The SM Mall of Asia Arena once again turned into a battlefield of pride, skill, and pure basketball passion as South Korea’s newest sports-reality team, Rising Eagles, faced off against the homegrown Filipino team, Kuys Showtime.
Organized by South Korean broadcasting company SBS in partnership with clothing and lifestyle brand Bench, the Shoot of Asia Basketball Exhibition Game became more than just a stop on the upcoming sports-reality series Passionate Basketball Team: Rising Eagles. For one night, the two teams showcased their heart, respect, and discipline in a basketball game that transcended borders.
The Rising Eagles
Photo from SM Mall of Asia Arena
Leading the Korean team was SHINee’s Choi Minho, a natural competitor who kept the team steady and sharp from start to finish. Alongside him was NCT’s Johnny Suh, who brought not only charisma but energized the court with his play and easy chemistry that lifted team morale. Jeong Jinwoon of 2AM, widely regarded as one of the entertainment industry’s best basketball players, completed the trio of idols anchoring the Rising Eagles team.
Model Moon Su-in and Actor Oh Seung-hoon set the tone of the game with intensity and precision. Completing their line up were actors Park Eunseok, Kim Taek, and Lee Dae Hee, influencer Jeong Kyu Min, host Park Chanwoong, and singer Son Taejin.
Under the guidance of basketball legend Seo Janghoon, the Rising Eagles brought together style and mastery of the game, holding the lead all throughout the match.
Kuys Showtime
Photo from SM Mall of Asia Arena
Facing them were local crowd favorites, the Kuys Showtime team, known for their star appeal and competitive drive. The team was led by actor and afternoon variety show It’s Showtime host Vhong Navarro, joined by his fellow hosts Jhong Hilario, Billy Crawford, and Ion Perez with special participation from Korean-born It’s Showtime host Ryan Bang.
The rest of the star-studded roster featured actors David Licauco, Wendell Ramos, JC De Vera, Ronnie Alonte, EA Guzman, River Joseph, Dustin Yu, and Johannes Rissler; singers Arthur Neri and Adie Garcia; and former NCAA player Baileys Acot.
Heading the Kuys Showtime team was Coach Beaujing Acot who tied together the players’ energy and camaraderie.
Shoot of Asia
The Rising Eagles stayed true to their name as they delivered a clean, composed, and confidently entertaining performance, reminding everyone that this was not your typical exhibition match. The Rising Eagles came here to win and they meant it.
However, Kuys Showtime refused to back down. Throughout the game, they continued to prove that basketball truly runs in the veins of Filipinos, playing with grit and hearts that thrive in front of the home crowd.
Photo from SM Mall of Asia Arena
Both teams, despite the different plays, strategies, and energies, shared the same drive to entertain and compete. Every shot, whether it sailed cleanly through the net or just missed the mark, was met with cheers and collective applause from the crowd.
The Rising Eagles emerged victorious and sealed their win at 72–63. The seriousness of the Rising Eagles team set the tone and in return, Kuys Showtime rose to match their intensity.
The Rising Eagles and Kuys Showtime turned what could have been a lighthearted exhibition into a thrilling display of passion and pride. In the end, what defined the Shoot of Asia was not the scoreboard but how both teams took the game to hearts.
Aside from the heated game, idol groups HORIZON, Billie and Pambansang Krung Krung and 2NE1 member Sandara Park lit up the center stage of the arena with performances that matched the night’s energy.
Beyond the Game
The Bench Shoot of Asia proved that sports can foster unity and mutual admiration between the two nations. As the final buzzer went off, the players exchanged smiles, handshakes, and genuine sportsmanship.
Photo from Rising Eagles
With Passionate Basketball Team: Rising Eagles premiering this November 29 on SBS, fans can look forward to reliving the journey of Rising Eagles, including their unforgettable time in Manila which surely shaped the team’s story.
The Passionate Basketball Team: Rising Eagles will spotlight the cast’s genuine effort and unfiltered charm of the sport. The series aims to showcase a new side of South Korea’s beloved stars while sharing the heart of basketball with global audiences.