Mighty Sports came into the collective consciousness of the Filipino people back in 2016 by sweeping the William Jones Cup.
Since then, the company founded by brothers Caesar and Alex Wongchuking never stopped, joining the Jones Cup, the Merlion Cup, and the Dubai International Basketball Championship on almost a yearly basis.
Yes, they made these international tournaments a Filipino basketball tradition.
But why do they do this?
According to Mighty Sports chairman Caesar, it’s all about their family’s passion for basketball.
“For the love of the game.
“Also, to continue the legacy of our family. We’ve always loved sports, Also, for the Mighty name it has always carried. We also want the Mighty name to [be] a primary fixture not only in the sports side, but also side of the business,” the amiable sports patron said during the team’s send-off before leaving for Dubai last week held at the La Campana compound in Makati.
The Wongchuking’s love for basketball all began in Xavier School.
The family’s patriarch, Wong Chu King, was close to the Jesuits that put up the institution; meanwhile, Caesar would coach the Stallions for 10 years. And so in every iteration of Mighty Sports, there is always a Stallion in the team, such Chris Tiu, Joseph Yeo, Gab Banal, and Isaac Go, to name a few.
Of course, Mighty Sports is not just for Xaverians. They have also opened their doors to some of the brightest and finest cagers in the country today. Notable alums of the squad include Kiefer Ravena, Matthew Wright, Jason Brickman, Roosevelt Adams, Jeremiah Gray, Mikey Williams, and Troy Rike.
“I’ve heard so much good things about Mighty from my brother Kiefer,” shared Thirdy Ravena, who is part of Mighty Sports’ team for the 2020 Dubai tourney.
“That is why before I enter the next stage of my career, I wanted to be part of the Mighty family first.”
“Tulad nga ng sabi nila, family dito sa Mighty eh,” said Beau Belga, who still joins Might Sports despite being with PBA club team Rain or Shine.
Family? Well, in every send-off of the team, the entire Wongchuking family makes sure to be always there. They eat and talk with the players — from the family matriarch down to the fourth-generation of the clan.
Besides the values of the company, Mighty Sports has helped launch the careers of young upstarts. And their Dubai team is no different, as young guns like Thirdy, the Gomez de Liaño brothers, Dave Ildefonso, Isaac Go, and Jamie Malonzo compose the core of the squad.
For them, this is their way of giving back to the sport.
“I’m very happy to be part of this, to be able to assemble this much talent habang wala pa sila sa PBA.”
In their campaigns, Mighty Sports has gained plenty of support from numerous sectors in the basketball spectrum — including the federation itself Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
But for how long can Mighty Sports do this? Well, for the Wongchukings, for as long as there’s basketball, they will be there.
“For as long as there is an invitation and for as long as we can build a competitive team, we will continue to do it. All for the love of the game.”
