Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Galeries Tower sees more than talent in Lams Lamina 

    Galeries Tower sees more than talent in Lams Lamina 

    For Galeries Tower head coach Aying Esteban, Lams Lamina’s biggest impact didn’t begin when she stepped onto the court in a Premier Volleyball League uniform.

    It started in practice.

     

    Long before making her long-awaited preseason debut, the former National University setter had already caught Esteban’s attention—not because of flashy plays, but because of her relentless desire to improve.

     

    Whether it was asking questions during training, seeking advice from coaches, or picking the brains of her veteran teammates, Lamina made it clear she was determined to learn every detail of the Highrisers’ system.

     

    “Kahit sa training, tanong siya nang tanong sa mga teammates niya, sa amin, kung ano ang nangyayari,” said Esteban.

     

    “‘Yun ang maganda sa kanya, hindi siya nagsasarili. Kumbaga, lagi siyang ano na matuto doon sa team namin.”

     

    That eagerness translated into a composed first outing as Lamina finally suited up for Galeries Tower on Saturday night, helping the Highrisers grind out a 25-17, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24 victory over Farm Fresh at the Batangas City Sports Center.

     

    Backing up team captain Julia Coronel, Lamina recorded seven excellent sets while efficiently steering the second unit and ensuring the team’s offense never lost its rhythm whenever the starters took a breather.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    The rookie also showed maturity beyond her experience during the closing moments of the fourth set.

     

    She first delivered the setup that allowed Lycha Ebon to score the go-ahead point for a 25-24 edge before calmly tossing a one-handed set to Roselle Baliton, who buried the match-winning quick attack.

     

    Despite the encouraging debut, Esteban stressed that Lamina remains a work in progress as she continues adjusting to Galeries Tower’s offensive system.

     

    “Meron pa ring mga sa system namin na kailangan niya i-adapt pa, pero siyempre sa process pa rin ‘yun,” said Esteban.

     

    The Highrisers have undergone significant changes since Esteban took over midway through the PVL All-Filipino Conference, and the coach believes players like Lamina are helping shape a new culture centered on growth and accountability.

     

    While wins are welcome during the preseason, Esteban remains more encouraged by the team’s mindset as they continue laying the foundation for the upcoming season.

     

    “Ang laki, ang laki na ng changes. Ang laking pagbabago sa mentality, pagdating sa training. Natutuwa ako kasi hindi sila nagsasawa sa kung anong ginagawa namin. Grateful ako sa kanila sa ganoong ginagawa nila sa team namin.”

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • PH Men’s football team banks on fresh faces as key stars miss ASEAN Hyundai Cup 

    PH Men’s football team banks on fresh faces as key stars miss ASEAN Hyundai Cup 

    The Philippine men’s national football team will head into the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup with a different look, as a wave of young talent has been tasked to fill the void left by several established stars unavailable for the regional tournament.

     

    With the final roster now confirmed, head coach Carles Cuadrat is set to lead a squad blending experienced internationals and emerging prospects in hopes of replicating—or even surpassing—the Philippines’ semifinal finish in the 2024 edition.

     

    Instead of relying on some of the Azkals’ biggest names, the Philippines will lean on players eager to make their mark on the international stage.

     

    Among those expected to carry the fight are Sandro Reyes, Javier Mariona, Santi Rublico, Andrei Leipold, Jarvey Gayoso, and Cole Mrowka, all of whom remain available despite the roster challenges.

    However, the squad will be without several key figures, including Bjorn Kristensen, Sebastian Rasmussen, Kevin Ray Mendoza, Paul Tabinas, Jefferson Tabinas, and Randy Schneider.

     

    Their absence is largely due to the tournament falling outside the FIFA international match calendar, giving clubs the discretion to withhold players from national team duty despite releasing others representing different countries.

     

    The situation drew a strong reaction from Philippine team manager Patrick Reichelt, who questioned the inconsistency shown by several clubs.

     

    “We appreciate the cooperation of a few but also are absolutely disappointed in dealing w/most of the clubs releasing their local talent to their respective national teams but blocking Filipino players from participating,” said Reichelt on his X account.

     

    “Don’t get me wrong we respect the timing being unfortunate for clubs but the inconsistency in their decisions in regard of their local players compared to our players is very very wrong!” he added.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    The circumstances have opened the door for a new generation of players to represent the country.

     

    Overseas-based youngsters Rocket Ritarita, Aarran Long, Noah Leddel, and John Lucero earned spots in the squad, while Philippine Football League standouts Enrico Mangaoang, Martini Rey, Jaime Rosquillo, Gavin Muens, Andres Aldeguer, and Kenji Nishioka also received the opportunity to wear the national colors.

     

    Their inclusion signals Cuadrat’s willingness to expand the player pool while giving valuable international exposure to rising talents.

     

    Providing balance to the youthful squad are experienced campaigners Quincy Kammeraad, Adrian Ugelvik, Scott Woods, Cholo Bugas, Oskari Kekkonen, and Christian Rontini, along with veterans Patrick Deyto and Daisuke Sato, who bring years of international experience and leadership into the tournament.

     

    The Philippines opens its Group B campaign on July 28 against Myanmar at New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

     

    The Nationals then travel to Vientiane to face Laos on August 1, return home for a crucial showdown against regional powerhouse Thailand on August 4, before closing the group stage against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on August 8.

     

    Despite missing several cornerstone players, the Philippines hopes its mix of youth and experience can once again produce a deep run in Southeast Asia’s premier football competition.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Beau Belga opens up on Gian Mamuyac trade: ‘Malalim pinagsamahan namin’ 

    Beau Belga opens up on Gian Mamuyac trade: ‘Malalim pinagsamahan namin’ 

    For Beau Belga, Rain or Shine’s recent trade of Gian Mamuyac was more than just another roster move—it meant saying goodbye to someone he had come to treat like family.

     

    Having spent four seasons together with the Elasto Painters, Belga admitted that Mamuyac’s departure to Phoenix Super LPG left an emotional void inside the team, even if he understands that trades are simply part of life in the PBA.

     

    “Malalim pinagsamahan namin,” the veteran forward said. “That kid is very close sa akin.”

    The trade sent Mamuyac, along with a Season 53 second-round pick, to the Fuel Masters in exchange for Phoenix’s first-round selection in the same draft.

     

    Just days later, the two sides met for the first time since the deal, with Rain or Shine coming away with a 105-98 victory over Phoenix. While the game marked Mamuyac’s first matchup against the franchise that drafted him, it also became a reunion with teammates who had shared the court—and the locker room—with him for years.

     

    Before tip-off, Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao even joked that Belga had requested to be on the floor whenever Mamuyac checked into the game, just to match up against his former teammate.

     

    The veteran, however, never got that opportunity after remaining on the bench throughout the contest.

     

    Instead, Belga settled for another kind of interaction—one that reflected the friendship they had built long before the trade became official.

     

    He revealed that, looking back, he had unknowingly been teasing Mamuyac during practices in the days leading up to the deal.

     

    “Binibiro ko nga siya the past few days before he got traded. Parang out of nowhere, bigla ko na lang kinakanti. Sabi ko, ‘Kaya pala sinasaktan na kita kasi mate-trade ka na.’ ‘Yun ang biro ko sa kanya. Sabi niya, ‘Oo nga, bakit mo ako sinasaktan nung mga nakaraang araw,’” Belga said.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Even after the final buzzer, the playful relationship remained unchanged.

     

    Belga was seen jokingly throwing a knee toward Mamuyac before pulling him toward the Rain or Shine bench, drawing laughs from those nearby and showing that while uniforms may change, friendships do not.

     

    “I’m really close to everybody in this team,” Belga said. “Kumbaga masakit na mawalan ka ng teammate na close sayo but that’s how life is sa PBA.”

     

    Belga knows that reality better than most.

     

    Before finding a long-term home with Rain or Shine, the 39-year-old went through multiple trades himself. Those experiences helped him understand that player movement is part of the business, even when emotions are involved.

     

    Rather than dwelling on Mamuyac’s exit, Belga chose to remember everything the former team captain brought to the franchise, particularly the leadership he displayed during his four-year stay.

     

    “Maganda pinagsamahan namin ni Gian. Nothing to be like sasama ang loob. Magkasama kami matagal. Kami nag-draft sa kanya. Walang masamang tinapay. And that’s how life is sa PBA.”

    “Eh ako, bago ako nag-settle sa Rain or Shine, tatlong beses ako na-trade. Walang masamang tinapay sa kanya,” Belga said.

     

    For Belga, the trade may have ended their partnership as teammates, but it did nothing to change the respect and friendship they built over the years.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Jordan Clarkson embraces championship role with New York as Knicks resign veteran guard for minimum 

    Jordan Clarkson embraces championship role with New York as Knicks resign veteran guard for minimum 

    Jordan Clarkson’s career has entered a new chapter—one defined less by scoring titles and more by championship basketball.

     

    Just weeks after helping the New York Knicks capture the 2026 NBA championship, the Filipino-American guard wasted little time committing to another run, re-signing with the franchise on a one-year, $3.9 million veteran’s minimum contract.

     

    For Clarkson, the move says plenty about where he is in his career.

     

    Once known as one of the league’s premier microwave scorers and the NBA Sixth Man of the Year with the Utah Jazz, the 34-year-old has fully embraced becoming a veteran presence on a title contender, sacrificing individual numbers for a chance to keep winning.

     

    The shift was evident throughout the Knicks’ championship campaign.

     

    Although his role was smaller than in previous seasons, Clarkson consistently provided valuable minutes off the bench with his experience, shot-making, and composure. One of his biggest moments came in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, where he scored 10 points to help New York secure a pivotal victory that swung momentum in the series.

     

    His timely production throughout the playoffs gave the Knicks another reliable option in the backcourt, complementing a roster built around its younger stars.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Clarkson finished the 2025-26 regular season averaging 8.6 points in 17 minutes per game, both career lows since entering the NBA. Rather than chasing a larger contract or a bigger offensive role elsewhere in free agency, he chose continuity with the reigning champions.

     

    The decision reflects a player who now values fit and winning over statistics.

     

    A little more than a month after celebrating the first NBA championship of his career, Clarkson ensured he would remain in New York as the Knicks begin preparations for their title defense.

     

    The veteran guard also continues to be one of the Philippines’ biggest basketball ambassadors, with fans closely following every step of his NBA journey while hoping to see him wear the Gilas Pilipinas jersey again in future international competitions.

     

    Now entering another season with championship expectations, Clarkson’s mission has changed. Instead of carrying the scoring load, he will once again be tasked with providing leadership, stability, and timely contributions for a Knicks team looking to build a dynasty.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Alex Eala drops to WTA No. 29 ahead of US swing despite career-best momentum 

    Alex Eala drops to WTA No. 29 ahead of US swing despite career-best momentum 

    Alex Eala will begin her highly anticipated North American hardcourt campaign with a slight change in her position in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings.

     

    The Filipina tennis ace slipped one place to World No. 29 in the latest rankings released on Monday despite keeping her total of 1,666 ranking points intact, as movement from players around her caused a reshuffle in the Top 30.

     

    The biggest mover was former Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova, who climbed from No. 32 to No. 26 after capturing the WTA 250 Athens Open title in Greece.

     

    Krejcikova defeated home favorite Maria Sakkari, 7-6(5), 6-3, in the championship match to collect 250 ranking points, boosting her total to 1,680 and allowing her to leapfrog several players, including Eala.

     

    The Czech’s surge also pushed Emma Navarro down from No. 26 to No. 27 with 1,674 points, while Anastasia Potapova slipped to No. 28 with 1,667 points. Eala followed at No. 29, just one point behind Potapova despite not dropping any ranking points herself.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    The latest rankings come only a week after Eala reached a new career-high of World No. 28 following her impressive Wimbledon campaign, another milestone in what has already been a breakthrough season for the 21-year-old Filipina.

     

    Although she fell one spot, Eala remains firmly inside the WTA Top 30 and is well-positioned heading into one of the most important stretches of the tennis calendar. The North American hardcourt swing offers several opportunities to earn valuable ranking points before the season’s final Grand Slam, the US Open.

     

    Eala is set to open her hardcourt schedule at the Mubadala D.C. Open in Washington, D.C. from July 27 to August 2, where she will look to regain ground in the rankings and build momentum for the upcoming Masters events and the US Open.

     

    With only a handful of points separating several players in the Top 30, another deep run could quickly see the Filipina star return to a career-best ranking—or even climb higher as she continues her rise on the WTA Tour.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Jude Garcia ready to answer every Alas Pilipinas call after long-awaited indoor debut 

    Jude Garcia ready to answer every Alas Pilipinas call after long-awaited indoor debut 

    For years, Jude Garcia watched from the sidelines as opportunities to wear the Alas Pilipinas jersey for the men’s indoor team came and went.

     

    Now that he has finally broken through, the five-time Spikers’ Turf Most Valuable Player has no intention of letting that opportunity be a one-time experience.

     

    Fresh off completing his first tournament with the national indoor squad, Garcia made it clear that representing the Philippines will remain a priority whenever his name is called.

     

    “Siyempre, as long as kino-call up ako sa national team po, magco-commit pa rin ako sa natio    nal team kasi sobrang laking bagay, opportunity na mapabilang sa Alas, sa national team,” said the 5-foot-11 wing spiker.

     

    “Kumbaga, hindi ko na iniisip yung future kasi talagang kung ipupunta kami dito, talagang magco-commit ako, magco-commit, basta walang club season.”

     

    Garcia’s first campaign with Alas Pilipinas ended on a positive note after the Nationals swept Myanmar, 25-21, 28-26, 25-22, on Saturday to finish fifth in the opening leg of the 2026 SEA V.Cup at the Candon City Arena.

     

    While the result fell short of a podium finish, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for Garcia, whose international career had previously been built almost entirely on beach volleyball.

     

    Before earning his long-awaited indoor breakthrough, the 27-year-old had already established himself as one of the country’s most decorated beach volleyball players, collecting three Southeast Asian Games bronze medals and another podium finish in the AVC Continental Cup.

     

    Despite receiving previous invitations to the indoor program, circumstances had always prevented him from joining—making this opportunity even more meaningful. 

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    “Sobrang grateful lang kasi ang laking opportunity nito para sa akin kasi yun nga ang tagal ko nang hinihintay. Ngayon lang dumating. So, talaga, hangga’t nandito ako, i-cherish ko yung moment na ibigay ko yung best every game and every practice sa game,” he said.

     

    Garcia also showed his versatility throughout the tournament.

     

    After spending the pool stage as an outside hitter, he shifted to opposite hitter in the victory over Myanmar and contributed eight points, proving he could be effective on either wing just as he has been for club team Criss Cross.

     

    “Sobrang komportable na ako kasi siyempre alam naman natin ang gagawin mo lang sa opposite dedepensa ka, aatake ka, and ba-block ka lang so, siyempre sa mindset ko lang talaga pupunta sa akin yung bola, gagawin ko lang yung pinakabest ko,” he said.

     

    With the national team having been assembled only in mid-May, Garcia believes their final-day victory provides valuable momentum as Alas Pilipinas prepares for the second leg of the SEA V.Cup in Jakarta from July 22 to 26.

     

    “Sobrang laking motivation di lang para sa akin, para sa teammates ko din kasi lahat naman kami trinabaho namin yung game na to, trinabaho namin past games namin talaga,” he said.

     

    “Kita naman doon yung effort ng bawat isa, so dadalhin namin ‘tong experience na ‘to sa leg 2 na sana mas magiging maganda yung resulta ng leg 2 namin.”

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Mike Phillips begins Japan chapter, signs with Kyoto Hannaryz in B.League 

    Mike Phillips begins Japan chapter, signs with Kyoto Hannaryz in B.League 

    Mike Phillips’ rapid rise has taken him from the UAAP hardwood to the Gilas Pilipinas frontcourt. Now, it has opened the door to one of Asia’s top professional leagues.

     

    The 24-year-old Filipino-American forward officially signed with the Kyoto Hannaryz for the 2026-27 B.League season, marking another milestone in a career that has gathered momentum over the past year.

     

    The Japanese club announced Phillips’ arrival on Tuesday, making him the latest Filipino talent to continue his development overseas.

     

    “I’m truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to join the Kyoto Hannaryz organization and the B.LEAGUE,” said Phillips.

     

    His move became possible after representing Gilas Pilipinas during Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, fulfilling the requirements to compete in the B.League as an Asian Quota player.

     

    Phillips made the most of his opportunity with the national team, averaging 4.0 points and 8.5 rebounds while earning praise for his relentless energy and hustle. Earlier this year, FIBA also granted him local player status, officially clearing him to suit up for the Philippines in international competitions.

     

    Before making the jump overseas, Phillips built an impressive collegiate résumé with De La Salle University.

     

    During his five-year stay with the Green Archers, he helped deliver two UAAP championships and ended his collegiate career on a high note by capturing the Finals MVP award. In his final season, he averaged 12.58 points, 14.58 rebounds, 2.68 assists, and 1.32 steals per contest.

     

    Japan is also familiar territory for Phillips.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    He previously competed there with La Salle during the World University Basketball Series, an experience that left a lasting impression and ultimately made his return even more meaningful.

     

    “During my college years, I had the chance to play in several tournaments in Japan, and those experiences left a strong impression on me. I’m excited to return and experience the passion of basketball in Japan once again,” he recalled.

     

    Phillips also began his professional career with the San Juan Knights in the MPBL, where he averaged 8.4 points and 10.7 rebounds in 10 appearances before deciding to pursue an overseas opportunity.

     

    His family believes the move is another important step in his long-term development.

     

    “The Phillips Family is immensely grateful to everyone from La Salle who has poured knowledge and support into Mike over the years, SBP for allowing the great honor to represent the flag and country, and San Juan Knights for their utmost professionalism and support with this decision,” expressed Mike’s older brother, Ben.

     

    “We believe this will allow Mike to take a great step forward in his career to develop as a player and as a young man, and be able to bring a heightened level of play whenever he is called to serve Gilas, and when he will be able to return to the PBA in the future if hopefully they would accept him.”

     

    Phillips also adds another Filipino connection to the Kyoto franchise, becoming the third Asian Quota player in Hannaryz history after Matthew Wright and Jamie Malonzo.

     

    The Hannaryz are coming off a 28-32 campaign that saw them finish 20th in the 26-team B.League, and Phillips hopes to help the club climb the standings while continuing his own growth as a professional.

     

    “I’m looking forward to giving my all every day alongside my teammates and competing hard for the Kyoto fans and community throughout the season,” expressed Mike, who is represented by Tre Sports Management.

     

    “Thank you very much for your support. I can’t wait to see everyone in Kyoto, and I hope we can have a great season together.”

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Phoenix’s long-awaited reunion of Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, and Gian Mamuyac fuels unbeaten start 

    Phoenix’s long-awaited reunion of Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, and Gian Mamuyac fuels unbeaten start 

    Phoenix’s 3-0 start in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup isn’t just being powered by strong performances on the floor. It’s also being driven by a reunion that has been more than a decade in the making.

     

    Long before they became PBA players, Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, and Gian Mamuyac were simply teenagers sharing the same court during a Jr. NBA camp. Their basketball journeys eventually took them to different schools, different teams, and different careers, making a reunion seem increasingly unlikely.

     

    Now, fate has finally brought all three together under the Phoenix Fuel Masters banner.

    For Rivero, seeing a familiar face like Mamuyac arrive in Phoenix has made the team’s early success even more meaningful.

     

    “Me, Tyler and Gian, sabay-sabay kami ng Jr. NBA before. Ngayon ko lang sila nakasama since nag-Ateneo sila kaya I’m so excited,” Rivero said after collecting 16 points and Player of the Game honors in Phoenix’s 81-78 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

    While Tio and Mamuyac went on to build their chemistry at Ateneo, Rivero carved out his own collegiate path with La Salle before transferring to the University of the Philippines.

    Their professional careers also unfolded separately.

     

    Tio and Mamuyac entered the PBA in the same rookie class in 2022, although the latter began his career with Rain or Shine. Rivero joined the league the following year as a Phoenix draft pick, leaving the trio still waiting for the chance to become teammates once again.

     

    That opportunity finally arrived when the Fuel Masters acquired Mamuyac in a blockbuster trade, completing a reunion years in the making.

    Rivero immediately reached out after learning about the deal, hoping they could finally chase bigger goals together.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    “Masaya ako. Nung nalaman ko na trade si Mamu, nag-message ako agad sa kanya,” he said. “Sinabi ko sa kanya, ‘let’s try our best.’ Kung kaya umabot ng Finals, aim for the best.”

     

    So far, Phoenix has looked every bit like a team benefiting from that renewed chemistry.

     

    The Fuel Masters have opened the conference with three consecutive victories, including a statement win over Barangay Ginebra in Mamuyac’s debut wearing a Phoenix uniform.

     

    But despite the perfect record, Rivero knows the bigger challenge still lies ahead.

     

    Their next matchup comes against Rain or Shine, giving Mamuyac an immediate chance to face the franchise where he spent the first four years of his PBA career.

     

    Rivero, meanwhile, is focused on making sure Phoenix’s fast start turns into something much more significant than just an unbeaten stretch.

     

    “Gusto lang namin makabawi since we ended the last conference very bad against Ginebra,” he said.

     

    “Sobrang saya lang sa feeling and minsan lang kami nakapag-ganito and never pa talaga yung 3-0. So why not make the most out of it and try to go 4-0 kung kaya?” Rivero continued.

     

    For three players whose friendship began long before the professional ranks, Phoenix’s early surge feels like more than just a winning streak. It is the first chapter of a reunion they had waited years to experience—and one they hope will end with the deepest playoff run of their careers.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • AC Miner embraces new role as ZUS Coffee builds for the future 

    AC Miner embraces new role as ZUS Coffee builds for the future 

    AC Miner’s return to ZUS Coffee has been about much more than recovering from injury. It has also marked the beginning of another transformation in her volleyball journey.

     

    After missing the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference because of a shin injury, Miner has returned to the Thunderbelles with a different assignment, taking over as an opposite spiker after spending most of her career as a middle blocker.

     

    Instead of viewing the adjustment as a setback, the former Ateneo standout has welcomed the challenge with the same mindset that has defined much of her career.

     

    “I’m accepting it well,” Miner said when asked about the position switch.

     

    The role is hardly unfamiliar territory for the former Rookie of the Conference. During her final season with Ateneo under Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso in UAAP Season 87, Miner was also asked to alternate between middle blocker and opposite hitter, giving her experience that is now proving valuable in the professional ranks.

     

    For ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee, the move was driven by both necessity and long-term planning.

     

    With Thea Gagate, Riza Nogales, Zam Nolasco, and fourth overall rookie Nicole Ong providing depth in the middle, keeping everyone in their natural position would leave limited opportunities for several players.

     

    “Ano naman eh, as long as willing ‘yung bata. Kasi ‘yung mga middles natin, hindi natin ma-maximize if tatlo sila or apat; may hindi maglalaro. So talagang merong isa na magsi-switch talaga,” said Yee.

     

    “Nagta-transition na rin naman ‘yung mga opposite natin, so paunti-unti, nagpapakabata tayo kumbaga,” he added.

     

    The shift also allows the Thunderbelles to gradually prepare for the future while easing the workload of veteran opposite spiker Jovelyn Gonzaga, whose experience continues to play a vital role in the team’s development.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Miner admitted that the biggest adjustment has come away from the net, particularly in improving her back-row defense after spending years focusing on blocking as a middle.

     

    “So, ginagawa ko lang ‘yung trabaho ko sa depensa since ‘yun naman siguro ‘yung kulang ko as a middle — ‘yung defense sa back row. So, ‘yun pa rin ‘yung kailangan kong trabahuhin. Overall, well accepted naman ‘yung new role,” said the former Rookie of the Conference.

     

    Fortunately for Miner, she has someone she trusts to guide her through the transition.

     

    “I’m accepting it well, since ‘yung kapalitan ko, si Ate Jov (Gonzaga), isa sa mga veterans,” she said.

     

    “Sobrang mahalaga kasi ni Ate Jov. Mas matagal na siyang naglalaro kaysa sa akin. With the help of the other veterans din, nagkakaroon ako ng kumpiyansa kasi hine-help nila ako para mas makatulong sa team at ma-boost din ‘yung confidence ko,” she added.

     

    Yee believes the experiment could eventually give ZUS Coffee another legitimate attacking option while making the team’s frontline bigger and more flexible against the league’s top opponents.

     

    The early returns have already been encouraging during the Thunderbelles’ unbeaten start in the 2026 PVL On Tour Showdown, particularly with Miner’s improved presence at the net.

     

    “At least na-address natin. ‘Yung blocking, talagang malaki na improvement. Siyempre, maraming butas, like ‘yung floor defense natin; kailangan maalaga tayo. ‘Yung third ball natin kailangan maayos din,” said Yee.

     

    Even so, the longtime mentor stressed that the conversion remains a work in progress rather than a finished product.

     

    “May pros and cons pero ganun talaga, we have to work.”

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • New import Riley Grigsby gives Ginebra reason for optimism after debut 

    New import Riley Grigsby gives Ginebra reason for optimism after debut 

    Barangay Ginebra may have started its PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup campaign with a loss, but it also discovered that its emergency import is more than capable of carrying the offensive load.

     

    Making his first appearance in the league, Riley Grigsby wasted little time proving he belonged, erupting for 42 points and 13 rebounds in an impressive debut despite Ginebra’s 81-78 setback to the unbeaten Phoenix Fuel Masters on Sunday.

     

    Tasked with replacing longtime resident import Justin Brownlee on short notice, Grigsby embraced the spotlight that naturally comes with wearing a Ginebra jersey.

     

    Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the expectations surrounding the league’s most popular franchise, the former NBA G League standout treated the opportunity like any other basketball game.

     

    “I wouldn’t say there’s pressure. Obviously, I knew what I was coming into. Everyone talks about Ginebra. I knew people who played for Ginebra in the past and they told me this is a historic organization,” he said.

     

    “It’s basketball at the end of the day. I just said I’ll come here and play my game and that’s what I try to do.”

     

    Grigsby’s performance gave Ginebra exactly what it hoped for after turning to him while Brownlee continues to recover from multiple injuries, including a lingering right hamstring strain and issues with his left knee. 

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    The 26-year-old import, who most recently suited up for the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA G League, consistently found ways to score and keep the Gin Kings within striking distance throughout the contest.

     

    Unfortunately for Ginebra, the offensive support never arrived.

     

    Jeremiah Grey was the only other Gin King to score more than eight points, finishing with nine despite shooting just 3-of-14 from the field.

     

    As a team, Ginebra struggled to convert its opportunities, managing only 32.6 percent shooting, allowing Phoenix’s balanced attack to escape with the victory.

     

    The Fuel Masters leaned on five players who scored at least nine points, with import BJ Johnson leading the way with 23 markers to preserve the team’s unbeaten start.

     

    While the result spoiled Grigsby’s first night in the PBA, his explosive debut provided an encouraging sign for Ginebra as it navigates the conference without Brownlee.

     

    If his opening performance is any indication, the Gin Kings have found an import capable of keeping them competitive while waiting for their longtime franchise reinforcement to return.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.