James Kwekuteye

James Canlas Kwekuteye (born August 15, 1998) is a Filipino-Canadian professional basketball player for the San Juan Knights of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

Kwekuteye played his college career with the San Beda Red Lions and turned professional in 2023 when he joined the Zamboanga Valientes for the 2023 ABL Invitational. Afterwards, he moved to the Bacoor City Strikers of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), where he made the All-MPBL Second Team as well as an all-star appearance.

During the PBA season 48 draft, he was selected 20th overall by the Blackwater Bossing. In 2025, he was traded to the NorthPort Batang Pier, then later traded to the Phoenix Fuel Masters. In 2026, he was traded for a third time in one year to the Converge FiberXers.

College career Kwekuteye played for the San Beda Red Lions during his college career. He also played in the PBA D-League.

Professional career

Zamboanga Valientes (2023) After NCAA Season 98, Kwekuteye signed for the Zamboanga Valientes during the ASEAN Basketball League's 2023 Invitational tournament, forgoing his final year with San Beda. After signing with the team, he stated that he would remain "open" for a return to San Beda and that he is "testing the waters in the ABL".

Bacoor City Strikers (2023) After his ABL stint, Kwekuteye joined the Bacoor City Strikers of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. He was selected to the All-MPBL Second Team after averaging 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game, earning an appearance in the 2023 MPBL All-Star Game and helping his team in their run to the 2023 MPBL finals.

Blackwater Bossing (2023–2025) Kwekuteye was selected 20th overall by the Blackwater Bossing of the Philippine Basketball Association during the season 48 draft.

NorthPort Batang Pier (2025) On April 23, 2025, Blackwater traded Kwekuteye to the NorthPort Batang Pier in exchange for Abu Tratter.

Phoenix Fuel Masters (2025) On October 2, 2025, Kwekuteye was traded to the Phoenix Fuel Masters in exchange for Ato Ular.

Converge FiberXers (2026) On February 24, 2026, Kwekuteye was traded for a third time in a span of one year. Phoenix sent him to the Converge FiberXers in exchange for the rights to Tony Ynot.

Career statistics

PBA

As of the end of 2024–25 season

Season-by-season averages

MPBL

As of the end of 2023 season