Kai Ballungay

Kai Ballungay
No. 1 – Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters
PositionPower forward / center
LeaguePBA
Personal information
Born (2001-11-16) November 16, 2001
Listed height6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed weight215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High schoolJohn C. Kimball (Tracy, California)
CollegeStanislaus State
Ateneo
PBA draft2024: 1st round, 4th overall pick
Drafted byPhoenix Fuel Masters
Playing career2024–present
Career history
2024–presentPhoenix Fuel Masters/Super LPG Fuel Masters
Career highlights

Kainoa Bryson Ballungay (born November 16, 2001) is a Filipino-American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

In high school, Ballungay played for the John C. Kimball High School Jaguars. To begin his college career, he played for the California State University, Stanislaus (Stanislaus State) Warriors before making the move to Ateneo de Manila University to play for the Blue Eagles for the remainder of his college career. He won a championship with the Blue Eagles in 2022 during UAAP Season 85.

In 2024, during the PBA season 49 draft, he was selected fourth overall by the Phoenix Fuel Masters. He made the PBA All-Rookie Team in his first year in the pro ranks.

He also represented the United States in the 2018 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup.

High school and college career

In high school, Ballungay played for John C. Kimball High School.[1] He was part of the Filipino-American team that competed in the 2019 NBTC National Finals.[2][3]

As a freshman, Ballungay began his collegiate career with the Stanislaus State Warriors.[4] In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has thought about moving his collegiate career to the Philippines, which later came to fruition on July 26, 2021, when he transferred to the Ateneo Blue Eagles.[5] He was part of the team that won the UAAP title in Season 85 (2022).[6][7] On December 4, 2023, Ballungay announced his departure from Ateneo to pursue his entry into the professional ranks.[8]

Professional career

Phoenix Fuel Masters (2024–present)

On July 5, 2024, Ballungay declared for the PBA season 49 draft, where he was then selected fourth overall by the Phoenix Fuel Masters.[9][10] He then signed a three-year deal with Phoenix on July 31.[11] He was selected to the PBA All-Rookie Team in 2025.[12]

Personal life

Kai's father, Miles Ballungay, is a Filipino from Hawaii while his grandmother comes from Ilocos Norte.[1] On December 27, 2022, he married Bella Dahl.[7]

References

  1. 1 2 Olivares, Rick (March 19, 2019). "Meet Fil-American hoops sensation Kai Ballungay". Philstar.com. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  2. ↑ "Green outduels Sotto, FilAm Sports ousts Ateneo in 2019 NBTC Nationals". RAPPLER. March 20, 2019. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  3. ↑ Li, Matthew (July 26, 2021). "Ateneo gets its Kai as Ballungay transfers from Stanislaus State". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  4. ↑ Li, Matthew (March 20, 2019). "Fil-Am's Ballungay out to prove there's another Kai in town". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Ateneo beefs up roster with commitment of Fil-Ams Kai Ballungay, Andrew Bongo". GMA News Online. July 26, 2021. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  6. ↑ Navarro, June (December 19, 2022). "Ateneo reclaims UAAP title, fends off UP in thrilling finale". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  7. 1 2 Demigillo, Kiko (December 27, 2022). "Kai Ballungay gets two rings in 2022". onesports.ph. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  8. ↑ Dioquino, Delfin (December 4, 2023). "Kai Ballungay bids Ateneo farewell, to pursue professional career". Rappler. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
  9. ↑ Ganglani, Naveen (July 5, 2024). "UAAP champion Kai Ballungay declares for 2024 PBA Draft". ALL-STAR. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  10. ↑ Fuertes Jr., Rommel (July 14, 2024). "PBA: Phoenix adds to versatility by picking Kai Ballungay". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  11. ↑ Ramos, Gerry (July 31, 2024). "Phoenix signs rookie Kai Ballungay to a three-year contract". Spin.ph. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  12. ↑ "TNT's Chot Reyes bags record 7th PBAPC Coach of the Year plum". Philstar.com. October 12, 2025. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
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