Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Arjun Devgan

  • “Bigger than making the NBA”: Remy Martin hoping to realise Gilas Pilipinas dream

    “Bigger than making the NBA”: Remy Martin hoping to realise Gilas Pilipinas dream

    Filipino-American guard Remy Martin is in Taiwan with Strong Group Athletics, chasing a third consecutive William Jones Cup title. But beyond helping his team make history, Martin is hoping the tournament brings him one step closer to another long-standing dream: representing the Philippines with Gilas Pilipinas.

     

    For Martin, wearing the Philippine colors would be the fulfillment of a dream he has carried since high school.

     

    “First, I’m just happy to be in the Philippines. This feels like home, you know? I have my family in Tarlac. So I come home here almost every year. Just to get to actually play and represent the country I have been waiting for since high school, it’s been a dream come true to me,” Martin said during media day.

     

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    “I’m always grateful to play basketball, but it makes it so much more special now because I get to play for the Philippines.”

     

    Martin, whose mother is Filipina, has never shied away from his Filipino roots. He came close to joining Gilas Pilipinas for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, but his hopes were dashed when he was ultimately ruled ineligible after host country Thailand imposed restrictions on the participation of foreign players.

     

    Still, Martin has not given up on his national-team aspirations.

     

    “I hope that one day, Gilas gives me the opportunity, because that is my dream come true. That is bigger than making it to the NBA for me,” he said.

    “I have been watching them since I was young and always wanted to be on that type of platform.”

     

    One of the biggest hurdles in Martin’s bid to represent the Philippines has been his failure to secure a Philippine passport before turning 16, a requirement under FIBA eligibility rules for players seeking to represent a country through nationality.

     

    However, Martin remains hopeful after players such as Quentin Millora-Brown and Mike Phillips were granted local status after initially being classified as FIBA naturalized players.

     

    “I hope the country and FIBA sees that. I just didn’t get my passport. I have just been a dual citizen. If I’m dual before 16, we have a strong case for it,” Martin said.

     

    “I think it’s just going through the right people and having people help me push it because there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be on a Gilas uniform. That is my dream.”

     

    Martin also believes he has what it takes to contribute if given the opportunity, while acknowledging that the final decision ultimately rests with the coaching staff.

     

    “Everything about basketball, I think I’m good enough. I think I’m able to play at the highest level. But everything is system. If coach may feel like I don’t fit the team, then that’s on them. I understand, it’s basketball. Everybody wants us to win,” he said.

     

    “But I think I’m one of the guys to help the Philippines win, and I think that if I have the opportunity, and if it was up to me, I would have been playing in the Philippines for years now. If I have the opportunity, I will always take it.”

     

    Martin’s journey has taken him around the basketball world since going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft. He was later selected 40th overall by the Cleveland Charge in the NBA G League and has since played in several leagues overseas, including stints in Greece and Iceland.

     

    Now 28, Martin is back in the Philippines orbit with Strong Group Athletics, with another chance to showcase his game at the William Jones Cup—and, perhaps, strengthen his case for the Gilas Pilipinas opportunity he has been waiting for since he was a teenager.

     

     

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  • PSC chairman hails Alex Eala as Philippines’ new sporting icon, compares her to Manny Pacquiao

    PSC chairman hails Alex Eala as Philippines’ new sporting icon, compares her to Manny Pacquiao

    Alex Eala’s rapid rise on the international tennis circuit continues to capture attention, with the Filipina star earning praise from some of the biggest names and influential figures in Philippine sports.

     

    At just 21 years old, Eala has already established herself as one of the brightest young talents in world tennis, combining a remarkable junior career with a steady rise on the WTA Tour.

     

    Her journey has been defined by patience, determination and a string of historic achievements, with each breakthrough further cementing her status as one of the most prominent athletes in Philippine sports today.

     

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    Eala recently reached another landmark in her young professional career when she defeated World No. 3 and top seed at the Mubadala DC Open to capture the WTA 500 title.

     

    The victory delivered Eala her first WTA 500 championship and added another significant milestone to a career that has already seen her break new ground for Philippine tennis. The achievement also propelled her into the WTA singles Top 20, making Eala the first Filipino player in history to reach that elite ranking territory.

     

    Her continued success has extended well beyond the numbers and trophies.

     

    Eala has developed a growing following around the world, with Filipino supporters turning up in significant numbers whenever she takes to the court. From the Philippines to tournaments overseas, fans have embraced the young star and followed her historic rise with pride.

     

    Her growing popularity has also caught the attention of Philippine sports officials, who believe her influence could extend far beyond tennis.

     

    Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio has likened Eala’s growing cultural impact to that of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, another Filipino athlete whose achievements transcended sport and inspired an entire generation.

     

    “Si Senator Manny Pacquiao mismo ang nagsabi niya. ‘We have a new icon and we have a new Filipino champion,’ and that is Alex Eala,” Gregorio said in a media interaction.

     

    For Gregorio, Eala’s significance lies not only in the matches she wins or the rankings she reaches, but also in the influence she is already having on young Filipinos.

    Thousands of Filipino fans have flocked to the stands to watch Eala compete, regardless of where her international schedule takes her. Her growing popularity, according to Gregorio, is also encouraging more young athletes to pick up a racket and consider tennis as a sport they can pursue seriously.

     

    That impact is already beginning to be felt at the grassroots level.

     

    “The younger generation now is picking up the tennis racket and playing as well. And LGUs are starting to build more tennis courts. Mas maraming batang nagte-tennis, mas maraming magiging Alex Eala sa lalong madaling panahon,” Gregorio added.

     

    The growing investment in tennis facilities could provide an important boost to the sport in the Philippines, giving aspiring players greater access to courts and opportunities to develop their skills.

     

    Eala’s success offers young athletes a tangible example of what can be achieved through sustained development and international competition.

     

    Her own pathway illustrates the importance of early exposure to elite training. As a teenager, Eala moved overseas to continue her development at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, where she trained alongside some of the world’s promising young players.

     

    That experience helped prepare her for the demands of professional tennis and eventually paved the way for her breakthrough on the WTA Tour. Now, with a WTA 500 title and a place inside the world’s Top 20 already secured, Eala is no longer simply regarded as a promising prospect.

     

    She is becoming a genuine force on the international stage.

     

    Her rise has also given Philippine tennis unprecedented visibility. Every victory attracts attention at home, while her growing international fan base demonstrates the reach of her success.

     

    More importantly, Eala is beginning to inspire a new generation of Filipino players who can now see a pathway toward competing at the highest level of the sport.

     

    Her achievements have made her a source of national pride, but her influence could ultimately be measured by what comes after her.

     

    If Gregorio’s assessment proves correct, Eala’s greatest legacy may not only be the titles she wins or the rankings she reaches, but the number of young Filipinos who pick up a tennis racket because they saw what was possible.

     

    For now, Eala continues to write her own history on the WTA Tour.

     

    And with her rise showing no signs of slowing down, the Filipina star is rapidly evolving from a promising young player into one of the most recognizable sporting figures the Philippines has produced in recent years.

     

     

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  • Richard Bachmann calls for PBA salary cap changes to retain top Filipino players

    Richard Bachmann calls for PBA salary cap changes to retain top Filipino players

    Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richard Bachmann believes the league needs to rethink its salary structure if it wants to remain competitive in an increasingly globalized Asian basketball landscape.

     

    Bachmann, who won eight PBA championships during his playing career, has experienced Philippine basketball from multiple perspectives, both on the court and in sports administration.

     

    Now, the veteran statesman is calling for changes to the PBA’s salary system, particularly as more of the country’s top players continue to explore opportunities in overseas leagues such as Japan’s B.League and the Korean Basketball League (KBL).

     

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    Bachmann believes the PBA should consider removing its individual player salary ceiling and instead implement a stricter team-wide salary cap similar to the system used by the National Basketball Association (NBA).

     

    The proposal, he said, would give PBA teams greater flexibility in determining how they allocate their payroll while still maintaining financial discipline across the league.

     

    The issue has become increasingly important as several Filipino players have made the move overseas in recent years.

     

    Among those who have played or pursued opportunities in leagues abroad are Kai Sotto, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Thirdy Ravena, SJ Belangel, Rhenz Abando, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo and Ethan Alvano.

     

    Other established PBA names, including Arvin Tolentino, Kiefer Ravena and Matthew Wright, have also opted to continue their careers overseas at various points, underscoring the growing appeal of foreign leagues to Filipino players.

     

    For Bachmann, it is difficult to blame players for choosing those opportunities when the financial difference can be substantial.

     

    “It’s really hard to compete. Teams are now competing not only among themselves in the PBA, but we are also competing against teams and leagues abroad. You have Japan, you have Korea,” Bachmann said.

     

    “I don’t blame the players because I was a player before. It’s a no-brainer. If I’m a player and you are going to pay me three or four times what I can earn in the PBA, then I would go, ‘di ba?’”

     

    The financial disparity has become one of the biggest challenges facing the PBA as it attempts to retain its best talent.

     

    Overseas leagues, particularly in Japan and Korea, have increasingly been able to offer lucrative contracts to Filipino players, making it difficult for the PBA to compete purely on salary.

    Reports have indicated that some of the top B.League teams can offer Filipino players monthly salaries reaching the millions of pesos, while the PBA’s official maximum individual salary is significantly lower.

     

    That gap, Bachmann believes, puts the PBA at a disadvantage when its teams attempt to convince elite players to stay in the domestic league.

     

    Rather than simply raising the individual salary ceiling, however, Bachmann believes a different approach could provide teams with more room to compete for players.

     

    His preferred solution is to eliminate the individual maximum salary while imposing a stricter overall team salary cap.

     

    “The best option is to remove the individual salary cap and implement a stricter team salary cap. That’s an option,” Bachmann said.

     

    “With a team cap, it’s better because teams can decide how to distribute their payroll, as long as they don’t exceed the total cap.”

     

    Under such a system, teams would have greater freedom to prioritize their most valuable players and potentially offer competitive salaries to stars being pursued by foreign clubs.

     

    At the same time, a league-wide team cap could prevent franchises with significantly greater financial resources from simply outspending their rivals, helping preserve competitive balance.

    Bachmann’s proposal essentially seeks to strike a balance between player earning potential and financial sustainability for PBA teams.

     

    The former PBA champion also acknowledged that league officials are already considering ways to respond to the changing basketball landscape in Asia.

     

    “I’m sure the commissioner and the board are already discussing ways to adjust and keep pace with the other leagues, so hopefully they are,” he added.

     

    The challenge facing the PBA is becoming more pronounced as Asian basketball continues to develop.

     

    The B.League has established itself as an increasingly attractive destination for Filipino talent, while the KBL and other international leagues also continue to provide opportunities for players seeking stronger competition and more lucrative contracts.

     

    For the PBA, retaining its top players is not simply about protecting the league’s star power. It is also about maintaining its position as the Philippines’ premier professional basketball competition at a time when Filipino players have more international options than ever before.

     

    Bachmann’s proposed salary restructuring could give teams more flexibility to respond to those opportunities while maintaining a system designed to prevent excessive spending.

     

    Whether the PBA ultimately adopts such a model remains to be seen, but the growing movement of Filipino players overseas has made the issue increasingly difficult for the league to ignore.

     

    As Asian basketball becomes more competitive, the PBA may have to adapt its financial and organizational structure if it wants to keep its best players at home — and remain competitive with the leagues that are increasingly competing for Filipino basketball talent.

     

     

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  • Seanna Berce and Psalm Tablante capture silver in historic Philippine Junior International Series

    Seanna Berce and Psalm Tablante capture silver in historic Philippine Junior International Series

    The Philippines took another significant step in strengthening its credentials as an emerging host for international sporting events after staging the inaugural Philippine Junior International Series from August 4 to 9 at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

     

    Sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), the tournament marked the first time the Philippines hosted an international junior competition listed on the world governing body’s calendar, providing a major boost to the country’s growing badminton scene.

     

    Beyond bringing international junior talent to Philippine shores, the event also gave local players an opportunity to compete on home soil against some of the region’s promising young shuttlers.

     

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    The hosts made their presence felt on the final day, with Seanna Berce and Psalm Tablante securing a silver medal in the girls’ under-15 doubles competition.

     

    The Filipino pair advanced to the championship match but saw their run come to an end against Malaysia’s Leanne Fong and Xin Lian Yiew, who prevailed 21-19, 21-13 to claim the gold medal.

     

    Despite falling short of the top prize, Berce and Tablante remained proud of their campaign and the opportunity to represent the Philippines in the historic tournament.

     

    “We are sad that we lost, but we will come back stronger. We will make up for this,” Berce said after the final.

     

    Tablante echoed her partner’s sentiments, acknowledging that they were disappointed with the result but emphasizing the positives from their run to the final.

     

    “I feel the same way as Seanna, but we know that wasn’t our 100 percent. Still, we gave our best today and worked well together, and what’s important is that we made it to the finals,” Tablante said.

     

    The two young shuttlers, who study at the University of Perpetual Help System Delta, also highlighted just how meaningful the opportunity was given the challenges they faced in securing the chance to compete.

     

    For Tablante, representing the Philippines in an international tournament was an opportunity she and Berce were determined to seize.

    “This is extremely important to us because we really had no budget. But we were surprised when the chance came up, so we grabbed the opportunity right away and prepared hard for it,” she added.

     

    Their silver-medal finish provided a memorable moment for the Philippine delegation and underlined the potential of the country’s young badminton players.

     

    More importantly, the tournament itself represents a significant development for Philippine badminton.

     

    Hosting a BWF-sanctioned junior event allows the country to provide its young athletes with valuable exposure to international competition without requiring them to travel abroad. It also gives emerging players the chance to gain experience against different styles of play and compete in an environment that mirrors the demands of higher-level international tournaments.

     

    For local badminton enthusiasts, the Philippine Junior International Series offered a rare opportunity to watch some of the sport’s brightest young talents compete on home soil.

     

    The tournament showcased the speed, athleticism and technical quality of junior badminton while providing aspiring Filipino players with a glimpse of the level they will need to reach as they progress through the sport.

     

    The successful staging of the event could also have implications beyond the competition itself.

     

    As the Philippines continues to develop its sporting infrastructure and invest in athlete development, hosting more BWF-sanctioned tournaments could provide an important pathway for local players while simultaneously strengthening the country’s reputation as a reliable venue for international competitions.

     

    For Filipino shuttlers, particularly those still in the early stages of their careers, the opportunity to compete in internationally recognized tournaments at home could prove invaluable.

     

    It can help young athletes gain confidence, earn experience and understand the demands of international competition while being supported by family, coaches and local fans.

     

    The inaugural Philippine Junior International Series therefore served a dual purpose: it placed the Philippines on the BWF junior tournament calendar while giving the country’s next generation of badminton players a platform to test themselves against international opposition.

     

    Berce and Tablante’s silver medal provided an early highlight for the hosts, but the larger victory may be the foundation the tournament has laid for the future of Philippine badminton.

     

    With continued investment in grassroots development and the successful hosting of international events, the Philippines has an opportunity to further establish itself as both a producer of promising badminton talent and a capable host of major competitions.

     

    For the next generation of Filipino shuttlers, the hope is that the inaugural edition will be more than a one-off event — but the beginning of a stronger international pathway and another step toward putting Philippine badminton firmly on the global map.

     

     

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  • DJ Fenner confirms plan to enter 2027 PBA Draft after William Jones Cup and MPBL stints

    DJ Fenner confirms plan to enter 2027 PBA Draft after William Jones Cup and MPBL stints

    Veteran guard DJ Fenner is keeping his sights firmly set on the present, but the well-traveled American already has his next major career goal in mind.

     

    Fenner is currently training with Strong Group Pilipinas as the squad prepares for the 2026 William Jones Cup in Taiwan, where it will attempt to capture a third consecutive title later this month.

     

    While the upcoming international tournament remains his immediate priority, Fenner has also confirmed that he intends to take the next step in his Philippine basketball journey by entering the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Draft in January 2027.

     

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    “Yes, that’s the plan, is to enter this draft in January and see what happens,” Fenner told members of the media.

     

    The decision could mark another significant chapter in Fenner’s already well-traveled basketball career. The American guard has built considerable experience playing in the Philippines and is now looking to translate that familiarity with the country’s basketball scene into an opportunity in the PBA.

     

    However, Fenner is not looking too far ahead just yet.

     

    Rather than identifying a preferred PBA team or speculating about where he could land in the draft, the veteran guard said his attention is firmly on finishing his current commitments on a strong note.

     

    “You know, I’m not too sure. I’m just really trying to finish the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) strong, have a good showing here with Strong Group in Taiwan,” Fenner said.

     

    “So I’m really just kind of taking it step by step and trying to get better each and every day. Hopefully, I will be ready to go in the PBA in 2027.”

     

    That measured approach reflects Fenner’s focus as he prepares for what could be one of the biggest opportunities of his career.

    Before thinking about the PBA Draft, however, Fenner has another important task in front of him.

    Strong Group Pilipinas is aiming to extend its dominance in the William Jones Cup after winning the prestigious international tournament in the previous two editions. The team will once again field a deep and star-studded roster as it attempts to make it three titles in a row.

     

    Leading the charge is former National Basketball Association (NBA) star Boban Marjanovic, whose imposing presence in the frontcourt gives Strong Group a major advantage heading into the tournament.

     

    Marjanovic will be joined by a talented group of international and Filipino players, including Filipino center Malick Diouf, Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Pineiro, American center Tajuan Agee and two-time NCAA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Allen Liwag.

     

    Fenner is also part of the loaded roster, adding veteran experience and another capable scoring option to a team built to compete at the highest level.

     

    For Fenner, the William Jones Cup provides another opportunity to test himself against quality international competition while continuing to build toward his long-term objective of playing in the PBA.

     

    The tournament could also serve as an important showcase for players hoping to make an impression ahead of the next PBA Draft cycle.

     

    Fenner, however, appears determined not to let the possibility of a PBA future distract him from his immediate responsibilities.

     

    His approach is straightforward: perform well with Strong Group, continue improving and let the rest take care of itself.

     

    That mentality could prove valuable as the competition heats up in Taiwan, particularly with Strong Group entering the tournament carrying the expectations that come with being the defending champion.

     

    The 2026 William Jones Cup is scheduled to take place from August 13 to 20 in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

     

    With a championship to defend and a loaded roster at its disposal, Strong Group will be aiming to once again establish itself as the team to beat.

     

    For Fenner, meanwhile, the tournament represents both a chance to help Strong Group make more history and another important step toward his own basketball ambitions.

     

    If everything goes according to plan, his next major stop could be the PBA Draft in January 2027.

    But for now, Fenner is taking the road one step at a time — starting with Strong Group’s pursuit of a third straight William Jones Cup crown.

     

     

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  • Philippine International Challenge marks major step for local badminton development

    Philippine International Challenge marks major step for local badminton development

    The Philippines successfully staged the Philippine International Challenge, a major stop on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Continental Circuit, as the tournament served as both a showcase of world-class badminton and a significant step toward developing the next generation of Filipino shuttlers.

     

    Held at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City, the Level 1 tournament brought together some of the region’s top badminton players, giving Philippine athletes a rare opportunity to compete against high-level international opposition on home soil while earning valuable world ranking points.

     

    For Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio, however, the significance of the tournament extended far beyond the medals table.

     

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    Gregorio emphasized that the Philippine International Challenge is part of a long-term vision to strengthen badminton in the country by combining grassroots development with international exposure.

     

    “The Philippine International Challenge is a premier badminton spectacle that unites grassroots development with international exposure. It is a launchpad for Filipino shuttlers to rise, inspire communities, and strengthen the foundation of Philippine sports,” Gregorio told reporters.

     

    Although the host nation finished with just one medal—a bronze in the men’s doubles event—Gregorio stressed that the tournament’s success should not be measured solely by podium finishes.

     

    Instead, he highlighted the importance of providing Filipino players with the chance to improve their world rankings, gain experience against elite international competition, inspire local badminton enthusiasts, and demonstrate the country’s ability to organize tournaments that meet global standards.

    “Our mission is clear: To give Filipino athletes the stage they deserve and to show the world that the Philippines is ready to host competitions of the highest caliber. Every rally played here is a step toward that vision,” Gregorio added.

     

    National University standouts Solomon Padiz and Julius Villabrille emerged as the Philippines’ top performers after capturing the bronze medal in the men’s doubles competition.

     

    The Filipino pair enjoyed an impressive run to the semifinals before bowing to Malaysia’s Choong Hon Jian and Wong Vin Sean in straight sets, 21-7, 21-19.

     

    Despite the defeat, Villabrille believed the match could have gone differently had they executed their game plan more effectively.

     

    “We were surprised by what happened because we believed we could beat them. We prepared well, but we simply were not able to execute our game on the court,” Villabrille said after the semifinal loss.

     

    Padiz, meanwhile, focused on the positives, saying the experience of competing against quality international opponents on home soil will prove invaluable as they continue their development.

     

    “This tournament gave us valuable exposure. Competing here allowed us to experience the pressure of playing at this level at home. The important thing is that we never stop learning. Every match helps us improve,” Padiz said.

     

    While the bronze medal was the country’s lone podium finish, the performances of Padiz and Villabrille offered encouraging signs for the future of Philippine badminton as the pair continues to gain experience on the international stage.

     

    The duo will now shift its focus to an even tougher stretch of competitions, beginning with the PETRONAS Malaysia International Challenge later this month before taking on the world’s best at the BWF World Championships.

     

    For Philippine badminton, the successful staging of the Philippine International Challenge and the emergence of promising talents like Padiz and Villabrille represent another important step in the country’s long-term goal of becoming a more consistent force in the international game.

     

     

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  • Aiden Lazaro keeps MLB dream alive after becoming first Filipino to sign for the IMG Academy

    Aiden Lazaro keeps MLB dream alive after becoming first Filipino to sign for the IMG Academy

    For 13-year-old Filipino baseball prospect Aiden Lazaro, the road toward his ultimate dream of playing in Major League Baseball has taken him thousands of miles from home.

     

    The Philippine junior standout recently completed the first phase of his development program at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, gaining valuable exposure to elite-level facilities, training methods and competition at one of the world’s most renowned sports education and athletic development institutions.

     

    For Lazaro, the opportunity represents more than simply another step in his baseball journey. It is a chance to test himself in a highly competitive environment as he pursues an ambitious goal: becoming the first homegrown player from the Philippines to reach the MLB.

     

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    “I think it’s pretty wild that I am the first, but mainly I don’t let any of the pressure or expectations get to me that much. I just imagine that I’m just training normally and to just play my game,” Lazaro said in a media interaction.

     

    “Right now, my goal currently is to just train and get better. But you know, in the future, the ultimate goal is obviously to play in the MLB, play professionally.”

     

    Lazaro’s aspirations come with a growing awareness of the history surrounding Filipino baseball players who have attempted to make their mark in the American professional game.

     

    The closest the MLB has come to having a Philippine native play in the league dates back to Claudio Manela of Cavite, who played for the Cincinnati Cuban Stars in the Negro Leagues in the 1920s.

     

    Bobby Chouinard, meanwhile, is recognized as the first player born in Manila to play in the MLB following its integration in 1947, appearing for the Oakland Athletics.

     

    Lazaro hopes to eventually add his name to that history, but for now, the young pitcher remains focused on development rather than the weight of expectations that come with his ambitions.

    His experience at IMG Academy has provided him with an early glimpse of what it takes to compete at an elite level.

     

    “It felt so surreal that I was able to train at the facilities that a lot of ex-professional and still professional players use almost every day,” Lazaro said.

     

    “I also love that I was in a new training environment where I could play with people of my skill level and even higher.”

     

    Beyond the physical aspects of the game, Lazaro was particularly impressed by IMG Academy’s emphasis on developing athletes away from the playing field.

     

    The academy’s holistic approach combines athletic training with mental and personal development, something Lazaro believes will be equally important as he continues to progress.

     

    “I really felt like I belong there and I really liked their training plans and not just the fact that they train athletes to become better at their sport, but also train athletes mentally to become better leaders and better teammates for others,” he said.

    The opportunity also allowed Lazaro to represent more than just himself.

     

    As the first homegrown Filipino player selected to train at the academy, the youngster said he takes pride in introducing his teammates and coaches in the United States to his country and his experiences playing baseball in the Philippines.

     

    “When they ask me, I really love firstly telling them about the Philippines. And I love also telling them about all my bonds with teammates and all the teams I have played for in the Philippines,” Lazaro said.

     

    “I think that’s a really big accomplishment for us since in the Philippines, the famous sports, obviously basketball and football. I really like that baseball is also getting more popular.”

    Lazaro’s journey to IMG Academy also mirrors the early international development path taken by another Filipino sporting prodigy.

     

    Philippine tennis star Alex Eala made the move toward elite overseas training at the age of 13, joining the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain. That experience played an important role in her development and eventual rise to becoming one of the most accomplished tennis players in Philippine history.

     

    IMG Academy’s sister brand, IMG Tennis Management, currently represents Eala, further illustrating the organization’s connection to Filipino athletes seeking to develop their talents on the international stage.

     

    For Lazaro, however, the immediate task is to continue improving his game while balancing his commitments on both sides of the Pacific.

     

    Despite spending time training in Florida, he remains a member of the Ateneo Blue Eagles baseball program and will continue traveling between the Philippines and the United States as he balances his education with his athletic development.

     

    That dual commitment will be an important part of Lazaro’s development as he continues to grow both as a pitcher and as a student-athlete.

     

    His first stint at IMG Academy has already given him a clearer understanding of the level he needs to reach. Rather than viewing the experience as an endpoint, Lazaro sees it as the beginning of a much longer journey.

     

    “This year, for me, I’m expecting to train harder, be more disciplined and hopefully play at a higher level,” he said.

     

    And while the dream of reaching the MLB remains years away, Lazaro already understands that the path toward professional baseball will be filled with challenges, setbacks and failures.

    For the young Filipino, those obstacles are simply part of the process.

     

    “For those who want to get into baseball, I really want to say that baseball is a sport where you can fail a lot of times, but still be good,” Lazaro said.

     

    “So even if you face mistakes or problems, always keep pushing and find joy and love in the sport.”

     

    For now, Lazaro’s focus remains firmly on getting better — one training session, one game and one opportunity at a time.

     

    But with an elite development program behind him, international experience beginning to accumulate and an MLB dream firmly in sight, the young pitcher is already charting a path that could eventually take him into uncharted territory for Philippine baseball.

     

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  • Tagaytay to host inaugural Asian Youth Plus Track Championships in 2027

    Tagaytay to host inaugural Asian Youth Plus Track Championships in 2027

    Tagaytay City is strengthening its credentials as one of the Philippines’ emerging sports hubs after securing the hosting rights for the inaugural Asian Youth Plus Track Championships in 2027.

     

    The development adds another major international event to the city’s growing sporting calendar and further highlights the versatility of the Tagaytay City Velodrome, which has quickly become an important venue for cycling competitions in the country.

     

    The velodrome recently underwent a major transformation, temporarily shifting from a cycling venue into a gymnastics arena to accommodate the 10th Senior Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships from August 4 to 7.

     

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    The successful hosting of the continental gymnastics competition was another demonstration of the facility’s ability to accommodate events beyond its primary purpose, while the upcoming Asian Youth Plus Track Championships will once again put the venue in the international spotlight.

     

    Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino confirmed Tagaytay as the host city for the inaugural championships following the approval of the event during the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Management Committee Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend.

     

    The new competition is designed specifically for young cyclists aged 16 and under, providing developing riders from across Asia and Oceania with an opportunity to gain valuable international racing experience at an early stage of their careers.

     

    Tolentino said the creation of the championships is an important step toward developing the next generation of cyclists in the region and exposing young athletes to a wider and more competitive international field.

     

    “The Asian Youth Plus Track Championships aims to provide a platform to develop young cyclists in the whole of Asia with an expanded scope including Oceania. It will enable young Asian cyclists to compete against a broader international field and further raise the standard of competition,” Tolentino said.

     

    The event is expected to focus primarily on boys’ and girls’ categories, giving young riders an opportunity to test themselves against their peers from other countries while gaining experience in a continental-level competition.

     

    ACC president Dato’ Amarjit Singh Gill also emphasized the developmental importance of the new championships, particularly in providing young athletes with more opportunities to compete internationally.

    “The new championships will focus primarily on Boys and Girls categories, providing young riders with valuable international competition opportunities at an early stage of their development,” Gill said.

     

    The introduction of the Asian Youth Plus Track Championships could provide a significant boost to youth cycling across the region, with the competition expected to serve as an important pathway for young riders aspiring to progress to higher levels of international competition.

     

    For the Philippines, hosting the inaugural edition also provides the country with an opportunity to showcase its facilities and organizational capabilities while giving its young cyclists the benefit of competing on home soil.

     

    Tolentino said the exact itinerary and details of the 2027 championships will be announced at a later date.

     

    The event will also add to what has already been a busy period for the Tagaytay City Velodrome.

    The facility hosted the ACC Track Championships and Para Track Championships in March this year, bringing some of Asia’s leading cyclists and para cyclists to Tagaytay.

     

    It is also scheduled to host two legs of the Track Asia Cup in December, further cementing its place on the regional cycling calendar.

     

    With the Senior Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships already held at the venue in August, the Track Asia Cup events in December and the Asian Youth Plus Track Championships in 2027 will give Tagaytay a steady pipeline of international sporting events.

     

    That growing schedule is a reflection of the city’s broader ambition to establish itself as a premier sports destination in the Philippines.

     

    The Tagaytay City Velodrome was originally built to serve the country’s cycling community, but its recent use for gymnastics has demonstrated the facility’s potential to accommodate a wider range of sporting disciplines. Its ability to transition between events could make it an increasingly valuable venue for major competitions in the coming years.

     

    For Philippine cycling in particular, the hosting of the Asian Youth Plus Track Championships represents an opportunity to place greater emphasis on grassroots and youth development.

    With athletes aged 16 and under set to take center stage, the inaugural competition could help identify and nurture the next generation of Asian cycling talent.

     

    And for Tagaytay, the event will be another opportunity to prove that the city can successfully host high-level international competitions while building a reputation as one of the country’s leading sporting destinations.

     

    From transforming its velodrome for continental gymnastics to welcoming Asia’s young cycling talents, Tagaytay is steadily expanding its role in Philippine sports — one major international event at a time.

     

     

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  • Magnolia’s Ian Sangalang credits defense for his consistent offensive production

    Magnolia’s Ian Sangalang credits defense for his consistent offensive production

    The Magnolia Hotshots are slowly finding their footing in the ongoing 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup, and veteran forward Ian Sangalang has emerged as one of the key figures behind the team’s recent turnaround.

     

    Magnolia has endured a mixed start to the conference, splitting its first six games to sit at 3-3 and fourth in the Group B standings. While the Hotshots have yet to establish the consistency they would want this early in the tournament, their recent results have provided plenty of encouragement heading into the crucial stretch of the eliminations.

     

    The Hotshots returned to the winning column in emphatic fashion on Friday, August 7, overwhelming the Meralco Bolts, 105-88, at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

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    The victory marked Magnolia’s third win in its last four games after opening the Governors’ Cup with consecutive defeats. More importantly, it highlighted the growing confidence within the team as the Hotshots continue to build momentum and look to position themselves favorably in the group standings.

     

    At the center of that resurgence has been Sangalang, whose steady production has provided Magnolia with a reliable offensive option throughout the conference.

     

    The 34-year-old forward has scored at least 10 points in each of Magnolia’s six games so far, while shooting an impressive 80.9 percent from the field. He is averaging 14.2 points per game, numbers that underline just how efficient he has been whenever he steps onto the court.

     

    Yet for Sangalang, his recent offensive consistency is not something he consciously focuses on.

    Instead, he believes everything begins on the defensive end.

     

    “I don’t think my plays lately are special. I really just started on defense. That’s where I get my momentum. Every time that coach puts me in, I give it all on defense so I can stay in the game longer,” Sangalang said during a press conference.

    The veteran big man’s approach has been simple but effective. Rather than attempting to force his offense from the opening tip, Sangalang puts his emphasis on making an impact defensively. By doing so, he is able to establish his rhythm, remain engaged and eventually allow his offensive game to develop naturally.

     

    For a player who has spent years competing at the highest level of Philippine basketball, that mindset has become an important part of his approach.

     

    “The offense will come naturally. I don’t think about that anymore. For me, I just start on defense,” he added.

     

    That philosophy was once again evident during Magnolia’s convincing victory over Meralco. With the Hotshots controlling the game and maintaining a comfortable advantage, Sangalang continued to provide the kind of efficient contribution that has become increasingly important to the team.

     

    His ability to score efficiently without needing to dominate possessions gives Magnolia another dimension on offense. More importantly, his willingness to prioritize defense allows him to remain involved in games even on nights when his offensive opportunities are limited.

     

    Sangalang’s consistency has also come at an important time for the Hotshots. After dropping their opening two games of the Governors’ Cup, Magnolia needed to stabilize its campaign before the early losses created too much ground to make up.

     

    The team has responded well, winning three of its next four games and showing signs of becoming more settled on both ends of the floor.

     

    While there is still plenty of basketball to be played, the Hotshots appear to be moving in the right direction. Their latest victory over Meralco not only improved their record to 3-3 but also gave the team another boost as it continues its push up the Group B standings.

     

    Sangalang, meanwhile, will be expected to remain an important piece of Magnolia’s campaign.

    His experience, efficiency and defensive-first mentality provide the Hotshots with a dependable presence in the frontcourt, particularly as the competition intensifies and every game becomes increasingly important.

     

    The Hotshots will have an opportunity to extend their recent run when they return to action on Wednesday, August 12, against the Phoenix Fuel Masters at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    With Magnolia now having won three of its last four games, the challenge will be to maintain that momentum. And if Sangalang’s defense-first approach continues to translate into efficient offense, the veteran forward could play a major role in helping the Hotshots turn their uneven start into a strong Governors’ Cup campaign.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone says leading Gilas Pilipinas to the Olympics would be the defining legacy of his career

    Tim Cone says leading Gilas Pilipinas to the Olympics would be the defining legacy of his career

    For Tim Cone, a record-breaking coaching career will only feel complete if he can lead Gilas Pilipinas back to the Olympic Games.

     

    Already regarded as the most accomplished coach in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) history, Cone has built a legacy few can match. Yet despite winning multiple championships and rewriting the league’s record books, the veteran mentor believes his greatest achievement still lies ahead.

     

    Since taking over the Alaska Air Force in 1989, Cone has established himself as one of the winningest coaches in Asian basketball. The American tactician has captured a record 26 PBA championships, including two elusive Grand Slam titles, while earning five PBA Coach of the Year awards. He also became the first coach in league history to surpass the 1,000-win mark, cementing his place among Philippine basketball’s all-time greats.

     

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    However, as he enters the latter stages of his coaching career, Cone revealed that his focus has shifted beyond collecting domestic titles. Instead, he hopes to leave behind a lasting legacy by guiding Gilas Pilipinas back to the sport’s biggest stage—the Olympic Games.

     

    “The championships are getting more and more special the older I get, because I know that’s not an infinite number anymore. Before, when I was 35 or 40, I didn’t think about the end. But I think about the end more often these days. So every one now is really special, and that’s why I’m also enjoying the Gilas team. It’s just as hard, if not harder, than these Game 7s,” Cone said during an interview with The GAME.

     

    The 68-year-old admitted that representing the Philippines has given him a renewed sense of purpose, with international success now outweighing even the thrill of winning PBA championships.

     

    “Well, I’d like to go to the World Cup, that’s for darn sure. And even better if we go to the Olympics. I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to do that, but that’s really the legacy I would like to leave more than anything else,” he added.

    Cone has already brought Gilas close to achieving one of those goals. In 2024, he steered the national team to the semifinals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga, Latvia, raising hopes that the Philippines could end its decades-long Olympic basketball drought.

     

    The country has not qualified for the Olympic men’s basketball tournament since the 1972 Munich Games, making an Olympic berth one of the most coveted achievements in Philippine basketball.

    The road ahead, however, remains challenging.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas enters the next phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers after finishing third in Group A with a 2-4 record. Consecutive defeats to New Zealand and Australia in the final window of the first round highlighted the level of competition awaiting the Filipinos as they pursue another World Cup appearance.

     

    Despite the setback, Cone remains committed to elevating the national team and believes that international success would eclipse any personal milestone he has already achieved.

     

    “You know, the championships are great and hopefully they will stand the test of time, but records are made to be broken. But the idea of taking Gilas, the national team, to another level is what we are really working for, and that’s what I would like to leave behind,” Cone said.

     

    One reason for his optimism is the emergence of a new generation of Filipino big men capable of competing against the world’s best.

     

    Under Cone’s watch, Gilas has benefited from the development of towering frontcourt players such as Kai Sotto, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, AJ Edu, and Quentin Millora-Brown. Their size and versatility have helped narrow a longstanding gap between the Philippines and elite basketball nations.

     

    “It’s just hard to imagine 10, 15, or 20 years ago that we would ever have anything like that. Size has always been our bugaboo through the years. We have always been too small. People would ask why we even play basketball when we should be playing other sports,” Cone said.

     

    “But suddenly, we have guys that can compete on the world stage in terms of size and talent. That’s so unique and that’s an amazing statement for Philippine basketball. We have always been talented in terms of skill and athleticism. It’s only the size that held us back.”

     

    With one of the most decorated coaching careers in PBA history already secured, Cone now has his sights set on a prize that has eluded generations of Philippine basketball figures. If he can guide Gilas Pilipinas back to the Olympic Games for the first time in more than five decades, it would stand as the defining achievement of an already legendary career.

     

     

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