BJ Andrade leaves PBA, inks three-year deal with Hong Kong club

BJ Andrade is set to continue his professional career overseas after parting ways with Blackwater and signing a three-year contract with Hong Kong A1 League club Winling.

The 27-year-old guard was granted an unconditional release by the Bossing on Thursday, paving the way for his move to Hong Kong, where he will suit up as a local player because of his birthplace.

For Andrade, the move represents both a return to his roots and an opportunity to take the next step in his basketball journey.

"I'm very grateful to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) because ever since I started playing basketball, it was my dream to play there. The league helped me develop as a player, and I had the chance to compete against players I used to look up to," Andrade said.

"I'm also thankful to Blackwater for giving me the opportunity to show what I can do. They were very understanding when I told them about Winling's offer and only wanted what was best for me."

Andrade entered the PBA as the 10th overall selection in the 2023 Rookie Draft after being picked by Converge. He spent two seasons with the FiberXers before being traded to Blackwater in exchange for Rey Suerte.

In his lone conference with the Bossing, the former Ateneo standout averaged 6.1 points in 11 games before receiving the opportunity to continue his career abroad.

He now joins a Winling squad looking to improve on its fifth-place finish last season in the A1 League. The club last captured the league championship in 2015.

Aside from embracing a new challenge, Andrade hopes to raise the profile of Filipino basketball in Hong Kong while chasing the first professional championship of his career.

"I'm very happy and lucky because I was born in Hong Kong, so I qualify as a local player here. It's a great opportunity to play outside the Philippines," he said.

"My goal is to represent Filipino basketball in Hong Kong, build a name for myself here, and finally win a championship. I've never won a title as a professional, but I've experienced winning in high school and college. Hopefully, my first pro championship comes soon."