Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Brenn Flores

  • TNT signs stable San Beda big man Joe Celzo

    TNT signs stable San Beda big man Joe Celzo

    The TNT Tropang 5G have officially added rookie forward Joe Celzo to their active roster as the team continues to fortify its frontcourt options for the rest of the league’s 50th season.

     

    Celzo, a 6-foot-4 power forward and the most recent draft selection of TNT in the fourth round (No. 46 overall) of the PBA Season 50 Draft, has arrived in camp and is already participating in team practices and scrimmages under the supervision of TNT’s coaching staff. 

     

    According to TNT deputy coach Yuri Escueta, who also coached Celzo during his collegiate career with the San Beda Red Lions, the rookie has agreed to terms and is now under contract with the franchise. 

     

    Celzo’s signing comes as TNT looks to strengthen its interior rotation and provide additional versatility in its frontcourt mix, a unit that has faced inconsistency at times during the Philippine Cup. 

     

    The Tropang 5G currently sit among the playoff contenders, and management hopes that having more bodies to contribute will pay dividends over the course of a demanding campaign. 

     

    However, Celzo was not included in TNT’s 15-man lineup for the Philippine Cup playoffs after arriving just beyond the deadline for roster submission.

     

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    Escueta said the timing simply did not allow TNT to adjust its submitted roster, but the team remains optimistic the young forward will be eligible for action in the next conference. 

     

    Even with the exclusion from the playoff roster, Celzo has been practicing with the team throughout the ongoing series and has already seen limited action in tune-up scenarios, including during game warmups and intra-squad work. 

     

    TNT defeated the Meralco Bolts, 100–95, in the quarterfinals opener after rallying from a big early deficit

     

    The San Beda product joins a growing list of Red Lions alumni now navigating the ranks of the PBA. 

     

    Celzo’s former teammates, Yukien Andrada and Bryan Sajonia, were also selected in the recent draft, with Andrada going in the first round to Magnolia Hotshots and Sajonia taken in the fourth by Northport/Titan Ultra.

     

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  • Filipino-American Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe stages free youth camp in PH, visits Rizal Memorial

    Filipino-American Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe stages free youth camp in PH, visits Rizal Memorial

     

    New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe has finally made his first visit to the Philippines, giving back to the Filipino baseball community and acknowledging the history found at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

     

    Initially a personal trip for a family member’s wedding, Volpe’s visit became even more significant after he staged a baseball youth camp at the Felino Marcelino Sr. Baseball Stadium, where he taught aspiring Filipino baseball players free of charge.

     

    Volpe’s mother, Isabelle, was born and raised in the Philippines before marrying his Italian father, Michael.

     

    The young Yankees star gave his reason for staging the free camp was to teach the next generation of baseball players to work harder for their dreams.

     

    “My whole childhood, there was a lot of support and a lot of my family around, so you get exposed to that. But now to be here, from all the stories they tell and where they grew up, to actually see it and be in it, it’s really special,” Volpe said.

     

    “It really puts everything in perspective. I always say I was just like them, I had a dream, and I had people to look up to. I just want to have fun, keep playing, and work really, really hard. I’m sure you can accomplish everything you want to do,” he added.

     

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    Volpe was helped by his Filipino family members and hinted at conducting more in the future.

     

    “My ninangs helped a lot, but it’s definitely special to do something like this. We’re already talking about doing this as much as we can,” he said.

     

    While in the Philippines, the Gold Glove winner also visited the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, where baseball legend and fellow Yankee Babe Ruth once played.

     

    Volpe will stay in the country until January 7, before going back to New York in time for Spring Training preparations with the Yankees.

     

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  • Alex Eala to compete in Kooyong Classic, ASB Classic before Australian Open

    Alex Eala to compete in Kooyong Classic, ASB Classic before Australian Open

    Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is set to begin her 2026 season with a series of high‑profile events as part of her build‑up to the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year. 

     

    The 20‑year‑old will compete in the Kooyong Classic, an esteemed exhibition event in Australia, as well as the ASB Classic in New Zealand in early January.

     

    Eala’s participation in these tournaments marks a continuation of her rise on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour.

     

    The Kooyong Classic, held from January 13 to 15 at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club in Melbourne, will give her competitive match play against seasoned professionals in the lead‑up to Melbourne Park.

     

    Before heading to Melbourne, Eala will open her season at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, a WTA 250 event scheduled from January 5 to 11. 

     

    In 2025, she became the highest‑ranked Filipino player in WTA history, cracking the Top 50 and turning heads with notable performances at several tour stops. 

     

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    The ASB Classic will provide Eala with valuable opportunities to fine‑tune her game under pressure. As a WTA 250 event, it features a mix of established veterans and rising stars, giving the Filipina ace a diverse set of challenges on the hard courts of Auckland. 

     

    Success here could set a positive tone for her Australian Open campaign, where she aims to improve on previous Grand Slam outings.

     

    Following the ASB Classic, Eala’s itinerary takes her to Melbourne for the Kooyong Classic. Unlike a traditional tour event, Kooyong functions as an exhibition that still offers competitive play against seasoned professionals and former top‑ranked players.

     

    For a young competitor like Eala, the event provides both a high‑quality match experience and the chance to adapt to Australian conditions ahead of Slams.

     

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  • ‘I didn’t get the job done’ – Juan Gomez de Liano laments Converge’s quarterfinals exit to Ginebra

    ‘I didn’t get the job done’ – Juan Gomez de Liano laments Converge’s quarterfinals exit to Ginebra

    Converge FiberXers rookie Juan Gomez de Liano candidly acknowledged his frustration after the team’s heartbreaking defeat to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals.

     

    Converge entered the do‑or‑die clash at the Smart Araneta Coliseum holding a twice‑to‑beat advantage but saw that edge slip away after an unpredictable series. 

     

    Despite controlling much of the final game, the seasoned Ginebra side forced overtime and ultimately prevailed on Stephen Holt’s buzzer‑beating triple.

     

    Gomez de Liano, the No. 2 overall pick in the rookie draft, was one of Converge’s most consistent performers throughout the conference.

     

    In the decisive game, he scored 25 points and hauled in five rebounds, asserting himself as a central figure on both ends of the floor. But despite his strong showing, the young guard admitted he wished he could have done more in the clutch.

     

    “Of course, bitin. I didn’t get the job done,” Gomez de Liano said. 

     

    “My main goal was to help the team go past the next round. I feel like ever since Converge joined the PBA, they had a difficult time going past the quarterfinals. Now, we had the best chance especially we had the twice-to-beat. So pretty much sobrang bitin for me,” he said.

     

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    Converge appeared in control late in overtime when Gomez de Liano nailed a critical four‑point play with just over a minute remaining, pushing his team ahead. However, Ginebra clawed back behind timely shots from Troy Rosario and, ultimately, Holt’s deep triple that stunned the crowd and ended Converge’s season.

     

    The loss was especially difficult for Gomez de Liano, given Converge’s franchise history. 

     

    Since joining the league in 2022, the team has repeatedly fallen short in the quarterfinals, and this season’s twice‑to‑beat slip was a bitter twist for fans and players alike. 

     

    Despite the disappointing finish, the overall performance of Gomez de Liano and the youthful Converge squad has drawn praise from analysts, who view his emergence as a cornerstone for the franchise’s long‑term aspirations.

     

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  • Terrafirma set to sign Geo Chiu to max rookie deal

    Terrafirma set to sign Geo Chiu to max rookie deal

    The Terrafirma Dyip have secured a three-year maximum contract with Geo Chiu, the top overall pick from the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft.

     

    Spin.PH first reported that the deal is a “done deal” and that Chiu’s formal signing and presentation will take place within the next few days.

     

    Chiu represents the Dyip’s most significant investment in recent years. 

     

    Selected No. 1 overall in the draft after a standout amateur and semi-professional run, Chiu brings much-needed size and length to a Terrafirma roster that recently finished with a 1-10 win-loss record in the Philippine Cup.

     

    Before entering the PBA, Chiu had an eclectic basketball journey that included playing collegiately for Ateneo de Manila University and stints overseas, including time in Japan’s B.League Division 2 and with the Taiwan Mustangs. 

     

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    His experience against international competition and his physical tools helped elevate his stock leading up to draft night.

     

    Terrafirma’s decision to commit to a maximum deal signals confidence in Chiu’s potential to develop into a franchise cornerstone. While some analysts and fans have questioned whether the big man is worthy of No. 1 billing based on his statistical production, his combination of size, mobility, and basketball IQ are seen as a strong foundation to build around.

     

    The three-year contract aligns Chiu with Terrafirma through the early stages of the Dyip’s rebuilding efforts.

     

    As part of his transition to the PBA, Chiu will be expected to compete immediately for minutes in Terrafirma’s frontcourt rotation. The Dyip have historically lacked size and interior presence, and Chiu’s arrival offers a rare opportunity to compete physically against bigger frontlines in the league

     

    Terrafirma head coach and management have yet to outline their full plans for Chiu’s development, but early indications suggest they are prepared to provide him with meaningful playing time and a clear role as part of the club’s long-term vision.

     

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  • NBA Injury Report: Victor Wembanyama avoids major injury

    NBA Injury Report: Victor Wembanyama avoids major injury

    San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama suffered a left knee injury Thursday night but has avoided serious damage, the team confirmed. 

     

    The 21-year-old All-Star exited San Antonio’s 134-132 win over the New York Knicks after hyperextending his left knee late in the fourth quarter and will miss at least Friday’s game against the Indiana Pacers.

     

    Wembanyama was injured with just over 10 minutes remaining while chasing an offensive rebound against Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns. 

     

    Replays showed the French big man landed awkwardly, causing his left knee to hyperextend, and he immediately signaled for help before limping to the Spurs’ locker room.

     

    Team officials described Wembanyama’s condition as a mild hyperextension and listed his status as day-to-day, meaning no long-term structural injury was detected.

     

    Despite the scare, Wembanyama briefly returned to the bench later in the game, visible without a limp as the Spurs rallied to secure the narrow victory.

     

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    Before his exit, he had already delivered an All-Star performance with 31 points and 13 rebounds in just 24 minutes of play.

     

    Wembanyama himself downplayed the injury in postgame comments, describing it as “just a hyperextension” and expressing confidence in a quick return. He noted that, while his body felt sore, he was optimistic about being available in San Antonio’s next game.

     

    The setback comes amid a strong season for the young superstar as Wembanyama has been a driving force for the Spurs, averaging stellar numbers and anchoring both ends of the floor. 

     

    San Antonio announced that Wembanyama will remain in San Antonio to continue rehabilitation and will not travel with the team for their next game against the Indiana Pacers, a move aimed at closely monitoring his knee and ensuring he is fully ready for upcoming matchups.

     

    As the Spurs prepare for a stretch of games without their All-Star, the coaching staff is expected to lean more heavily on role players to fill the production gap – just like they did early in the season when Wembanyama was suffering from a calf injury.

     

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  • PBA veteran Vic Manuel says title only a matter of time for up-and-coming Converge

    PBA veteran Vic Manuel says title only a matter of time for up-and-coming Converge

    Veteran forward Vic Manuel is bullish on the future of the Converge FiberXers despite the team’s heartbreaking exit from the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the hands of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

    Converge saw its bid for a first-ever semifinal appearance slip away dramatically with Stephen Holt’s buzzer-beating triple lifting Ginebra to a 99–98 overtime victory that ended the FiberXers’ season. 

    The loss came after Converge squandered a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinal round, including a lopsided 105–85 defeat in Game 1 of the matchup.

     

    Despite the crushing finish, Manuel believes the combination of youth and size on Converge’s roster will pay dividends in future campaigns. 

     

    Manuel, who returned to PBA action late in the season on a short-term deal with Converge, said he was impressed by how the team’s twin towers, Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar, along with rookie Juan Gomez de Liano, have emerged as foundational pieces. 

     

    “May future ‘yung team,” Manuel said. “Sobrang talented nila, ang lalaki. Nanlilit ako sa team na ito lalo na sa mga big guys. Ang lalaki lahat, halos 6-6 pataas. Ako lang yung pinakamaliit na big man dito.”

     

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    He noted that their size and skill blend give the FiberXers distinct advantages, especially in physical matchups against more experienced teams.

     

    The timing of his signing was strategic, coming just before the playoffs, but his contract ends with the conference, and Converge has yet to announce whether he will return.

     

    For now, Converge will regroup in the offseason, armed with a roster that Manuel believes has the talent and physical tools to eventually compete for championships, potentially sooner rather than later. 

     

    “Tingin ko naman kaya. “Bago naman ako dumating dito lumalaban na ito e,” he said.

     

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  • Newly naturalized Benny Boatwright released by Taipei Fubon Braves

    Newly naturalized Benny Boatwright released by Taipei Fubon Braves

    Bennie Boatwright, one of the leading candidates for Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized player spot, has been released by the Taipei Fubon Braves, the Taiwanese club announced.

     

    The Braves confirmed that both sides mutually agreed to part ways, ending Boatwright’s stint with the team midway through the season. 

     

    Boatwright joined Taipei Fubon earlier this year after initially signing a tryout contract, quickly making an impression in international play. 

     

    He delivered a strong debut in the East Asia Super League (EASL), finishing with 21 points highlighted by five three-point conversions, a performance that helped earn him a full roster spot with the Braves.

    In P.League+ action, Boatwright appeared in four games and averaged 10.3 points and 5.3 rebounds, providing floor spacing and frontcourt depth for the Braves. Despite showing flashes of his offensive versatility, his role remained limited as the team continued to adjust its import rotation.

     

    The former USC standout’s release has drawn attention in the Philippines, where he has been closely monitored as a potential naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas. 

     

    Boatwright has been on the radar of national team stakeholders due to his size, shooting ability, and familiarity with international competition, qualities seen as a strong fit for the Philippines’ system.

     

    Boatwright previously expressed openness to representing the Philippines if given the opportunity, and his name has been mentioned in discussions involving future FIBA tournaments, including Asian competitions where a naturalized big man is often a key component of the national team lineup. 

     

    His availability following the split with Taipei Fubon could potentially keep him in contention for Gilas duties, as it opens the door for him to sign with another overseas club or even explore opportunities in leagues with strong ties to Philippine basketball.

     

    For now, Boatwright remains a free agent, with his next move likely to play a significant role in shaping both his professional career and his chances of eventually suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas on the international stage.

     

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