Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Arjun Devgan

  • Tennielle Madis calls for more training camps in Manila to help grow Philippine tennis

    Tennielle Madis calls for more training camps in Manila to help grow Philippine tennis

    The inaugural Philippine Women’s Open recently unfolded in Manila, marking a historic milestone for Philippine tennis as the country officially made its debut on the 2026 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) calendar. The tournament signaled a major step forward for the sport locally, placing the nation’s capital on the international map by hosting a WTA 125-level event for the first time.

     

    Held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Court, the weeklong competition carried a total prize purse of $115,000 and offered players a valuable opportunity to earn crucial ranking points and gain early-season momentum. The event drew a competitive field that featured a blend of seasoned tour veterans and promising young talents, all eager to test themselves in a high-level international setting.

     

    For rising Filipino standout Tennielle Madis, the Philippine Women’s Open served as a challenging but eye-opening introduction to the WTA 125 stage. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Madis bowed out in the opening round after a 6-4, 6-0 loss to Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew on Monday, January 26. The match marked the second meeting between the two players, following their previous encounter at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games last December.

     

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    Despite the early exit, the experience proved invaluable for Madis, who relished the opportunity to compete on home soil under the spotlight of an international tournament. Fans packed the Rizal Memorial Tennis Court in droves, creating an electric atmosphere rarely seen at local tennis events and offering a glimpse of what the sport could become with sustained support.

    “We really enjoyed it. We learned a lot here in the WTA. We really did our best for the country and for all the Filipinos who came to support us. It had a huge impact on us, the Filipinos. In my match, all the seats were full. Every Filipino was cheering for us,” Madis said during an appearance on Off the Court.

     

    While the Philippine Women’s Open was widely viewed as a success off the court—both in terms of organization and its impact on the country’s standing within the global WTA scene—the results on court highlighted the challenges that still face local players. Of the Filipino contingent, only teenage sensation Alex Eala managed to advance as far as the semifinal stage, while the rest bowed out in the early rounds against more experienced international opposition.

     

    Madis openly acknowledged the existing gap between Filipino players and their counterparts on the global tour, emphasizing the need for more structured and consistent development programs. She urged the Philippine Tennis Federation to explore the possibility of holding regular training camps in Manila to help local talents elevate their game.

     

    “Maybe having training camps every weekend will encourage more athletes and tennis players to take up the sport. At the end of the day, it’s really about training. We are hoping that tennis will continue to boom and that the sport will keep getting the support it needs,” she added.

     

    Although Madis did not make a deep run in the tournament, analysts noted several encouraging signs in her performance. Her aggressive baseline play, willingness to dictate rallies, and improving court awareness drew praise, even as experts highlighted the importance of greater consistency, endurance, and match toughness when facing seasoned WTA-level opponents.

     

    As the curtain closed on the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open, the tournament left behind more than just results. It offered a promising glimpse into the future of Philippine tennis—one fueled by growing fan interest, increasing international exposure, and a new generation of players eager to rise to the challenge of the global stage.

     

     

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  • June Mar Fajardo makes history, wins fifth PBA Finals MVP in San Miguel’s Philippine Cup victory

    June Mar Fajardo makes history, wins fifth PBA Finals MVP in San Miguel’s Philippine Cup victory

    From the moment the San Miguel Beermen took control on Sunday night, the outcome felt inevitable—less a matter of “if” and more a matter of “when.” By the time the final buzzer sounded at the Mall of Asia Arena, San Miguel was once again standing atop the Philippine Basketball Association, cementing its legacy as one of the league’s most dominant franchises.

     

    Central to the Beermen’s victory was June Mar Fajardo, whose towering presence in the paint and consistent all-around brilliance lifted San Miguel to a 92-77 triumph over TNT Tropang Giga, completing a 4-2 series victory in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals. Fajardo’s stat line—29 points and 23 rebounds in Game 6 alone—was a testament to his enduring dominance, and he repeatedly showcased why he is considered the face of Philippine basketball.

     

    Adding to the historic weight of the night, PBA legend and former mentor Ramon Fernandez watched from courtside as Fajardo delivered a performance befitting history. The league’s nine-time Most Valuable Player was awarded the first-ever Finals MVP trophy named in Fernandez’s honor, a fitting tribute to both the past and the present. Across the six-game series, Fajardo averaged 19.7 points, 18.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game, earning his fifth PBA Finals MVP award—breaking the tie with Danny Seigle, LA Tenorio, and James Yap, and making him the player with the most Finals MVP trophies in league history.

     

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    Mar Fajardo expressed his deep honor at being the inaugural recipient of a trophy named after his idol.

    “Isang karangalan. Nakakatuwa isipin na ako yung kauna-unahang makakuha ng trophy na ‘to, na nakapangalan kay Don Ramon Fernandez. Siya mismo ang nag-abot sa akin ng trophy, kaya isang karangalan,” Fajardo said.

     

    The 36-year-old big man, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in PBA history, remains humble despite comparisons to Fernandez. While some circles even place him above the league legend, Fajardo insists that championships, not individual accolades, remain his primary focus.

     

    “For sure isa ‘to sa mga highlights ng championship na ‘to. Nasa taas ‘to ng trophy case ko. Isa siya sa mga nilu-look up ko. Hindi naman sa hinahabol ko, pero yung habol ko lang, championships. Gusto ko pang manalo habang nandito pa ako. Bago pa ako dumating sa San Miguel, may willing culture na. Tumulong lang talaga kami,” he added, reflecting on the team-first mentality that has defined San Miguel over the years.

     

    The Philippine Cup victory marked Fajardo’s 12th PBA championship, further solidifying his status among the league’s all-time greats. Despite this milestone, he still trails Fernandez, who captured a record 19 PBA titles over his illustrious career, the most in league history.

     

    Fajardo’s dominance, consistency, and humility exemplify why he is widely seen as a generational talent capable of redefining the PBA landscape. With the Finals MVP honor now permanently linked to his name in history alongside Fernandez, Fajardo’s legacy continues to grow, proving that even in his 30s, he remains the cornerstone of a franchise—and a standard-bearer for Philippine basketball excellence.

     

     

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  • “Take in the things you can handle”: Eya Laure reflects on winning PVL return after 630-day absence

    “Take in the things you can handle”: Eya Laure reflects on winning PVL return after 630-day absence

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans kicked off their 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference campaign in style, securing a straight-sets victory over the Akari Chargers, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20, on Saturday, January 31, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

     

    The Flying Titans showcased a balanced and disciplined performance on both ends of the floor, setting the tone for what they hope will be a deep run in the conference. Central to their success was the return of star Eya Laure, who tallied 11 points in her first PVL match in 630 days.

     

    Laure’s comeback carries added significance given the controversy surrounding her exit from the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in October 2024. Reports at the time indicated that she formally requested a contract release from the franchise. While her request was granted, a non-compete clause temporarily barred her from signing with any of Chery Tiggo’s rivals, forcing her to sit out of the league for an extended period.

     

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    Speaking about her return, Laure admitted that adapting to the circumstances was challenging, but credited her support system for helping her navigate the situation.

     

    “I’m really blessed and grateful for the people who pushed me to keep fighting, especially mentally, through those tough situations I was able to overcome. And that’s why I’m here today in front of you,” Laure said in a media interaction.

    She also spoke about the importance of protecting her mental health, particularly amid the pressures of social media and public scrutiny.

     

    “The most important thing for me are the people around me. Second, I really don’t spend much time on social media. I only use it when I’m posting something, but I don’t read the comments because they don’t really help my mental health.

     

    “You just take in the things you can handle—things that will help you grow and improve. You have to know what works for you, especially during moments when you feel low or unsure who you can trust,” she added.

     

    During her absence from the PVL, Laure maintained her fitness by training with her alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas, as well as with guest PVL team Kurashiki Ablaze in Japan. She also credited the management of Alas Pilipinas for nurturing her confidence and ensuring she stayed mentally prepared for her return.

     

    “With the national team, they trained me for a long time until I was able to keep up. They were extremely patient with me and helped me rebuild my confidence. If they hadn’t been patient with me back then, I think it would have been much harder for me to build my confidence now,” Laure said.

     

    With the opening victory in the books, Laure and the Flying Titans will have a few days to rest before facing their next challenge. Choco Mucho is set to take on the Cignal Super Spikers in their second preliminary-round match on Thursday, February 5, once again at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, as they look to build early momentum in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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  • “Sobrang special ng championship na ‘to”: Rodney Brondial plays through injury to lead San Miguel to the Philippine Cup title

    “Sobrang special ng championship na ‘to”: Rodney Brondial plays through injury to lead San Miguel to the Philippine Cup title

    From the moment the San Miguel Beermen seized control on Sunday night, the outcome felt inevitable—less a question of if and more a matter of when. By the time the final buzzer echoed inside the Mall of Asia Arena, San Miguel was once again standing on top of the Philippine Basketball Association, reaffirming its status as one of the league’s enduring dynasties.

     

    Behind another masterful performance from June Mar Fajardo, the Beermen defeated TNT Tropang Giga, 92-77, to clinch the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals, completing a 4-2 series victory and adding yet another championship banner to their storied history.

     

    Fajardo once again proved why he remains the gold standard in the league, delivering a dominant all-around effort with 29 points and 23 rebounds. The eight-time Most Valuable Player controlled the paint on both ends of the floor, dictating the tempo and anchoring San Miguel’s composure as the Beermen gradually pulled away in the second half.

     

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    While Fajardo’s brilliance set the tone, San Miguel also drew vital contributions from its supporting cast—none more timely than that of veteran power forward Rodney Brondial. Coming off the bench, Brondial provided a crucial spark, finishing with 15 points and 13 rebounds to give the Beermen added muscle and energy when the game hung in the balance.

    Brondial’s performance was made even more remarkable by the physical challenge he carried into Game 6. The 35-year-old revealed after the game that he had been playing through a sprained left ankle, an injury he sustained in Game 2 of the Finals on January 23.

     

    “Sobrang special ng championship na ‘to. Akala ko hindi na ako makakabalik kasi sobrang sakit talaga ng paa ko. Nung Games 3 and 4, medyo mababa yung contributions ko, kaya nung Game 5 bumawi talaga ako,” Brondial said.

     

    Despite the lingering pain and limited mobility, Brondial never considered sitting out the series finale. Fully aware of what was at stake, he pushed through the discomfort, determined to help San Miguel defend its Philippine Cup crown and finish the job against a resilient TNT squad.

     

    “May extra pressure kasi dine-defend namin yung korona, at mahirap talaga yun. Kaya sobrang special nito. Kaya ito, buhos na. Tiyaka ko na iindahin yung injury, yung sakit. Kaya thanks God, ipinagkaloob sa amin,” he added.

     

    Brondial’s grit and sacrifice embodied the Beermen’s championship mentality—a team built not only on star power, but on resilience, depth, and a shared commitment to winning. With veterans stepping up and leaders delivering when it mattered most, San Miguel once again showed why it continues to thrive on the league’s biggest stage.

     

    As confetti rained down at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen celebrated another hard-earned triumph—one forged through dominance in the paint, timely contributions from role players, and a refusal to yield despite adversity. In the league’s milestone season, San Miguel’s latest title served as a familiar reminder: when the stakes are highest, the Beermen still set the standard.

     

     

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  • “Honestly, it was really hard”: Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina opens up on return to indoor volleyball

    “Honestly, it was really hard”: Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina opens up on return to indoor volleyball

    The Choco Mucho Flying Titans opened their campaign in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on a high note, delivering a confident straight-sets victory over the Akari Chargers, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20, on Saturday, January 31, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

     

    Anchored by a strong collective effort, the Flying Titans showed early poise and balance on both ends of the floor, setting the tone for what they hope will be a deep conference run. Leading the charge was former PVL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Sisi Rondina, who made a much-anticipated return to indoor volleyball and immediately reminded fans of her all-around brilliance.

     

    Rondina finished with 16 points in her first indoor match in over eight months, providing timely scoring, energy, and leadership for Choco Mucho. Beyond the numbers, her presence on the court gave the Flying Titans a much-needed emotional and tactical boost, especially in crucial moments of the second and third sets when Akari threatened to gain momentum.

     

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    What made the season opener even more meaningful for the 29-year-old Rondina was the opportunity to share the court once again with former University of Santo Tomas teammate Eya Laure, rekindling a partnership that once electrified the collegiate ranks.

     

    “I’m happy because I really missed playing indoors again with Choco Mucho, and it’s even better now that I get to play with Eya Laure. Like the coach said, hopefully this continues, even though there’s still a lot of work to be done. We will take it one game at a time,” Rondina said during the post-match press conference.

     

    Rondina’s return to indoor play comes after a historic stint in beach volleyball, where she etched her name in Philippine sports history by winning the gold medal in women’s beach volleyball at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. While the triumph elevated her status as one of the country’s most versatile volleyball stars, it also meant a lengthy adjustment period back to the faster pace and physical demands of indoor competition.

    The Cebuana admitted that the transition was far from easy, especially with a compressed timetable leading into the All-Filipino Conference.

     

    “Honestly, it was really hard for me, especially adjusting back to indoor play, since I was supposed to have two months to adapt. I only found out later that the All-Filipino Conference would be in January. I could have taken a break, but I chose not to because once I knew the AFC was coming up, I went straight into adaptation.

     

    “After the SEA Games, it was just one day off and then straight back to adapting for indoor volleyball. So that hunger to come back was still there. I’m just happy that, somehow, I was able to show something and perform again indoors,” she added.

     

    Despite the physical and mental challenges, Rondina’s performance against Akari suggested that her trademark explosiveness and competitiveness remain intact. Her ability to score in transition, stabilize the defense, and provide veteran composure proved vital as Choco Mucho controlled the tempo throughout the match.

     

    A native of Compostela, Cebu, Rondina also expressed gratitude for being reunited with head coach Dante Alinsunurin, whom she credits as a key figure in her development. Having missed the last two PVL conferences, the Flying Titans’ star emphasized how much she valued returning to a familiar system and leadership style.

     

    “What I really missed was coach Dante. For eight months, I was listening to English all the time, and now it’s Tagalog again. I also missed his guidance. He has so much patience with us, and we will make sure to work properly and improve on what we still need to improve,” Rondina concluded.

     

    With the opening win in the books, Rondina and the Flying Titans will enjoy a brief rest before turning their attention to their next challenge. Choco Mucho is set to face the Cignal Super Spikers in their second preliminary-round match on Thursday, February 5, once again at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, as they look to build momentum early in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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  • Kelly Williams opens up on retirement after TNT’s PBA Philippine Cup finals loss

    Kelly Williams opens up on retirement after TNT’s PBA Philippine Cup finals loss

    The TNT Tropang Giga were left nursing another painful Finals defeat after bowing to the San Miguel Beermen, 92-77, in Game 6 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals on Sunday, February 1, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    The loss sealed the championship for San Miguel and ended TNT’s title bid, a bitter conclusion for a Tropang Giga squad that fought through a grueling conference. While emotions understandably ran high in the aftermath, veteran forward Kelly Williams made it clear that the setback—and his advancing age—are not enough to push him toward an immediate decision on retirement.

     

    At 43 years old, Williams acknowledged that the thought of walking away from the game is something he must eventually confront, but emphasized that it is far from his main concern at the moment.

     

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    “For as long as I’m here, I will always go out but it’s going to take some time to rest and recover. We will see what happens because retirement is obviously not off the table. I really don’t know for now,” Williams said during the post-match press conference.

     

    Despite struggling to find his rhythm offensively in the series-clinching loss, Williams once again demonstrated why he remains a valuable piece for TNT. Logging nearly 36 minutes of action in Game 6, the veteran showcased his conditioning, toughness, and willingness to do the dirty work—traits that have defined his career for more than a decade.

    His heavy workload was a testament to the dedication he continues to pour into training and maintaining peak physical condition, even as one of the league’s oldest active players. For Williams, however, the immediate focus is not legacy or longevity, but recovery—both mental and physical—after another taxing season.

     

    “I will take some time to see where I’m at emotionally and physically. Right now, the priority is to rest and recover. We will see what happens soon,” he added.

     

    The uncertainty surrounding Williams’ future is not unfamiliar territory. The veteran forward previously retired in September 2020, only to make a return to the TNT fold the following year, proving that his passion for the game still burned strong. Originally joining the Talk ‘N Text franchise in 2010, Williams spent nine seasons with the team before reuniting with the Tropang Giga in 2021.

     

    Throughout his tenure, Williams has been a cornerstone of the franchise’s success. His impact goes well beyond box scores, as he has played a crucial role in TNT’s championship pedigree, helping the team capture nine PBA titles. Among those achievements was a historic Philippine Cup three-peat from 2011 to 2013, cementing his status as one of the most accomplished big men of his generation.

     

    Williams’ individual résumé is just as impressive. Over the course of his storied career, he has collected the 2008 PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, the 2007 Rookie of the Year honor, two Comeback Player of the Year awards, two Slam Dunk Contest titles, and five PBA All-Star selections. Each accolade reflects a career marked by resilience, athleticism, and an ability to reinvent himself as the years pass.

     

    Even in defeat, Williams continues to defy age and expectations, proving that his presence on the court—and in the TNT locker room—still matters. Whether this Finals loss marks another chapter or the closing pages of his remarkable journey remains to be seen, but for now, Kelly Williams is focused on healing, reflecting, and leaving the door open for whatever comes next.

     

     

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  • LeBron James focused on finishing season with Lakers amid retirement talk

    LeBron James focused on finishing season with Lakers amid retirement talk

    Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in National Basketball Association (NBA) history—if not the greatest outright. His résumé speaks for itself, highlighted by four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and the distinction of being the league’s all-time leading scorer, a milestone that further cemented his legendary status.

     

    Now in his 23rd NBA season, James continues to defy age and expectations. At 41 years old, speculation has intensified regarding how much longer the future Hall of Famer will remain in the league. With the 2025–26 season underway, questions have resurfaced about whether James will choose to retire at season’s end or extend his remarkable career for at least one more year.

     

    James is currently in his eighth season with the Lakers, making it the longest single stint he has spent with any franchise throughout his career. That tenure has now surpassed his first run with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2003 to 2010, where he first emerged as a generational talent and transformed the franchise into a perennial contender.

     

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    Amid growing retirement chatter, NBA insider and ESPN reporter Shams Charania provided insight into James’ immediate future during an appearance on The NBA via ESPN. According to Charania, James remains focused on finishing the current season with the Lakers before assessing his options during the offseason.

    “I think LeBron in his mind he is finishing this season in LA. He’s got no trade clause. There are people in LeBron’s circle that do believe he is going to go one more year. If he does there is definitely chatter of where that could be. Could that be in Cleveland? Could that be in LA, so that’s up for debate for sure, but right now LeBron’s mindset is locked in on this Lakers team,” Charania said.

     

    Charania’s comments underscore the uncertainty surrounding James’ next move, while also emphasizing that the veteran star remains fully committed to the Lakers’ present campaign. With a no-trade clause in his contract, James retains complete control over his immediate future, allowing him to weigh competitive goals, legacy considerations, and personal priorities as he approaches the twilight of his career.

     

    Despite his age, James continues to perform at an elite level. Through 29 appearances this season, he is averaging 22.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 50.2 percent from the field, 32.1 percent from three-point range, and 74.8 percent from the free-throw line. His sustained production has been vital to the Lakers as they navigate a highly competitive Western Conference.

     

    As the season progresses, James’ play—and every appearance—carries added significance. Whether this campaign marks the final chapter of his storied career or merely another milestone in an unprecedented run of longevity remains to be seen. For now, LeBron James remains locked in with the Lakers, continuing to add to a legacy that has already reshaped the history of the NBA.

     

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  • Carlo Bumina-ang eyeing ONE bantamweight title after comeback win at ONE Fight Night 39

    Carlo Bumina-ang eyeing ONE bantamweight title after comeback win at ONE Fight Night 39

    Carlo Bumina-ang has firmly cemented his place as one of the Philippines’ premier Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) talents, currently competing at the highest levels in ONE Championship while proudly representing the country on the international stage. At 31 years old, Bumina-ang has built a reputation for his aggressive striking, relentless pace, and mental toughness inside the cage, making him one of the most exciting Filipino prospects in the sport today. Fans and analysts alike recognize him as a fighter capable of delivering explosive finishes, and his career trajectory continues to capture attention across the MMA world.

     

    Bumina-ang made a triumphant return to the MMA cage at ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev on Friday, January 24, at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. In front of a lively crowd, he recorded a second-round TKO victory over Marcos Aurelio, snapping the Brazilian’s previously unblemished professional record and demonstrating why he remains a formidable force in the bantamweight division.

     

    “I feel great, and it’s nice to be back here in Thailand. In the second round, we realised he only wanted to fight standing. I waited in the first round, then in the second I touched him and knocked him out,” Bumina-ang said after his victory.

     

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    The Filipino standout displayed not only power but patience and tactical awareness, allowing Aurelio to reveal his strategy before capitalizing with precision. Bumina-ang’s performance highlighted his ability to adapt mid-fight—a hallmark of elite-level fighters.

    “I thought the ref might stop the fight earlier. But he gave him a few seconds, and he couldn’t recover. It was better to stop it or he would take more damage. I’m just so happy that I was the first to stop him. But that’s what I always do, you know? I stop my opponents,” he added.

     

    This win marks a pivotal moment for Bumina-ang, reaffirming his status as a top contender and setting the stage for ambitious plans moving forward. Among his primary goals is a rematch with ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu of Mongolia, who defeated him via submission in their first encounter at ONE Fight Night 24 in August 2024. Bumina-ang’s determination to reclaim his standing in the division underscores his competitive spirit and hunger for championship gold.

     

    “Absolutely my dream is to get the belt and have a rematch with Enkh-Orgil. It’s up to ONE Championship, whatever they want. Hopefully this year or early next year. Whatever ONE Championship gives me, I will fight anyone. But maybe after two or three fights, I will get the rematch. Enkh, congratulations again, and I will come and meet you again, in the circle or ring,” Bumina-ang concluded.

     

    Beyond his impressive physical skills, Bumina-ang’s mental fortitude and strategic mindset have become defining traits of his fighting style. Known for his ability to control the pace of the fight and exploit opponents’ weaknesses, he has evolved into a versatile mixed martial artist capable of delivering high-impact finishes in both striking and transitional phases of combat. His focus now shifts toward consolidating his position in the bantamweight division while preparing for the potential championship rematch that could define his career.

     

    As Bumina-ang continues to rise in ONE Championship, the Filipino MMA community and international fans alike will be watching closely. His combination of skill, determination, and charisma inside the cage ensures that every fight he steps into remains must-see action. With a renewed sense of purpose after his victory over Aurelio, Bumina-ang’s journey toward championship glory is back on track—and the world is ready to witness the next chapter of his remarkable MMA career.

     

     

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  • “I’m really happy about it” — Bella Belen excited by Capital1’s new-look roster

    “I’m really happy about it” — Bella Belen excited by Capital1’s new-look roster

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers have undergone a significant roster overhaul in the offseason as they gear up for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, opting to blend veteran experience with youthful energy in hopes of making a deeper run this season.

     

    In a busy transfer period, Solar Spikers management bolstered the lineup by acquiring a host of seasoned players from across the league. The new additions include Pauline Gaston, Shaya Adorador, and Jasmine Nabor from the now-defunct Chery Tiggo Crossovers; former Choco Mucho Flying Titans middle blocker Cherry Nunag; Ezra Madrigal from the Akari Chargers; France Ronquillo and Ysa Jimenez from the Galeries Tower Highrisers; and Rachel Jorvina from the Nxled Chameleons. The influx of experience is expected to provide stability and leadership to a roster anchored by young talent.

     

    At the forefront of that youthful core is Bella Belen, Capital1’s star player and the first overall pick in last year’s PVL Rookie Draft. Heading into her second season with the franchise, the 23-year-old expressed excitement over the team’s revamped roster and optimism about the direction the Solar Spikers are headed.

     

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    “Of course, I’m really happy because the league has become more competitive, every team added new players. On our team, almost half of the roster is new, and I’m really happy about it. I know the players who joined us can really help the team. I’m excited about what I can learn from them and what we can bring into this conference. The new players adjusted well, so it doesn’t feel like a totally new environment,” Belen said in a media interaction.

    Belen played a key role in Capital1’s breakthrough campaign last season, helping the Solar Spikers reach the quarterfinals of the Reinforced Conference. Now more experienced and confident, she is expected to take on a larger leadership role as the team aims to take the next step forward in an increasingly competitive league.

     

    Still, Belen is well aware that the road ahead will not be easy. With all nine other PVL teams also reinforcing their rosters during the offseason, the All-Filipino Conference promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.

     

    “It’s definitely a big challenge. Even if we have faced each other before, this conference is different because every team has really leveled up. We are giving our best in every training to improve our game and show a good performance at this conference,” she added.

     

    Adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming conference is the prospect of Belen facing familiar faces from Alas Pilipinas. She is particularly looking forward to going up against longtime teammates Jia De Guzman and Eya Laure, both of whom will suit up for new teams this season. De Guzman returns to the Creamline Cool Smashers after a three-year absence, while Laure has joined the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.

     

    “I used to joke with them back when we were on the national team, telling them not to play if we ever faced each other. I have been teammates with them for a long time, so I’m really excited to see how I will perform against them. I know them well, but every team has a different system, so I’m really looking forward to our matchup,” Belen concluded.

     

    Capital1 will look to carry its renewed optimism into the start of the All-Filipino Conference when the Solar Spikers open their campaign against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Tuesday, February 3, at the FilOil Center in San Juan City. With a revamped roster, a growing star in Belen, and heightened competition across the league, the Solar Spikers are eager to see how their offseason gamble pays off on the court.

     

     

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  • Gilbert Arenas: Michael Jordan’s name remains relevant because of LeBron James

    Gilbert Arenas: Michael Jordan’s name remains relevant because of LeBron James

    National Basketball Association (NBA) legend Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time and is credited with popularizing the league globally during the 1980s and 1990s. Jordan’s combination of skill, competitiveness, and marketability helped elevate the NBA from a domestic league to an international phenomenon, and his influence continues to resonate even decades after his retirement in 2003.

     

    Despite stepping away from professional basketball nearly two decades ago, Jordan remains a household name. Across social media, sports debates, and mainstream media, he is still frequently cited as the definitive “GOAT” — the greatest of all time. His enduring popularity stems not only from his unmatched exploits on the court but also from his lasting cultural and commercial impact, from Air Jordan sneakers to his ownership of the Charlotte Hornets.

     

    However, as the NBA evolves and new stars emerge, some analysts have raised interesting perspectives on why Jordan’s name continues to hold such prominence today. Three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, now a prominent broadcaster and media personality, recently offered a provocative take, suggesting that Jordan’s ongoing relevance is closely tied to the presence of another all-time great: LeBron James.

     

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    Arenas argued that, historically, even the most celebrated players eventually fade from public consciousness. Legends such as Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, who dominated the 1980s and 1990s, are rarely remembered with the same reverence in today’s media landscape. In contrast, Jordan remains a central figure, Arenas contends, largely because LeBron James’ sustained excellence keeps the GOAT debate alive.

    “If you look at the past, just like any great, your name becomes irrelevant, and people move on. Your generation voice gets a little bit lower. MJ’s name is still really big in the community, Larry Bird’s name is gone. Tim Duncan, right now? Gone. Remember MJ is not active in the basketball community. The basketball community still holds MJ here because of LeBron James. When LeBron James retires, the MJ name will fade a little bit,” Arenas said.

     

    He added that Jordan’s name often resurfaces whenever LeBron approaches or challenges one of his historic achievements, a dynamic Arenas believes has kept Jordan relevant even in an era where he is no longer competing.

     

    “If you’re watching LeBron James climb to the top, the only way Jordan fans get activated is because somebody got close enough. Every time LeBron did something, the MJ-voice became louder. MJ’s been in NASCAR and motorbikes since 2003, and you can’t tell me s**t about anything he does. Nobody reports nothing about MJ’s life,” he added.

     

    Arenas’ observations point to an interesting phenomenon in sports culture: the longevity of a legend’s relevance is often tied not only to their accomplishments but also to the context provided by current players. For instance, even Allen Iverson, a transformative figure in the 1990s who revolutionized the game both on and off the court, rarely appears in contemporary conversations among younger fans, despite his enormous impact. Similarly, other icons like Tim Duncan or Dirk Nowitzki, who defined an era, have largely receded from mainstream media discussions.

     

    This raises a compelling question about how sports history is preserved and how the legacies of great players are framed relative to the stars of today. Jordan’s continued visibility, Arenas argues, is amplified by the ongoing comparisons to LeBron James, who has maintained elite performance levels into his 20th-plus season. The dynamic interplay between past and present stars, therefore, is not just about individual greatness, but also about the narrative constructed by fans, media, and culture at large.

     

    Ultimately, while Jordan’s supremacy on the court is unquestioned, Arenas’ perspective suggests that the durability of a legend’s reputation is sometimes as much about the present as it is about the past. The ongoing LeBron-Jordan dialogue, with all its debates and controversies, ensures that MJ’s name remains central in basketball conversations, a status that may gradually shift once LeBron eventually hangs up his jersey.

     

     

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