Author: junsanchez

  • Quentin Millora-Brown stays focused on Gilas despite contract hurdle

    Quentin Millora-Brown stays focused on Gilas despite contract hurdle

    For a moment, it looked like Quentin Millora-Brown might miss the start of Gilas Pilipinas Men’s training camp. Contract negotiations between his camp, led by agent Tod Seidel, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) had stalled, leaving the 6-foot-10 Filipino-American big man in limbo.


    Stepping into the breach, his father, Bryan Millora-Brown, joined discussions alongside SBP representatives, including UP athletics director Bo Perasol. 

     

    After careful negotiations balancing player protections with national team commitments, the parties reached an agreement that will allow Millora-Brown to suit up for the remainder of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    Millora-Brown wasted no time demonstrating his value. In his first two games with Gilas during the first window of the qualifiers, the former UAAP champion with the UP Fighting Maroons averaged 7.5 points per contest and a team-leading 9.5 rebounds per game, highlighting the impact he brings to the national squad.

     

    Despite the initial setback, Millora-Brown remained composed, refusing to assign blame for the contract issue and keeping his focus squarely on the team’s goals. 

     

    “I mean, I always want to represent. It was just about contracts, trying to make sure that all the protections you have are in place,” he explained. 

     

    “For me, I just want to represent and perform, because that’s what I love to do,” the former UP standout added.

     

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    The situation underscores the delicate balance modern athletes must navigate — protecting their professional careers while honoring national duty. 

     

    Currently playing for Chiba in Japan, Millora-Brown is now fully committed to Gilas Pilipinas and the challenges that lie ahead.

     

    His return comes at a pivotal time. On February 26, Gilas faces New Zealand in a must-win match, followed by a showdown with powerhouse Australia on March 1. 

     

    These high-stakes games will test not only Millora-Brown’s readiness but also his chemistry with the team and his ability to perform under pressure on the international stage.

     

    With the contract hurdle behind him, Millora-Brown’s focus is clear: representing the Philippines and helping the team navigate one of the toughest stretches in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers. 

     

    Beyond simply being a key contributor, his presence blends size, skill, and international experience, strengthening Gilas’ frontline while also serving as a blueprint for other dual-nationality players weighing professional commitments abroad against national pride. 

     

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  • Andreas Cahilig locks-in as San Miguel Beermen secure him on two-year deal

    Andreas Cahilig locks-in as San Miguel Beermen secure him on two-year deal

    In a roster filled with star players, Andreas Cahilig has built his reputation on something less flashy but equally vital dependability. That reliability has just earned him two more years in red and white.

     

    The Filipino-Swedish 6-foot-5 forward signed a two-year contract with the San Miguel Beermen, reinforcing his place in a championship core that has ruled the PBA Philippine Cup.

     

    Cahilig’s journey with San Miguel hasn’t been about headlines or highlight reels. It’s been about timing, toughness, and fitting into a system built to win. Acquired in a game-changing trade with Terrafirma nearly two years ago.

     

    He became an immediate piece of the Beermen’s rotation, helping the team reclaim the All-Filipino crown last season. When San Miguel repeated this year — turning back TNT in six games, Cahilig once again played his part in the grind.

     

    For a player who once fought for minutes as a second-round pick in the 2016 draft, the extension signals more than job security, it’s validation.

     

    Cahilig’s path wasn’t linear. Drafted by NorthPort but finding his real opportunity during a six-year stint with Terrafirma, he developed into a dependable two-way presence. 

     

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    That growth caught San Miguel’s attention, ultimately leading to the high-profile swap that sent him and Juami Tiongson to the Beermen in exchange for Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel before Season 49’s Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    Now entrenched in a loaded frontcourt alongside Mo Tautuaa, Rodney Brondial, JM Calma, and nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, Cahilig has carved out his niche doing the little things that keep championship engines running.

     

    During Monday’s signing, team governor Robert Non and manager Gee Abanilla stood alongside Cahilig and his agent Charlie Dy of VP Global Athlete and Artist Management, a scene that underscored mutual trust between player and franchise.

     

    Later, Cahilig took to social media to express his gratitude. 

     

    “Big thanks to Boss Robert, Boss Gee, and Boss Alfrancis (Chua) for the chance to keep competing with SMB,” he said, while also thanking Dy for guiding him throughout his professional career.

     

    In a dynasty defined by star power, Cahilig represents something just as important — the steady climb of a role player who keeps showing up when championships are on the line.

     

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  • Kayla Sanchez: Olympian and SEA Games champion leading Philippine swimming

    Kayla Sanchez: Olympian and SEA Games champion leading Philippine swimming

    Standing atop the podium multiple times, Kayla Sanchez emerged as the driving force behind the Philippines’ most impressive SEA Games swimming campaign in over a decade. 

     

    The Filipino-Canadian standout didn’t just collect medals, she showcased energy, confidence, and international experience into a team hungry for international dominance.

     

    Sanchez’s presence symbolized a new chapter for Philippine swimming. Her world-class pedigree, earned from competing at the Olympic level, gave the team a competitive edge, inspiring teammates and signaling that the Philippines can contend with the nation’s best. 

     

    Career Highlights Before Representing the Philippines

     

    Born in Singapore and raised in Canada to Filipino parents, Sanchez built her name on the global stage long before wearing the Philippine colors. 

     

    She claimed three gold medals at the 2017 World Junior Championships and another three gold medals at the 2021 Short Course World Championships, signaling early on that she was destined for international stardom.

     

    Sanchez was also part of Canada’s historic relay teams at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, capturing a silver medal in the women’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay and a bronze in the 4×100-meter medley relay. These podium finishes established her as one of the premier sprint freestylers of her generation.

     

    Known for her explosive starts and strong closing splits, she developed into a reliable relay anchor and a consistent individual contender on the world stage.

     

     

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    Sanchez, transitioned from representing Canada to the Philippines to carry forward her father’s dream and celebrate her Filipino heritage. Although she enjoyed success with Team Canada, including a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she embraced the move as an opportunity to take on a new challenge while strengthening her ties to her roots. 

     

    “It was a matter of timing and a question of timing and now is a good time to bring what I do and what I love here in the Philippines,” Sanchez said in her decision to represent the Philippines last 2022 in front of the Philippine Swimming Incorporated in a press release at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City. 

     

    She was then approved by the governing body of World Aquatics to represent the Philippines in all international competitions starting July 6, 2023 where she set her sights for the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. 

     

    The Canadian turned Filipina swimming bet failed to secure a medal finishing only fifth in the women’s 100m freestyle event. 

     

    SEA Games 2025 Record Breaking Run

     

    Sanchez made a spectacular debut for the Philippines at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand. Emerging as the most bemedalled Filipino athlete.

     

    Sanchez was the one who spearheaded a historic medal haul, three golds and five silver medals. Her performance was pivotal in lifting the Philippine swimming to heights.

     

    She anchored a thrilling 4x100m freestyle relay alongside teammates Xiandi Chua, Chloe Isleta, and Heather White, before asserting her dominance individually in both the 100m freestyle and 100m backstroke, proving she’s as lethal in relays as she is in solo.

     

    With her speed, versatility, and leadership in the water, Sanchez proved that a single athlete can change the trajectory of an entire sport—turning a collection of talented swimmers into a cohesive, medal-winning powerhouse.

     

    Making waves for future Filipino swimmers

     

    The 24-year-old swimmer’s breakout SEA Games performance didn’t just add to the Philippines’ pride but it reignited a sport that has long sought a breakthrough on the international stage. With national records falling and firsts achieved, Sanchez’s presence has helped spark renewed investment and enthusiasm in Filipino swimming. 

     

    Beyond the medals, her success also carries financial rewards under the country’s incentive laws, including a possible ₱1.2 million reward for her medal haul in recognition of the value of her contributions to Philippine sport. 

     

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  • Majoy Baron anchors PLDT’s defense, leads PVL in blocks by wide margin

    Majoy Baron anchors PLDT’s defense, leads PVL in blocks by wide margin

    PLDT High Speed Hitters continue to assert their dominance in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, and much of their success can be traced back to the imposing presence of middle blocker Majoy Baron. 

     

    The former La Salle standout has emerged as a linchpin in both defense and offense, blending impeccable timing with relentless determination at the net.

     

    Baron’s statistical impact speaks volumes as she currently leads the league’s Best Blocker category with 14 blocks and 67 attacks, averaging 1.27 blocks per set.

     

    Her timing on the court and ability to read opponents have made her a constant threat, while maintaining a 20.90% block success and an impressive 26.56% attack efficiency.

     

    The 30-year-old middle blocker’s consistent presence on both ends of the floor has been a driving force behind PLDT’s unbeaten 3-0 opening, setting the tone for their early dominance in the conference. 

     

    In their most recent outing at FilOil Centre in San Juan City on February 19, PLDT overcame Akari 25-22, 25-27, 25-21, 25-15, with Baron contributing 14 points and a staggering seven blocks. Yet, for Baron, individual accolades take a back seat to team execution. 

     

    “Kasi sa’kin importante na maka-block ako kasi for me, as a middle blocker, middle blocker nga ‘di ba,” she said. “So mas focus talaga ako sa job ko as a blocker.”

     

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    Her presence has not only bolstered PLDT’s defensive stability but also energized the team’s offensive rhythm. 

     

    Baron’s ability to anchor the net allows hitters to operate with confidence, creating opportunities for teammates to excel. 

     

    The High Speed Hitters’ seamless system execution, coupled with Baron’s consistent performance, has positioned them as one of the strongest contenders in the conference.

    Looking ahead, PLDT will look to defend their unbeaten record against a surging Cignal on Tuesday at 6:30 PM at FilOil Centre. 

     

    With Baron at the center of their frontline, the team aims to preserve its perfect start and reinforce its championship aspirations. 

     

    Beyond her numbers, Baron has shown leadership and composure that elevate the squad, proving that a middle blocker’s influence can set the tone for a team’s momentum and mindset.

     

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  • PSA annual awards night honors Philippine sports champions in style

    PSA annual awards night honors Philippine sports champions in style

    The Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards Night wasn’t just a ceremony — it was a full-scale celebration of the Philippine sports scene, where achievements met elegance and style took center stage. 

     

    Athletes, coaches, and executives traded jerseys and tracksuits for tailored suits, flowing gowns, and sophisticated barongs, turning the red carpet into a showcase of class and confidence.

     

    Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio led the parade of style with a striking family appearance in classic black and ivory, while Gregorio himself donned a delicately detailed traditional barong that exuded heritage and elegance. 

     

    Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo commanded attention in a sleek monochromatic ivory ensemble, sharing the spotlight as PSA Co-Athlete of the Year with tennis ace Alex Eala.

    Yulo’s younger brother, Eldrew, turned heads in a striking red woven outfit and was also honored with an award, adding to the night’s celebration of Filipino athletic excellence.

     

    San Miguel Beermen’s June Mar Fajardo brought his signature calm confidence to the red carpet in a minimalist black button-down shirt as he collected the Mr. Basketball award. 

     

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    Meanwhile, Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao, dressed in a classic charcoal suit with a blue shirt and shiny tie, radiated timeless authority while accepting the President’s Award.

     

    The beach volleyball stars of Alas Pilipinas — Bernadeth Pons, Sisi Rondina, Dij Rodriguez, and Sunny Villapando — celebrated their Southeast Asian Games triumph in navy-toned gowns and feminine barongs, capturing both grace and athletic pride.

     

    Jiu-jitsu world champion Annie Ramirez kept it sleek in an all-black pantsuit, her polished look reflecting the precision and focus that earned her a Major Award.

     

    Islay Bomogao, 2025 SEA Games Muay Thai champion, turned heads in a rich green off-the-shoulder gown, making a stylish statement at the awards night.

     

    As the night drew to a close, the PSA Annual Awards Night left an indelible mark as a celebration not only of victories on the field but also of the poise, style, and dedication that define Philippine sports. 

     

    It was a reminder that greatness extends beyond medals — it’s in the presence, the poise, and the spirit of champions.

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PVL All-Filipino, UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball (Feb 23 – March 1)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PVL All-Filipino, UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball (Feb 23 – March 1)

    From high-flying spikes to slam dunks, the week of February 23–March 1, 2026, is packed with non-stop basketball and volleyball action. The NBA heats up with marquee matchups featuring the likes of Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and Golden State, while the PVL All-Filipino Conference and UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball showcase thrilling clashes among top Filipino teams. Fans can catch live games at FilOil, Araneta Coliseum, and on TV or streaming platforms, making this a must-watch week for sports enthusiasts.

     

     

    🏐 PVL All-Filipino Conference

     

     

    📍 Venue: FilOil EcoOil Centre

     

    📅 Tuesday, February 24, 2026

     

    • 4:00 PM – Akari vs. Nxled (LIVE)
    • 6:30 PM – Cignal vs. PLDT

    📅 Thursday, February 26, 2026

     

    • 4:00 PM – Capital1 vs. Farm Fresh (LIVE)
    • 6:30 PM – Choco Mucho vs. Galeries (LIVE)

    📅 Saturday, February 28, 2026

     

    • 4:00 PM – Cignal vs. Akari
    • 6:30 PM – ZUS vs. PLDT

    🏐 UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball

    📅 Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | Araneta Coliseum

    • 1:00 PM – UST vs. Ateneo

       

    • 3:00 PM – DLSU vs. UP

       

    📅 Saturday, February 28, 2026 | UST Quad/PAV

    • 11:00 AM – UST vs. UE

       

    • 5:00 PM – NU vs. UP

       

    📅 Sunday, March 1, 2026 | Araneta Coliseum

    • 1:00 PM – DLSU vs. Ateneo

       

    • 3:00 PM – FEU vs. Adamson

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    🏀 NBA Schedule (Philippine Time, PHT) | February 23–28, 2026

     

     

    📅 Tuesday, February 24, 2026

     

    San Antonio vs. Detroit – 8:00 AM 

     

    Sacramento vs. Memphis – 9:00 AM

     

    Utah vs.Houston – 10:30 AM 

     

     

    📅 Wednesday, February 25, 2026

     

    Philadelphia vs. Indiana – 8:00 AM

     

    Washington vs. Atlanta – 8:30 AM

     

    Dallas vs. Brooklyn – 8:30 AM

     

    Oklahoma City vs. Toronto – 8:30 AM

     

    New York vs. Cleveland – 8:30 AM 

     

    Charlotte vs. Chicago – 9:00 AM

     

    Miami vs. Milwaukee – 9:00 AM

     

    Golden State vs. New Orleans – 9:00 AM

     

    Boston vs. Phoenix – 10:00 AM

     

    Minnesota vs. Portland – 11:00 AM 

     

    Orlando vs. Los Angeles – 11:30 AM

     

     

    📅 Thursday, February 26, 2026

     

     

    Oklahoma City vs. Detroit – 8:30 AM 

     

    San Antonio vs. Toronto – 8:30 AM

     

    Golden State vs. Memphis – 8:30 AM

     

    Sacramento vs. Houston – 9:00 AM

     

    Cleveland vs. Milwaukee – 9:00 AM

     

    Boston vs. Denver – 11:00 AM 

     

     

    📅 Friday, February 27, 2026

     

     

    Charlotte vs. Indiana – 8:00 AM

     

    Miami vs. Philadelphia – 8:00 AM

     

    Washington vs. Atlanta – 8:30 AM

     

    San Antonio vs. Brooklyn – 8:30 AM

     

    Houston vs. Orlando – 8:30 AM 

     

    Portland vs. Chicago – 9:00 AM

     

    Sacramento vs. Dallas – 9:30 AM

     

    Los Angeles vs. Phoenix – 10:00 AM

     

    New Orleans vs. Utah – 10:00 AM

     

    Minnesota vs. LA – 11:00 AM

     

     

    📅 Saturday, February 28, 2026

     

     

    Cleveland vs. Detroit – 8:00 AM 

     

    Brooklyn vs. Boston – 8:30 AM

     

    New York vs. Milwaukee – 9:00 AM

     

    Memphis vs. Dallas – 9:30 AM

     

    Denver vs. Oklahoma City – 10:30 AM 

     

     

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  • Barangay Ginebra gets frontcourt boost with Isaac Go’s comeback

    Barangay Ginebra gets frontcourt boost with Isaac Go’s comeback

    In a Commissioner’s Cup where towering imports often dictate matchups, the Kings chose familiarity over height, bringing back Justin Brownlee despite the absence of a size limit. 

     

    Brownlee has built a legacy in red and white, but at 6-foot-6, he will once again look up at many of his fellow reinforcements across the league. This time, however, he won’t be standing alone underneath.

     

    After more than a year of rehabilitation, Isaac Go is finally set to make his long-awaited debut for Ginebra — not as a headline-grabbing acquisition, but as a structural solution. The 6’7 big man gives the Kings something they quietly missed, reliable size to withstand the nightly pounding inside. Coach Tim Cone confirmed the development as the team gears up for the conference grind.

     

    “We got Isaac Go coming back. We have an extra big along with our other two bigs,” said the Ginebra mentor, referring to veterans Japeth Aguilar and Troy Rosario. “So we’ll have a three-headed monster to try to contain these big other imports.”

     

    “Three-headed monster” hints at a tactical shift. Rather than asking Aguilar to anchor extended minutes or forcing Rosario to battle heavier counterparts possession after possession, Ginebra can now rotate length, preserve energy, and deploy size situationally. 

     

    In a tournament built around dominant imports, depth up front could spell the difference between surviving and advancing.

     

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    Go’s journey to this point has unfolded almost in silence. Acquired in a trade with Terrafirma alongside Stephen Holt in exchange for Stanley Pringle and Christian Standhardinger, the former Ateneo standout has yet to play a single game for the Kings. 

     

    In the time it took for his ACL to heal, Ginebra reached two finals, roster pieces moved on, and the league’s competitive balance shifted. Now, the timeline finally catches up with him.

     

    Ginebra deputy Olsen Racela shared that Go has already rejoined team drills, inching closer to full clearance.

     

    “May isang clearance na lang which would come within the week. Once may go-signal na, puwede na siyang sumali sa scrimmages,” Racela said.

     

    With Cone currently attending to national team duties with Gilas Pilipinas during the FIBA window, Racela and fellow assistant Johnny Abarrientos have overseen practices — integrating Go carefully, deliberately, and with long-term durability in mind.

     

    For Ginebra, this isn’t just about adding a player back into the rotation. It’s about restoring balance to a roster that chose heart and continuity over sheer height. Brownlee will still give up inches on most nights. That reality won’t change.

     

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  • Weekend volleyball preview: PVL and UAAP Volleyball set to deliver thrilling matches

    Weekend volleyball preview: PVL and UAAP Volleyball set to deliver thrilling matches

    Volleyball action heats up this weekend with a full slate of games in both the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and the UAAP, offering fans high-level competition and thrilling matchups. From powerhouse PVL squads to collegiate heavyweights

     

    PVL Action Set for Saturday

     

    The PVL kicks off Saturday’s action at the FilOil Centre with an exciting double-header. The opening match features the Creamline Cool Smashers taking on the Capital 1 Solar Spikers at the 4PM curtain raiser. 

     

    The second game headlines the 9th-ranked ZUS Thunderbelles will attempt to bounce back as they face Strong Group sister-team Farm Fresh Foxies who currently sit as the 7th seed. 

     

    Creamline has been preparing to assert its dominance, relying on top performers in the league as the star-studded team will look to rely on former PVL MVPs Bernadeth Pons and Jema Galanza, who scored 19 and 11 points respectively to lead the Cool Smashers past ZUS Coffee. 

     

    Capital 1 will aim to challenge the Cool Smashers, who recently secured a four-set win over ZUS Coffee (22-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-18) for their second victory in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference, Bella Belen is expected to again carry the scoring load for the Solar Spikers as she currently hunts for her fifth-straight 20 point game as she recently matched her UAAP career-high by firing 29 points in their previous five-set win against Choco Mucho (25-21, 18-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-10). 

     

    The Thunderbelles who have recently lost against Creamline, will look to rebound after the four-setter loss in which Chinnie Arroyo dropped 18 points, while former DLSU standout Thea Gagate chipped in 11 points as the only ZUS Coffee players in double-digit scoring. 

     

    Farm Fresh on the other-hand is coming off a statement win against Galeries Towers, claiming their first win of the season. Trisha Tubu led the Foxies with 17 points, aiming to carry on the momentum for Saturday’s game. 

     

    Both teams have shown promise this season, with the Thunderbelles relying on strategic net play and defensive discipline after their loss to Creamline, while the Foxies aim for their second win and improve in the standings.

     

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    UAAP Weekend Showdowns

     

    Moving over to collegiate volleyball, action-packed games await as the UAAP volleyball season continues. On Saturday, Women’s volleyball opens with University of the East taking on Adamson University at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.  

     

    UE will try to keep up with the standings this season, while ADU will make a comeback with consistent offensive and defensive execution after losing against NU.

     

    The second game of the day features National University against Far Eastern University. NU’s defending champion squad, led by star rookie player Sam Cantada, who dropped 21 points in her last game against Adamson and will look to extend their winning streak. 

     

    While FEU will rely on the solid defense of Jaz Ellarina who has recently taken the leadership mantle of the young Morayta-based squad and quick counterattacks to challenge the defending champs.

     

    Sunday continues the excitement at the MOA Arena with two high-profile games. 

    Ateneo Lady Eagles will try to bounce back as they face the UP Fighting Maroons. Ateneo’s offense and depth will be tested against UP’s resilient defense after winning against UP last Saturday. 

     

    The final game of the weekend features a classic UAAP rivalry as UST battles De La Salle University. 

     

    Led by Angge Poyos, the Golden Tigresses will try to recover from their recent loss to NU after a four-set match while La Salle’s Green Archers aim to extend their winning run following their victory over FEU.

     

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  • Macau Black Bears lean on size and familiarity with Sam Deguara, Tony Mitchell for PBA guest stint 

    Macau Black Bears lean on size and familiarity with Sam Deguara, Tony Mitchell for PBA guest stint 

    Experience and familiarity—two qualities often overlooked in import recruitment—are shaping the approach of the Macau Black Bears as they prepare for their campaign in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    Rather than gambling on unknown reinforcements, the guest team is turning to two names already recognizable to Filipino basketball followers: Sam Deguara and Tony Mitchell.

    Sources bared that the Macau management has already notified the league of its decision to bring in the duo for the midseason conference set to open on March 11.

     

    The move signals a calculated blend of extreme size and proven exposure to the Philippine style of play.

     

    Deguara, a 7-foot-6 center from Malta, is expected to become the tallest import ever to suit up in the league, surpassing previous height benchmarks while giving the Black Bears an imposing interior anchor. The veteran big man has made rounds across Asian tournaments and most recently suited up for the Zamboanga Valientes in the Dubai International Basketball Championship.

     

    His arrival also places him above incoming TNT reinforcement Bol Bol and former Kia import PJ Ramos—both listed at 7-foot-3—highlighting just how rare Deguara’s size is even among global imports.

     

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    While Deguara brings unmatched length, Mitchell adds familiarity and versatility.

     

    Now 33, Mitchell previously played in the PBA with Purefoods and NLEX and was once a first-round selection of the Detroit Pistons in the 2013 NBA Draft. His ability to score from multiple positions and adjust quickly to league physicality gives Macau a steady offensive option.

     

    The pair also shares built-in chemistry, having already played together for the Black Bears in the East Asia Super League Home and Away Season 3, where Macau competed in Group B.

     

    Macau’s decision to bring back familiar pieces also reflects the strategic demands of the Commissioner’s Cup format, where teams must carefully manage their import rotations due to strict injury replacement rules. Should an original import be moved to the injury/reserved list, reactivation restrictions limit roster flexibility later in the conference.

     

    For the Black Bears, the approach is clear: minimize adjustment time, maximize physical advantage, and rely on players who already understand both the system and the intensity of Philippine basketball.

     

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  • Inna Palacios begins fresh start following retirement from the national team

    Inna Palacios begins fresh start following retirement from the national team

    Inna Palacios’ appearance at the 2026 Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night at the Manila Diamond Hotel carried a different significance on Monday. After years serving as the steadfast goalkeeper of the Philippine women’s national football team, Palacios attended the ceremony no longer as an active Filipinas stalwart, but as a seasoned veteran beginning her journey beyond international duty.

     

    Palacios was honored for the Filipinas’ gold medal triumph in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games—a victory that fittingly became her final chapter with the national squad. Yet her presence at the ceremony felt less like a farewell and more like a pivot.

     

    “I’m enjoying my time away from the team now,” she said before accepting the special citation.

    The decision to retire from international duty came swiftly after the gold-medal run in Thailand. For Palacios, it wasn’t about walking away from football—it was about redefining her place within it.

     

    “I’m just trying to find other ways to grow in sports aside from playing. I’m still playing in the local league, I still love it but right now, I think I’ve given enough for the national team. I know I have, so I’m finding other ways to grow as a person.”

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    Eighteen years in national colors is a lifetime in sport. Palacios witnessed—and helped build—the evolution of the Filipinas from a little-known program into a respected force in Southeast Asian football. Her journey mirrors the team’s own transformation from humble beginnings to regional champions.

     

    “I think 18 years was enough. I’ve seen the national team grow from nothing into something bigger. Right now, it’s all about the future.”

     

    That future, for Palacios, includes staying close to the pitch with Kaya FC–Iloilo, while exploring new dimensions of personal and professional growth. Coaching, mentorship, leadership roles—doors that once stood behind her playing career are now wide open.

     

    If her years in goal were defined by reflexes and resilience, this next chapter may be defined by reflection and reinvention.

     

    For the Filipinas, her legacy is secured in medals and milestones. For Palacios herself, the journey is simply entering a new half—one where impact isn’t measured by saves, but by the paths she helps shape next.

     

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