JD Cagulangan reminded everyone why he’s built for big moments.
With the game clock ticking down to its final second, the former UAAP Finals MVP and current Korean Basketball League Rookie of the Year stepped up and nailed the go-ahead jumper to lift Chase Tower Runs of Cebu to a dramatic back-to-back championship in the Men’s 5-on-5 division of DAYO23, held at the iconic Brgy. 830 court under the bridge on May 24 and 25.
Fueled by grit, streetball pride, and a deep connection to their Bisaya roots, the Cebu squad — also powered by seven-foot veteran Greg Slaughter — weathered a stronger, taller, and more experienced pool of competitors from across the country to defend their crown in Titan and Jordan Brand’s electrifying grassroots tournament.
“It’s like a different animal,” said Cebu head coach Paul Joven, describing the unique challenge of DAYO streetball.
“Although it’s 5-on-5, the court is very small. No space. No matter how good you are skill-wise or how fast you are, you can’t rely on that alone. It’s all about basketball IQ. You take what the defense gives you. You can’t afford mistakes — it’s a race to 23 points.”
In the frenetic final, that razor-thin margin for error played into the hands of Cagulangan, a native of Butuan City known for his clutch shooting.
His last-second basket didn’t just win the game — it solidified Cebu’s dominance in the country’s most exciting grassroots hoops showcase.
“JD is from my hometown,” shared Joven. “His dad is a good friend of mine. I’ve heard the buzz around him for years, but it’s something else watching him up close — the joy, the smarts, the attitude. He’s incredibly professional. No demands, no ego.”
Cagulangan and Slaughter didn’t hesitate when invited to suit up for Cebu, citing their desire to represent their roots and the Bisaya culture.
“As a coach and a fan, I was just fortunate to coach those two,” Joven continued. “Greg and I actually go way back — I coached against him in the 2007 CESAFI Finals. Now, to have him on my side with JD… I couldn’t ask for more.”
(C) Titan
DAYO23 saw the return of streetball’s heartbeat to the bridge court — a space transformed into a battleground where grit trumped glamour and every possession was life or death.
The second edition of the event drew teams from Cebu, Biñan, Cainta, Davao, and Manila, with Team Hustle and Chase Tower Runs taking top honors in both the women’s and men’s tournaments.
Team Hustle, led by familiar faces from last year’s win, also bagged their second straight title in a gritty showdown that matched the energy and physicality of the men’s finals.
Streetball legends and rising stars packed the venue with raw, unfiltered basketball energy.
The roster of participants included pros like Mac Tallo, David Murrell, and Allan Mangahas, as well as standout collegiate ballers Chris Hubilla and Jacob Cortez.
(C) Titan
In the women’s division, national team veterans Allana Lim, Raiza Palmera Dy, Janine Pontejos, and Afril Bernardino elevated the competition.
In the thrilling 1-on-1 face-offs, Marcus Miguel Salameda, a 16-year-old from Biñan, and Mako Namiki of Dasmariñas delivered fearless performances to rule their divisions, proving that heart and hustle trump height every time in the streetball world.
The community-driven nature of DAYO was once again in full display.
(C) Titan
With performances from EZ Mil and Illest Morena hyping the crowd, the bridge court was alive with music, movement, and an undeniable sense of belonging. Spectators crammed the sidelines, their cheers creating an electrifying environment that fed into every crossover, every bucket, every defensive stop.
Now in its second year, DAYO — short for “Dayo sa Kalye” — has become more than just a basketball tournament. It’s a cultural movement, celebrating the deep roots of Filipino streetball where every court is a home court and every player has a story.
