MANILA — Ilonggo guard Gerry Abadiano has secured a major breakthrough in his professional basketball career after signing with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus for the 2026-27 Korean Basketball League (KBL) season, becoming the latest Filipino talent to earn a spot in one of Asia’s premier basketball leagues.
The South Korean club confirmed the acquisition, naming the former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons standout as its newest Asian import.
Abadiano also became the fourth Filipino player to suit up for Ulsan Hyundai Mobis under the KBL’s Asian import program, following RJ Abarrientos, Miguel Oczon, and Jake Figueroa.
The 25-year-old Iloilo City native secured clearance from his Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) team, Go for Gold-San Juan Knights, paving the way for his overseas stint.
Abadiano capped his collegiate career as the University of the Philippines’ starting point guard in UAAP Season 88, averaging 8.72 points, 1.94 rebounds, and 1.56 assists per game while helping anchor the Fighting Maroons’ backcourt.
He also impressed in the MPBL this season, averaging 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 14 games before receiving the opportunity to play in South Korea.
His move likewise marks the end of an era for the Fighting Maroons’ veteran core, as he joins former teammates Harold Alarcon, Reyland Torres, and Terrence Fortea in moving on from the UP program.
Ulsan Hyundai Mobis is banking on Abadiano’s energy and defensive tenacity as it looks to rebound from an eighth-place finish in the KBL last season after posting an 18-36 record./PN
