Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Arjun Devgan

  • Victor Wembanyama believes he deserves to win the NBA MVP this season

    Victor Wembanyama believes he deserves to win the NBA MVP this season

    Victor Wembanyama continues to live up to the immense hype surrounding him, emerging as one of the most electrifying young stars in the National Basketball Association and a cornerstone for the resurgence of the San Antonio Spurs.

     

    Now in full stride, the 22-year-old has evolved into a dominant two-way force, impacting games on both ends of the floor with rare versatility. His presence has been instrumental in the Spurs’ remarkable campaign, as the team currently sits second in the Western Conference with a 54-18 record. Their recent 136-111 victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday, March 24 (Philippine Standard Time), also secured San Antonio its first Southwest Division title in nine years—another sign of the franchise’s rapid rise.

     

    Following the win, Wembanyama made it clear that individual accolades remain part of his focus, particularly the league’s most prestigious honor.

     

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    “I have thought about it. I think right now there is a debate. There should be, even though I think I should lead the race. I’m trying to make sure that at the end of the season, there is no debate,” Wembanyama said.

     

    The numbers support his case. Wembanyama is averaging 24.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 3.0 blocks per game—an extraordinarily rare statistical combination achieved by only a handful of legends in NBA history. Among those who have posted similar season averages are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, Patrick Ewing, and David Robinson—placing the young Frenchman in elite company.

    Despite his historic production, the MVP race remains highly competitive. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is widely considered the frontrunner, followed by Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers. Wembanyama, meanwhile, is firmly in the conversation, currently ranked third ahead of Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets.

     

    Still, Wembanyama believes his overall impact—particularly on defense—sets him apart.

     

    “My first one would be that defense is 50% of the game and that it is undervalued so far in the MVP race. I believe I’m the most impactful player defensively in the league. Second argument would be we almost swept OKC in the season, and we dominated them three times with their real team. The third argument would be that offense impact is not just points. Right now, it is still reasonable that there is a debate. But as I said, my goal is to make sure there’s no debate anymore at the end of the season,” he added.

     

    Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson echoed that sentiment, offering a strong endorsement of his star player’s MVP candidacy.

     

    “I think he’s close. All those guys you named are deserving; a couple of them already have that award. And I’m very biased. I get to see one of those guys every single night. I get to see him on the practice court. I get to see what he does in the morning. I get to see what he does right now after the game. So, I understand my opinion and outlook and perspective is very different than almost everyone else.

     

    “But he affects as much of the game in every single way – on the court, on both ends, with and without the ball, what the other team tries to do, plan for, scheme, adjust to, on both sides of the basketball, in my very ignorant opinion, as much as any other player I have ever seen. Take that for whatever it’s worth,” Johnson stated.

     

    As the regular season nears its conclusion, Wembanyama’s MVP push is gaining undeniable momentum. With elite production, defensive dominance, and team success all working in his favor, the young superstar is making a compelling case to join the league’s most exclusive club. Whether he ultimately claims the award or not, one thing is increasingly clear—Wembanyama is no longer just the future of the NBA; he is rapidly becoming its present.

     

     

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  • “We can work even harder”: Julia Coronel eyes deeper PVL run after Highrisers’ big win

    “We can work even harder”: Julia Coronel eyes deeper PVL run after Highrisers’ big win

    The Galeries Tower Highrisers delivered a historic performance, pulling off one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference history with a dominant 25-16, 25-20, 30-28 victory over the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Tuesday, March 24, at the FilOil Centre.

     

    With their backs against the wall in the Play-In stage, the Highrisers rose to the occasion and showcased poise, execution, and composure—qualities that had eluded them in previous close matches. The straight-sets triumph not only secured their survival in the tournament but also signaled their intent to go deeper than their previous quarterfinal finish.

     

    Leading the charge was Jean Asis, who turned in a standout all-around performance. The dynamic attacker finished with 17 points, highlighted by three blocks and two service aces, earning Best Player of the Game honors. Her ability to deliver in crucial stretches, especially in the tightly contested third set, proved vital in sealing the win.

     

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    Running the offense with precision was rookie playmaker Julia Coronel, who tallied 22 excellent sets in orchestrating the Highrisers’ attack. The third overall pick in the 2024 PVL Rookie Draft displayed maturity beyond her years, distributing the ball efficiently and keeping the Solar Spikers’ defense guessing throughout the match.

     

    Gayle Pascual provided steady scoring support with 14 points, while Aiza Pontillas and Roselle Baliton added 12 and 11 points, respectively. The balanced offensive effort underscored Galeries Tower’s improved chemistry and depth—key factors in their breakthrough performance.

    After the match, Coronel expressed both pride and renewed determination, emphasizing the team’s desire to surpass their previous campaign.

     

    “I’m very proud of the team, and I feel even more motivated. The last time we reached the quarterfinals, we didn’t make it to the next round. This time, I’m hopeful that we can work even harder in the next few days to prepare. Hopefully, God will bless us with a win in the next game,” Coronel said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    The Highrisers’ growth was particularly evident in the third set, where they weathered a fierce challenge from the Solar Spikers. After building a two-set advantage, Galeries Tower found themselves locked in a tense extended frame, but this time, they showed composure in crunch time—an area that had previously been a weakness.

     

    Coronel acknowledged this improvement, noting how the team finally managed to overcome its struggles in closing out tight games.

     

    “It’s frustrating when we lose games we know we could have won. We have always been competitive, but we tend to fall short in the endgame. So I’m really happy that today, we fought through it because the endgame was crucial and this time, we got it done,” she added.

     

    With momentum on their side, the Highrisers now turn their attention to another high-stakes showdown against the Nxled Chameleons on Saturday, March 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. A semifinal berth hangs in the balance, and Galeries Tower will look to build on their confidence and newfound composure as they continue their campaign.

     

    For the Highrisers, this breakthrough victory represents more than just survival—it is a statement of growth, resilience, and belief that they can finally push past previous limitations and contend with the league’s best when it matters most.

     

     

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  • “Lahat ng kaya kong gawin”: Maddie Madayag leads Choco Mucho’s charge to keep PVL hopes alive

    “Lahat ng kaya kong gawin”: Maddie Madayag leads Choco Mucho’s charge to keep PVL hopes alive

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans rose to the occasion when it mattered most, showcasing a blend of firepower, resilience, and composure to outlast the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in a gripping five-set thriller, 21-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-11, 15-11, in a do-or-die showdown in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, March 24, at the FilOil Centre.

     

    Facing elimination, Choco Mucho leaned on its veteran core and rising stars to stay alive in the tournament. Sisi Rondina once again led the charge with a stellar all-around performance, tallying 27 points on top of 15 excellent receptions. She was ably supported by Maddie Madayag, Eya Laure, and Kat Tolentino, all of whom delivered in crucial stretches of the match.

     

    While Rondina provided her usual spark, it was Madayag who emerged as the difference-maker. The versatile middle blocker turned in one of her best performances of the conference, finishing with 19 points highlighted by three timely blocks. Her efforts earned her Best Player of the Game honors and helped anchor Choco Mucho’s defense at the net during pivotal moments in the match.

     

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    After the game, Madayag did not shy away from acknowledging both the team’s struggles and their determination to overcome them.

     

    “Ayaw kong matalo, ayaw ko ‘yung feeling na natatalo. So, lahat ng kaya kong gawin sa team para manalo kami, go. Whatever that I can contribute sa team, ayun ‘yung gagawin ko. Sobrang laking bagay na makita na kaya namin bawiin ‘yung sarili namin. ‘Yun sabi ni Sisi Rondina na kagagawan namin na nasa bottom seed kami. Not too bottom, but seventh place, again,” Madayag said.

    Choco Mucho’s path to victory was far from smooth. After splitting the first two sets, the Flying Titans faltered in the third, where ZUS Coffee dominated with a commanding 25-13 win. With their backs against the wall, however, Choco Mucho responded emphatically in the fourth set, rediscovering their rhythm and overwhelming the Thunderbelles with a lopsided 25-11 performance to force a decider.

     

    That shift in momentum proved crucial, as the Flying Titans carried their energy into the fifth set, where they held their nerve in a tightly contested finish to complete the comeback victory.

    Madayag highlighted the team’s growth, particularly their improved ability to respond under pressure—something that had plagued them in previous outings.

     

    “May mga times and sets na nalalamangan kami, but I’m very proud of my team na kahit na umabot na kami sa point na parang feeling namin na matatalo na kami, kaya pa rin ilaban, which was our struggle in the past few games, past few conferences, na kapag nalamangan kami ng team, hindi na namin kaya bumawi. Nakikita mo ‘yung puso and competitiveness na ayaw pa namin matapos, and gusto pa namin mag-training,” she added.

     

    The victory not only keeps Choco Mucho’s campaign alive but also sets the stage for another high-stakes encounter. The Flying Titans will face the Akari Chargers in yet another knockout match on Saturday, March 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with a coveted semifinal berth on the line.

     

    With momentum now on their side, Madayag emphasized the importance of staying grounded and focused as they prepare for their next challenge.

     

    “Ayun na nga kailangan namin mag-focus saw bawat isa, sa team namin, kung paano kami gumalaw and kung pano namin i-angat ‘yung sarili namin,” Madayag concluded.

     

    For Choco Mucho, the mission is clear: build on this hard-earned victory, sustain their intensity, and continue proving that they belong among the league’s contenders—one match at a time.

     

     

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  • NBPA calls for changes to NBA’s 65-game rule amid injury concerns

    NBPA calls for changes to NBA’s 65-game rule amid injury concerns

    The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is urging the National Basketball Association (NBA) to revisit its controversial 65-game rule, arguing that the policy has unfairly sidelined deserving players from end-of-season awards.

     

    The rule, introduced as part of the current collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players, requires individuals to appear in at least 65 regular-season games to qualify for major postseason honors. It was designed to discourage load management and ensure that the league’s biggest stars are available for the majority of the season.

     

    However, the NBPA now believes the rule is too rigid—particularly in cases involving legitimate injuries.

     

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    Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has become a central example in the debate. Despite putting together what many consider a career-defining campaign, Cunningham is at risk of falling short of the 65-game threshold after suffering a collapsed lung. He has appeared in 61 games so far and is expected to miss additional time.

     

    In a strongly worded statement, the NBPA criticized the policy:

    “Cade Cunningham’s potential ineligibility for postseason awards after a career-defining season is a clear indictment of the 65-game rule and yet another example of why it must be abolished or reformed to create an exception for significant injuries. Since its implementation, far too many deserving players have been unfairly disqualified from end-of-season honors by this arbitrary and overly rigid quota,” NBPA said in a statement.

     

    Cunningham’s agent, Jeff Schwartz, echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the need for context when evaluating player eligibility:

     

    “Cade has delivered a first-team All-NBA season. If he falls just short of an arbitrary games-played threshold due to legitimate injury, it should not disqualify him from recognition he has clearly earned over the course of the season. The league should be rewarding excellence, not enforcing rigid cutoffs that ignore context. An exception needs to be made,” Cunningham’s agent Jeff Schwartz told ESPN.

     

    Cunningham is not alone. Several high-profile stars—including LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Stephen Curry—have already been ruled ineligible for postseason awards due to the same requirement. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama are approaching the cutoff, placing their eligibility in jeopardy as well.

     

    Cleveland Cavaliers standout Donovan Mitchell acknowledged the intent behind the rule but admitted its unintended consequences:

     

    “It’s for the right reasons, but it’s tough. We get paid money to be out there, but there’s certain things you can’t control. It’s not like guys are resting and missing these games. These are legitimate injuries, so it’s something to look at for sure because there’s no way certain guys should be in this scenario,” Cleveland superstar Donovan Mitchell added.

     

    While the 65-game rule was implemented to preserve the integrity of the regular season, its application has sparked growing concern across the league. As injuries continue to impact even the game’s brightest stars, pressure is mounting on the NBA to introduce flexibility—balancing accountability with fairness—so that exceptional performance is not overshadowed by circumstances beyond a player’s control.

     

     

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  • Luka Doncic and LaMelo Ball named NBA Players of the Week for Week 22 of the 2025-26 season

    Luka Doncic and LaMelo Ball named NBA Players of the Week for Week 22 of the 2025-26 season

    Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic and Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball have been named the National Basketball Association (NBA) Players of the Week for the Week 22 of the 2025-26 season.

     

     

    Luka Doncic (Western Conference Player of Week)

     

    The Los Angeles Lakers are enjoying one of their most impressive stretches of the 2025–26 NBA season, posting a 46–26 record to claim third place in a loaded Western Conference. Driving that success is superstar guard Luka Dončić, who continues to cement his status as one of the league’s elite.

     

    Dončić delivered a sensational Week 22 performance, leading the Lakers to a perfect 4–0 record. He opened the week with back-to-back scoring outbursts of 36 and 40 points against the Houston Rockets, then exploded for 60 points on 18-of-30 shooting in a dominant showing versus the Miami Heat. He capped the run with 33 points in a win over the Orlando Magic.

     

    The Slovenian star’s 60-point performance places him among just seven players in Lakers franchise history to reach that mark, while he also became only the ninth to record multiple 50-point games. Dončić has further etched his name in team lore by setting the franchise single-season record for three-pointers made. Through 59 appearances, he is averaging a league-best 33.4 points, along with 7.9 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 1.6 steals in 35.8 minutes per game.

     

    This marks Dončić’s second consecutive Player of the Week honor, his fourth this season, and the 19th of his career—another testament to his sustained brilliance.

     

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    LaMelo Ball (Eastern Conference Player of Week)

     

    In the Eastern Conference, LaMelo Ball continues his ascent as one of the NBA’s premier young guards, guiding the Charlotte Hornets to a 3–0 record in Week 22.

     

    Ball averaged 26.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 2.3 steals during the week. In a standout performance against the Miami Heat, he made franchise history by becoming the first Hornets player—and just the 11th in NBA history—to record at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists in 20 minutes or fewer.

     

    For the season, the 24-year-old is posting 19.7 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. His efforts earned him the first Player of the Week award of his career, making him the 32nd player in Hornets history to receive the honor—and the first since Brandon Miller was recognized on February 2.

     

     

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  • Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez named PVL Player of the Week for March 17 to 21

    Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez named PVL Player of the Week for March 17 to 21

    The Creamline Cool Smashers have made a strong start to the ongoing 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, winning six of their nine games to secure third place in the standings.

     

    Their most recent victory came against the Cignal Super Spikers in a thrilling five-set match at the FilOil Centre on Saturday, March 21. After dropping the first two sets, 19-25 and 20-25, Creamline bounced back, winning the next two 25-15 and 28-26 before edging Cignal 18-16 in the decider.

     

    Central to the comeback was captain and star player Alyssa Valdez, who delivered a vintage performance that reminded fans why she remains one of the league’s elite. Valdez finished with a triple-double of 22 points, 13 receptions, and 13 digs, leading her team from the front in the absence of fellow stars Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons.

     

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    This was a welcome return to form for the 32-year-old, who had struggled in recent games, averaging just 3.57 points in Creamline’s previous seven matches. Her stellar showing earned her first-ever PVL Press Corps Player of the Week in the league’s professional era for March 17-21. She outshone strong contenders including Royse Tubino (Farm Fresh Foxies), Trisha Tubu (Farm Fresh Foxies), Eli Soyud (Akari Chargers), Brooke Van Sickle (Nxled Chameleons), and Sisi Rondina (Choco Mucho Flying Titans).

     

    Reflecting on her performance, Valdez emphasized effort and team spirit over personal accolades.

    “Honestly, what was on my mind was: we are already here, so we are going to fight for it. Wherever this takes us, we will be thankful to the Lord. There’s something different when you give everything, your full effort, and fight all the way,” Valdez said.

     

    She added: “That’s really all I was thinking about. I didn’t even remember the score. I even had to ask what the last point was because I didn’t realize the game was already over. When you’re in the moment, you’re just focused on finishing strong.”

     

    Valdez’s leadership extends beyond scoring. Widely regarded as the most popular volleyball player in the Philippines, she is credited with helping bring the sport into the mainstream. Yet for her, it is always about the team.

     

    “I think every game, it’s more of a reminder for myself and for the team that we are still here. If there’s something to motivate myself, it’s honestly hard to always rely on thinking about other people. So now, I remind myself that I’m still capable. I will just do my part in practice, and when I’m needed, I’ll step up and help,” Valdez explained.

     

    Creamline will look to maintain their momentum when they face Cignal again in the qualifying round on Thursday, March 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The winner will advance directly to the semifinals, while the losing team will face a lower-bracket opponent for another chance to progress.

     

    With Valdez leading the charge, the Cool Smashers are proving that experience, determination, and resilience remain their keys to success in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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  • “They will know the difference”: Eman Bacosa Pacquiao eager to forge his own legacy

    “They will know the difference”: Eman Bacosa Pacquiao eager to forge his own legacy

    At just 22 years old, Eman Bacosa Pacquiao is rapidly emerging as one of the most intriguing young prospects in the world of boxing—carrying not only the famous Pacquiao name but also the promise of a truly distinct legacy. As the son of eight‑division world champion Manny Pacquiao, Eman could have easily remained in the shadow of his legendary father. Instead, he’s steadily worked to define his own identity both inside and outside the ring.

     

    Though born into a family already synonymous with pugilistic greatness, Eman’s journey has been far from conventional. A native of Tagum City, he moved to Japan at the age of 12 to pursue his education, a decision rooted in his mother Joanna Rose’s heritage—she is half‑Japanese. The five years Eman spent in Japan were formative, not just culturally and academically, but athletically. It was there, immersed in a disciplined environment, that he sharpened his work ethic and deepened his commitment to boxing—laying the foundation for the fighter he is today.

     

    Despite his early affinity for his mother’s surname, Eman ultimately made the conscious choice to adopt the Pacquiao name with his father’s full support—a strategic move aimed at advancing his professional boxing career while still honoring his own personal journey. “I initially wanted to carry my mother’s surname,” Eman shared in a recent interview. “But my father encouraged me to use Pacquiao because of what it represents in the sport. I’m proud of where I come from, but I also want to build something that stands on its own.”

     

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    That individuality is central to Eman’s approach. “They will know the difference,” he said during the press conference for his promotional partner, IAM Worldwide. “Manny Pacquiao is Manny Pacquiao, Eman Bacosa Pacquiao is Eman Bacosa Pacquiao.” The distinction isn’t just symbolic—it underlines a mindset focused on legacy over lineage.

     

    Since turning professional in July 2021, Eman has shown tangible progress. His debut bout, a fourth‑round stoppage loss to Japan’s Hiromi Tsutsui at Aioi Hall in Kariya, offered an early lesson in the unforgiving nature of professional boxing. But rather than deter him, that defeat became a catalyst. Eman has since compiled an 8‑0‑1 record, demonstrating notable improvements in power, technique, and ring intelligence with each outing.

    “Every fight teaches me something,” he reflected. “If I have a fight coming up, my focus narrows—everything else fades away. When there’s no bout scheduled, I lean into show business, which is my second craft. But boxing—that’s my heart. That’s where I want to see just how far I can go.”

     

    His new contract with Sparkle GMA Artist Center marks an exciting expansion of his public persona. Eman is embracing opportunities in entertainment, but he remains clear‑eyed about priorities. “My main work is boxing. That’s my passion,” he said. “Everything else is secondary, but I’m grateful for every chance to grow as an individual and a performer.”

     

    Eman’s time in Japan, where he not only trained but also learned the language and absorbed a culture of discipline, continues to inform his approach. “Japan taught me structure, respect, endurance,” he noted. “Those lessons are in every punch I throw and every hour I spend in the gym.”

     

    Asked about his ultimate goals, Eman didn’t mince words. “I want to be a world champion,” he declared, a dream that resonates deeply but is pursued with humility and gratitude. “I understand what it means to have nothing. I know the value of hard work and perseverance. There are so many who dream of becoming world champions, of making a name for themselves and providing for their families—only a few ever get there. I want to be among those few.”

     

    Yet even as he edges closer to boxing’s higher echelons, Eman insists on appreciating every step of the journey. “It’s close,” he said with a calm confidence. “I can already feel it. But I want to enjoy the moment now—before I’m a champion—because that in itself would be one of the biggest accomplishments of my life. I want to enjoy the blessings God has given me, every step of the way.”

     

    With a growing fan base, a promising record, and a clear vision for his future, Eman Bacosa Pacquiao is no longer just “Manny Pacquiao’s son.” He’s a young athlete forging his own path—driven by passion, grounded in humility, and determined to leave a mark that stands proudly beside, yet distinct from, the legacy that precedes him.

     

     

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  • “We want to get out of the group”: Mark Torcaso sets Filipinas’ 2027 World Cup goal

    “We want to get out of the group”: Mark Torcaso sets Filipinas’ 2027 World Cup goal

    History is no longer just a one-time achievement for the Philippines women’s national football team—it’s quickly becoming a benchmark.

     

    In a high-stakes showdown, the Filipinas showcased their composure and tactical discipline, securing a 2-0 victory over the Uzbekistan women’s national football team in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup play-in. With that decisive win, they officially punched their ticket to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil, marking another historic milestone for Philippine football.

     

    The triumph cements the Filipinas’ growing reputation as a rising force in women’s football, building on their groundbreaking debut at the 2023 World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. While that tournament brought the country’s first-ever World Cup victory against the co-hosts, the team fell short of advancing to the knockout stages. This time, the stakes are higher, and the goal is clear: progress beyond the group stage and prove that the Philippines is more than a debutant at the global level.

     

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    Head coach Mark Torcaso acknowledged that while the euphoria of qualification is still settling in, preparations for the next challenge will begin immediately. With the Philippines representing Southeast Asia as the sole qualifier for the tournament, meticulous planning and strategy will be crucial.

    “It hasn’t hit us yet. We are just really grateful that we have got a number of players that have experienced the World Cup before. We will start planning in the next couple of days what the preparation looks like,” Torcaso said in a media interaction, highlighting the importance of balancing experience with strategic development.

     

    The 44-year-old coach is determined to ensure that the team’s ambitions go beyond mere participation. For Torcaso, advancing from the group stage is non-negotiable, and he wants the Filipinas to compete with both confidence and purpose on football’s biggest stage.

     

    “It would be naive for me to say that we are happy with 23, 27, or 30 players. We want to go to the next World Cup and not just secure a win—we want to get out of the group,” Torcaso emphasized. His statement reflects a bold vision for the team, signaling that the Filipinas are ready to build on past experience and raise their profile on the international scene.

     

    With a core of seasoned players and a growing pipeline of emerging talent, the Philippines is now focused on turning historic qualification into a tangible competitive presence in Brazil. The journey from debutants to serious contenders will require rigorous preparation, tactical refinement, and mental resilience—but the Filipinas have already shown they are capable of rising to the occasion.

     

    As the countdown to the 2027 World Cup begins, fans and analysts alike are watching closely. With Southeast Asia’s pride on the line, the Filipinas are poised to write the next chapter of Philippine women’s football history, aiming not just to participate but to leave a lasting mark on the global stage.

     

     

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  • “It’s been on my bucket list”: Michael Borcado on representing SIBOL at 2026 Asian Games

    “It’s been on my bucket list”: Michael Borcado on representing SIBOL at 2026 Asian Games

    The Philippines is once again setting its sights on the top podium, this time in the rapidly growing world of esports. With Mobile Legends: Bang Bang officially included in the program of the 2026 Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya this September, the country is gearing up for another shot at international glory.

     

    Bannering the campaign is SIBOL, the national esports squad tasked with continuing the Philippines’ dominance in MLBB on the global stage. Fresh off a strong run in recent international tournaments, expectations are once again sky-high as the team prepares for a gold-medal push against the best squads in Asia.

     

    A key step in that preparation was the recently concluded SIBOL MLBB Combine, which wrapped up this week and served as a proving ground for the nation’s top talents. The event brought together elite players from powerhouse organizations such as Team Liquid, Aurora Hunters, and Team Falcons, highlighting the depth and competitiveness of the local MLBB scene.

     

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    Beyond the star-studded player pool, SIBOL is also bolstering its coaching staff with proven minds, including veteran tactician Michael Borcado, better known in the MLBB community as “Arcadia.” Widely respected for his strategic acumen, Borcado previously made waves on the international stage by steering Malaysian teams to major titles, earning recognition as one of Southeast Asia’s top coaches.

     

    Now, he finally gets the opportunity to represent his home country—an achievement he describes as a long-awaited personal milestone.

    Borcado admitted in a media interaction that he has been trying to coach SIBOL for a long time and it is a dream to finally represent them.

     

    “Ever since naging foreign coach ako, ever since nagkaroon ng qualifiers, I have wanted to coach for SIBOL. I have even tried asking certain teams to accept me as their coach. Pero I understand naman na dahil may qualifiers, there is a certain process. It’s been very challenging for me professionally even though contractually, there’s no problem. It lessened my opportunities to make it to the national team,” Borcado said.

     

    His journey underscores the stringent selection process implemented by SIBOL. To be considered for the national team, all members—from players to coaches—must go through a qualification system. For coaches in particular, eligibility requires them to be actively handling an all-Filipino roster, a rule designed to ensure alignment with the national program’s long-term development goals.

     

    Despite the challenges, Borcado never lost sight of his ambition to don the national colors, even if it meant waiting years for the right opportunity.

     

    “It’s been on my bucket list even nung bata pa ako. Looking at the athletes – seeing them play their sport while carrying the Philippine flag – it’s very surreal to be a part of it. That’s why I’m very thankful na nagkaroon ako ng chance to be a part of this team. I’m really excited to be in this role and we are going to do our best to get the gold,” he added.

     

    With a blend of elite mechanical talent, experienced coaching, and a deep sense of national pride, SIBOL’s MLBB squad is shaping up to be one of the Philippines’ strongest contingents in the Asian Games esports program.

     

    Their campaign officially begins on September 23 and will run through October 2, with regional heavyweights expected to provide stiff competition. Still, with the country’s rich history in MLBB and a renewed sense of purpose, all eyes will be on SIBOL as they attempt to once again bring pride to the Philippines—and perhaps, stand atop the podium when it matters most.

     

     

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  • Chot Reyes admits Bol Bol is still adapting to the PBA after a monstrous performance vs. NLEX

    Chot Reyes admits Bol Bol is still adapting to the PBA after a monstrous performance vs. NLEX

    The TNT Tropang Giga wasted no time bouncing back from their opening setback in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, grinding out a hard-fought 103–97 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday, March 22, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    At the heart of TNT’s resurgence was their high-profile import Bol Bol, who delivered another eye-popping performance with 40 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks. The former NBA big man continues to make an immediate impact in his early PBA stint, following up his explosive debut outing where he tallied 38 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks in a narrow 112–109 loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

     

    Despite those gaudy numbers in his first game, TNT head coach Chot Reyes made it clear that statistics alone were not enough. The veteran tactician had openly expressed disappointment after the opening loss, pointing to a lack of effort rather than execution. That narrative, however, shifted after TNT’s response against NLEX.

     

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    “My entire pregame was very simple actually. It can boil down to one word and I just said it boiled down to effort. The reason why I was upset when we lost the last game was because I felt Rain or Shine just simply outworked us. For us, effort is a sacred value and we can accept teams outplaying us, being better than us, but we cannot accept the fact of losing the effort battle,” Reyes said in the postmatch press conference.

    The difference was evident on Sunday, as TNT showed more urgency on both ends of the floor, matching NLEX’s physicality while maintaining composure in crucial stretches. Bol’s dominance inside, coupled with improved team energy, allowed Tropang Giga to control the tempo and secure their first win of the conference.

     

    “That’s why today, that was my only message. I said I don’t care what you do, how many shots you miss, as long as we outwork the other team. And I thought Bol put in great effort on the floor,” he added.

     

    While Bol’s production has been nothing short of spectacular, Reyes emphasized that the 24-year-old is still in the process of adjusting to the unique style and intensity of PBA competition. Known for its physicality and relentless pace, the league presents a different challenge compared to the NBA.

     

    “But I think we still need to get a lot more work, some more work before he figures out really how to play here in the PBA. We told him. At least now, he is experiencing it first hand that this is a tough league. Hopefully, he keeps on improving,” Reyes concluded.

     

    With momentum now on their side, TNT will look to build consistency as they prepare for a marquee matchup against the San Miguel Beermen on Saturday, March 28, at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum. The brief break gives Reyes and his squad an opportunity to further refine their chemistry and reinforce the effort-driven identity their coach continues to demand.

     

     

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