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Author: Arjun Devgan

  • “If you’re here to make money, it’s the wrong place”: Tim Cone emphasizes pride over pay for Gilas Pilipinas

    “If you’re here to make money, it’s the wrong place”: Tim Cone emphasizes pride over pay for Gilas Pilipinas

    Few coaches in Philippine basketball history can match the sustained excellence of Tim Cone, whose 25 championships have cemented his status as arguably the greatest bench tactician the Philippine Basketball Association has ever seen.

     

    Over a decorated career spanning decades, Cone built dynasties, shaped generations of stars, and mastered the nuances of the pro game. But beyond his domestic success, the American mentor has also embraced the responsibility of steering the national team. Now back at the helm of Gilas Pilipinas following the conclusion of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Cone is once again tasked with guiding the Philippines through the rigors of international competition.

     

    In a recent appearance on the Power and Play sports program, the 68-year-old coach offered insight into the culture he is determined to instill — one rooted not in financial incentives, but in national pride.

     

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    Cone revealed that from the very first team meeting, he made the program’s philosophy unmistakably clear.

     

    “We had a program from Day 1; we had it very clear to everyone, in our first Zoom meeting when we brought the original 12 guys, there is not gonna be anybody who’s gonna be making more money than somebody else, but whatever was going to be given, it was really, ‘take it or leave it,’” Cone said.

     

    The message, he explained, was deliberate and uncompromising: representing the country comes before personal gain.

     

    “Whether you join or not, it was just a philosophy that if you’re here with this group, with Gilas, if you’re there because you want to make money or a big salary whatever, it’s a wrong place for you to be,” he added.

    Cone emphasized that the privilege of wearing the Philippine jersey should be motivation enough — a belief he considers fundamental to building a cohesive and selfless national squad.

     

    “If you want to take pride, walk around the city and be able to see your family and say, ‘I will be one of the 12 guys that can say you’re on the national team,’ this is the place you wanna be in. But if you are there to make fabulous salaries, that ain’t gonna happen. We are gonna treat everybody equal. That’s what we are stuck to,” Cone continued.

     

    For Cone, equality and shared purpose form the backbone of sustained success. His approach mirrors the discipline and clarity that defined his championship runs in the PBA — clear roles, collective sacrifice, and an unwavering standard of accountability.

     

    Now, the challenge shifts to the international stage.

     

    Cone’s long-term objective is clear: secure qualification for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and ultimately earn a berth in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles — a stage the Philippines has not graced in men’s basketball in decades. Achieving that goal will require consistency, depth, and resilience as Gilas navigates the grueling qualification windows.

     

    The immediate test comes in the second window of the FIBA qualifiers, where the Philippines will face formidable opposition. Gilas opens against New Zealand men’s national basketball team on Thursday, February 28, before squaring off with the Australia men’s national basketball team on Sunday, March 1 — two marquee matchups that could significantly influence the trajectory of their campaign.

     

    Both New Zealand and Australia bring physicality, international experience, and disciplined systems — precisely the kind of opposition that will test Cone’s structure and the players’ commitment to his philosophy. Maintaining their unbeaten record will demand poise in hostile environments, crisp execution on both ends of the floor, and leadership in pressure moments.

     

    For Cone, however, the blueprint remains simple: build a team that plays for the flag first.

    If Gilas can translate that collective pride into disciplined performances on the hardwood, the road to 2027 — and perhaps Los Angeles in 2028 — becomes clearer.

     

     

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  • Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza laud Bella Belen’s competitive fire

    Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza laud Bella Belen’s competitive fire

    Rookie standout Bella Belen is quickly turning her debut campaign into one of the defining storylines of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, blending explosive scoring with refined all-around play to emerge as the centerpiece of the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    Through the opening stretch of the conference, Belen leads the league’s Best Scorers list with a commanding 106 total points. Her output — 96 attacks, seven blocks, and just three faults — highlights not only her scoring volume but also her efficiency. On a nightly basis, the 23-year-old has carried the offensive burden for Capital1, often absorbing the brunt of opposing teams’ top defensive schemes.

     

    Her influence goes beyond raw production. Belen ranks third among the league’s Best Spikers, converting 96 of 266 attempts for a 36.09 percent success rate. The mark underscores her ability to sustain efficiency despite heavy usage — an uncommon trait for a rookie navigating the demands of the professional level.

     

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    Still, Capital1’s heavy reliance on Belen has become a growing talking point.

    That dependence was evident in the Solar Spikers’ straight-sets defeat, 18-25, 24-26, 20-25, to defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, February 21, at the FilOil Centre. Belen once again delivered a standout performance with 26 points, but offensive support was limited. Ypril Tapi added just four markers as the next-highest scorer, underscoring the pronounced scoring gap.

     

    Despite the loss, Belen’s competitiveness drew praise from Creamline’s veteran leaders Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza, who commended not only her talent but also her relentless drive.

     

    “Yung number one kay Bella diyan, she is very competitive, like what we expected. As much as we want to put a stop to her scoring, na-expect din namin na she will keep scoring, and she will fight until the end,” De Guzman said in a media interaction.

     

    “Makikita mo talaga sa kanya na yung fighting spirit niya. Siya yung mga pro na hindi susuko. Kaya siya pa yung magbibigay talaga ng motivation sa teammates niya. So, sobrang happy lang for her na ang laki na, mas go-grow siya ngayon sa pro,” Galanza added.

     

    For all of Belen’s individual brilliance, the Solar Spikers sit at 2-3, good for seventh place and the lower half of the standings. As the conference unfolds, establishing greater offensive balance and strengthening team chemistry will be critical if Capital1 hopes to translate its rookie star’s breakout run into sustained success.

     

    The Solar Spikers aim to rebound — and ease the scoring load on Belen — when they face the Farm Fresh Foxies on Thursday, February 26, at the FilOil Centre, a pivotal opportunity to regain momentum and prove that their rising star’s brilliance can fuel collective gains.

     

     

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  • Galeries’ Roselle Baliton named PVL Player of the Week for February 17 to 21

    Galeries’ Roselle Baliton named PVL Player of the Week for February 17 to 21

    The Galeries Tower Highrisers have opened their campaign in the Premier Volleyball League 2026 All-Filipino Conference with mixed results, splitting their first four matches to sit sixth in the team standings.

     

    After alternating wins and losses to begin the tournament, the Highrisers showed signs of cohesion and growth in their latest outing, securing a four-set victory over the Nxled Chameleons, 25-19, 17-25, 25-20, 25-21, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Thursday, February 19. The win not only evened their record at 2-2 but also offered a glimpse of the identity the revamped squad is trying to build this season.

     

    At the heart of the triumph was veteran middle blocker Roselle Baliton, who delivered a commanding two-way performance. Baliton tallied 16 points built on seven attacks, seven blocks, and two service aces — anchoring the Highrisers both offensively and defensively. Her presence at the net disrupted Nxled’s rhythm, while her timely hits provided stability whenever momentum threatened to shift.

     

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    Baliton has emerged as a cornerstone for Galeries, especially after management opted for a sweeping roster overhaul in the offseason. One of the few holdovers from the previous campaign, the 29-year-old has embraced a leadership role, helping integrate new pieces while setting the standard with her work ethic and consistency.

    Her standout performance earned league-wide recognition. Baliton was named PVL Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of February 17 to 21, besting a competitive field that included Jia De Guzman of the Creamline Cool Smashers, Bella Belen of the Capital1 Solar Spikers, Majoy Baron of the PLDT High Speed Hitters, and Trisha Tubu of the Farm Fresh Foxies for the weekly citation awarded by reporters covering the country’s premier professional volleyball league.

     

    “Sobrang nakakataba ng puso. Kumbaga, ang dami ng pinagdaanan ng team, and kumbaga, start din ‘to ng magkaroon ng winning culture ‘yung team kasi nga for the longest time, maraming napagdaanan ‘yung team. Napatunayan din namin na kung ano ‘yung pinapakita namin sa training, lumalabas din,” Baliton said in a media interaction.

     

    For Baliton, the victory was more than just a tally in the win column. It represented validation of the team’s preparation and a potential turning point in cultivating a stronger competitive mindset.

    “Team effort talaga siya. So, doon namin tinitingnan kung ano talaga yung kayang ibigay ng team na kapag nagtulong-tulong, nagsasabay-sabay na trabaho, lumalabas talaga na kaya naman talaga. Ika nga, bilog ang bola, so ayun, laban lang,” she added.

     

    The Highrisers’ recent performance suggests a squad gradually finding its rhythm. With improved floor defense, sharper rotations, and more consistent execution in crunch time, Galeries appears intent on transforming early-season inconsistency into sustained momentum.

     

    Baliton will look to sustain her impressive form when Galeries faces another stern test against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Thursday, February 26, once again at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. The matchup presents an opportunity for the Highrisers not only to climb the standings but also to further solidify the winning culture they are striving to build in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone praises Justine Baltazar’s versatility ahead of crucial qualifiers for Gilas Pilipinas

    Tim Cone praises Justine Baltazar’s versatility ahead of crucial qualifiers for Gilas Pilipinas

    The second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers is fast approaching, and Gilas Pilipinas aims to build on an impressive start as it continues its quest for a place in the tournament proper.

     

    The Philippines opened its Group A campaign in dominant fashion during the first window, sweeping its assignments to remain unbeaten. But the road only gets tougher from here. Awaiting Gilas in the next set of fixtures are Oceania heavyweights — the Australia national basketball team and the New Zealand national basketball team — two programs with size, depth, and international pedigree.

     

    Among the players looking to make a significant impact is center Justine Baltazar, who has rejoined the national team after a three-year absence. The 29-year-old big man was added to bolster Gilas’ interior presence, and head coach Tim Cone believes Baltazar’s size and versatility could provide a valuable boost.

     

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    “He has great size, he has great talent, he has great versatility. That is exactly what we are looking for in the national team — the ability to be a player that can do various things,” Cone said during an appearance on Power & Play. “He can step out, he can step in, he can take on a mismatch, he can block shots around the basket, he’s a dynamic rebounder. He just has a lot of versatility, so that’s what we are looking for.”

    Cone acknowledged that Baltazar is still adjusting to the national team’s system, particularly on the defensive end, but expressed confidence that the learning curve will be temporary.

     

    “The only thing he lacks — just like with Juan Gomez de Liano in our last window — is the depth of knowledge in terms of our system,” Cone explained. “Offensively, but even more so defensively, that’s really his only weakness point.

     

    “So once he gets that idea, he is going to be an extremely important piece. This is a great training ground for him right now, this window and going forward. He’s been playing well and he’s excited — you can see it in the way he practices.

     

    “He’s not afraid. He goes up against everybody. He’s not afraid to guard Justin Brownlee. He’s not afraid to go up against June Mar Fajardo or AJ Edu. He’s his own man — he’s really impressive.”

     

    Gilas opens the second window against New Zealand on Thursday, February 28, before facing Australia on Sunday, March 1 — two marquee matchups that could significantly shape the trajectory of its qualification campaign.

     

    With heightened competition, key roster adjustments, and national pride on the line, the Philippines will need poise, execution, and leadership to protect its unbeaten record and strengthen its push toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup.

     

     

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  • Francis Ceccarelli promises to keep training and competing after making Winter Olympics debut

    Francis Ceccarelli promises to keep training and competing after making Winter Olympics debut

    Francis Ceccarelli etched his name into Philippine sports history by becoming the first Filipino to secure a quota spot in alpine skiing for the 2026 Winter Olympics. For a tropical nation with little winter sports tradition, this achievement alone was a monumental breakthrough.

     

    But on the slopes of Milano Cortina, the 22-year-old Filipino-Italian’s Olympic debut ended in heartbreak.

     

    Ceccarelli was unable to complete the Men’s Slalom event, registering a DNF (Did Not Finish) after crashing out of the course. He was among 52 alpine skiers who failed to finish the technically demanding race — a stark reminder of the razor-thin margins and unforgiving nature of the discipline. Even elite competitors struggled, including Giant Slalom gold medalist Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who also did not complete the run.

     

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    Slalom, widely regarded as one of the most technical events in alpine skiing, demands rapid-fire turns, precise edge control, and split-second timing. One slight miscalculation can end an athlete’s Olympic campaign — and for Ceccarelli, that harsh reality unfolded on winter sports’ biggest stage.

     

    Despite the setback, Ceccarelli took pride in competing against the world’s best and saw the experience as an invaluable stepping stone for his future.

     

    “For me, this experience is 9 to 10 because, yeah, the sensation is good, the feel is good, only the weather was really difficult. It’s okay. The next time we can make it to the top 50 in the world,” Ceccarelli said in a media interaction.

    “This experience is like a beautiful moment, because you start, to compete with a big athlete, like top in the world. I mean, every athlete wants to participate in the Olympic Games. And it was my first time. And I’m so really happy and so really proud for my works and for my races. And such a beautiful experience,” he added.

     

    Showing remarkable resilience, Ceccarelli returned to training even before the closing ceremony, motivated to build on what he learned in Milano Cortina.

     

    “I want to continue competing because we are young. Yeah I will keep training, training, and joining races. I mean, this is work. We continue,” he said.

     

    The qualification of Ceccarelli, along with Tallulah Proulx, represents a major step forward for Philippine winter sports. The young athlete hopes his participation will inspire the next generation of Filipino athletes to pursue their dreams, no matter how unconventional the path.

     

    “I mean, for the next generation of Filipinos, I want to tell them, always believe in your dreams and really never give up because it’s important. You work really, really hard to be in the moment.

     

    “I know it’s really difficult and it’s really stressful, but if you really want to reach your dreams, you know it’s real, push it, push it. And so really never give up because one day, the big events, it’s really make it to fun one day in the future,” he concluded.

     

    While Ceccarelli did not finish on the scoreboard, his historic appearance marks a turning point for Philippine winter sports — proof that with determination and perseverance, even athletes from tropical nations can compete on the world stage.

     

     

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  • Pat Riley honored with statue by Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena

    Pat Riley honored with statue by Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena

    The Los Angeles Lakers paid tribute to one of the most influential figures in basketball history by unveiling a statue honoring Pat Riley at Star Plaza outside the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, February 22. The ceremony celebrated Riley’s remarkable six-decade journey in the National Basketball Association, both as a coach and executive, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.

     

    The 80-year-old basketball luminary was joined by family, former teammates, fellow legends, and fans to witness the unveiling of the statue, which now stands proudly between the commemorations of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson — two of the most iconic players in NBA and Lakers history and pillars of the storied “Showtime” era.

     

    “I want to thank all of you. Significance doesn’t come from comfort. It comes from adversity, from discipline, from refusing to be ordinary. One day we look back with the incredible pride and gratitude to have been part of something truly special. That statue right there is loaded up with all of us who took this magical journey,” Riley said during the ceremony, his voice reflecting both humility and reverence for the organization he helped build.

     

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    He continued, “The time has gone so fast. I feel like everything I have ever done, I have been blessed. I was surrounded by greatness. That statue is loaded up with all of us who took that magical journey together.”

    Riley’s contributions to the Lakers are the stuff of legend. Appointed as head coach in the 1981-82 season, he led the franchise to four NBA championships while adding to the team’s trophy collection with one title as an assistant coach in 1980 and one as a player in 1972. His tenure also earned him the prestigious NBA Coach of the Year award in his final season at the helm of the Lakers in 1989-90, capping off a coaching career defined by innovation, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

     

    Over the course of his six decades in the league, Riley has held virtually every role imaginable: player, broadcaster, assistant coach, head coach, and executive. His influence extends beyond the Lakers, most notably shaping the championship culture of the Miami Heat and cementing his reputation as a master strategist and a guiding force in the NBA.

     

    Riley’s statue marks the eighth figure commemorated at Star Plaza, joining a distinguished list of Lakers icons: Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Chick Hearn, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jerry West.

     

    The ceremony drew an impressive array of legendary figures and VIPs. Abdul-Jabbar and Johnson were in attendance, alongside Lakers’ governor Jeanie Buss, Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat, and acclaimed actor Michael Douglas, all of whom shared the stage with Riley to honor his lasting impact on the franchise and the sport.

     

    Beyond celebrating Riley’s championship rings and accolades, the event served as a testament to the enduring values he instilled: discipline, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Fans at Crypto.com Arena were treated to a visual and emotional journey through the “Showtime” era, with Riley’s statue symbolizing both his personal achievements and the collective triumphs of the Lakers over decades of basketball history.

     

    As the crowd looked on, it was clear that the statue is more than a tribute to one man — it is a symbol of an era, a culture, and a legacy that continues to inspire current and future generations of basketball players, coaches, and fans alike.

     

     

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  • Bella Belen admits scoring gap with Capital1 teammates is a concern

    Bella Belen admits scoring gap with Capital1 teammates is a concern

    Rookie standout Bella Belen is rapidly transforming her debut season into one of the most compelling narratives of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, pairing explosive scoring with polished all-around play to establish herself as the focal point of the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    Through the opening stretch of the conference, Belen sits atop the league’s Best Scorers list with a commanding 106 total points. Her tally is built on 96 attacks, seven blocks, and just three faults — numbers that underscore not only her scoring volume but also her efficiency. Night after night, the 23-year-old has provided the offensive backbone for Capital1, often carrying the heaviest load against the league’s top defenses.

     

    Her impact extends beyond sheer point production. Belen also ranks third among the league’s Best Spikers, converting 96 of 266 attempts for a 36.09 percent success rate. The figure reflects her ability to maintain efficiency despite high usage — a rare trait for a rookie adjusting to the professional level.

     

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    However, Capital1’s reliance on Belen has become an increasing point of discussion.

    That reality was evident in the Solar Spikers’ straight-sets loss, 18-25, 24-26, 20-25, to the defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, February 21, at the FilOil Centre.

     

    Belen once again delivered a stellar individual performance with 26 points, but offensive support proved scarce. Ypril Tapi finished as the team’s next leading scorer with just four points, highlighting the significant scoring gap.

     

    Belen acknowledged postgame that the imbalance was addressed internally.

    “It was addressed earlier in the dugout. I mean, I guess it’s becoming a concern since volleyball is a team effort. It’s not just about one person. You really can’t win when the scoring gap is that wide,” Belen said in a media interaction.

     

    Despite the heavy burden, the former collegiate star remains focused on contributing in every way she can.

     

    “But I guess on my part, I’m always doing my best to give what I know I can do for the team, and whatever help I can provide. And I think that also comes from my past experiences,” she added.

     

    Beyond the numbers, the match underscored the gap in chemistry and experience between Capital1 and Creamline. The Cool Smashers’ cohesion — built through years of playing together — was apparent in crucial stretches, particularly in the tightly contested second set.

     

    Belen was candid in her assessment of where her team currently stands.

     

    “I feel like we still have a long way to go. Since it’s Creamline, they have been together for a long time, and they already know each other inside out. As for us, we are still getting there. But I can see that we have the potential to reach that level or at least keep pace with that style of play,” Belen concluded.

     

    Despite Belen’s individual brilliance, the Solar Spikers hold a 2-3 win-loss record, placing them seventh in the standings and in the lower half of the table. As the conference progresses, developing offensive balance and team chemistry will be key to climbing the rankings.

     

    Capital1 will look to bounce back and ease the scoring pressure on its rookie star when it takes on the Farm Fresh Foxies on Thursday, February 26, at the FilOil Centre — a crucial opportunity to regain momentum and reinforce that Belen’s breakout campaign can translate into collective success.

     

     

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  • Charles Tiu sets modest playoff goal as Phoenix prepares for PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Charles Tiu sets modest playoff goal as Phoenix prepares for PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) shifts its spotlight to the 2026 Commissioner’s Cup beginning March 11, with TNT Tropang Giga returning as the defending champions and early favorites to repeat. As the league’s mid-season conference approaches, storylines are beginning to take shape — and one of the most intriguing narratives centers on the rebuilding bid of the Phoenix Fuel Masters under new head coach Charles Tiu.

     

    After missing the playoffs in five consecutive conferences, Phoenix enters the tournament with renewed optimism and a fresh voice at the helm. Tiu, who will be handling his first conference with the franchise, understands both the urgency and the patience required in turning the team into a contender.

     

    His objectives are grounded, but clear.

     

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    “The modest goal would be to make the playoffs first. They haven’t made the playoffs in five conferences. So that’s the first step, kahit maka-quarters muna. Then let’s see. We will build by then,” Tiu said in a media interaction.

     

    For a franchise eager to regain relevance, simply breaking into the quarterfinals would mark meaningful progress. Yet Tiu is not shying away from bigger aspirations — he is simply choosing a methodical path toward them.

    “Siyempre, our dream is to win a championship. Any coach would want that. But I think we have to start building slowly, make the quarters, and maybe make the semis. But that would be the first goal, to try to make the playoffs,” he added.

     

    Phoenix will lean on a youthful core as it attempts to snap its postseason drought. Among the key figures is forward Jason Perkins, one of the few remaining players from the Fuel Masters squad that last reached the playoffs during the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup. That campaign saw Phoenix make a spirited run to the semifinals behind the reinforcement of import Johnathan Williams — a benchmark the current roster hopes to replicate or surpass.

     

    While the team remains a work in progress, Tiu has expressed confidence in the talent and experience within his lineup. Despite the youth movement, he believes the group possesses enough maturity and coaching foundation to adapt to his system.

     

    “To me, a lot of these guys are experienced. They also came from good coaches. So it’s just about playing the way that I want and playing the right way for us. I’m enjoying the team so far, to be honest. I like the way we have been practicing, we have been playing. Pero so far, I think the team is gelling well. Obviously, it’s just a preseason so it’s too early to tell. A lot of positives for me. Hopefully, we can continue to build in the season,” Tiu concluded.

     

    Training camp has reportedly been competitive and detail-oriented, with emphasis on defensive discipline and ball movement — hallmarks of Tiu’s coaching philosophy. The early returns have been encouraging, but as the first tip-off approaches, the real test will come against battle-tested PBA opponents.

     

    For Phoenix, the mission is straightforward: take the first step back into contention. In a conference where expectations range from title defenses to rebuilds, the Fuel Masters are positioning themselves somewhere in between — not yet contenders, but no longer content with simply participating.

     

    With a new coach, a developing core, and a clearly defined short-term goal, Phoenix enters the 2026 Commissioner’s Cup determined to turn incremental growth into tangible results. Whether that translates into a long-awaited playoff return will unfold beginning March 11.

     

     

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  • Carmelo Anthony credits Stephen Curry for transforming modern basketball

    Carmelo Anthony credits Stephen Curry for transforming modern basketball

    Few players in NBA history can speak on greatness with the authority of Carmelo Anthony.

     

    A Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, Anthony spent nearly two decades competing at the highest level in the National Basketball Association, sharing the court with and battling against some of the greatest talents the game has ever seen. Yet when asked to name the player who truly changed the league’s landscape, Anthony pointed to one name: Stephen Curry.

     

    Speaking on the latest episode of his “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, the 10-time NBA All-Star reflected on Curry’s transformative influence on modern basketball, emphasizing how the Golden State icon redefined offensive strategy and defensive preparation across the league.

     

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    “Oh, Steph changed the game. When it comes to how you approach the game and how you prepare for the game, it’s all because of Steph. The way he was able to transcend the shot-making ability and extend the three-point from the actual three-point line to damn near half-court. It made you think differently on how you wanted to guard him, how you defended him, how you defended the Warriors,” Anthony said.

     

    Anthony did not hesitate to label Curry as a generational disruptor.

     

    “So, I just think he is a game-changer. He changed the game. I think the game he changed will be changed for a long time,” he added.

    Now in his 17th NBA season, the 37-year-old Curry continues to perform at an elite level for the Golden State Warriors. Despite the wear and tear of a long career, the superstar guard is averaging 27.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from beyond the arc in 31.3 minutes across 39 appearances this season.

     

    While Curry’s individual brilliance remains intact, Golden State’s campaign has been less dominant. The Warriors currently sit eighth in the Western Conference standings with a 29–27 record, fighting to solidify playoff positioning in a tightly contested conference.

     

    Still, Anthony believes that as long as Curry remains at the center of the franchise, the Warriors will continue to be a threat.

     

    “Well, they are going to compete. They are going to fight. Those guys are going to compete and fight until the wheels fall off over there. So as long as they are there, they are going to give themselves a fighting chance.

     

    “As long as Steph is Steph, and you still got Draymond Green over there, you still got pieces over there. Until they decide that this is it, they are still going to be competitive,” he added.

     

    Curry’s impact extends far beyond box scores and standings. Widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, he revolutionized the modern game by stretching defensive boundaries and redefining the value of the three-point shot. His ability to consistently convert from well beyond the arc has forced teams to rethink spacing, defensive schemes, and roster construction.

     

    What once seemed like high-risk shot selection is now standard practice across all levels of basketball — from youth leagues to the professional ranks — largely because of Curry’s influence.

    As he continues to add to his legacy, Curry remains both a statistical marvel and a cultural force within the sport. Every deep three-pointer and clutch performance serves as another reminder of his enduring excellence.

     

    For Anthony, who witnessed the evolution firsthand, the verdict is clear: the NBA that exists today — one built on pace, spacing, and perimeter shooting — bears the unmistakable imprint of Stephen Curry. And if his current form is any indication, the story of his impact is still being written.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone confident Justin Brownlee can match up with PBA’s tallest imports

    Tim Cone confident Justin Brownlee can match up with PBA’s tallest imports

    The moment Bol Bol touched down in the Philippines, all eyes were on him. The spotlight that greeted him wasn’t just for another import joining the Philippine Basketball Association — it was for one of the tallest, most physically gifted, and intriguing talents to ever step onto a PBA court. Bol’s arrival immediately shifted the conversation around the league’s import landscape, not just because of his height but also his combination of skill, mobility, and NBA experience.

     

    Listed at the same height as former PBA reinforcement PJ Ramos, who once played under Manny Pacquiao during his brief coaching stint with Kia Sorento in 2014, Bol brings global recognition and a modern skill set that few imports can match. His unique blend of size, length, and perimeter ability has made him an instant topic of discussion among coaches, analysts, and fans alike.

     

    Interestingly, the growing size of imports in the PBA hasn’t fazed Tim Cone, head coach of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Cone remains confident that his star import, Justin Brownlee, can handle the new wave of towering reinforcements entering the league.

     

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    At 6-foot-6, Brownlee is considered on the shorter side for PBA imports, but size has never limited his effectiveness. Widely regarded as one of the greatest imports in PBA history, Brownlee has consistently proven his ability to dominate games against taller opponents with his quickness, versatility, and outside shooting.

     

    “The only guy that ever beat him in the Commissioner’s Cup was a guy that was his size. I’m not afraid to play bigger players with Justin. I think that’s when he is at his best. He is most challenged, number one. Number two, it’s really hard for those imports to match up with him because he is too quick, he can play outside,” Cone said in a media interaction.

    Cone also cited Brownlee’s unmatched record in the league as a reason for his confidence.

     

    “Until they prove to us that they can beat Justin, there is no reason to bring Justin out. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is the only guy that has been able to beat him so far,” he added.

     

    The only blemish Cone referred to came last season, during the Commissioner’s Cup finals, when Barangay Ginebra San Miguel fell to TNT Tropang Giga, led by star import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. That series is still remembered as one of the most compelling import matchups in recent PBA history, highlighting the challenge of matching Brownlee’s blend of skill, agility, and basketball IQ.

     

    With Bol Bol now entering the PBA, the stage is set for more high-profile matchups between elite imports. Cone’s confidence in Brownlee underscores not only the veteran import’s abilities but also the importance of experience, versatility, and leadership in navigating games against bigger, more athletic opponents. Analysts predict that this season could be one of the most physically imposing in recent PBA history, with teams like TNT Tropang Giga, Barangay Ginebra, and others fielding imports who combine size, skill, and international experience.

     

    For Ginebra fans, the key storyline is simple: whether it’s facing a towering talent like Bol or a versatile scorer like Hollis-Jefferson, Justin Brownlee remains the benchmark for import dominance in the PBA, and his ability to adapt will be a deciding factor in the Tropang Giga’s quest for another championship.

     

    As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on these import showdowns — a proving ground where size, speed, and skill collide, and where veterans like Brownlee continue to cement their legacy against rising stars like Bol Bol. For the league, fans, and the players themselves, this promises to be a season defined by thrilling matchups and unforgettable performances.

     

     

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