With all 27 MPBL teams having already submitted their rosters for the 2026 season, two notable names were absent.
Top guards Forthsky Padrigao and Clint Escamis were not included in any team’s lineup.
The omission is particularly surprising in Escamis’ case, especially after a down year in his final season with Mapua University.
The NCAA Season 99 Most Valuable Player and Season 100 Finals MVP averaged just 9.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.33 steals.
Escamis is reportedly still recovering from recurring injuries he sustained during NCAA Season 101.
Meanwhile, Padrigao, a former UAAP Elite Team member, averaged 9.29 points, 5.07 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.86 steals in his senior year with the University of Santo Tomas.
Padrigao is represented by Bridge Sports Global, while Escamis is handled by agent Edgar Mangahas.
The next MPBL signing window is expected to open in either June or July.
Still, it’s a loaded roster for the MPBL this season, owing largely to the PBA holding its next draft in January 2027.
Mike Phillips and the Maroon 4 banner San Juan while Caloocan boasts Kean Baclaan, Dom Escobar, and Kymani Ladi, Pasay fields the National University quartet of Steve Nash Enriquez, Jolo Manansala, Mark Parks, and Gelo Santiago, Quezon features Ced Manzano, John Abate, and Cholo Anonuevo, while Zamboanga highlights Janjan Felicilda and Josh Lazaro.
Meanwhile, Abra Solid North will have soon-to-be ex-KBL imports Jake Figueroa and JD Cagulangan.
