Jaylen Johnson set to join Abra for EASL

Jaylen Johnson is in line for a spot in Abra's EASL roster. LA Arcin

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY—A well-loved basketball figure just came back to Philippine soil, this time helping Abra's cause in the EASL.

A person privy to the situation confirmed that Jaylen Johnson will suit up for the Weavers in their maiden voyage in the premier home-and-away league, pitting teams from different regions in the East Asia zone.

Johnson was in attendance when Abra took on Caloocan in their MPBL showdown on Thursday night at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan.

Johnson became a fan favorite when he suited up for Rain or Shine in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, even staying in the Philippines after his team got the boot in the semifinals.

Now, he will bolster a Weaver side looking to impress in its EASL debut, and he is expected to join forces with naturalized Filipino Malick Diouf down low.

Grouped in what many perceive as the "group of death", Abra joins Hong Kong Eastern, Ryukyu, and Taoyuan in Group C.

Abra impresses in front of JJ

Despite a slow start, the Weavers stamped their dominance on the Batang Kankaloo, playing for the first time after a much-talked-about forfeiture of their Saturday night encounter against the Biñan Tatak Gel in Polomolok, South Cotabato, and prevailed 81-59 on the latter's territory.

DJ Fenner led Abra, which locked in the number one seed in the entirety of the MPBL Playoffs after finishing the regular season at 23-2, with 26 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Dave Ildefonso added 18 points, four rebounds, two assists, and three steals.

Kean Baclaan led Caloocan, which officially settled for the third seed in the North Division after the loss, with 12 points on 4-for-7 shooting, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

The result means San Juan will be the second seed in the North come the postseason.