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Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

  • Alex Eala faces familiar test as she takes on Alina Charaeva in Birmingham Round of 16

    Alex Eala faces familiar test as she takes on Alina Charaeva in Birmingham Round of 16

    Alex Eala’s grass-court campaign in Birmingham is quickly turning into a test of both form and familiarity.


    The top-seeded Filipina moves into the Round of 16 of the WTA 125 Birmingham Open, where she will once again cross paths with Russia’s Alina Charaeva in a matchup that brings their history and unfinished business.

     

    Their rivalry has already swung both ways. Eala defeated Charaeva earlier this year at the Philippine Women’s Open in January, producing a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory in front of a home crowd in Manila. 

     

    But the Russian holds her own win in their head-to-head, having beaten Eala on the ITF circuit back in 2020, leaving the pair locked at 1-1 entering their latest meeting.

     

    Both players arrive in strong form. Charaeva, 24, opened her Birmingham campaign with a convincing 6-3, 6-1 win and also arrives with recent silverware after capturing her maiden WTA 125 title in Midland earlier this year. 

     

    Eala, meanwhile, has already made her mark on the surface this week, dismantling Australia’s Priscilla Hon 6-0, 6-2 in her opener.

     

    “I think it was a great match,” she said.

     

    “I put in a good performance as well, especially with it being my first match on grass. I’m really happy. Priscilla is a great player, so this is definitely a good feeling.”

     

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    The matchup also carries a subtle parallel in their recent trajectories. Charaeva lifted her first WTA 125 trophy in Midland earlier this season, while Eala secured her own breakthrough at that level with a title run in Guadalajara last September—two rising players steadily pushing into more consistent WTA contention.

     

    Eala’s progress on grass has also been a storyline of its own. Last year, she enjoyed a breakout run on the surface, highlighted by a finals appearance at the Eastbourne Open, her first WTA 250 final during a standout 2025 campaign. 

     

    That momentum, however, has been harder to replicate this season, with the 20-year-old still searching for a major breakthrough in 2026.

     

    Now, with a place in the quarterfinals on the line, Eala enters another familiar test—not just against Charaeva, but against the expectation that her next step forward could come on a surface where she has already shown she can thrive.

     

    The Round of 16 clash is set for Thursday, with match time still to be announced.

     

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  • New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs bring different paths to long-awaited NBA Finals showdown 

    New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs bring different paths to long-awaited NBA Finals showdown 

    The New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs are set to open the 2026 NBA Finals on Thursday (PHT), with both teams arriving at the championship round through vastly different paths but sharing the same goal of ending lengthy waits for NBA glory.


    For New York, the Finals represent the culmination of a dominant postseason run. The Knicks have not lost since falling behind 2-1 against the Atlanta Hawks in the opening round and enter the series riding an 11-game winning streak. 

     

    Their reward is a return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999—the same year they last faced the Spurs. New York is also seeking its first NBA championship since 1973, ending a 53-year title drought.

     

    The Spurs, meanwhile, arrive with unfinished business. San Antonio will look to avenge its 124-113 defeat to New York in the NBA Cup championship game last December, although the two teams split their regular-season meetings with each winning on its home floor.

     

    Knicks veteran Josh Hart said the team’s approach has remained consistent despite the stakes.

    “The attention to detail and approach is really the same because I think we truly believe we’ve been building championship habits since October,” Hart said.

     

    While New York enjoyed extra rest after cruising through the Eastern Conference Finals, San Antonio had to survive one final battle before reaching the championship round.

     

    The Spurs needed seven games to eliminate defending champion Oklahoma City in the Western Conference Finals, capped by a 111-103 victory in the winner-take-all Game 7. The emotional series tested one of the league’s youngest teams and further highlighted the emergence of Victor Wembanyama as one of the NBA’s premier stars.

     

    “It was a feel-good win for us. It’s hard to flush that out of the back of your mind,” Spurs guard Stephon Castle said.

     

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    “We understand we can’t get complacent or satisfied with that. We still have a job. Come game time, we’ll be ready.”

     

    The Knicks enter the Finals with momentum on their side after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Jalen Brunson was unanimously named Eastern Conference Finals MVP after averaging 25.5 points and 7.8 assists per game in the series, while Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart provided the depth that has made New York one of the postseason’s most complete teams.

     

    San Antonio’s title hopes, meanwhile, revolve around Wembanyama, whose dominant two-way play has fueled the franchise’s rapid rise back to contention. The Spurs have also received major contributions from Castle, Devin Vassell, and veteran guard De’Aaron Fox, giving the team a balanced attack capable of matching New York’s depth.

     

    With one franchise chasing its first championship in more than five decades and the other seeking its first title since 2014, Game 1 promises to set the tone for what could be one of the most compelling Finals matchups in recent memory.

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos claims Player of the Week honor ahead of the PBA Finals 

    RJ Abarrientos claims Player of the Week honor ahead of the PBA Finals 

    RJ Abbarientos earned the final PBA Press Corps Player of the Week citation of the conference after spearheading the Gin Kings’ successful semifinal closeout against Rain or Shine, highlighted by consecutive 30-point outings that propelled his team back to the championship stage.


    Abarrientos averaged 23 points, 6.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals during the week, emerging as Ginebra’s top local performer as the Kings secured a return trip to the Finals.

     

    His biggest statement came in Game 6, where he poured in 30 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals in a 118-107 victory that sealed the series in six games and booked a showdown with TNT. 

     

    It came just two days after he erupted for 31 points, four rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in Ginebra’s crucial 111-104 triumph in Game 5.

     

    “You could see it. I saw it in the locker room before the game. I can see it even yesterday during our film meeting. He just had it on his face and his body language that he is going to come out and have a big game,” Ginebra coach Tim Cone said.

     

    The explosive finish was a sharp response to Game 4, when Abarrientos was limited to just eight points in a 97-85 defeat after struggling to get involved offensively.

     

    Instead of fading after the setback, the sophomore guard elevated his game when Ginebra needed him most, combining for 61 points in Games 5 and 6 to help eliminate the Elasto Painters and move within four wins of his first PBA championship.

     

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    The timing of his surge could not be better for a Ginebra team seeking redemption against TNT. The upcoming Finals will mark another chapter in one of the PBA’s defining rivalries, with the Tropang 5G having won the last three championship meetings between the two franchises, including the previous Commissioner’s Cup Finals. 

     

    The series presents Abarrientos an opportunity to play a pivotal role in Ginebra’s bid to finally reverse that trend.

     

    More than the scoring, Abarrientos has shown an increasing ability to control games as a playmaker and floor leader. 

     

    Following the Game 6 victory, he emphasized that his focus extends beyond individual numbers and centers on guiding the team on the court—a responsibility that has grown alongside his role within the franchise. 

     

    That evolution has made him one of Ginebra’s most important players heading into the Finals and a key figure in the club’s pursuit of another title.

     

    The Player of the Week award, as voted upon by reporters regularly covering the PBA beat, serves as the final individual recognition of the conference before attention shifts entirely to the championship series. 

     

    Abarrientos will look to carry his strong form into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, which begin on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Barangay Ginebra will renew its rivalry with TNT in a highly anticipated title showdown. 

     

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  • Former Cignal players Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Buding Duremdes find new home with Farm Fresh 

    Former Cignal players Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Buding Duremdes find new home with Farm Fresh 

    As former Cignal players continue to disperse across the Premier Volleyball League, Farm Fresh have landed two new players who can strengthen their squad.


    The Foxies bolstered both their net defense and backcourt stability by acquiring veteran libero Buding Duremdes and former PVL Best Middle Blocker Roselyn Doria-Aquino ahead of the 2026-27 season.

     

    The pair became the eighth and ninth former Cignal players to secure new teams following the Super Spikers’ leave of absence, with Farm Fresh adding proven experience to a squad aiming to build on its recent breakthrough campaign.

     

    For a team that came within reach of a Final Four appearance during the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, the additions signal a clear intention to take the next step from playoff contender to legitimate title challenger.

     

    Doria-Aquino addresses one of Farm Fresh’s key areas of depth by adding size, experience, and championship-level presence in the middle. 

     

    The decorated blocker joins an already crowded rotation that includes Riri Meneses, Lorene Toring, Rizza Cruz, Des Clemente-De Guzman, Remy Palma, and recovering middle blocker Imee Hernandez.

     

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    Her arrival gives the Foxies another reliable option at the net as they look to strengthen a frontline that played a major role in their playoff appearances across all three conferences during the 2025-26 campaign.

     

    While Doria-Aquino shores up the middle, Duremdes provides immediate defense in the back row.

    One of the veteran liberos, Duremdes is expected to reinforce Farm Fresh’s floor defense unit alongside veteran Bia General and young defensive specialists Maicah Laroza and Ann Monares.

     

    The acquisitions represent another significant development in the ongoing redistribution of talent following Cignal’s temporary exit from the league.

     

    Meanwhile, former Super Spiker Jessa Ordiales became the 10th ex-Cignal player to find a new home after joining PLDT.

     

    Ordiales gives the High Speed Hitters additional depth on the wings, bringing both experience and offensive versatility to a team that remains among the league’s top championship contenders.

     

    The movement of former Cignal players has reshaped several PVL rosters in recent months.

     

    Creamline previously strengthened its lineup by adding Ishie Lalongisip and Erin Pangilinan, while other former Super Spikers have also been absorbed by teams eager to capitalize on the availability of proven PVL talent.

     

    Despite the flurry of signings, several former Cignal players are still searching for their next opportunities.

     

    Gyzelle Sy, Pearl Denura, Ethan Arce, Heather Guino-o, and Ivy Perez remain without announced destinations as the player market continues to evolve heading into the 2026-27 season.

     

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  • Chot Reyes sees full-circle moment as RJ Abarrientos emerges as Ginebra’s rising force

    Chot Reyes sees full-circle moment as RJ Abarrientos emerges as Ginebra’s rising force

    Years ago, RJ Abarrientos was a young guard trying to earn a spot on the Gilas Pilipinas roster. Now, he enters the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals as one of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s biggest weapons and one of the players TNT coach Chot Reyes is most concerned about stopping.


    Ahead of the championship series, Reyes reflected on Abarrientos’ remarkable growth, recalling how he pushed for the then-rising guard to be included in the Gilas Pilipinas squad for the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup in Jakarta.

     

    “We always believed in the talent of RJ. I think that was the time when I was coaching for the Asia Cup with Coach Nenad (Vucinic) and RJ was there. I really fought hard to make sure that he was part of the line-up,” Reyes said.

     

    The former KBL Rookie of the Year has developed into one of Ginebra’s most important players, forming a potent trio with Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson while emerging as a leading candidate for the Best Player of the Conference award.

     

    His recent performances have been among the biggest reasons behind the Kings’ return to the Finals.

     

    Facing Rain or Shine in the semifinals, Abarrientos delivered when Ginebra needed him most, scoring 30 points in Game 5 before erupting for 31 points in Game 6. His 61-point output across the last two games of the series helped power the Kings into another title showdown with TNT.

     

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    For Reyes, the scoring explosion came as no surprise.

     

    “The way he is playing now is no surprise. I really thought that we needed that kind of player in that team before. Like I said, the first time we played them was in his rookie season. Now, he has grown and matured tremendously, hitting back-to-back 30-point games, 60 points in the last two games, that’s no joke, that’s not an accident,” said Reyes.

     

    The veteran coach also joked about how much Abarrientos has matured since his early days with the national team.

     

    “Baby RJ pa lang siya noon, ngayon mamang RJ na siya,” Reyes said during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals press conference.

     

    When Ginebra and TNT met in the 2024 Governors’ Cup Finals, Abarrientos was still a rookie finding minutes behind veterans LA Tenorio and Thompson. Now, he has become a featured part of the Kings’ offense and a player capable of taking over games.

     

    That evolution makes him one of the key figures to watch in the Finals, where his production could play a major role in determining whether Ginebra captures another championship or TNT adds another title to its collection.

     

    Despite the growing attention and accolades, Abarrientos remains focused on embracing the larger responsibilities that come with his expanded role as Ginebra chases another crown against the TNT Tropang 5G on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

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  • Alex Eala makes statement on grass, routs Priscilla Hon at Birmingham Open

    Alex Eala makes statement on grass, routs Priscilla Hon at Birmingham Open

    Alex Eala opened her Birmingham Open singles campaign with a convincing 6-0, 6-2 triumph over Priscilla Hon on Tuesday. The Filipina tennis star raced through the contest in just over an hour to book her place in the second round. 


    Entering the tournament as the top seed, Eala showed immediate confidence on an unfamiliar surface, controlling the pace of play from the opening game and rarely allowing Hon any room to settle. 

     

    The result not only secured Eala a place in the second round but also provided a swift response after her early exit from the tournament’s doubles competition a day earlier.

     

    From the outset, Eala dictated rallies with aggressive shot-making and consistent pressure from the baseline. Hon struggled to find answers as Eala repeatedly broke serve and raced through the first set in just 30 minutes without dropping a game.

     

    The second set followed a similar pattern. Eala surged ahead 5-0 and looked poised for a flawless finish before Hon managed to halt the momentum by earning a break of serve in the sixth game.

     

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    The Australian also saved a match point as she attempted to extend the contest.

     

    Any hopes of a turnaround, however, were quickly extinguished. After a brief dip in rhythm, Eala regained full control and closed out the match in style, holding serve at love to seal the victory after just over an hour on court.

     

    “I think I’m really happy with my performance. It’s a really good win considering it’s my first match on grass and obviously she’s a great player so I’m really happy with the win,” Eala said after the match. 

     

    Beyond advancing to the next round, the win carried additional significance. Eala improved her head-to-head record against Hon to 2-1, reclaiming the advantage after falling to the Australian in their most recent meeting in 2024. 

     

    It also marked her first victory over Hon on grass, with their previous encounters coming on hard courts in Roehampton and Ningbo.

     

    The convincing performance suggests Eala is adapting quickly to the demands of the grass-court season, a promising sign as she continues her build-up toward the summer’s biggest tournaments.

     

    Awaiting Eala in the second round is either Germany’s Greet Minnen or Russia’s Alina Charaeva, with the Filipina carrying plenty of momentum after one of her most emphatic wins of the year.


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  • PVL Draft headlined by Detdet Pepito and Lams Lamina as 38 prospects prepare for selection night 

    PVL Draft headlined by Detdet Pepito and Lams Lamina as 38 prospects prepare for selection night 

    The Premier Volleyball League Draft is set to take center stage on Wednesday at Novotel Manila, with 38 hopefuls ready to hear their names called in what has become one of the most unpredictable draft classes in recent years. 


    What initially looked like an expected selection order has shifted dramatically following the withdrawals of Alyssa Solomon and Nina Ytang, opening the door for a deeper and more competitive talent pool.

     

    At the forefront of this year’s class are two of the most decorated collegiate players in recent UAAP seasons—National University’s two-time Best Setter Camilla Lamina and University of Santo Tomas’ two-time Best Libero Bernadett Pepito. 

     

    Their presence at the top immediately sets a tone of balance between playmaking precision and defensive excellence, two roles that often define long-term success in the professional game.

     

    With Galeries Tower holding the No. 1 overall pick after winning the draft lottery on May 25, followed by Capital1, Choco Mucho, and Akari, the early selections are expected to shape the league’s next competitive cycle.

     

    Beyond the headline names, attention has also shifted toward prospects who elevated their stock through the Draft Combine. 

     

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    Adamson’s Barbie Jamili stood out with top marks in the 10-meter sprint (1.759 seconds), pro agility 5-10-5 test (5.109 seconds), and hop test reactive strength index (3.36 meters per second), showcasing elite athletic explosiveness that could translate immediately at the professional level.

     

    University of the East’s Khy Cepada also delivered a strong all-around performance, finishing second in the 10-meter sprint (1.776 seconds) and countermovement jump (44.7 centimeters), while placing third in the pro agility test (5.133 seconds) and ranking consistently across other athletic benchmarks including hop test and approach jump metrics. These numbers have positioned both players as potential impact selections depending on team needs in the middle rounds.

     

    However, not all draft stories will unfold on stage. Far Eastern University’s Tin Ubaldo will skip the ceremony as she remains with the Alas Pilipinas Women pool preparing for international duty in the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City, highlighting how national team commitments continue to intersect with professional league pathways.

     

    The final draft pool reflects the depth of UAAP volleyball talent across multiple programs, including UST’s Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula; UP’s Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo; FEU’s Ann Asis and Florize Papa; De La Salle University’s Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen; UE’s Tin Ecalla and Kayce Balingit; Adamson’s Barbie Jamili; and Ateneo’s Taks Fujimoto. Adding an international dimension is Cal State Dominguez Hills’ Jade Fuentes, the lone Filipino-foreign applicant in this year’s class.

     

    Players who opted out of this year’s draft face a delayed professional entry, as league rules require reapplication in the next cycle. Since they did not participate in the draft proper, they will not be classified as free agents, reinforcing the PVL’s structured transition system from collegiate to professional play under Games and Amusements Board regulations.

     

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  • FIFA World Cup 2026 set to deliver full 104 match streaming access for Filipino fans

    FIFA World Cup 2026 set to deliver full 104 match streaming access for Filipino fans

    Filipino football fans are set for one of the most accessible World Cup viewing experiences yet, as the FIFA World Cup 2026 prepares to roll out across Canada, Mexico, and the United States starting June 12. 

     

    Through a new partnership involving Tap DMV, Aleph, and BlastTV, the tournament is being positioned not just as a global event, but as a fully digital experience tailored for audiences in the Philippines.

     

    At the center of the collaboration is Aleph’s media rights distribution strategy, which brings all 104 matches of the expanded 48-team tournament to Filipino viewers via WCTV by Aleph Arena on BlastTV. 


    Instead of relying on traditional broadcast windows, the model focuses on an “all-access pass” approach, allowing fans to stream every match live and on-demand across multiple devices.

     

    The strategy reflects a broader shift in how major sporting events are consumed, with Aleph rolling out a multichannel ecosystem that blends OTT streaming, social media content through Aleph Arena, and screenings in partner venues nationwide. 

     

    The goal is to follow the modern fan rather than force them into a single viewing platform, turning the World Cup into a constantly accessible digital experience.

     

    “Football has officially moved from the sidelines to the center of the Philippine sports conversation. We are seeing a fundamental shift in fan culture, where digital content creation has become a primary way for fans to live and share the sport in real-time. For brands in the Philippines, this is a massive opportunity to connect with an audience that is more mobile, more expressive, and more invested in the game than ever before.” said Anna Dy, Aleph Country Head for the Philippines.

     

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    The expanded 48-team format adds another layer of anticipation, with 104 matches expected to deliver longer storylines, surprise results, and a heavier focus on underdog narratives than previous editions. 

     

    For Filipino audiences, the scale of coverage means the tournament will no longer be confined to highlights or late-night broadcasts but will instead be available in full, in real time.

     

    Adding to the build-up, Tap DMV and BlastTV have also explored fan engagement initiatives such as early access promotions and cross-sport content integration, drawing from a wider portfolio that includes ATP, WTA, NFL, NHL, LPGA Tour, and Studio Universal programming. 

     

    The approach signals a move toward making football part of a year-round sports entertainment ecosystem rather than a standalone event.

     

    “The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the pinnacle of sporting excellence, and we’re excited to help bring this historic tournament closer to Filipino fans,” said Celinda de Guia, president and CEO of Tap DMV. “With BlastTV, we’re tapping into a platform that reflects the digital-first habits of today’s audience, making it easier than ever for Filipinos to experience every moment of the world’s biggest sporting event.”

     

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  • Stephen Curry signs major 10 year deal with Chinese sportswear Li-Ning for global brand expansion

    Stephen Curry signs major 10 year deal with Chinese sportswear Li-Ning for global brand expansion

    Four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry has officially closed his sneaker free agency chapter, signing a 10-year partnership with Chinese sportswear company Li-Ning after parting ways with Under Armour last November. 


    The announcement, made via social media, marks one of the most significant athlete-brand shifts in recent basketball history and solidifies Curry’s next phase as both a player and athlete-entrepreneur.

     

    He described the agreement as “the partnership of a lifetime,” with the deal set to expand Curry Brand into basketball footwear, performance apparel, a golf line, and lifestyle collections. 

     

    It also gives Curry the ability to sign athletes under his own label while scaling the brand globally, including new retail stores in both China and the United States.

     

    “It’s amazing to see how he’s grown his namesake company as an athlete founder, knowing I have those same hopes and aspirations for Curry Brand,” Curry said.

     

    Li-Ning, founded by Olympic gold medal gymnast Li Ning, already has a strong footprint in Asia with thousands of retail locations and a growing influence in global basketball culture. 

     

    The brand currently works with NBA stars such as Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler, placing Curry in a high-profile roster of athletes helping push its international ambitions.

     

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    Beyond the headline deal, the move signals a broader shift in athlete-driven branding power in basketball. 

     

    Instead of a traditional endorsement relationship, Curry’s agreement reportedly allows him to operate Curry Brand with greater creative and business control, positioning it closer to a standalone sportswear entity than a typical signature shoe line. 

     

    Industry observers note this structure mirrors the growing trend of athletes building long-term equity-based brands rather than short-term sponsorships.

     

    Another notable layer of the deal is its timing as Curry enters this partnership after years of experimenting with different footwear during his sneaker free agency period following his split with Under Armour. 

     

    That phase, while temporary, effectively turned into a public testing ground that boosted visibility for multiple brands and set the stage for a more deliberate global partnership strategy centered on performance innovation and brand ownership.

     

    The expansion of Curry Brand under Li-Ning also reflects a broader push into lifestyle and culture-driven sportswear. With plans to integrate golf and casual wear into the line, Curry’s brand is no longer limited to the hardwood—it is positioning itself as a full-scale global sports identity, competing in the same long-term space dominated by athlete-led empires in the industry.

     

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  • “If they (Rain or Shine) have me back, I’ll love to come back”: Jaylen Johnson open to Rain or Shine return following semifinal exit 

    “If they (Rain or Shine) have me back, I’ll love to come back”: Jaylen Johnson open to Rain or Shine return following semifinal exit 

    Rain or Shine’s Commissioner’s Cup campaign may have ended in disappointment, but Jaylen Johnson made it clear that his story with the Elasto Painters may not be over just yet.


    Moments after Rain or Shine bowed out of the semifinals with a 118-107 loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 6, Johnson was already looking ahead. 

     

    While the result ended the team’s title aspirations for the conference, the import’s focus quickly shifted toward the possibility of returning and finishing what he started.

     

    Johnson delivered another all-around performance in the deciding game, posting 27 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists as Rain or Shine fought to keep its season alive. 

     

    However, Ginebra’s firepower ultimately proved too much, with Justin Brownlee leading the way with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists, while RJ Abarrientos added 30 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.

     

    Despite the defeat, Johnson’s message was centered less on the loss and more on the pursuit of a championship that remains out of reach.

     

    “I want to win a championship. If they (Rain or Shine) have me back, I’ll love to come back,” he said.

     

    The import doubled down on that commitment, emphasizing that the semifinal exit only strengthened his motivation to return to the league.

     

    “I don’t want it to end, but I’ll be back for sure. You will see a lot more of me because I can’t leave like that,” Johnson added.

     

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    His performance throughout the conference gave Rain or Shine a dependable centerpiece on both ends of the floor, helping the team navigate injuries and roster challenges en route to another semifinal appearance. 

     

    Although the Elasto Painters fell short of advancing, Johnson’s impact left a strong impression on the franchise and its supporters.

     

    For head coach Yeng Guiao, the conference was another example of a team that continued to compete despite facing adversity. Rain or Shine reached the semifinals for the fifth time in the last six conferences, but once again found itself a few wins short of a Finals berth.

     

    “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished this conference. We made it all the way to the semifinals. We’ve lost a couple of players along the way, but we still put up a good fight against Ginebra,” he said.

     

    Guiao also acknowledged the challenge of facing a team led by Brownlee, whom he described as one of the greatest imports to play in the league. While Johnson held his own in the matchup, the veteran coach admitted that Ginebra’s star import elevated his game when it mattered most.

     

    “We’re happy about our import, JJ, but Brownlee played a different game. We gave ourselves a chance,” Guiao bared.

     

    As Ginebra moves on to face defending champion TNT Tropang 5G in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals beginning Wednesday, June 3, Rain or Shine turns its attention to the upcoming Governors’ Cup and the next phase of its roster-building process.

     

    Guiao revealed that the team has already begun evaluating its options for the import position and is working from a “short list” of candidates. 

     

    Whether Johnson ultimately returns remains to be seen, but his willingness to come back gives Rain or Shine another important decision to consider as it looks to finally break through and contend for a championship.

     

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