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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Philippines locks in multiple Esports Nations Cup spots with dominant qualification run 

    Philippines locks in multiple Esports Nations Cup spots with dominant qualification run 

    The Philippines will arrive at the 2026 Esports Nations Cup not as a hopeful contender, but as one of the region’s strongest esports powers.

     

    Powered by consistent performances across multiple international tournaments, the country officially secured representation in three major titles, with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and VALORANT earning direct qualification through the global rankings while League of Legends punched its ticket through the regional qualifiers.

     

    The country’s biggest statement came in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.

     

    The Philippines finished as the No. 1-ranked nation during the qualification period, collecting 11,200 ranking points to comfortably outdistance Indonesia’s 7,100 and seal an outright berth in the prestigious tournament.

     

    The qualification system rewarded countries based on the international achievements of their players throughout the ranking window, making the Philippines’ top finish another reflection of its continued dominance in the global ML:BB scene.

     

    The national roster brings together some of the country’s biggest stars, led by Team Liquid PH standouts Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, Alston “Sanji” Pabico, and Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz.

    Joining them are Team Falcons PH stars David “FlapTzy” Canon, Stephen “Super Marco” Requitiano, and Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo, along with elite veterans Duane “Kelra” Pillas and Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol.

     

    Guiding the powerhouse lineup will be Francis “Duckey” Glindro, who oversees Team Falcons PH’s Southeast Asia operations.

     

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    The Philippines also secured a place in VALORANT through the qualification rankings.

    Despite finishing ninth overall with 4,875 points, the country comfortably landed inside the top 15 nations that earned automatic qualification to the Esports Nations Cup.

     

    The roster features Filipino talent competing across some of the world’s top organizations, including Global Esports duo Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza and Xavier “xavi8k” Juan, Paper Rex’s Adrian “invy” Reyes, Team Secret’s Jhian “Zeus” Vega and Kelly “kellyS” Sedillo, Oasis Gaming’s Mark “Markyyy” Tuling, and Jade Lions’ Brheyanne “Wild0reoo” Reyes.

     

    Team Secret coach Jose “Rbtx” Jamir will lead the squad.

     

    League of Legends completed the country’s impressive haul.

     

    Unlike ML:BB and VALORANT, the Philippine squad had to earn its place through competition, defeating Singapore in straight games, 2-0, during the lower bracket final of the Southeast Asia and Oceania Qualifier to book its spot in the Nations Cup.

     

    Representing the Philippines are Reven “Relhia” Aloi, Joshua “Devoured” Escucharo, Cherv Zildjan “Agrona” Dorado, Kyle “Dawn” Somera, Jan “Cresho” Hortizuela, and Edrian “DoeDoii” Brancia, with Ralph “Leathergoods” Llabres serving as head coach.

     

    With three titles secured and lineups packed with experienced international competitors, the Philippines heads into the 2026 Esports Nations Cup carrying the momentum of one of Asia’s deepest and most accomplished esports programs.

     

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  • Alas Girls embrace toughest test yet in AVC U18 Championship 

    Alas Girls embrace toughest test yet in AVC U18 Championship 

    The road to contention begins with one of the toughest opening weeks imaginable for Alas Pilipinas Girls.

     

    Instead of easing into the 2026 AVC Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship, the Filipinas will immediately measure themselves against some of Asia’s most established youth volleyball programs, opening their campaign in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand with consecutive matches against regional heavyweights.

     

    The Philippines starts its Pool C campaign against reigning 2025 Asian Youth U19 champion Iran on Wednesday before facing perennial powerhouse Japan the following day. Indonesia completes the Filipinas’ group-stage schedule on Friday.

     

    While the draw leaves little room for error, head coach Karl Dimaculangan sees the tournament as more than just a race for results. For the national mentor, it is another opportunity for a young core to continue growing on one of the biggest stages in Asian volleyball.

     

    “We have talented players, they just need to improve their level of play,” said Dimaculangan, who will be joined on the coaching staff by Keenan Quitco and Marco Maclang.

     

    Leading the charge is Xyz Rayco, one of the country’s brightest youth prospects after helping steer the Philippines to a historic qualification for the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship in Santiago, Chile last year.

     

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    She will once again be counted on to anchor the team’s attack alongside Adamson standout Ella Gonzalvo as Alas looks to carry over the confidence gained from its recent bronze-medal finish in the Princess Cup, where host Thailand emerged as champion.

     

    Completing the Philippine roster are Sharina Lleses, Frances Ramos, Micaella Gould, May Mahinay, Venus De Guia, Bubay Belen, Ysabelle Cruz, Slash Obera, Ysabelle Tuballas, Princess Manzano, Jhaynna Bulandres, and Adelaine Agustin.

     

    The squad also reflects the country’s growing youth pipeline, with reigning 2026 Palarong Pambansa champion National University providing the bulk of the roster. Lleses stands as the lone representative from King’s Montessori of Quezon City.

     

    Elsewhere in the tournament, host Thailand headlines Pool A together with Uzbekistan, Australia, and Mongolia. China leads Pool B alongside Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, and Kyrgyzstan, while Pool D features Chinese Taipei, Korea, India, and Princess Cup runner-up Vietnam.

     

    For Alas Pilipinas Girls, the challenge begins immediately—but so does the chance to prove that the country’s next generation belongs among Asia’s rising volleyball powers.

     

     

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  • Alex Eala wastes no time, powers into Wimbledon second round 

    Alex Eala wastes no time, powers into Wimbledon second round 

    Alex Eala made sure her Wimbledon debut as a seeded player came with a statement.

     

    Carrying the weight of history as the first Filipina to enter the main draw of the All England Club with a seed beside her name, Eala showed exactly why she earned that status, dismantling Mexico’s Renata Zarazua, 6-1, 6-2, to book her place in the second round of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships on Wednesday.

     

    Rather than easing into the tournament, the world No. 32 immediately dictated the pace. Eala opened the match with a love hold before steadily taking complete control, leaving Zarazua with little room to settle into any rhythm.

     

    After the Mexican held serve once early in the opening set, the Filipina took over.

     

    Eala ripped off five straight games, mixing aggressive baseline play with steady serving to wrap up the first set in just 31 minutes.

     

    The momentum never shifted.

     

    She broke Zarazua to open the second frame and quickly stretched the lead to 5-1, putting herself one game away from another milestone victory. Though Zarazua delayed the finish by holding serve once more, Eala stayed composed and closed out the match in straight sets to complete one of her most convincing performances on a Grand Slam stage.

     

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    The victory also carried a measure of redemption.

     

    Two years ago, Zarazua handed Eala a three-set defeat at the 2024 ITF Cary Tennis Classic, the only meeting between the two before Wimbledon. Since then, their paths have crossed in a different way, with the pair even teaming up in doubles at the 2025 French Open and advancing to the second round.

     

    This time, however, Eala left no doubt.

     

    The triumph marked only the second Grand Slam singles victory of her young career after her breakthrough first-round win over Clara Tauson at last year’s US Open, while also giving the Filipina another confidence boost heading deeper into one of tennis’ biggest tournaments.

    Now, an even bigger opportunity awaits.

     

    Eala advances to the Round of 64, where she will face Australia’s Maya Joint for a place in the third round. 

     

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  • Jeremy Lin believes the Philippines can produce its first full-blooded NBA player 

    Jeremy Lin believes the Philippines can produce its first full-blooded NBA player 

    For Jeremy Lin, the Philippines is no longer just known for its unwavering love of basketball.

     

    After seeing Filipino players compete firsthand, the former NBA star believes the country already possesses many of the qualities needed to eventually produce its first full-blooded NBA player.

     

    Lin, whose own journey broke barriers as the first American player of Taiwanese descent in the NBA, said Filipino basketball continues to trend in the right direction, with the country’s combination of talent and passion giving him confidence about its future.

     

    His comments come at a time when Philippine basketball is celebrating another milestone after Jordan Clarkson became the first player of Filipino descent to win an NBA championship, helping the New York Knicks capture their first title in 53 years.

     

    Although Clarkson has proudly represented Gilas Pilipinas in international competition, the distinction of becoming the first full-blooded Filipino to reach the NBA remains one of the country’s biggest basketball aspirations.

     

    Lin believes that dream is far from unrealistic.

     

    Having competed in the East Asia Super League with the New Taipei Kings, Lin had the opportunity to face Philippine club Meralco and witness Filipino talent up close.

     

    What stood out to him wasn’t only the passion that has long defined Philippine basketball, but also the physical tools displayed by many local players.

     

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    “At the end of the day, I also saw a lot of Filipino players who are extremely athletic as well. They can jump high and move quickly, and that’s something that’s stuck with me as well,” he said.

     

    The former New York Knicks guard understands what it means to carry the hopes of an entire community.

     

    Lin became a global sensation during his unforgettable “Linsanity” run in New York, transforming from an undrafted guard into one of basketball’s biggest stories almost overnight before eventually winning an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.

     

    Years later, he experienced Madison Square Garden from a completely different perspective.

    Watching the Knicks finally return to the NBA’s summit allowed Lin to appreciate just how deeply basketball remains woven into New York’s identity.

     

    “When Linsanity was happening, as a player I had no real understanding of what the environment was because I was too focused on the game. But as a spectator in Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals, that was the most insane atmosphere that I have ever been in,” Lin said.

     

    For Philippine basketball, Lin’s optimism serves as another reminder that while the country’s long-awaited breakthrough has yet to happen, the next generation may already be laying the foundation for history.

     

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  • Angel Canino welcomes Alas Pilipinas return, fresh off being named CPC Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year

    Angel Canino welcomes Alas Pilipinas return, fresh off being named CPC Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year

    Angel Canino barely had time to celebrate one of the greatest collegiate seasons in recent memory before another opportunity arrived.

     

    Fresh off leading De La Salle University to a flawless UAAP championship campaign and being recognized as the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year, the Lady Spikers star is once again preparing to wear the Philippine colors after earning another invitation to Alas Pilipinas.

     

    For Canino, the recognition is rewarding, but the focus has already shifted toward the bigger mission waiting later this year—the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

     

    Speaking after receiving her Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Player of the Year award at Discovery Suites, the reigning collegiate star said every call-up to the national team remains something she never takes for granted.

     

    “Of course, I’m very grateful. I feel incredibly blessed that when the lineup was announced, I was included. But of course, we’re still in the process of preparing,” said Canino in Filipino.

     

    “So hopefully, everything leading up to the Asian Games will fall into place. I hope everything aligns well, and I also hope we can all continue to support one another even more.”

     

    The latest invitation marks another chapter in Canino’s growing international résumé after suiting up for Alas Pilipinas during last December’s Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, where the Filipinas finished fourth.

     

    Her return to the national team comes after a collegiate campaign that elevated her status as one of Philippine volleyball’s brightest stars.

     

    Canino was among the driving forces behind La Salle’s perfect 16-0 championship run in UAAP Season 88, helping the Lady Spikers reclaim the title despite the early-season absence of Finals MVP Shevana Laput. 

     

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    She also delivered when the stakes were highest.

     

    In the championship opener against National University, Canino powered La Salle with 17 points, nine digs, and five excellent receptions before following it up with another all-around performance of 11 points, 10 digs, and 10 receptions in Game 2 as the Lady Spikers completed a straight-set sweep of the defending champions.

     

    Those performances earned her the Collegiate Press Corps’ UAAP Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year recognition.

     

    Joining Canino among this year’s volleyball awardees are National University’s Leo Ordiales as the UAAP Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year, Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s Lara Silva as the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year, and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Reymark Betco as the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year.

     

    The four standouts will be honored during the 2026 Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night presented by Strong Group Athletics.

     

    While another individual award now sits beside her growing collection, Canino’s attention is already on the next challenge.

     

    This time, the goal extends beyond collegiate glory as she hopes to help Alas Pilipinas compete against Asia’s best on one of the continent’s biggest sporting stages.

     

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  • BJ Andrade chases fresh start with Winling in Hong Kong 

    BJ Andrade chases fresh start with Winling in Hong Kong 

    For the first time since turning professional, BJ Andrade is stepping outside the PBA in search of something that has continued to slip through his grasp—a championship.

     

    The former Ateneo standout is taking his career to Hong Kong after securing an unconditional release from Blackwater, allowing him to sign a three-year contract with A1 League club Winling.

    The move offers Andrade more than just a new jersey. It gives the 27-year-old guard an opportunity to return to the city where he was born while embracing a new challenge as a local player in one of Hong Kong’s top basketball leagues.

     

    Before beginning his overseas chapter, Andrade made sure to acknowledge the league and the organization that helped him reach this point.

     

    “Sobrang grateful ako sa PBA kasi ever since nag-start ako mag-basketball, pangarap ko na maglaro dun. At na-develop ko ang sarili ko sa liga at nakalaro ako ng mga idol ko dati,” Andrade told Tiebreaker Times.

     

    “Sa Blackwater sobrang thankful ako kasi nabigyan ako ng opportunity na ipakita yung kaya kong gawin and napaka-understanding nila when I brought up the offer from Winling. And they just wanted what was best for me.”

     

    Andrade’s PBA journey was filled with adjustments.

     

    After being selected 10th overall by Converge in the 2023 PBA Draft, he spent two seasons with the FiberXers before being dealt to Blackwater in exchange for Rey Suerte.

     

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    Although his stint with the Bossing lasted only one conference, it provided him with another chance to showcase his versatility. Andrade appeared in 11 games and averaged 6.1 points per contest before an unexpected opportunity knocked from overseas.

     

    Now, Winling becomes the next destination for the former Blue Eagle.

     

    The Hong Kong club finished fifth in last season’s A1 League standings and is hoping Andrade can help strengthen its backcourt as it pursues its first league championship since 2015.

    For Andrade, however, the motivation extends beyond simply changing teams.

     

    He sees the move as an opportunity to carry Filipino basketball onto another stage while pursuing the one achievement still missing from his résumé.

     

    “I’m very happy and lucky because I was born in Hong Kong and local ako dito. Kahit papaano, nagkaroon ako ng opportunity to play outside the Philippines. Goal ko dito is to bring Filipino basketball to Hong Kong kahit papaano, make a name for myself here, and win a championship. Never pa kasi akong nag-champion as a pro, and you know me—I’m a winner,” he said.

     

    “I won in high school and college. Sana soon, champion na rin as a pro.”

     

    After winning titles with Ateneo in college and enjoying success earlier in his basketball career, Andrade now begins a new pursuit—one that he hopes finally ends with his first professional crown, this time in the city where his story first began.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas reloads for Asian Games with familiar stars and fresh faces  

    Alas Pilipinas reloads for Asian Games with familiar stars and fresh faces  

    As Philippine volleyball works through one of the most uncertain periods in its history, one familiar face is back at the center of the national team’s plans.

     

    Jia de Guzman headlines the 22-player training pool for Alas Pilipinas Women, signaling the start of a rebuilding process under new leadership as the team shifts its focus toward the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

     

    The national squad enters a new chapter with Japanese coach Taka Minowa taking over the program while the Philippine Olympic Committee temporarily oversees national team operations following the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).

     

    Rather than building from scratch, the new coaching staff is leaning on the players who helped establish Alas Pilipinas as one of Southeast Asia’s rising programs over the past few years.

     

    De Guzman, who skipped the team’s most recent campaign in Candon City, returns to lead a roster that blends experienced veterans with the country’s brightest young stars.

     

    Joining the longtime national team setter are Justine Jazareno, Jen Nierva, Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Angel Canino, Shaina Nitura, Fifi Sharma, Vanie Gandler, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido, Dawn Catindig, Dell Palomata, and Mars Alba.

     

    Also receiving invitations are Alyssa Solomon, Thea Gagate, Niña Ytang, veteran middle blocker Pangs Panaga, Erika Santos, Gel Cayuna, Arah Panique, and Shaira Jardio.

     

    Many of these players formed the backbone of the Alas squad that captured a historic silver medal in last year’s AVC Women’s Challenge Cup, one of the country’s biggest achievements in recent international volleyball.

     

    This year’s campaign, however, proved far more difficult. A younger and retooled Philippine squad, led by Alyssa Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ces Molina, and Ara Galang, failed to reach the semifinals and ultimately settled for eighth place.

     

    The transition comes during a turbulent period for Philippine volleyball.

     

    Sources told that the suspended PNVF has invited De Guzman, Valdez, and Gonzaga to serve on the federation’s Athletes’ Commission, a requirement imposed by the FIVB ad hoc committee as part of efforts to resolve the federation’s ongoing issues.

     

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    Meanwhile, Minowa officially steps into the program after previously working with Philippine volleyball.

     

    The Japanese mentor, who coached Akari in the Premier Volleyball League and handled the Alas women’s squad in 2024, recently served as an assistant coach for Japan SV.League club Aisin Tealmare Hekinan. He also shares a close connection to Philippine volleyball as the husband of former national team standout Jaja Santiago.

     

    On the men’s side, continuity remains the priority.

     

    Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni will continue steering Alas Pilipinas Men into the Asian Games, hoping to maximize a talented core highlighted by Japan SV.League champion Bryan Bagunas, Taiwan league winner Marck Espejo, and reigning Spikers’ Turf MVP Jude Garcia.

     

    Also included in the men’s pool are Owa Retamar, Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, Lloyd Josafat, Al Bukharie Sali, Louie Taguibolos, Josh Ybañez, Adrian Villados, Vince Lorenzo, Kristofer Rodge Alejos, and Trevor Valera.

     

    Frigoni remains one of the most successful coaches in the program’s recent history, having guided the Philippines to a historic appearance in the FIVB Men’s World Championship and a bronze medal finish in last year’s Southeast Asian Games.

     

    As preparations begin for Aichi-Nagoya, both national teams now face the challenge of building momentum despite the uncertainty surrounding Philippine volleyball’s governing body, with experienced leaders once again expected to provide stability when it matters most.

     

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  • FIFA World Cup: Penalty Shootouts shake up World Cup as Morocco, Paraguay eliminate European giants

    FIFA World Cup: Penalty Shootouts shake up World Cup as Morocco, Paraguay eliminate European giants

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 produced its biggest surprises yet as Morocco and Paraguay knocked out European heavyweights through penalty shootouts, while Brazil avoided an upset against Japan to book its place in the Round of 16.

     

    With the knockout stage leaving no room for error, nerves, composure, and clinical finishing from the spot ultimately decided two of the day’s biggest encounters.

     

    Round of 32

     

    Morocco 1 (3)-1 (2) Netherlands

     

    Morocco once again proved it thrives on football’s biggest stage, eliminating the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout after both sides finished level at 1-1 following extra time.

     

    The Atlas Lions matched the Dutch throughout 120 minutes before holding their nerve from the spot, converting three penalties to the Netherlands’ two. The victory sends Morocco into another World Cup Round of 16 and further strengthens its reputation as one of international football’s most dangerous tournament teams.

     

    Germany 1 (3)-1 (4) Paraguay

     

    Paraguay produced one of the tournament’s biggest shocks by knocking out four-time world champions Germany in another penalty shootout thriller.

     

    Locked at 1-1 after regulation and extra time, neither side managed to find the breakthrough before Paraguay kept its composure during the shootout, edging Germany 4-3.

     

    The victory marks one of Paraguay’s most memorable World Cup wins and sends the South Americans into the Round of 16 at Germany’s expense.

     

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    Round of 32

     

    Brazil 2-1 Japan

     

    Brazil survived a stern test from Japan to continue its pursuit of a sixth FIFA World Cup title.

    The Samurai Blue pushed the South American giants throughout the contest, but Brazil’s experience ultimately made the difference as the Seleção completed a 2-1 comeback victory.

     

    Japan threatened to force extra time, but Brazil found the decisive breakthrough late in the match to avoid becoming another knockout-stage casualty.

     

    With two penalty shootout upsets already shaking up the bracket and Brazil narrowly escaping elimination, the Round of 32 has reinforced one thing: no favorite is safe once the FIFA World Cup enters its knockout phase.

     

    Every remaining match now carries even greater significance as the race for the championship continues to intensify.

     

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  • Jimmy Alapag returns home to bring NBA experience as NLEX’s new mentor  

    Jimmy Alapag returns home to bring NBA experience as NLEX’s new mentor  

    After spending the last six years learning the game from the sidelines of the NBA, Jimmy Alapag is finally bringing that experience back to where his legendary basketball journey began.

     

    The former PBA superstar officially returns to the Philippine league—not as a player this time, but as the new head coach of the NLEX Road Warriors, a franchise hoping its next breakthrough will come under one of the country’s most respected basketball minds.

     

    NLEX made the announcement on Monday through its official social media platforms, confirming Alapag’s appointment ahead of the opening of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The move signals a major shift for a team that has consistently shown flashes of promise but has yet to establish itself as a legitimate title contender.

     

    “Welcome to your new home coach Jimmy Alapag! As we prepare for the upcoming conference, the NLEX management believes this is the right time to introduce renewed leadership while preserving the continuity and identity that the team has built,” NLEX said on social media.

     

    “We are appointing Coach Jimmy Alapag as Head Coach of the NLEX Road Warriors. Coach Jimmy brings valuable experience from an NBA organization, a strong basketball philosophy, and a player-centered approach that we believe can help elevate the team to the next level,” the team further said.

     

    Alapag replaces veteran tactician Jong Uichico, inheriting a roster that showed significant progress during the Commissioner’s Cup after finishing the elimination round with a 10-2 record.

     

    Despite that impressive showing, NLEX’s campaign ended earlier than expected after falling to eventual finalist TNT Tropang 5G in the quarterfinals, leaving the franchise searching for the next piece that could push it deeper into the playoffs.

     

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    Rather than making wholesale roster changes, the Road Warriors opted for a change in leadership.

     

    “This move is about strengthening the program, combining fresh perspectives with continuity, and giving ourselves the best opportunity to achieve our goal of becoming a championship-caliber team,” the organization added.

     

    For Alapag, the opportunity marks another milestone in a career that has already crossed multiple basketball stages.

     

    Following his decorated playing career that included six PBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and a place among the league’s 50 Greatest Players, Alapag transitioned into coaching and eventually joined the Sacramento Kings organization.

     

    During his six-year stay, he served on the coaching staff of both the Kings and their NBA G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings, gaining valuable experience in one of the world’s most competitive basketball environments.

     

    Now, he returns to Philippine basketball carrying a different perspective—one shaped by years inside an NBA organization but rooted in the league where he became one of its greatest point guards.

     

    Alapag’s coaching debut will come immediately on opening night of the Governors’ Cup when NLEX faces guest team Macau Giant Pandas on July 10 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, officially ushering in a new era for the Road Warriors.

     

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  • Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao rekindle NU chemistry as Gilas cruises past Manawatu in tune-up

    Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao rekindle NU chemistry as Gilas cruises past Manawatu in tune-up

    Long before they became two of the biggest names in Philippine basketball, Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao were already winning games together in Nazareth School.

     

    On Sunday, the former National University standouts turned back the clock.

     

    Tamayo and Quiambao once again shared the spotlight, leading Gilas Pilipinas Men to a dominant 92-61 victory over Manawatu at Fly Palmy Arena in Palmerston North, giving the national team a confidence-boosting start to its New Zealand training camp ahead of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The exhibition was less about the final score and more about seeing Gilas’ revamped lineup build chemistry before facing two of Oceania’s toughest sides. And with Tamayo and Quiambao setting the tone early, the pieces appeared to fit together quickly.

     

    Tamayo finished with 14 points on an efficient 50-percent shooting clip while adding four assists and three rebounds, while Quiambao complemented him with 13 points and two rebounds as the pair anchored Gilas’ balanced offensive attack.

     

    Their early production helped the Nationals establish control almost immediately, racing to a 25-12 lead after the opening quarter before stretching the advantage to 67-45 entering the final period.

     

    Rather than easing off, Gilas continued to pile on in the fourth, eventually building its biggest lead of the night at 31 points.

     

    Depth also proved to be one of the biggest positives for head coach Tim Cone.

     

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    Veteran forward Troy Rosario delivered a flawless offensive outing, making all five of his field-goal attempts to score 11 points. Juan Gomez de Liano orchestrated the offense with nine points, seven assists, and two steals, while Mike Phillips made an impressive first appearance in Gilas colors with eight points and nine rebounds.

     

    Dwight Ramos also chipped in eight points and seven rebounds as every player in Cone’s lineup found the scoring column.

     

    Naturalized star Justin Brownlee was held out of the contest for rest, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate the rest of the roster ahead of the tougher tests awaiting the team.

     

    Manawatu, which finished last season’s New Zealand National Basketball League campaign with a 9-11 record, was led by Kazlo Evans with 11 points and Jameer Reed with 10.

     

    Team captain Jamal Poplar controlled the glass with a game-high 17 rebounds while adding six points in defeat.

     

    Gilas will wrap up its preparations against Franklin on June 30 before opening Window 3 of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers against New Zealand on July 3 in Auckland, followed by a showdown with Australia in Perth on July 6.

     

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