Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Arjun Devgan

  • Austin Reaves picks himself alongside NBA legends in all-time dream starting five

    Austin Reaves picks himself alongside NBA legends in all-time dream starting five

    Austin Reaves has quickly developed into one of the NBA’s most notable young talents, transforming himself from an undrafted prospect into a key contributor for the Los Angeles Lakers and a member of the United States national basketball team.

     

    Reaves’ journey to NBA prominence has been one of perseverance and determination. After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, the former Oklahoma standout earned an opportunity with the Lakers by signing a two-way contract and eventually securing a permanent role within the organization. His rise has been particularly impressive considering the limited expectations surrounding him when he entered the league.

     

    The 28-year-old guard revealed that he turned down the possibility of being selected 42nd overall by the Detroit Pistons, choosing instead to pursue an opportunity where he believed he could maximize his development. That decision has since paid off, with Reaves becoming one of the most reliable players in Los Angeles’ rotation and a vital piece of the franchise’s future plans.

     

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    His growth was rewarded when he agreed to a four-year, $186 million maximum contract extension with the Lakers, a historic deal that made him the highest-paid undrafted player in NBA history. The contract reflected not only his production on the court but also the value the organization places on his versatility, competitiveness, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

     

    Recently, Reaves generated attention beyond his performances after sharing his all-time NBA starting five during an appearance on the popular podcast “Pardon My Take.” While discussions about the greatest lineups in basketball history often lead to debate, Reaves’ selections drew additional interest after he included himself among some of the biggest names the sport has ever produced.

     

    “All of the older people, don’t be mad at me because I’m talking personally from what I have seen and watched. Stephen Curry at the one. I have got to put myself in there, I can’t coach? Steph at the one, me at the two. It’s so much easier if I didn’t have to put myself in there because I would put Kobe Bryant at the two. We are gonna go Kobe at the three, LeBron James at the four and Shaquille O’Neal at the five,” Reaves said.

    Reaves acknowledged that leaving himself out would have made the selection easier, but his final lineup featured four players widely regarded among the greatest to ever compete in the NBA: Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Shaquille O’Neal.

     

    His decision to include Bryant carries additional significance given Reaves’ long-standing connection to the Lakers. Growing up as a fan of the franchise, Reaves admired Bryant’s mentality, work ethic, and competitive approach—qualities that have influenced many players who followed him.

     

    Bryant is widely considered one of the greatest shooting guards in basketball history, earning five NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVP awards, and an 18-time All-Star selection during his legendary career with the Lakers.

     

    At point guard, Reaves selected Stephen Curry over other all-time greats such as Magic Johnson, a choice that highlights the impact Curry has had on the modern game. The Golden State Warriors star has transformed the way basketball is played with his revolutionary shooting ability and influence on offensive strategy.

     

    Curry has won four NBA championships, two league MVP awards, and has established himself as one of the most prolific shooters in league history. Over his career, he has averaged 24.8 points and 6.3 assists per game while becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made.

     

    Reaves placed LeBron James at power forward, another selection that reflects the respect he has for a player he has shared the court with in Los Angeles. James and Reaves have spent five seasons together with the Lakers, forming a productive partnership as the franchise continues to compete for championships.

     

    Often considered one of the greatest players in basketball history, James has consistently produced elite numbers throughout his career. During his time with the Lakers, he has averaged 25.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, while leading the NBA in assists during the 2019-20 season—the same campaign in which he guided Los Angeles to its 17th NBA championship.

     

    Rounding out Reaves’ lineup is Shaquille O’Neal at center. The dominant big man played a crucial role in the Lakers’ early-2000s dynasty, winning three consecutive championships and earning three Finals MVP awards. His combination of size, strength, and skill made him one of the most unstoppable forces the league has ever seen.

     

    While all-time NBA lineups are always subjective and often spark passionate debates among fans, Reaves’ selections reflect the players who have had the biggest influence on his basketball journey. His inclusion of himself alongside legends also highlights the confidence that has helped fuel his remarkable rise from an undrafted rookie to one of the Lakers’ most important players.

     

     

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  • Filipino MMA star Stephen Loman returns to BRAVE CF eyeing bantamweight title shot

    Filipino MMA star Stephen Loman returns to BRAVE CF eyeing bantamweight title shot

    Stephen Loman has firmly established himself as one of the Philippines’ premier mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters, building a reputation as a dominant bantamweight contender through successful runs in both ONE Championship and BRAVE Combat Federation.


    The 27-year-old Filipino star is now set to begin a new chapter in his career after returning to BRAVE CF, the promotion where he first made a name for himself on the international stage. After ending 2025 by re-signing with the organization, Loman is preparing for his first bout since his return, facing Georgia’s Lasha Abramishvili in a three-round bantamweight showdown at BRAVE CF 108 on September 5 at the historic Pula Arena in Croatia.


    The matchup carries significant implications for the division, with the vacant BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Championship potentially awaiting the winner. Former champion Nikolic recently vacated the title after securing an opportunity to continue his career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), opening the door for a new contender to emerge.

     

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    While BRAVE CF has yet to officially confirm whether the vacant bantamweight championship will be at stake at BRAVE CF 108, Loman believes a victory over Abramishvili should position him as the leading candidate for the title opportunity.


    “With the championship vacant, I believe the winner of this fight should be next in line. Beating an opponent like Lasha should leave no doubt about who deserves that opportunity,” Loman said in a media interaction.

    For Loman, however, the possibility of fighting for the belt is only part of a larger goal. The Baguio native made it clear that his motivation for returning to BRAVE CF is to reclaim championship glory and once again establish himself as the best bantamweight fighter in the promotion.


    “I came back to BRAVE CF because I want to be champion again. That is the goal. I want to prove I still belong at the top and earn the chance to fight for the belt once more,” he said.


    Loman returns to competition after spending more than two years away from active fighting while seeking his release from ONE Championship. Despite the lengthy layoff, the Filipino contender remains confident that he has maintained the discipline and preparation required to compete at the highest level.


    He believes his experience, championship pedigree, and familiarity with elite competition will give him an advantage against Abramishvili.


    “I respect Lasha because he has earned his place, but I also know what I bring into this fight. I have stayed disciplined, I have never stopped preparing, and I believe my experience will make the difference. I am ready to win,” Loman said.


    The Filipino fighter also reflected on his previous championship reign, emphasizing that he never lost the title inside the cage and is determined to earn another opportunity to hold championship gold.


    “I never lost that championship in a fight. I had to give up because I moved on. Now, I have the chance to win it back, and I will do everything it takes to make sure it is around my waist again,” Loman added.


    With a potential title shot on the line, Loman’s return at BRAVE CF 108 represents a major moment in his career. A victory in Croatia would not only mark a successful comeback but could also place the Filipino star one step closer to reclaiming the championship that helped define his rise in international MMA.

     

     

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  • Aiden Lazaro becomes first homegrown Filipino to join IMG Academy baseball pathway

    Aiden Lazaro becomes first homegrown Filipino to join IMG Academy baseball pathway

    Philippine junior baseball standout Aiden Lazaro is taking another major step in his development after earning a place at the prestigious IMG Academy, where he will train at the world-renowned sports education and athletic development center in Bradenton, Florida.


    The 13-year-old pitcher becomes the first homegrown Filipino baseball player to be selected for IMG Academy’s elite baseball pathway, a significant milestone for Philippine baseball as Lazaro continues his pursuit of becoming the first player developed in the Philippines to reach Major League Baseball (MLB).


    IMG Academy is recognized globally for producing elite athletes across multiple sports, combining high-level coaching with advanced performance programs designed to develop both athletic ability and personal growth. Through the academy, Lazaro will have access to a comprehensive training environment focused not only on baseball skills but also on long-term athlete development.

     

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    As part of his program, Lazaro will work with IMG’s Performance & Sports Science Center, where specialists will oversee key areas of his development, including strength and conditioning, speed and agility, mobility, injury prevention, recovery, sports science, nutrition, and mental performance.


    The opportunity marks a significant chapter in Lazaro’s young career, as he looks to sharpen his skills against some of the best young baseball talents from around the world while learning from coaches and experts who have helped shape future professional athletes.

    “I’m excited to immerse myself in a new training environment and learn from everyone at IMG Academy who helped develop some of the top athletes and professional players. I look forward to bringing home everything I gain from this so I could contribute more to my teams in the Philippines,” Lazaro said during a media interaction.


    The young pitcher also expressed his gratitude to IMG Academy for providing him with an opportunity to pursue his ambitions while continuing to represent the Philippines.


    “I’m very thankful to IMG Academy for welcoming me into its baseball and holistic athletic training program and for working closely with my mom over the past few months to help create exciting opportunities for my future. I’m humbled by this privilege and I’m ready to work hard to make the most of it,” he added.


    Lazaro’s move to IMG Academy draws parallels with another young Filipino athlete who pursued an international development pathway at the same age. Philippine tennis star Alex Eala committed to elite overseas training when she was 13 years old, joining the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, where she developed her skills before making history as one of the country’s most successful tennis players.


    IMG Academy’s sister brand, IMG Tennis Management, currently represents Eala, further highlighting the organization’s connection to Filipino athletes seeking opportunities on the global stage.


    While training in Florida will provide Lazaro with access to world-class facilities and competition, he will continue his commitments in the Philippines. The young pitcher remains a member of the Ateneo Blue Eagles baseball program and will travel between the Philippines and the United States as he balances his education and athletic development.


    Currently a Grade 8 student at Ateneo, Lazaro also serves as team captain of the school’s Baseball Pony Division, where he continues to build his leadership skills alongside his growth as a player.


    With his selection to IMG Academy, Lazaro becomes one of the brightest young prospects in Philippine baseball. His journey represents not only a personal ambition but also a significant opportunity for the sport in the country, as he aims to inspire the next generation of Filipino baseball players and potentially break new ground on the international stage.

     

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  • Carles Cuadrat trusts young Philippine squad ahead of ASEAN Hyundai Cup opener

    Carles Cuadrat trusts young Philippine squad ahead of ASEAN Hyundai Cup opener

    The Philippine men’s national football team is set to begin its ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 campaign on Tuesday, July 28, as the Young Azkals take on Myanmar in their Group B opener at New Clark City.

     

    Led by Spanish head coach Carles Cuadrat, the Philippines enters the regional tournament with renewed optimism after an encouraging run of performances in recent months. Although the squad features several promising young talents, Cuadrat believes his players are ready to embrace the challenge of competing against some of Southeast Asia’s strongest football nations.

     

    The Philippines heads into the tournament after recording an emphatic 5-1 victory over Myanmar in an international friendly in June. However, Cuadrat insists that result offers little advantage heading into Tuesday’s encounter, particularly with Myanmar now under the guidance of new head coach Jorn Andersen.

     

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    Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Cuadrat acknowledged that Myanmar has undergone tactical changes under its new manager but noted that much of the squad remains familiar to his coaching staff.

     

    “We have analysed the opposition. Myanmar’s new coach has introduced some different ideas, but the core group of players is quite similar to the team we faced previously. We can therefore draw on that experience,” Cuadrat said.

     

    While confident in his team’s preparations, the former FC Barcelona assistant highlighted that this Philippine squad is even younger than the one that competed in the recent Tri-Nations Tournament.

    “We will field an even younger team than the one that played in the Tri-Nations tournament. At that time, we had experienced players such as Randy Schneider and Patrick Reichelt helping the group,” he said.

     

    The youthful composition of the squad is one of the defining features of the Philippines’ campaign, with Cuadrat revealing that only two players on the roster are over the age of 30.

     

    “We now have only two players over the age of 30, while the rest of the squad is very young. It will be a good test for us. The players have trained very well and understand the ideas we want to implement on the pitch. We hope to produce a good performance,” he added.

     

    Despite the inexperience of several members of the squad, Cuadrat believes the team’s energy, discipline, and willingness to learn can help offset the lack of veteran presence as the Philippines seeks a positive start to the competition.

     

    The Philippines and Myanmar share a long-standing rivalry in Southeast Asian football, having met nine times over the history of the regional championship. Their most recent meeting in the tournament came in 2024 and ended in a draw, while the June friendly demonstrated the attacking quality the Filipinos are capable of producing. Nevertheless, Cuadrat expects a much tougher challenge this time around given Myanmar’s tactical evolution under Andersen.

     

    The opening fixture could prove crucial in shaping the Philippines’ hopes of advancing from a highly competitive Group B, which also features regional heavyweights Thailand and Malaysia, as well as Laos. Every point will be valuable in the race for a place in the knockout stage, making a winning start all the more important.

     

    For the Young Azkals, the ASEAN Hyundai Cup represents another opportunity to continue the development of a new generation of Filipino footballers while competing against the region’s best. 

     

    With a youthful squad eager to make its mark and a coach confident in the team’s preparation, the Philippines will be aiming to open its campaign with a statement victory before turning its attention to the remaining group-stage fixtures.

     

     

     

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  • San Miguel coach Leo Austria reveals angioplasty after health scare, eyes PBA return

    San Miguel coach Leo Austria reveals angioplasty after health scare, eyes PBA return

    Despite navigating the early stages of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup without longtime head coach Leo Austria on the sidelines, the San Miguel Beermen have managed to establish themselves as one of the tournament’s early contenders.

     

    The Beermen have opened their campaign with a 3-1 record, placing second in Group A after four games. Their impressive start, however, has come amid the absence of Austria, who has been recovering from a recent heart procedure that temporarily forced him away from coaching duties.

     

    Austria made his first public appearance since undergoing treatment during San Miguel’s 110-96 loss to the NLEX Road Warriors at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, July 26. Although he was not on the bench, the 68-year-old coach watched the game from the stands before speaking to members of the media about the health scare that sidelined him for the opening stretch of the conference.

     

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    The decorated mentor revealed that the issue was discovered during a routine medical examination required for the renewal of his Games and Amusements Board (GAB) coaching license.

     

    “We had a medical check-up to comply with the renewal of our GAB licenses. The results showed that there was something wrong with my ECG. A week later, we got the results, and I immediately showed them to my cardiologists, Dr. Tony Leachon and Dr. Rommel Galvez,” Austria said.

     

    His doctors subsequently recommended additional tests, including a stress test, after detecting irregularities in his initial results.

    “He told me I had to undergo a stress test to determine the condition of my heart. After the scan, they found something abnormal. To confirm everything, I had to undergo an angiogram, and that’s when they confirmed that my arteries were blocked,” Austria explained.

     

    Following the diagnosis, Austria underwent an angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure performed to restore blood flow by opening blocked coronary arteries. He was discharged from the hospital on July 9 and has since been focusing on his recovery while closely monitoring his condition.

     

    Austria admitted that he initially hoped to return to the sidelines in time for San Miguel’s season opener. However, team governor Robert Non—who previously underwent the same procedure—urged him to prioritize his health before making his comeback.

     

    “For the first game, I thought I was already going to coach. Fortunately, Boss Robert was there and told me, ‘No, no, you have to take a rest,’ because he had gone through the same angioplasty. It’s not an easy procedure. I’m very thankful to him and coach Al Chua for giving me time to recover. I’m so grateful to them,” Austria said.

     

    While Austria has remained away from the bench, the Beermen have continued to perform at a high level under the guidance of the coaching staff, collecting three victories in their first four assignments before suffering their first defeat against the Road Warriors. The team’s strong start has allowed San Miguel to remain firmly in the hunt near the top of the Group A standings despite the absence of one of the league’s most accomplished coaches.

     

    Austria, who has guided the Beermen to 11 PBA championships during his illustrious coaching career, expressed confidence that his return is only a matter of time. Although he declined to provide a definitive timetable, he believes he will be back on the sidelines once he fully adjusts to the medication prescribed following the procedure and regains full strength.

     

    “It’s only a matter of a few more games before I return to coaching. Bypass surgery is much more difficult. That’s why I’m confident I can come back. It’s just a matter of time. I just need to make sure I return at 100 percent,” Austria said.

     

    For San Miguel, Austria’s recovery remains the top priority. With the Beermen continuing to deliver positive results in his absence, the organization has afforded its veteran tactician the time and support needed to make a complete recovery before resuming his coaching responsibilities. Should the team’s early form continue, Austria could soon return to a squad well-positioned to challenge for yet another Governors’ Cup title.

     

     

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  • LeBron James joins Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8M deal in stunning NBA move

    LeBron James joins Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8M deal in stunning NBA move

    In one of the biggest NBA free agency moves in recent memory, four-time NBA champion LeBron James is set to begin the next chapter of his legendary career after deciding to join the Philadelphia 76ers.

     

    The 41-year-old superstar announced his decision after weeks of speculation surrounding his future, with several contenders—including the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and his former teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers—linked to a possible move. James ultimately chose Philadelphia, believing the 76ers give him the best opportunity to continue competing for another championship.

     

    NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN first reported the agreement, revealing that James would sign a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option through Klutch Sports Group and Klutch CEO Rich Paul. 

     

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    After initially considering retirement following the conclusion of the previous NBA season, James admitted that he needed time away from the game to determine whether he still had the desire to compete at the highest level.

     

    “I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game,” James wrote in a statement on X.

     

    “I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and decide if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give,” he added.

    James explained that his decision was not motivated by financial considerations, but rather by his continued passion for basketball and his desire to chase another championship before eventually walking away from the sport.

     

    “The last few weeks have really been special. I have never been able to have no clue what to do and take real time to just think,” James said.

     

    “What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship,” he continued.

     

    The move to Philadelphia represents the fourth franchise of James’ historic NBA career, following previous stops with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers.

     

    James believes he can help the 76ers become legitimate championship contenders and expressed excitement about bringing his experience and leadership to a new organization.

    “I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time,” James wrote.

     

    “Thank you LA. Miami I will forever love and Northeast Ohio will always be home!” he added.

     

    Despite entering the twilight stages of his career, James has continued to perform at an elite level. Last season with the Lakers, he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game across 60 appearances, proving that he remains one of the league’s most impactful players.

     

    Now joining a Philadelphia squad built around championship aspirations, James will look to add another title to his already historic resume while attempting to further cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

     

    With another season ahead and a new challenge awaiting, James remains focused on the same goal that has defined his career: competing, winning, and chasing another championship.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone calls out Barangay Ginebra’s “really poor effort” after Rain or Shine loss

    Tim Cone calls out Barangay Ginebra’s “really poor effort” after Rain or Shine loss

    The struggles of reigning Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) champions Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the 2026 Governors’ Cup deepened on Sunday night after another disappointing performance saw them fall to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 99-110, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The defeat marked another setback for the league powerhouse, which has yet to find its rhythm early in the conference. After entering the Governors’ Cup with championship expectations, Barangay Ginebra has instead found itself searching for consistency, now sitting at 1-2 in the standings.

     

    Rain or Shine controlled much of the contest behind standout performances from Aaron Fuller and Caelan Tiongson. Fuller led all scorers with 37 points, while Tiongson added 21 points to help the Elasto Painters secure a statement victory against one of the PBA’s most decorated franchises.

     

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    For Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, the loss was particularly frustrating—not because of execution alone, but because of what he felt was a lack of effort and intensity from his players.

     

    Cone expressed his disappointment during the postgame press conference, saying his team was simply outworked by Rain or Shine in every aspect of the game.

     

    “I’m disappointed with our effort tonight. Really, really, really poor effort. It was the worst we have had in a long time. Rain or Shine outhustled us in all departments tonight, and they had a greater sense of urgency,” Cone said.

    The numbers reflected Cone’s concerns. Barangay Ginebra struggled with ball security throughout the game, committing 21 turnovers, while also losing the rebounding battle, 46-37. The Gin Kings were also dominated inside, getting outscored in the paint, 52-22, as Rain or Shine consistently found ways to attack their defense.

     

    Beyond the statistics, Cone stressed that the bigger issue was the team’s inability to match the hunger and intensity displayed by the Elasto Painters.

     

    The veteran tactician also acknowledged that a possible championship hangover may have contributed to Barangay Ginebra’s slow start. Coming off another title run, Cone admitted that maintaining the same level of focus and motivation can sometimes become a challenge for teams that have recently reached the top.

     

    “Sometimes, coming off a championship, it’s tough to get guys going. Somehow, I’m gonna have to light a fire under our players, especially our key guys,” Cone said.

     

    Despite the team’s early struggles, Cone remained confident that Barangay Ginebra can turn things around. He pointed to the squad’s history of overcoming adversity and believes the players will eventually rediscover the level of commitment needed to compete for another championship.

     

    The coach also defended new import Riley Grigsby, who has carried much of the offensive responsibility early in the conference. While acknowledging Grigsby’s contributions, Cone emphasized that the rest of the lineup must provide more support if the Gin Kings want to remain in the title race.

     

    “Riley’s doing enough for us to win, but everybody else needs to contribute at this point. They will probably be more on the horizon at this point, but eventually, we will figure it out. Generally, we always do, but again, it’s like pulling teeth trying to get our guys focused and locked in on what we do and to play hard,” Cone said.

     

    With the Governors’ Cup still in its early stages, Barangay Ginebra has plenty of time to recover, but Cone knows improvements must come quickly as the competition continues to intensify.

     

    The Gin Kings will look to end their slump and return to the win column when they face the Meralco Bolts on Friday, July 31, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

     

     

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  • PSC confirms 100-day renovation plan for Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium

    PSC confirms 100-day renovation plan for Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium

    The Philippines’ growing presence in Southeast Asian baseball has sparked renewed calls for greater investment, development, and promotion of the sport, with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) taking steps to provide the game with a facility capable of matching the country’s ambitions.


    PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio confirmed that a major renovation project for the historic Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium is already underway, with the goal of transforming the iconic venue into an international-standard facility. During a media interaction on Sunday, July 26, Gregorio said the stadium’s complete “facelift” and “renovation” remains on schedule for completion by the end of October.

     

    First opened to the public in 1934, the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium has long served as one of the most important venues in Philippine baseball history. The PSC now hopes to restore the facility to its former glory while equipping it with modern amenities that can support the continued growth of the sport.

     

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    The renovation project is expected to include a retrofitted 10,000-seat grandstand, an international-grade artificial turf surface, and a digital scoreboard installed on the stadium’s iconic outfield wall. These upgrades are designed to bring the venue closer to global standards and provide Filipino athletes with a facility capable of hosting major international competitions.


    “Our objective is to finish the facelift in 100 days and bring the stadium to global standards. This is about giving Filipino baseball a true home worthy of its history and future,” Gregorio said.


    The timing of the renovation comes as Philippine baseball continues to gain momentum in the region. The national team has shown significant progress against some of Asia’s strongest programs, including Japan, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei, while the country’s performances have highlighted the potential of Filipino players when given the right resources and opportunities.

    Once completed, the upgraded Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium is expected to host the East Asia Cup from November 26 to December 6. The tournament will be organized by the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA) and presented by the PSC, marking a significant milestone for the country’s baseball development efforts.


    PABA secretary-general Mike Asuncion believes the revamped facility can serve as a catalyst for the sport’s continued growth and provide Filipino players with a stage to showcase their abilities.


    “This renovation is a turning point for Philippine baseball. Hosting the East Asia Cup in a world-class stadium will inspire our athletes and show the region that we are serious about competing at the highest level,” Asuncion said.


    For Philippine national baseball coach Orlando Binarao, the renovation addresses one of the biggest challenges facing the country’s baseball program: the lack of proper facilities and resources despite the abundance of local talent.


    Binarao emphasized that Filipino players have the ability to compete against the region’s top teams but need stronger support systems, including better training facilities, equipment, and long-term development programs.


    “I believe the renovation of the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium will help us finally see a Filipino baseball player compete professionally at the international level. We have very good players. If we have the facilities, equipment, support and a good program, our team will be really successful,” Binarao said.


    The national team coach also pointed to the competitiveness of previous encounters against baseball powerhouses in Asia, noting that the Philippines has already shown it can challenge established programs.


    “Our previous games against Japan, Korea, and Taipei could have gone either way because the scores were very close. The goal now is to beat them. The renovation of the baseball stadium is a really big help for us to accomplish our goals,” he added.


    With the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium undergoing a significant transformation, Philippine baseball hopes to enter a new era—one built on improved infrastructure, stronger grassroots development, and increased opportunities for Filipino athletes to compete on the international stage.

     

     

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  • Bong Go files Senate resolution honoring Joshua Pacio after successful ONE strawweight title defense

    Bong Go files Senate resolution honoring Joshua Pacio after successful ONE strawweight title defense

    Joshua Pacio’s impressive reign atop the ONE Championship strawweight division continues to earn recognition both inside and outside the cage.

     

    Fresh off a dominant title defense at ONE Friday Fights 121: Inner Circle 21, the reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion received praise from Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who filed Senate Resolution No. 528 commending the Filipino mixed martial artist for another successful defense of his world title.

     

    Pacio retained his championship in emphatic fashion after submitting previously once-beaten Russian contender Mansur Malachiev via first-round rear-naked choke at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday, July 10.

     

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    Facing one of the division’s most dangerous challengers, the Team Lakay standout showcased the evolution of his all-around game by neutralizing Malachiev’s vaunted wrestling before securing the fight-ending submission. The victory further solidified Pacio’s place among the greatest Filipino mixed martial artists and reinforced his grip on the ONE Championship strawweight crown.

     

    The performance also caught the attention of Go, who hailed Pacio’s achievement as another shining example of Filipino excellence on the international stage.

    “Joshua Pacio’s victory is yet another proof that Filipino athletes can compete and prevail at the highest level of international competition. His dedication, discipline, and love for the country truly inspire our countrymen,” Go said.

     

    “It was not an easy fight against an undefeated opponent. But Joshua showed his skill, courage, and determination to bring home victory for our country once again. He deserves to be recognized for his unique achievement,” he added.

     

    As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go reiterated his commitment to supporting Filipino athletes through initiatives aimed at strengthening sports development and creating more opportunities for local talents to succeed on the global stage.

     

    “We will continue to support our athletes through programs that will strengthen sports development in the country. We believe that if we care for and support our athletes, we will achieve more success in various international competitions,” Go said.

     

    Go also pointed to the country’s recent success in major international competitions as evidence of the continued growth of Philippine sports, highlighting Hidilyn Diaz’s historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and Carlos Yulo’s two-gold performance at the Paris Olympics as milestones that have inspired a new generation of Filipino athletes.

     

    Pacio’s latest triumph adds another chapter to the Philippines’ growing list of international sporting achievements. With another successful title defense under his belt, the 30-year-old continues to establish himself as one of the country’s premier combat sports athletes while keeping the ONE Championship strawweight title firmly in Filipino hands.

     

    “Congratulations, Joshua Pacio. The Filipino people are proud of you. Thank you very much for your dedication and for the honor you brought home for our country once again. Long live you and long live the Filipino athlete!” Go concluded.

     

    This version adopts a cleaner sports-writing style by leading with Pacio’s achievement, reducing repetitive praise, improving transitions, and positioning the Senate resolution as the news development rather than the primary focus.

     

     

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  • UAAP standout Detdet Pepito relishes PVL debut despite Capital1’s loss to Nxled

    UAAP standout Detdet Pepito relishes PVL debut despite Capital1’s loss to Nxled

    Capital1 Solar Spikers rookie Detdet Pepito may not have celebrated her professional debut with a victory, but the highly touted libero walked away from her first Premier Volleyball League (PVL) match with valuable lessons and even greater motivation.

     

    The Solar Spikers opened their 2026 PVL On Tour campaign on a disappointing note after suffering a straight-set defeat to the Nxled Chameleons, 25-17, 25-23, 25-18. Despite showing flashes of competitiveness—particularly in the second set—Capital1 struggled to match Nxled’s consistency and execution as the Chameleons completed a convincing sweep.

     

    For Pepito, however, the match represented the realization of a long-awaited dream.

     

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    After establishing herself as one of the most decorated collegiate players in recent memory, the two-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Most Valuable Player officially made the leap to the professional ranks. Although the 23-year-old admitted that nerves and physical discomfort affected her performance, she remained encouraged by how she handled the moment.

     

    “I think it wasn’t bad. As a rookie, there were definitely nerves and excitement, but I think I handled it pretty well. I just need to figure out how to deal with the cramps I have been getting every game. We will try to find a solution,” Pepito said during the postmatch press conference.

     

    The transition from collegiate volleyball to the PVL often presents a significant challenge for young players, with the faster pace, stronger competition, and higher expectations demanding quick adjustments. Yet Pepito believes the transition has been made considerably easier by the welcoming environment within the Capital1 camp.

    Rather than feeling intimidated by the jump to the professional level, the former collegiate standout said the team’s veteran players and coaching staff have helped her settle in comfortably.

     

    “I don’t think much has changed. I can still help push my teammates, and they also push me to be better. As a rookie, it’s actually exciting because I’m learning so much from the veterans. Everyone made it so easy to fit in. They were all easy to get along with, and they never made us feel like rookies. In fact, they treated us so well that it almost felt like I had been with the team for a long time. I’m just really thankful to the veterans for making us feel so welcome from day one,” she added.

     

    Pepito arrived in the PVL carrying lofty expectations after a stellar collegiate career that established her as one of the country’s premier liberos. While her professional debut ended in defeat, the young defensive specialist believes the experience will only accelerate her growth as she adjusts to the demands of the professional game.

     

    Beyond the result, Pepito was also overwhelmed by the reception she received from the fans, particularly the Ilocano crowd that packed the venue. Known primarily for her defensive brilliance rather than scoring, the rookie admitted she never expected to hear her name cheered so loudly during her first PVL appearance.

     

    “I was actually surprised that so many people were cheering for me. I never expected to be recognized like that as a libero. It feels great, and I hope it inspires future players to see that liberos can make a big impact and perform at a high level,” Pepito said.

     

    Her comments underscored the growing appreciation for defensive specialists in Philippine volleyball, where liberos have increasingly become fan favorites because of their hustle, consistency, and ability to anchor a team’s floor defense.

     

    Although Capital1 left its conference opener empty-handed, the Solar Spikers remain focused on bouncing back as they continue building chemistry with a roster featuring several newcomers. Pepito, for her part, is determined to keep learning from every match while overcoming the physical challenges that surfaced in her debut.

     

    The Solar Spikers will look to notch their first victory of the conference when they face perennial contenders Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, August 8, at the City of Santiago, with Pepito hoping to build on the positives from her professional debut and help steer Capital1 toward its first win of the campaign.

     

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