Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Arjun Devgan

  • “My favorite color is green”: MJ Phillips eager to start a new chapter after joining Nxled

    “My favorite color is green”: MJ Phillips eager to start a new chapter after joining Nxled

    The Nxled Chameleons have continued their roster overhaul during the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) offseason, and they made a major statement on Thursday, January 15, by signing two-time Finals MVP MJ Phillips from the Petro Gazz Angels.

     

    Following Petro Gazz’s decision to take a leave of absence from the PVL, several players became available, and Nxled acted quickly to bolster their lineup, snapping up Phillips and other key talents from the former powerhouse franchise.

     

    The versatile hitter admitted she is excited for the fresh start with Nxled, particularly under Italian coach Ettore Guidetti.

     

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    “Nxled, they were one of the bottom teams. So, it’s gonna be a challenge, but we are all up for it. And I’m excited for an Italian coach. I have never been under an Italian coach before. He has a strong background with coaching, so I feel like I have a lot to learn from him,” Phillips said.

    She added that joining Nxled gives her a renewed sense of purpose after spending years with Petro Gazz.

     

    “My favorite color is green. Yeah, it’s really exciting. I am really bummed about Petro Gazz and been there with them for like five years now or six years or something. I really appreciate them, but I also appreciate Nxled for giving us another home.

     

    “I’m excited with all the new players and the competition in the gym and just what we can bring to the table at this upcoming conference,” she added.

    Phillips wasn’t the only former Petro Gazz player to make the move. Nxled also secured three-time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle, former league MVP Myla Pablo, and championship-tested setter Jules Tolentino—last year’s 11th overall pick—effectively transplanting the backbone of Petro Gazz’s once-dominant core into Nxled colors.

     

    “I’m just glad that a lot of the Petro Gazz girls are with me. And to be able to be with new players, it’s just like a fresh start. And I’m like really excited for what we have to showcase next,” Phillips concluded.

     

    The influx of talent has had an immediate impact on Nxled’s roster. The Chameleons now feature several former Angels, including Jonah Sabete, Djanel Cheng, Bang Pineda, Nicole Tiamzon, Ranya Musa, AA Adolfo, and Jellie Tempiatura, giving the team instant chemistry and a competitive edge.

     

    In many ways, Nxled has found an alternate path to contention after a much-discussed—but unrealized—merger with Petro Gazz. With the Angels stepping away from the PVL, the Chameleons have become the unexpected beneficiaries, absorbing not just talent but also experience, winning culture, and championship pedigree.

     

    What once appeared to be a rebuilding franchise has now transformed into a squad stacked with MVPs, Finals heroes, and title-tested veterans.

     

    Rounding out the roster is a carefully curated mix of youth and leadership, anchored by seasoned campaigners Aby Maraño and Aduke Ogunsanya, alongside Joyme Cagande, who provides depth and upside at the setter position.

     

    With Phillips and Van Sickle leading the way, Nxled’s offseason facelift reads less like a gamble and more like a statement. The Chameleons aren’t just looking to improve—they are positioning themselves squarely in the championship conversation as the PVL heads into 2026.

     

     

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  • Goody Custodio praises Team Philippines’ preparation and dedication for 13th ASEAN Para Games

    Goody Custodio praises Team Philippines’ preparation and dedication for 13th ASEAN Para Games

    The Philippines is gearing up for the 13th ASEAN Para Games, scheduled from January 20 to 26 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, with a 216-strong delegation ready to compete in the region’s most prestigious para-sports event.

     

    The first batch of athletes departed Manila early on Thursday, January 15, beginning a long travel day that includes a four-hour flight to Bangkok followed by a four-hour bus ride to Nakhon Ratchasima. The extended travel time is one of the logistical challenges the national squad must overcome as they prepare for competition.

     

    Philippines chief of mission Goody Custodio—who also serves as secretary general of the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC)—said the early deployment was intentional, ensuring athletes have more time to adjust to the conditions ahead of opening day.

     

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    “I think the challenge there is the travel because there is about a four-hour travel time. Based on the manual, it’s around 1.5 hours for the first stopover, then around two to two-and-a-half hours going to Korat. There is really travel fatigue. That’s why we only have a few days before the opening. So, there’s really travel fatigue. That’s why we only have a few days before the opening,” Custodio explained during a media briefing, emphasizing the importance of acclimatization and recovery.

    Ahead of their departure, the para-athletes received their official Philippine team gear from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Paralympic Committee—similar to what Team Philippines received for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games last month. According to Custodio, the gesture boosted the team’s morale.

     

    “I think their strength is their high spirits and high morale because they just received these supplies, tickets, and allowances. They are very proud to be a part of the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand and of course, they are very thankful to the PPC on behalf of Sir Mike Barredo, and of course, to the PSC under chairman Patrick Gregorio, and our Commissioner-in-Charge, Commissioner Ed Hayco,” he added.

     

    Two-time Paralympic wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan will be the country’s flag bearer during the opening ceremony at Chatchai Hall. Mangliwan is expected to lead the medal charge alongside standout swimmers Angel Otom and Gary Bejino, as well as chess masters Cheyzer Mendoza and Darrey Bernardo, all of whom have consistently delivered strong performances in international competitions.

     

    Team Philippines enters the 2025 ASEAN Para Games with confidence, backed by a solid showing in 2023 where the country finished fifth overall with 33 gold, 33 silver, and 50 bronze medals—a total of 116 podium finishes.

     

    With a blend of seasoned medalists and rising stars, the delegation is aiming for a strong and inspiring performance in Thailand. Beyond the pursuit of medals, the athletes carry the mission of elevating para-sports visibility in the Philippines, motivating future generations, and demonstrating resilience and excellence on the international stage.

     

    The upcoming games provide not only a competitive platform but also an opportunity to highlight representation, empowerment, and continued growth for para-athletes nationwide. As Team Philippines steps into competition, the nation will be watching with pride and anticipation, hopeful that their hard work and dedication will translate into another memorable campaign at the ASEAN Para Games.

     

     

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  • Adam Silver confirms NBA–FIBA plans for new European league

    Adam Silver confirms NBA–FIBA plans for new European league

    NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed on Thursday, January 15, that the league is moving forward with an ambitious plan—together with FIBA—to launch a new professional basketball league in Europe, signaling a major shift in the global structure of the sport.

     

    Silver made the announcement during the NBA’s showcase games in Berlin, a city steeped in basketball history. Although he did not reveal a definitive timeline, the commissioner’s decision to discuss the project in Germany was symbolic. Germany currently holds both the FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket titles, marking what Silver described as a “golden era” for the sport in the country.

     

    “We are the fastest-growing sport right now in this country. There’s, in essence, a golden era, I would say, of the sport. The 1936 Olympics here in Berlin, that’s when basketball was first introduced into the Olympic movement. In fact, James Naismith came here to Berlin for those games and purportedly tossed up the ball for the opening tip of the Games. So, there is that long history here,” Silver said, acknowledging the deep historical roots of basketball in Europe.

     

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    While many key details are still being finalized, early reports indicate that the NBA and FIBA are targeting October 2027 as a tentative launch date. The proposed structure includes a 16-team league, with 12 permanent franchises and an additional four clubs qualifying through a competitive process, creating a blend of stability and opportunity similar to international football competitions.

     

    Silver emphasized that the interest from European clubs, corporate sponsors, and media networks has been strong, fueling optimism that the project will materialize on schedule.

     

    “I would just say we continue to be enormously excited about it. We have been meeting with clubs that are interested in participating in our league. We have been in discussions with other potential stakeholders, including media companies that would like to cover it, potential media partners and traditional sponsors who want to work with us on the league,” he said.

    He added that the NBA and FIBA are also assessing arena infrastructure across Europe, aiming to elevate facilities to NBA standards while supporting the long-term sustainability of the project.

    “We are looking at the opportunity to grow the arena infrastructure, not just here in Germany but throughout the continent. It’s something that we are enormously excited about.

     

    “I think it’s critically important that we respect the traditions of European basketball, we are trying to find the best combination of the old and new, tradition and innovation. I think frankly, that’s what the NBA brings to the table. I think it’s also why it’s important not only to have FIBA as our partner but existing basketball organizations who understand the culture of European basketball, understand the traditions, the history, what makes European basketball unique in so many ways,” Silver added.

     

    The NBA-FIBA partnership is expected to focus on major markets across the continent. Potential franchise locations reportedly include:

    • England: London, Manchester 
    • France: Paris, Lyon 
    • Spain: Madrid, Barcelona 
    • Italy: Rome, Milan 
    • Germany: Munich, Berlin 
    • Greece: Athens 
    • Turkey: Istanbul 

    These cities represent some of Europe’s largest basketball markets and strongest fan bases, offering the infrastructure and commercial appeal necessary for a global league.

     

    If the plan proceeds as envisioned, the new European league could significantly reshape the international basketball landscape—providing a pathway for elite European clubs to operate under a unified NBA-FIBA framework, enhancing talent development, and expanding the NBA’s global footprint in one of the world’s most basketball-rich regions.

     

     

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  • Chris Ross urges San Miguel to fix late-game lapses after Game 5 escape

    Chris Ross urges San Miguel to fix late-game lapses after Game 5 escape

    Defending Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup champions San Miguel Beermen moved one step closer to securing a return trip to the finals after grinding out a 115–109 victory over rivals Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 5 of their semifinal series on Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The Beermen, who are attempting to extend their dominance in the league’s most prestigious conference, leaned heavily on their veteran core and championship poise to withstand multiple Ginebra runs. Six-time and record-setting PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo once again delivered a steady and commanding performance, finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists. His presence in the paint opened opportunities for his teammates, allowing San Miguel to build a sizable lead early in the game.

     

    Jaymar Perez continued his impressive postseason showing with 20 points, finding ways to attack Ginebra’s interior defense and providing crucial baskets whenever San Miguel’s offense stalled. Mo Tautuaa added 18 points, showcasing his versatility and physicality in the frontcourt, while Marcio Lassiter contributed 16 points, knocking down timely three-pointers that helped steady the Beermen when Ginebra mounted its late charge.

     

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    Despite controlling much of the game, San Miguel couldn’t fully put Barangay Ginebra away. After establishing a lead that ballooned to as much as 17 points, the Beermen momentarily lost focus, opening the door for Ginebra to storm back behind their trademark never-say-die mentality. In the final minutes, the Gin Kings managed to trim the deficit to just four points, forcing San Miguel to regroup and lock in defensively to secure the win.

     

    Veteran guard Chris Ross acknowledged the concerning pattern of allowing opponents back into games, emphasizing that the team must address the issue immediately—especially with a finals berth within reach.

    “I feel like in every game, we have pretty much had a double-digit lead. And I don’t know if it’s relaxing or if they play desperate, but they do something to get back in the game. I mean, it’s Ginebra. So they are going to do something to get back in the game,” Ross said.

     

    “So we just got to weather the storm when we do get those leads and keep our composure. And we did that today. We had some bad turnovers. Me, in particular, I think I had way too many. But we will fix it and come back ready,” he added.

     

    Ross, regarded as one of the league’s premier defensive guards and vocal leaders, also highlighted the importance of containing Ginebra’s bench production—an area that has heavily influenced the momentum of the series.

     

    “I told the guys, I tell them before every game, before we run out there, that if we outscore their bench, we have a really good chance of winning. Because the two games that their bench played really well, they won. And the two games, those other games where we matched their intensity or outplayed their bench, we won.

     

    “So their bench is really key in this game because their starters are really good. And their bench is what’s going to keep them level. So we matched their intensity and we came out with the win today,” Ross concluded.

     

    The Beermen now hold a 3–2 series lead and are just one win away from clinching another finals appearance. However, Ginebra is known for thriving under pressure and has a history of forcing deep, dramatic finishes in playoff battles. With both teams eager to avoid a nerve-wracking winner-take-all Game 7, the stage is set for an intense and high-stakes showdown.

     

    Game 6 is scheduled for Friday, January 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the Beermen will attempt to close out the series, while the Gin Kings fight to keep their championship hopes alive.

     

     

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  • Richard Jefferson calls LeBron James the “funniest flopper” in the NBA

    Richard Jefferson calls LeBron James the “funniest flopper” in the NBA

    A noticeable trend has emerged across the National Basketball Association (NBA) in recent years: elite players are becoming increasingly skilled at drawing fouls to generate efficient scoring opportunities. By forcing defenders into compromising positions and selling contact, stars routinely earn trips to the free-throw line—one of the most effective ways to boost scoring production in the modern game.

     

    Among today’s top practitioners of this strategy are Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić, both of whom have elevated foul-drawing into an art form. Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in free-throw attempts last season, while Dončić frequently manipulates defenders using pace changes, body control, and deceptive footwork to secure calls. Their approach reflects a broader league-wide shift toward efficiency, analytics, and maximizing every possession.

     

    Even LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most physically dominant players in basketball history, has long used his combination of strength and savvy to earn trips to the line. Though known for his durability and power, LeBron has occasionally been labeled a “flopper” by fans and analysts who believe he sometimes exaggerates contact to influence officiating.

     

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    One person who finds LeBron’s attempts especially amusing is his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Richard Jefferson. Speaking on his “Road Trippin” podcast, Jefferson offered a humorous take on LeBron’s occasional theatrics and the difficulty he has adjusting to the physicality he routinely faces.

    “I know people complain about LeBron’s flopping. You know why LeBron is the funniest flopper? Because he doesn’t know how to flop. When he does it, it looks like, ‘Aw!’ He is so used to playing physical, gets his s**t beat out of him. So does Nikola Jokic the same way. So when he tries to show the official he is getting beat up, it looks unique,” Jefferson said.

     

    Jefferson’s comments highlight a broader truth about LeBron’s career: despite his size and strength, the four-time NBA MVP often absorbs significant contact that goes unwhistled. Whereas many stars rely on deceptive tactics to initiate fouls, James has historically played through physicality—making the rare moments he attempts to “sell” a foul look unusually awkward.

     

    This observation also extends to other physically imposing players like Nikola Jokić, a two-time MVP whose bruising style often masks the hits he takes in the paint. As Jefferson notes, both players are so accustomed to absorbing punishment that when they try to exaggerate contact for officials, it appears exaggerated or unnatural.

     

    As the NBA continues evolving toward efficiency and foul-drawing strategies, players like Gilgeous-Alexander and Dončić have mastered the modern scoring formula. Meanwhile, physical powerhouses such as LeBron James and Nikola Jokić remain outliers—superstars whose rugged styles make their rare attempts at flopping unintentionally comedic. Jefferson’s playful criticism not only adds levity but also underscores how the league’s shifting dynamics impact the way players adapt, compete, and score in today’s NBA.

     

     

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  • Al-Ittihad’s owner claims Lionel Messi refused €1.4b contract before joining Inter Miami

    Al-Ittihad’s owner claims Lionel Messi refused €1.4b contract before joining Inter Miami

    Argentina and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi continues to captivate the global football landscape, widely regarded as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. His legacy is defined not only by an extraordinary career spanning over two decades but also by an unparalleled collection of individual accolades, including a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, cementing his status as the most decorated player in football history.

     

    Before completing his landmark move to Inter Miami in 2023, Messi was at the center of a global transfer frenzy. Clubs from Europe, North America, and the Middle East aggressively pursued the Argentine icon, hoping to secure what many consider the biggest signing in modern sports. It has now been revealed that Saudi Arabian clubs were among the most determined suitors, offering unprecedented financial packages in an attempt to lure Messi to the Saudi Pro League.

     

    Saudi giants Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad were the most active in their pursuit, with Al-Ittihad owner Anmar Al Haili publicly confirming that he extended a staggering €1.4 billion offer to the former Barcelona star as his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired. According to Al Haili, money was never an obstacle—and he was prepared to go far beyond a traditional contract structure.

     

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    “If Messi agrees to sign with Al-Ittihad, I would offer him a contract where he can earn whatever amount he wants, for as long as he wants — even for life. Yes, I did contact him at the end of his contract with PSG. I offered him 1.4 billion euros. He turned down such an enormous offer for the sake of his family, despite my efforts to convince them,” Al Haili said.

    The Al-Ittihad chief went on to praise Messi’s priorities and values, acknowledging the superstar’s decision to place personal life over financial gain.

     

    “He didn’t hesitate to decline because family is more important than money. I respect that, and Al-Ittihad will always be glad to welcome him. He can come back whenever he wishes. Messi’s presence in Saudi Arabia, wearing our shirt, means nothing to me financially. We would celebrate the championship before he even started, because we would have the best player in the history of football,” he added.

     

    The Saudi Pro League has made aggressive moves in recent years—signing Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mané—to elevate its global profile. Adding Messi would have been the crown jewel of the league’s expansion strategy. However, despite the astronomical offers, Messi ultimately chose a different path.

     

    As of now, a move to Saudi Arabia appears unlikely. Messi recently signed a contract extension with Inter Miami, committing himself to Major League Soccer through the end of the 2028 season, signaling long-term stability in the United States both for his career and his family.

     

    While Saudi Arabia may still dream of bringing Lionel Messi to its rapidly growing football league, the Argentine legend has made it clear that family and lifestyle outweigh even the most staggering financial incentives. For now, Miami—and MLS—remain the center of Messi’s football universe, leaving fans and leagues worldwide to wonder if the door to Saudi Arabia will ever reopen.

     

     

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  • Freddie Roach names the one fighter who could have defeated Manny Pacquiao in his prime

    Freddie Roach names the one fighter who could have defeated Manny Pacquiao in his prime

    Freddie Roach is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxing trainers in history. With a career that spans decades, Roach has trained over 40 world champions and is best known for his long-time partnership with eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.

     

    Roach began training Pacquiao in 2001, a collaboration that would turn the Filipino boxing icon into a global superstar. Under Roach’s guidance, Pacquiao defeated numerous world-class opponents, elevating his status to one of boxing’s all-time greats. Even after a brief hiatus, Pacquiao relied on Roach’s expertise upon his return to the ring last July, reaffirming the unmatched trust and understanding between fighter and trainer.

     

    In a recent interview with Boxing Social, Roach revealed which fighter he believes would have been the toughest challenge for Pacquiao in his prime — and it’s none other than Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez.

     

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    “I definitely know who I am going to pick in this fight, it’s not difficult because he was a much more complete, better fighter. This is one of the fighters that filled my heart. Some fighters were born to fight and some weren’t. There’s a couple that were just born to fight and Julio Cesar Chavez is one of them, I pick him all of the way, I do,” Roach said.

     

    He elaborated on why he believes Chavez would have had the edge over Pacquiao, despite the Filipino star’s legendary speed and explosiveness.

    “Pacquiao is explosive, very quick, but it’s too heavy of a competition for him in that one, I feel,” Roach added.

     

    Chavez’s legacy is nothing short of remarkable. The 63-year-old Mexican icon competed professionally from 1980 to 2005, earning recognition from The Ring magazine as the world’s best boxer from 1990 to 1993. He captured multiple world titles across three weight divisions, including the WBC super featherweight title (1984–1987), WBA and WBC lightweight titles (1987–1989), and the WBC light welterweight title (1990–1991). Additionally, he held the Ring magazine and lineal lightweight titles (1988–1989) and the lineal light welterweight title twice (1990–1996).

     

    Beyond the titles, Chavez set numerous boxing records that cement his status among the sport’s all-time greats. He shares the record for most successful defenses of world titles (27) with Omar Narvaez, holds the record for most title fight victories (31), and competed in the most title fights (37). Chavez also recorded the longest undefeated streak in boxing history — 13 years, 11 months, and 24 days — and remains the only fighter to hold the longest unbeaten streak in world title fights (27). Remarkably, he went 90 fights undefeated before suffering his first professional loss.

     

    For Roach, Chavez represents a “complete fighter,” someone whose combination of skill, power, and ring intelligence would have made him a nearly impossible opponent for even the fastest, most explosive fighters of his era. It’s a testament to Chavez’s enduring reputation that, decades after his prime, he is still regarded as a benchmark for greatness in the sport.

     

    Pacquiao himself has faced countless legends and young contenders, but Roach’s assessment highlights the delicate balance between speed, skill, and experience in boxing. While Pacquiao’s hand speed and agility made him a nightmare for his contemporaries, Roach believes Chavez’s discipline, power, and technical mastery would have been a uniquely difficult matchup.

     

    As boxing fans debate hypothetical matchups between eras, Roach’s insight provides a fascinating perspective on just how extraordinary both fighters were in their primes. Chavez’s legacy as one of the most decorated and dominant champions in history continues to inspire future generations, while Pacquiao’s accomplishments under Roach’s guidance remain a benchmark of modern boxing excellence.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone praises Barangay Ginebra’s fight despite Game 5 loss to San Miguel

    Tim Cone praises Barangay Ginebra’s fight despite Game 5 loss to San Miguel

    Defending Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup champions, San Miguel Beermen, inched closer to defending their title with a hard-fought 115–109 win over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 5 of the semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, January 14.

     

    Record PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo spearheaded the Beermen with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists, while Jaymar Perez (20 points), Mo Tautuaa (18 points), and Marcio Lassiter (16 points) provided crucial support down the stretch.

     

    Despite the loss, Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone praised his squad for their resilience, noting their late-game surge that cut San Miguel’s 17-point lead to just four in the closing seconds.

     

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    “We were looking for a miracle in the end and we didn’t get one. Got to appreciate the guys for the fight when they fought back in the game. We made crucial turnovers all throughout the whole game that we could have made runs. It just wasn’t our night. We were fumbling the ball. Ball wasn’t going in for us. Our guys continued to fight and battle. Just came up and short,” Cone said in the postgame press conference.

    With the series now standing at 3–2 in favor of San Miguel, the two PBA powerhouses are set for a decisive Game 6. Interestingly, the last Game 6 showdown between these rivals was in last season’s Philippine Cup, where Ginebra prevailed thanks to a clutch three-pointer from veteran point guard LA Tenorio.

     

    Cone is hoping history might repeat itself in favor of the Gin Kings.

     

    “Now, we are basically in the same situation we were last conference except that it is flipped. We were up, 3–2. Now they are up, 3–2. They were able to beat us two in a row. We see if we can flip the script and see if we can beat them two in a row. We can’t get to Game 7, winner-take-all, unless we take care of Game 6. That’s where our focus is going to be,” Cone added.

     

    The much-anticipated Game 6 between San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra is scheduled for Friday, January 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with both teams fighting to avoid a winner-take-all Game 7.

     

     

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  • Rising tennis star Tenny Madis confirms plans to study in Hawaii after Grade 12

    Rising tennis star Tenny Madis confirms plans to study in Hawaii after Grade 12

    Manila is set to make history in Philippine tennis as it prepares to host its first-ever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament. The Philippine Women’s Open has officially been added to the 2026 WTA calendar, placing the city on the global tennis map with a WTA 125 event.

     

    Scheduled from January 26 to 31, 2026, the tournament will be played on hard courts, featuring a 32-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles bracket, with a total prize commitment of $115,000. The event promises high-level competition and a rare opportunity for local fans to witness world-class tennis on home soil.

     

    Rising Filipino stars Tenny Madis and Alex Eala will represent the country after receiving wildcard entries as the top-ranked local players. For 18-year-old Madis, the Philippine Women’s Open will mark her WTA 125 debut. Regardless of her performance in the tournament, she plans to move to Hawaii later this year to pursue further education under a scholarship.

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    “I will be going to Hawaii in August after I finish Grade 12 here. They offered me a scholarship. I plan to attend school in September. I have yet to commit,” Madis confirmed in a media interaction.

     

    If she accepts the offer, Madis will join a growing list of Filipino athletes honing their skills abroad. Other notable athletes currently studying and competing in the United States include fencer Samantha Catantan (Penn State), golfer Rhianne Malixi (Duke University), and basketball standout Kieffer Alas (Utah Prep Academy), who scored 34 points in his debut game. Olympian Jasmine Alkhadi remains the most prominent Filipino athlete to attend the University of Hawaii.

     

    Madis enjoyed a breakout 2025, capturing the Gentry Open Women’s Singles title and the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Championship. She also earned two bronze medals at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, solidifying her status as one of the country’s brightest tennis prospects.

     

    Currently training at the Philippine Tennis Academy under coach Bobie Angelo, Madis is focused on building her strength and preparing to face higher-ranked WTA opponents on the global stage.

     

     

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  • “It’s different hearing my name in trade talks”: Ja Morant on Memphis Grizzlies trade rumors

    “It’s different hearing my name in trade talks”: Ja Morant on Memphis Grizzlies trade rumors

    Star guard Ja Morant’s future with the Memphis Grizzlies has become a major topic of speculation, with reports indicating that team management is now open to trading the former Rookie of the Year and is actively listening to offers.

     

    The shift comes as the relationship between Morant and the franchise has reportedly deteriorated to the “point of no return,” despite the Grizzlies standing by him through a series of off-court issues, suspensions, and injury setbacks in recent seasons.

     

    Morant recently acknowledged the emotional weight of hearing his name involved in trade talks but maintained that he is focused on managing his own response.

     

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    “I think everybody should be worried about my reaction and not other people. I think my reaction is more important. Live with it,” Morant said.

     

    According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, the Miami Heat have emerged as a strong potential destination should Memphis decide to move Morant.

    “Miami has quickly emerged as an attractive option to Morant and his camp in recent days. The Heat have historically been regarded as one of the NBA’s most detail-oriented and structured organizations, a major aspect of development that appeals to Morant, who has missed 34 games due to various suspensions,” Iko reported.

     

    “Morant also has a deep respect for Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, who also runs Team USA; Morant desires to represent his country in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Miami’s veteran presence is an additional selling point and something Morant craves,” he added.

     

    Morant is earning $39.4 million this season and remains under contract with Memphis for two more years—set to make $42.2 million next season and $44.9 million in 2027–28 before becoming an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2028.

     

    On the court, the 26-year-old is averaging 19.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists this season. However, he is shooting a career-low 40.2 percent from the field and 21.6 percent from three-point territory over 17 appearances and has been sidelined since January 2 due to a right calf contusion.

     

    Morant has also remained in headlines for off-court incidents, including a clash with first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo in November that led to a one-game suspension. Still, Morant dismissed any suggestion of deeper conflict.

     

    “He is cool. I don’t think we have had too many ups and downs. That’s just you all, from the outside looking in, thinking that,” he concluded.

     

    With tensions mounting and trade rumors intensifying, Memphis faces a defining organizational decision: rebuild around new leadership or recommit to a former franchise cornerstone. As discussions continue, Morant’s future—once seemingly intertwined with the Grizzlies—now appears more uncertain than ever, with Miami and other pursuing teams monitoring the situation closely.

     

     

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