John Abate Begins Next Chapter with Quezon Huskers

The basketball journey of John Abate has taken another turn with sources indicating he has signed a one-year contract to play for the Quezon Huskers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

The deal reportedly includes an opt-out clause that would allow him to pursue opportunities abroad if a professional overseas offer comes.

This development comes after Abate fully healed from the injuries that ended his collegiate career in the UAAP and gives him a clear path to continue competitive play while keeping his long-term goals in sight.

Abate’s UAAP time was marked by promise and leadership. He quickly became a key contributor for the Red Warriors. During UAAP Season 88, he was serving as team captain and putting up strong individual numbers, averaging over 16 points, close to five rebounds, and more than four assists per game before injuries forced him to step away from the team before season’s end.

That injury brought an abrupt close to his collegiate career, a tough but formative chapter that highlighted his resilience and work ethic. His time at UE also saw flashes of his potential in Season 87, where he helped lead the team to Final Four contention and produced breakout games, including a performance that helped UE snap a losing skid with a win over De La Salle University.

The Quezon Huskers based in Lucena, Quezon, competing in the MPBL’s South Division. Founded originally as the Quezon Coco Huskers in a regional league in the early 2000s, the team was revived for the MPBL in 2023 and quickly became competitive.

The Huskers have split home games between the Quezon Convention Center and the Lucena Convention Center and have earned strong results in recent seasons, including finishing with one of the best records in the South Division and advancing deep into the MPBL playoffs. In 2025 they reached the MPBL finals as South Division champions before falling to Abra Solid North Weavers.

Under head coach Eric Gonzales, the Huskers have built a reputation for a balanced roster and a resilient style of play.

The franchise has been notable for giving emerging talent a platform to showcase their skills and for developing players who pursue careers beyond the MPBL.

For Abate, who is represented by Phenom Sports Management, joining the Huskers represents both a fresh start and a strategic step toward his long-term professional aspirations.

It places him in a competitive environment where he can refine his game against seasoned veterans and rising stars alike, while the opt-out clause keeps the door open for potential opportunities overseas or in larger leagues.

Hoop junkies will be watching closely to see how his leadership and scoring ability translate to the MPBL stage and whether this season becomes a springboard toward the PBA, overseas contracts, or other professional opportunities.