led Pampanga G Lanterns in the Semifinals. Unfortunately, San Juan would lose to the G Lanterns in two games.
Rivalries
[edit]Davao Occidental Tigers
[edit]The rivalry between San Juan and the Davao Occidental Tigers is most prominent in the MPBL when both teams played in the National Finals in back-to-back seasons (2019 and 2021). Even though Davao Occidental has since departed the MPBL, both teams would still clash with one another whenever they compete in the same league. As of February 2024, the San Juan franchise has met the Davao Occidental Tigers a total of fifteen times across all leagues.
Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards
[edit]San Juan's rivalry against the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards began in FilBasket when both teams clashed in the finals of the 2022 Summer Championship. The rivalry grew more fierce in the MPBL as both teams fought for North Division contention, with both teams meeting in the playoffs in 2022 and 2023. As of March 2024, across all leagues, both teams have met each other thirteen times.
Pampanga Giant Lanterns
[edit]In the mid-2020s, both San Juan and the Pampanga Giant Lanterns competed for championship contention when they compete in the same league. Since 2020, both teams met in the playoffs a total of four times across the MPBL and PSL, three of them occurred at either the MPBL division finals or PSL semifinals.
Home arenas
[edit]San Juan plays their home games at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in the MPBL and PSL. During their time in the MBA, they have played in the PhilSports Arena from 1999 to early 2000 and the San Juan Gym in 2000.
Current roster
[edit]| Players | Coaches | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Updated as of: September 19, 2025 |
Head coaches
[edit]| San Juan Knights head coaches | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Name | Start | End | Achievements | Ref. |
| 1 | Philip Cezar | 1999 | 2001 | MBA champion (2000) | |
| 2 | Allan Pangarungan | 2001 | 2001 | — | |
| 3 | Randy Alcantara | 2018 | 2023 | 1x MPBL Coach of the Year (2019) | |
| 4 | Jinggoy Estrada | 2023 | 2024 | — | |
| 5 | Alexander Angeles | 2024–25 | — | ||
Notable players
[edit]Individual award winners
[edit]|
|
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All-MPBL Second Team |
PSL Mythical Team
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All-Stars
[edit]
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MPBL All-Star Game head coaches |
MPBL pre-game event winners
|
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PSL All-Star selections
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PBA players
[edit]
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Season-by-season records
[edit]| League champions | |
| Division champions | |
| Qualified for playoffs | |
| Best regular season record |
Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League
[edit]| Season | Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Finish | GP | W | L | PCT | GB | Stage | Results | |
| San Juan Knights | |||||||||
| 2018–19 Datu Cup |
North | 3rd | 25 | 20 | 5 | .800 | 3 | Division quarterfinals Division semifinals Division finals National finals |
won vs. Navotas, 2–0 won vs. Quezon City, 2–0 won vs. Manila, 2–1 won vs. Davao Occidental, 3–2 |
| 2019–20 Lakan Season |
North | 1st | 30 | 26 | 4 | .867 | — | Division quarterfinals Division semifinals Division finals National finals |
won vs. Pasay, 2–0 won vs. Pampanga, 2–0 won vs. Makati, 2–1 lost vs Davao Occidental, 1–3 |
| 2022 | North | 3rd | 21 | 14 | 7 | .667 | 7 | Division quarterfinals Division semifinals Division finals |
won vs. Valenzuela, 2–0 won vs. Pasig City, 2–0 lost vs. Nueva Ecija, 1–2 |
| 2023 | North | 6th | 28 | 19 | 9 | .679 | 7 | Division quarterfinals Division semifinals Division finals |
won vs. Makati, 2–0 won vs. Nueva Ecija, 2–0 lost vs. Pampanga, 0–2 |
| 2024 | North | 1st | 28 | 26 | 2 | .929 | – | Division quarterfinals Division semifinals Division finals |
won vs. Rizal, 2–0 won vs. Caloocan, 2–0 lost vs. Pampanga, 0–2 |
| 2025 | North | 3rd | 29 | 26 | 3 | .897 | 2 | Division quarterfinals Division semifinals |
won vs. Pasay, 2–0 TBD |
| All-time regular season record | 161 | 131 | 30 | .814 | 6 playoff appearances | ||||
| All-time playoff record | 44 | 31 | 13 | .705 | 2 finals appearances | ||||
| All-time league record | 205 | 162 | 43 | .790 | 1 championship | ||||
FilBasket
[edit]| Tournament | Elimination round | Playoffs | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | GP | W | L | PCT | GB | Stage | Results | ||
| San Juan Knights | |||||||||
| Subic 2021 | 3rd | 10 | 7 | 3 | .700 | 1 | Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals |
won vs. Medical Depot, 88–73 won vs. Davao Occidental, 85–84 lost vs. AICC Manila, 1–2 (series) | |
| Summer 2022 | 5th | 11 | 6 | 5 | .545 | 5 | Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals |
won vs. Pasig, 93–91 won vs. Tanduay, 2–0 (series) lost vs. Nueva Ecija, 1–2 (series) | |
| All-time elimination round record | 21 | 13 | 8 | .619 | 2 playoff appearances | ||||
| All-time playoff record | 11 | 7 | 4 | .636 | 2 finals appearances | ||||
| All-time league record | 32 | 20 | 12 | .625 | 0 championships | ||||
Pilipinas Super League
[edit]| Tournament | Elimination round | Playoffs | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | GP | W | L | PCT | GB | Stage | Results | ||
| San Juan Kings | |||||||||
| 2022–23 DUMPER Cup |
1st | 15 | 15 | 0 | 1.000 | — | Quarterfinals Semifinals |
won vs. Manila, 1–0 lost vs. Pampanga G Lanterns, 0–2 | |
| 2023–24 President's Cup |
2nd | 18 | 16 | 2 | .889 | 1 | First Round Quarterfinals Semifinals Battle for third |
won vs. Camarines Norte, 1–0 won vs. SGA–CSB, 1–0 lost vs. Nueva Ecija, 0–2 won vs. Biñan, 1–0 | |
| 2024–25 President's Cup |
3rd | 10 | 8 | 2 | .800 | 1 | Quarterfinals 1 Quarterfinals 2 Semifinals Finals |
won vs. Lipa Batangas, 1–0 won vs. Malabon, 1–0 won vs. General Santos, 2–0 lost vs. Caloocan, 1–2 | |
| All-time elimination round record | 43 | 39 | 4 | .907 | 3 playoff appearances | ||||
| All-time playoff record | 15 | 9 | 6 | .600 | 1 finals appearance | ||||
| All-time league record | 58 | 48 | 10 | .828 | 0 championships | ||||
References
[edit]- ^ "Slashers conceded fifth game; Knights up, 3-2". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ^ "San Juan bags national title". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ^ "Pagbabalik ng Knights — San Juan, pasok bilang expansion team sa MPBL". ABS-CBN Sports. April 7, 2018. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
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San Juan Knights
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
First incarnation in the MBA (1999–2001)
The San Juan Knights were founded in 1999 by then-San Juan mayor Jinggoy Estrada and businessman Sandy Javier as a professional expansion franchise in the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA), a regional league aimed at promoting basketball outside the Philippine Basketball Association's Metro Manila focus.[12] The team debuted on February 7, 1999, defeating the Nueva Ecija Patriots 89-70 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay, marking a strong entry into the North Division.[12] Under head coach Philip Cezar, a former PBA star known for his defensive strategies, the Knights assembled a competitive roster featuring players like Ali Peek, a towering Filipino-American center who provided interior dominance, and other imports and locals such as Rafi Reavis and Reynel Hugnatan.[13][14] In their inaugural 1999 season, the Knights advanced to the North Division semifinals but fell to the Pasig-Rizal Pirates in five games, showcasing promise despite the learning curve of a new league.[12] The 2000 season proved transformative, as San Juan dominated the North Conference and reached the national finals against the Negros Slashers. The best-of-seven series was marked by intensity, including a chaotic Game 5 in Bacolod where the Slashers conceded after trailing 87-65 amid fan debris-throwing, giving the Knights a 3-2 lead.[15] San Juan clinched the MBA National Championship in Game 6 on November 25, 2000, with a 104-91 victory at the San Juan Gym, securing their first and only title in the league's third season. Key contributions came from Peek's rebounding and shot-blocking, alongside Cezar's tactical adjustments that emphasized balanced scoring and perimeter defense.[16] This triumph established the Knights as a powerhouse, drawing large crowds and highlighting the MBA's potential for regional talent development.[17] The Knights returned for the 2001 season, renamed Andok's-San Juan Knights, and reached the North Division semifinals but were eliminated by the Batangas Blades.[5] However, mounting league-wide financial challenges, including high operational costs and the withdrawal of broadcast partner ABS-CBN's funding, led to the team's disbandment after the season.[18] Without sufficient sponsorship and amid the MBA's overall instability, San Juan opted not to participate in the 2002 crossover conference, effectively ending their first incarnation and marking the close of a brief but impactful era.[18]Revival and early MPBL success (2018–2020)
The San Juan Knights were revived in 2018 under the leadership of longtime owner Senator Jinggoy Estrada and new co-owner Jeremy Go of Go For Gold, entering the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) as an expansion team in the North Division.[19][20] Team governor Chris Conwi managed day-to-day operations, including roster assembly and logistics, drawing inspiration from the franchise's original Metropolitan Basketball Association championship in 2001.[20][19] The revival positioned the Knights to compete in a growing regional league, with home games hosted at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.[21] In their inaugural 2018–19 MPBL season, coached by Randy Alcantara, the Knights posted a strong 20–5 regular-season record, earning the third seed in the North Division playoffs.[22] They advanced by sweeping the Navotas City Clovers and Quezon City Capitals before defeating the Manila Stars 2–1 in the division semifinals. In the national finals against the South Division champion Davao Occidental Tigers, San Juan captured the Datu Cup title in five games, clinching the series with an 87–86 victory in Game 5 on a clutch layup by Jhonard Clarito.[22] Key contributors included Finals MVP Mike Ayonayon, who scored 33 points in the decisive game, alongside Larry Rodriguez and Mac Cardona. This championship established an early rivalry with Davao Occidental and marked the Knights' first national title in the MPBL era.[22][19] The 2019–20 Lakan Season saw the Knights continue their dominance in the North Division under Alcantara, bolstered by the "Ayonayon era" featuring the versatile guard's playmaking and scoring. With John Wilson emerging as a scoring leader, San Juan racked up wins, including a 19-point rout of Davao Occidental in January 2020 that highlighted their offensive firepower. They reached the North Division finals against the Makati Super Crunch, splitting the first two games 1–1 with competitive battles at the Filoil Flying V Centre. However, the season was suspended indefinitely on March 11, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the health of players, staff, and fans as the last major Philippine league to halt play.[23][24] This interruption left the Knights as frontrunners but unable to complete their title defense, underscoring the league's vulnerability to external disruptions.[23]Expansion to other leagues and recent seasons (2021–present)
Following the COVID-19 hiatus, the San Juan Knights returned to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) in the 2021 Lakan ng Maniyaga Cup, advancing to the national finals where they fell to the Davao Occidental Tigers in a 1-3 series defeat.[25] During this campaign, guard Orlan Wamar emerged as a key contributor, averaging double figures in scoring and providing clutch plays that highlighted his growing role in the team's offense. This postseason run underscored the Knights' resilience post-revival, building on their pre-pandemic momentum to reestablish competitiveness in the North Division. Seeking to broaden their competitive footprint, the Knights ventured into the Filbasket Subic Championship in 2021, where they notched a narrow 85-84 semifinal victory over rivals Davao Occidental before falling to AICC Manila in the best-of-three finals series.[26] The following year, they joined the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) Pro Division as the San Juan Kings for the 2022–23 DUMPER Cup, achieving an undefeated 15-0 regular season record and advancing to the semifinals, where they were eliminated by Pampanga Royce Hotel.[27] Their PSL involvement has continued, including a finals appearance in the 2025 President's Cup, where they lost to the Caloocan Supremos in a closely contested series.[28] These multi-league efforts marked a strategic expansion, allowing the team to gain exposure and refine their roster across different formats. In the MPBL, the Knights maintained strong North Division contention from 2022 to 2024, reaching the division finals in 2022 (losing 1-2 to Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in the best-of-three series), finals in 2023 (losing to Pampanga Giant Lanterns), and finals again in 2024, where Pampanga Giant Lanterns swept them 2-0 to claim the North crown.[29][30] Key to this consistency was a transition to the Filoil EcoOil Centre (now Playtime Filoil Centre) as their primary home venue starting in 2021, providing a consistent, high-capacity facility in San Juan City for both MPBL and PSL games.[27] Post-2020 coaching adjustments included Senator Jinggoy Estrada assuming the head coach role in 2021, with Alexander Angeles serving as acting head coach by 2025, supported by assistants like Philip Cezar to emphasize defensive schemes and player development.[31][32] The 2025 MPBL season has seen the Knights sustain their playoff pedigree, sweeping the Pasay Voyagers 2-0 in the North Division quarterfinals on October 15 before entering semifinals against the Pangasinan Heatwaves, but lost the best-of-three semifinal series 1-2 after dropping Game 3 80-83 on November 11.[33][34][35] Wamar continued to anchor the backcourt, contributing 24 points in the Game 2 win to force the decider.[36] This playoff run ended in the semifinals, reflecting the team's deepened bench and adaptability across leagues.Organization
Ownership and administration
The San Juan Knights were established in 1999 by businessman Sandy Javier as owner and then-San Juan Mayor Jinggoy Estrada as team manager during their initial stint in the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA). Senator Jinggoy Estrada has remained the primary backer and co-owner since the team's inception, leveraging his political influence and personal commitment to sustain the franchise through its various iterations.[37] Following a hiatus after the MBA's dissolution, the Knights were revived in 2018 for entry into the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), with Jeremy Go of Go For Gold joining as co-owner to provide essential corporate support and sponsorships that facilitated the team's return.[19][20] This partnership marked a shift toward greater corporate involvement, with Go For Gold serving as the primary sponsor for funding, equipment, and promotional efforts, enabling the Knights to compete competitively in the MPBL's North Division.[19] Daily operations and administration are overseen by team governor Chris Conwi, who assumed the role in 2018 and coordinates logistics, player contracts, and league relations.[19][20] Despite Estrada's unsuccessful bid for San Juan mayor in the 2019 elections and subsequent local government transitions, Conwi has emphasized the team's enduring ties to the municipality, noting alignment with the new leadership's support for basketball initiatives.[38] The Knights maintain a sponsorship-driven financial model within the MPBL, relying on backers like Go For Gold for operational sustainability rather than direct municipal funding.[19] Their expansions into the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) in 2022, competing as the San Juan Kings, and FilBasket tournaments starting the same year, have further amplified visibility and attracted additional sponsorship opportunities, bolstering the franchise's resources across leagues.[27]Coaching staff
The San Juan Knights' first head coach was Philip Cezar, who led the team during its inaugural era in the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) from 1999 to 2001. Cezar, a former PBA star known for his defensive prowess, guided the Knights to the 2000 MBA national championship, defeating the Negros Slashers in the finals. His tenure emphasized disciplined play and strategic rotations, contributing to the franchise's early success in the regional league.[13][39] In the team's revival within the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), Randy Alcantara served as head coach from 2018 to 2023, overseeing a period of sustained excellence. Alcantara, a former player with championship experience, engineered an impressive 20–5 record through the 2018–19 elimination round, culminating in the MPBL Datu Cup title by winning the playoffs, including a 3–2 series victory over the Davao Occidental Tigers in the finals. For his leadership in that dominant campaign, he earned the 2019 MPBL Coach of the Year award.[40][6][6] Following Alcantara's departure, Alexander Angeles took over as head coach starting in 2024, with a focus on maintaining the Knights' competitive edge in the North Division. Angeles, previously an assistant, has directed the team through the 2025 regular season and into the playoffs, leveraging veteran leadership to secure a strong seeding.[41] The coaching staff has included key assistants who support tactical preparation and player development. Yong Garcia, a longtime deputy under Alcantara, contributed to the 2019 championship before facing a one-month suspension in 2022 for an on-court spitting incident during a game against Valenzuela, which drew fines and scrutiny from the league. Other assistants, such as Philip Cezar in a returning advisory role, have provided continuity across eras.[42][43]Team identity
Name, colors, and logo
The San Juan Knights were established in 1999 as a franchise in the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA), competing under that name until the league folded after the 2001 season. The team achieved notable success during this period, including winning the 2000 MBA national championship. In April 2018, the franchise was revived as an expansion team in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), retaining the original San Juan Knights moniker to continue its legacy. Following the 2022 MPBL season, the team made its debut in the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) under the temporary name San Juan Kings for the 2022–23 DUMPER Cup. The team has continued to compete in the PSL as the San Juan Kings in subsequent seasons.[44] The team's colors—predominantly red, white, and blue—have been consistent since the 1999 inception and draw from the flag of San Juan city as well as the national colors of the Philippines. These hues symbolize local pride and national identity, tying the franchise closely to its home city. The original logo, introduced in 1999, depicts a knight in armor holding a basketball within a shield emblem, representing strength and the sport's essence. It was updated in 2018 for the MPBL revival, featuring a modernized shield design while preserving the core knight figure for continuity across eras.Home arenas
The San Juan Knights have primarily hosted their home games at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan, Metro Manila, since their revival in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) in 2018. The arena, with a seating capacity of approximately 6,000 for basketball events, serves as the team's main venue for both MPBL and Pilipinas Super League (PSL) contests.[45] In May 2025, the venue underwent a naming rights change to Playtime Filoil Centre, sponsored by the sports gaming platform Playtime in partnership with Filoil Philippines, marking a shift from its previous designation as Filoil EcoOil Centre (adopted in July 2022). This rebranding coincided with ongoing efforts to modernize the facility, which has long been a hub for collegiate and professional basketball in the Philippines.[46][47] During the team's original stint in the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) from 1999 to 2001, the Knights played home games at the San Juan Gym in San Juan, which has a capacity of approximately 2,000 and hosted key matches including the 2000 finals. From 2018 to 2022, the Knights occasionally utilized the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig for MPBL games to accommodate larger crowds and scheduling, providing a road-like atmosphere despite being in Metro Manila.[7][48] In the PSL, the Knights have used the Filoil EcoOil Centre (renamed Playtime Filoil Centre in May 2025) since joining the league in 2022. For the 2025 MPBL season, the team shifted playoff home games to the Playtime Filoil Centre starting with their North Division semifinals against the Pangasinan Heatwaves, with Game 3 held on November 13, 2025. This move underscores the arena's role in providing a dedicated home-court advantage during high-stakes postseason play.[9][7][49]Rivalries
Davao Occidental Tigers
The rivalry between the San Juan Knights and the Davao Occidental Tigers emerged in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) following the Tigers' entry as an expansion team in 2018, marking their debut in the South Division while San Juan competed in the North Division.[50][51] This regional divide set the stage for intense competition, with the teams first clashing significantly in the postseason. The rivalry reached its peak early with the 2019 MPBL Datu Cup finals, where the San Juan Knights won a 3-2 series victory over the Tigers, securing the league's second national championship in a hard-fought series highlighted by the Knights' defensive stand in Game 5.[52][53] Davao, in their inaugural finals appearance, showcased resilience as an underdog from Mindanao, pushing the series to its limit and establishing the matchup as a marquee contest. Key subsequent encounters included the 2021 MPBL Lakan ng Lakan season finals, in which the Tigers exacted revenge with a 3-1 series win, capped by Mark Yee's dramatic overtime three-pointer in Game 4 for an 89-88 victory that clinched their first national title.[54][55] The teams also met in the 2021 FilBasket Subic Championship semifinals, a knockout game where San Juan prevailed 85-84 in a thriller, advancing to the finals.[56][26] Dubbed the "Battle of the South vs. North," the rivalry embodies themes of regional pride, with Davao representing the rising Southern powerhouse against San Juan's Northern dominance, leading to heightened fan engagement and attendance surges during their postseason clashes.[57] Notable tension arose in the 2021 finals through on-court banter and the high-stakes drama, which amplified the MPBL's national visibility and contributed to its growing popularity as a grassroots league.[54]Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards
The rivalry between the San Juan Knights and the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards originated in 2018, when both teams entered the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) as North Division competitors, fostering immediate competition among regional powerhouses. The matchup intensified during the 2022–2023 seasons, marked by several tightly contested games that highlighted the teams' balanced strengths and drew significant fan interest.[58] A pivotal series occurred in the 2023 MPBL North Division semifinals, where the sixth-seeded San Juan Knights defeated the second-seeded Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards 2–0, advancing to the division finals with wins of 86–82 in Game 1 and 88–80 in Game 2.[58][59] The rivalry embodies a thematic contrast between the agricultural heritage of Nueva Ecija—the "Rice Granary of the Philippines"—and the urban dynamism of San Juan, often dubbed the "Rice vs. Knights" clash in media coverage. Matches frequently feature high-scoring outputs, averaging around 180 points per game, driven by fast-paced offenses and strong defensive stands in the closing minutes.[60] This competition has notably increased MPBL attendance in Central Luzon venues, with packed crowds at Nueva Ecija's home games underscoring the local passion for the intradivision battles. In the 2024 regular season, San Juan completed a sweep of their two meetings against Nueva Ecija, winning 86–83 on March 16 and 78–66 on July 7.[61]Pampanga Giant Lanterns
The San Juan Knights and Pampanga Giant Lanterns both entered the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) as expansion teams during the 2018–19 season, laying the foundation for what would become one of the league's most heated North Division rivalries. San Juan, representing the urban dynamism of Metro Manila, revived its basketball legacy with a focus on fast-paced play and local talent development. Pampanga, drawing from the cultural heritage of San Fernando—famous for its annual Giant Lantern Festival and intricate Christmas light displays—embodied regional pride and resilience. This contrast between San Juan's metropolitan grit and Pampanga's festive, community-driven identity has fueled fan passion, turning their matchups into symbolic battles for Northern supremacy.[62][63][64] The rivalry intensified through high-stakes playoff clashes, particularly in the North Division finals of recent seasons. In 2024, Pampanga swept San Juan in the MPBL North finals, securing a 2-0 series victory with wins of 91-84 in Game 1 and 81-73 in Game 2 to claim back-to-back division titles and advance to the national championships.[65][66] This matchup highlighted the teams' balanced strengths, with Pampanga's defensive prowess and home-court energy at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center overpowering San Juan's offensive firepower led by key imports and veterans. Earlier encounters, including regular-season games, have kept the competition close, with the teams maintaining a tightly contested head-to-head record across MPBL play. The MPBL's divisional playoff structure, featuring best-of-three series for supremacy, has amplified these meetings as defining moments for both franchises.[67] Known colloquially as the "Lanterns vs. Knights," the rivalry symbolizes a broader struggle for North Division dominance, with each victory boosting morale and fan engagement in their respective regions. In the 2025 regular season, San Juan edged out Pampanga 73-68 on September 4, a hard-fought win that helped the Knights secure a top seed and direct playoff entry, while underscoring the series' unpredictability.[68] Pampanga's lantern motif, inspired by San Fernando's world-renowned holiday illuminations, contrasts sharply with San Juan's knightly emblem of urban tenacity, adding a layer of cultural storytelling to the on-court intensity. These games often draw large crowds and national attention, reinforcing the teams' roles as flag-bearers for their communities.Players and personnel
Current roster
The San Juan Knights' roster for the 2025 MPBL season featured a blend of veteran leaders and strategic additions, emphasizing defensive tenacity and versatile scoring. The team reached the North Division semifinals but was eliminated 1-2 by the Pangasinan Heatwaves, with Game 3 ending 80-83 on November 13, 2025. Captain Orlan Wamar Jr., a 6'2" guard from San Beda University, anchored the backcourt with his playmaking and leadership, while forward Michael Calisaan (6'5") provided interior presence and rebounding. No major injuries were reported during the playoffs. Key 2025 additions bolstered the lineup for playoff depth, including forward Raul Soyud (6'5", no. 8), who debuted in September and delivered a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds in the quarterfinals sweep of Pasay Voyagers. Other notable signees include Aldrech Ramos (F/C, 6'7"), activated in June to enhance frontcourt rotation. Several players hold dual rosters with Pilipinas Super League teams, drawing from the 2023 Mythical Team selections for added experience.[7][69] The depth chart highlighted a starting five led by head coach Alex Angeles' preference for balanced lineups: Wamar and Kraniel Villoria (G, 6'1", Arellano University) in the backcourt, flanked by Ron Dennison (G, 6'0") off the bench for scoring bursts; Calisaan and Soyud starting upfront, with Reynel Hugnatan (C, 6'4") and Dexter Maiquez (F, 6'4") providing forward depth. Bench contributors like Arvin Gamboa (G) and Royce Alforque add perimeter shooting and hustle plays.[70]| Position | No. | Name | Height | College/From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | 5 | Orlan Wamar Jr. (Captain) | 6'2" | San Beda University |
| G/F | 1 | Kraniel Villoria | 6'1" | Arellano University |
| F/C | 2 | Michael Calisaan | 6'5" | National University |
| F | 8 | Raul Soyud | 6'5" | University of the Visayas |
| F/C | 17 | Aldrech Ramos | 6'7" | Ateneo de Manila University |
| G | - | Ron Dennison | 6'0" | Jose Rizal University |
| F | - | Dexter Maiquez | 6'4" | University of the East |
| C | 21 | Reynel Hugnatan | 6'4" | University of Manila |
| G | - | Arvin Gamboa | 6'0" | Far Eastern University |
| G/F | - | Royce Alforque | 6'2" | University of the Philippines |
Head coaches
The San Juan Knights have had several notable head coaches throughout their history, spanning the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) era and the modern Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) period. Early leadership under Philip Cezar established the team's championship pedigree in the late 1990s and early 2000s, while subsequent coaches like Randy Alcantara built on that foundation with dominant regular-season performances and titles in the MPBL. Transitions in coaching staff have often aligned with the team's ownership structure, including hires tied to key executives.[39][71]| Name | Tenure | Record | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philip Cezar | 1999–2001 | Not available | Led the team to the 2000 MBA National Championship, defeating the Negros Slashers in the finals.[13][39] |
| Randy Alcantara | 2018–2023 | 20–5 (2018–19 season) | Guided the Knights to the 2019 MPBL National Championship; two-time MPBL champion as head coach; MPBL Coach of the Year (2018–19); oversaw a 20-game winning streak during his tenure.[72][71][73] |
| Jinggoy Estrada | 2023–2024 | Not available | Served as head coach while balancing Senate duties; led the team through the 2024 MPBL season playoffs.[74][75] |
| Alexander Angeles | 2024–present | Not available (as of November 2025) | Acting head coach in 2025 MPBL season; advanced the team to the semifinals.[48][41] |
Notable players
The San Juan Knights have a rich history of producing talented players who have excelled in multiple leagues, particularly those who transitioned to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) or earned individual accolades in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) and beyond. During the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) era, the 2000 championship team featured several players who later succeeded in the PBA. Center Rafi Reavis, a key contributor to the Knights' national title win over the Negros Slashers, was selected second overall in the 2002 PBA draft by FedEx and went on to win multiple championships with Red Bull Barako, earning All-Defensive Team honors multiple times. Guard Chris Calaguio, another standout from that squad, was picked fourth overall in the same draft by Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants and enjoyed a decade-long PBA career, known for his scoring and playmaking abilities. In the MPBL, John Wilson emerged as a dominant force during the 2018–2021 period, leading the Knights to the 2019 Datu Cup championship. He captured the league's Most Valuable Player award in the 2019–20 Lakan Season, topping the scoring charts at 20.23 points per game alongside 6.33 rebounds and 2.33 steals, before returning to the PBA with teams including NLEX Road Warriors.[76][77][78] Guard Orlan Wamar Jr. has been a cornerstone of the Knights' recent success, serving as team captain and earning MPBL All-Star selections from 2021 through 2024, highlighted by his victories in the Three-Point Shootout in 2023 and 2024. In other leagues, Wamar was named to the 2022–23 Pilipinas Super League (PSL) Mythical Team for his contributions with the San Juan Kings, averaging efficient scoring and playmaking in high-stakes games.[79] Michael Ayonayon anchored the Knights' backcourt in the 2019–2020 MPBL era, earning Finals MVP in the 2019 Datu Cup with 33 points in the title-clinching victory, before being selected third overall in the 2019 PBA draft by NLEX Road Warriors. The Knights' MPBL tenure has also served as a pipeline to the PBA, with at least five players drafted post-league tenure, including Ayonayon (2019), Jhonard Clarito (2024, 17th overall by Rain or Shine after the 2019 championship), Adrian Nocum (2023, 24th overall by Rain or Shine following 2023 Rookie of the Year honors), Michael Malonzo (2024, 16th overall by Rain or Shine), and Paolo Hernandez (2024, 22nd overall by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, later traded to Terrafirma).[80][81][82]Season-by-season records
Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League
The San Juan Knights joined the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) in 2018 and quickly established themselves as a powerhouse in the North Division, culminating in a national championship during their inaugural season. Over seven seasons through 2025, the team has made seven playoff appearances, capturing one title in 2019 while maintaining an impressive overall regular-season win percentage of .800. Their success has been marked by consistent division leadership, including topping the North in 2019, 2021, and 2022, and reaching the runners-up position in 2024. The Knights have particularly excelled at home in the Filoil EcoOil Arena from 2023 onward, leveraging crowd support to fuel dominant performances in both regular-season and playoff games.| Year | Regular season (W-L, finish) | Playoffs (result) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | 20–5 (.800, 3rd North) | Champions (3–2 vs. Davao Occidental Tigers) |
| 2019–20 | 21–1 (.955, 1st North) | North Division champions; national runners-up (1–3 vs. Davao Occidental Tigers) |
| 2021 | 26–4 (.867, 1st North) | National runners-up (lost 1–3 vs. Davao Occidental Tigers) |
| 2022 | 14–7 (.667, 3rd North) | North Division semifinals (lost 0–2 vs. Pasig City MCW Sports) |
| 2023 | 23–3 (.885, 2nd North) | North Division runners-up (swept 2–0 vs. Makati OKBet Kings in quarterfinals; 2–1 vs. Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in semifinals; lost North finals 0–2 vs. Pampanga Giant Lanterns) |
| 2024 | 26–3 (.897, 1st overall) | North Division runners-up (swept 2–0 vs. Rizal Golden Coolers in quarterfinals; swept 2–0 vs. Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in semifinals; lost North finals 0–2 vs. Pampanga Giant Lanterns) |
| 2025 | 25–2 (.926, 1st North) | North Division semifinals (swept 2–0 vs. Pasay Voyagers in quarterfinals; lost 1–2 vs. Pangasinan Heatwaves: Game 1 L 57–67, Game 2 W 83–66, Game 3 L 80–83) |