CJ Payawal
Calvin Justus Payawal is a Filipino-American professional basketball player who last played for the TNT Tropang 5G of the Philippine Basketball Association.
Born in Gurnee, Illinois, Payawal played for four different schools throughout his college career, beginning at Des Moines Area Community College and culminating at the University of the East.
Payawal made his professional debut in 2024 when he joined the Valenzuela Classic of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League before getting drafted by the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA season 49 draft. However, he didn't suit up for Phoenix, instead signing a deal with the TNT Tropang Giga.
College career
Payawal began his college career with the Des Moines Area Community College Bears in 2015 as a redshirt, where he played for two seasons before transferring to the University of Illinois Springfield in 2017, playing for the Prairie Stars for another two seasons. For his senior year in 2019, he played for the St. Xavier Cougars.In 2020, Payawal joined the University of the East Red Warriors after he was recruited by coach Jack Santiago. He played his one-and-done year with UE in UAAP Season 85 in 2022.
Professional career
Valenzuela Classic (2024)
In 2024, Payawal entered the professional ranks in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League with the Valenzuela Classic. In his 18 games with the team, he averaged 10.9 points and 6.1 rebounds while also shooting.486 from the field.TNT Tropang Giga/5G (2024–2025)
On July 14, 2024, during the PBA season 49 draft, Payawal was drafted by the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the third round with the 28th pick. However, he ended up getting released by Phoenix and, on July 19, suited up for a tryout with the TNT Tropang Giga. On July 29, he signed a one-year deal with TNT.On September 25, 2025, Payawal was released by the team.