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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo traded to Heat after 13 seasons with Bucks 

    Giannis Antetokounmpo traded to Heat after 13 seasons with Bucks 

    Milwaukee spent years insisting that Giannis Antetokounmpo was untouchable. Even as speculation surfaced almost every offseason, the Bucks remained committed to building around the player who transformed the franchise into a perennial contender.

     

    This summer, that stance changed.

     

    The Bucks have agreed to trade Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat in a blockbuster deal that closes one of the most successful chapters in franchise history and signals the beginning of a new era for both organizations.

     

    For Milwaukee, the move is less about losing a superstar and more about confronting a reality that had been building for months. Injuries, roster uncertainty, and a disappointing 2025-26 campaign forced the franchise to reassess its future around a 31-year-old cornerstone who had carried the team for more than a decade.

     

    The return reflects that shift.

     

    Milwaukee acquires Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, three future first-round picks, a first-round swap, and a second-round selection while also sending Bobby Portis to Miami. The package gives the Bucks a combination of young talent, draft capital, and roster flexibility as they begin life after Antetokounmpo.

     

    The trade ends a remarkable 13-year partnership that reshaped basketball in Milwaukee.

     

    Selected 15th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, Antetokounmpo arrived as a little-known prospect from Greece and developed into the face of the franchise. He became a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, an NBA champion, Finals MVP, and the unquestioned centerpiece of the Bucks’ most successful modern era.

     

    By the time he leaves, Antetokounmpo owns virtually every major franchise record, including points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, games played, and minutes.

     

    His defining moment came during Milwaukee’s 2021 championship run, highlighted by a legendary 50-point performance in the title-clinching Game 6 against Phoenix. It delivered the Bucks their first NBA championship in 50 years and cemented Antetokounmpo’s legacy as one of the greatest players in franchise history.

     

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    Yet the final years of that partnership became increasingly complicated.

     

    Milwaukee struggled to maintain its championship footing, and Antetokounmpo’s injury-plagued 2025-26 season raised fresh questions about the team’s trajectory. Limited to just 36 games, he missed All-NBA honors for the first time in nearly a decade.

     

    His frustrations also became more visible.

     

    “I want to be here, but I want to be here to win, not fighting for my life to make the playoffs,” Antetokounmpo told The Athletic before last season’s trade deadline.

     

    The Bucks ultimately chose not to move him at the time, but the possibility never disappeared. Following another turbulent season, a coaching change, and mounting uncertainty surrounding the roster, Milwaukee finally reached the conclusion it had spent years trying to avoid.

     

    For Miami, the move fulfills an aggressive pursuit that stretched back to the trade deadline.

     

    Team president Pat Riley publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the Heat’s direction after missing the playoffs and made it clear the franchise intended to pursue major upgrades.

     

    “I’m really pissed,” Riley said after the season. “I’m disappointed. Disgruntled, just like everyone else in the organization who understands what we’re about.”

     

    “We’re not good enough, and we’re not happy with it. And I think this is the first time in three years we can do something about it.”

     

    Now, the Heat have their answer.

     

    Antetokounmpo joins a franchise that believes it can immediately return to championship contention, while Miami gains one of the league’s most accomplished players as it searches for its first title since 2013.

     

    The deal may still evolve before it becomes official in July, but one thing is already certain.

     

    The Giannis Antetokounmpo era in Milwaukee is over, and one of the most significant player-franchise partnerships of the modern NBA has reached its end.

     

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  • Kacey Dela Rosa earns CPC citation after breakout year with Gilas Women 

    Kacey Dela Rosa earns CPC citation after breakout year with Gilas Women 

    Kacey Dela Rosa’s collegiate career has already been filled with individual awards and memorable performances, but it was her impact beyond the UAAP that ultimately set her apart this year.

     

    The Ateneo standout will receive a special citation during the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night presented by Strong Group Athletics, recognizing a year in which she emerged as one of the most important figures in Philippine women’s basketball.

     

    While many athletes spend their offseason recovering from the grind of collegiate competition, Dela Rosa used hers to help push Gilas Pilipinas to new heights across multiple international tournaments.

     

    The recognition comes after another stellar season with Ateneo, where the two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player helped steer the Blue Eagles to a bronze-medal finish in UAAP Season 88. But her biggest accomplishments came after the collegiate campaign ended.

     

    With Gilas Women, Dela Rosa proved she could thrive on bigger stages and under greater responsibility.

     

    Last December, she stepped into a crucial role during the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, helping the Philippines reclaim the women’s basketball gold medal. Tasked with anchoring the middle in the absence of longtime national team pillar Jack Animam, Dela Rosa helped keep the Filipinas on top of the regional podium.

     

    Her rise continued at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in France, where the Philippines earned its first-ever victory in an Olympic Qualifying Tournament by defeating Colombia.

     

    Dela Rosa was at the center of that breakthrough, finishing as the team’s leading scorer and rebounder with averages of 15.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game.

     

    Yet her influence extended beyond the traditional five-player game.

     

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    The 6-foot-2 forward became one of the cornerstones of Gilas Women’s 3×3 program during a historic stretch that saw the Philippines establish new milestones in the discipline.

     

    She played a key role in the country’s silver-medal finish at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, the best result ever achieved by the Philippine women’s team in the continental tournament. Across five games, she averaged 6.2 points and 4.8 rebounds while helping the Filipinas reach the championship round.

     

    That momentum carried over into the World Cup qualifying tournament in Singapore, where Gilas secured another berth in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup.

     

    Most recently, Dela Rosa was part of the squad that delivered another historic moment in Warsaw, Poland. Alongside Afril Bernardino, Camille Clarin, and Mikka Cacho, she helped the Philippines notch its first-ever victory in the Women’s FIBA 3×3 World Cup with a breakthrough win over Italy.

     

    Those achievements transformed Dela Rosa from a dominant collegiate player into one of the country’s most impactful international performers.

     

    The CPC’s special citation serves as recognition of a year in which she successfully bridged both worlds—continuing to excel in the UAAP while helping Gilas Women rewrite pieces of Philippine basketball history.

     

    Dela Rosa will be honored alongside the best performers from the UAAP and NCAA in basketball, volleyball, and football during the annual awards ceremony at Discovery Suites Manila.

     

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  • Jordon Varnado returns to Meralco, strengthens Bolts’ Governors’ Cup bid 

    Jordon Varnado returns to Meralco, strengthens Bolts’ Governors’ Cup bid 

    When Meralco began searching for its import for the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, it didn’t have to look far.

     

    Instead of gambling on an unfamiliar name, the Bolts turned to someone who already knows the system, the locker room, and the expectations that come with playing for the franchise.

     

    Jordon Varnado is officially back with Meralco, giving the club a reinforcement it already trusts as it chases a breakthrough trip to the PBA Finals.

     

    The move continues a pattern that has become a hallmark of Meralco’s roster-building strategy. Rather than constantly searching for new imports, the Bolts have increasingly relied on players who have previously represented the organization in international competitions.

     

    Varnado was one of those pieces.

     

    The 29-year-old American played a key role for Meralco during the Basketball Champions League Asia 2025, where he averaged 19.7 points and 10.0 rebounds in three games. His production helped steer the Bolts into the quarterfinals before their campaign ended in a narrow defeat to Mongolia’s XAC Broncos, who eventually claimed the bronze medal.

     

    Now, a year after helping Meralco compete on the regional stage, Varnado returns with a different mission.

     

    His arrival addresses a major need for a team that has consistently remained among the league’s contenders but has struggled to take the final step. The Bolts reached the semifinals in both conferences this season, only to be denied each time by TNT.

     

    That experience has shaped Meralco’s approach entering the Governors’ Cup.

     

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    Instead of making sweeping changes, the franchise is leaning on continuity and familiarity, believing Varnado can provide an immediate impact because of his previous experience with the organization.

     

    The Tennessee native also arrives with an extensive international résumé, most recently suiting up for Israeli club Bnei Penlink Herzliya.

     

    His return comes as teams across the league finalize their import selections for the season-ending conference.

     

    Blackwater has already secured the services of 2024 Indonesian Basketball League MVP Kentrell Barkley, while Phoenix is set to bring in former NBA player BJ Johnson.

     

    For Meralco, however, the decision was less about finding the biggest name available and more about bringing back a player who already understands the culture the team is trying to build.

     

    With Varnado returning to the fold, the Bolts are hoping familiarity can become one of their biggest advantages as they pursue a deeper playoff run and a long-awaited championship opportunity.

     

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  • Mike Phillips reaches Gilas milestone, reflects on recovery journey 

    Mike Phillips reaches Gilas milestone, reflects on recovery journey 

    Long before Mike Phillips earned a spot in Gilas Pilipinas’ Final 12, he was confronting a possibility far more daunting than facing Australia or New Zealand.

     

    There was a time when simply continuing his basketball career was uncertain.

     

    As the national team prepares for a crucial window in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Phillips arrives not just as another addition to the roster but as one of its most remarkable stories.

     

    The 24-year-old forward’s inclusion in the squad represents years of persistence, recovery, and belief after a series of setbacks that once threatened to end his basketball journey altogether.

    During Gilas Pilipinas’ send-off press conference, Phillips reflected on the road that brought him to this point.

     

    “Napakasaya na kasama ako sa Gilas na ito,” Phillips said.

     

    “Madaming full-circle moments sa buhay ko ngayon.”

     

    The phrase “full-circle” carries particular significance for Phillips.

     

    Before becoming one of the most energetic and reliable frontcourt players in Philippine basketball, he endured five brain injuries suffered during high school and college. Those incidents led to difficult conversations about his future in the sport.

     

    “Naalala ko lang ‘yung sinabi ng doctor ko after I had five brain injuries,” he shared.

    “Sabi niya, baka hindi ka na makapaglaro ng basketball.”

     

    Instead of becoming the final chapter of his basketball career, those words now serve as a reminder of how far he has come.

     

    Today, Phillips is preparing to represent the Philippines in one of the sport’s most prestigious international competitions.

     

    “Pero ngayon po, makakapaglaro para sa bansa natin,” he said.

     

    “Talagang ‘yung dahilan ko kung bakit ako nandito ay si God po.”

     

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    “’Yung pagkakataon na ‘yun po, malaking blessing talaga so gusto ko talaga sulitin at tutulungan ko ‘yung team in any way I can.”

     

    His call-up carries additional meaning because this is the opportunity he had been working toward for years.

     

    Phillips previously suited up for Gilas during the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, but becoming eligible as a local player and earning a place in the senior national team’s FIBA campaign was always the bigger objective.

     

    “Malaking bagay po kasi ‘yung Gilas talaga, ‘yun ‘yung big time,” he said.

     

    “So, maging local talaga ‘yung pangarap ko, at ‘yun ‘yung pinagtatrabahuhan namin ilang years na.”

     

    Now part of a roster that blends established veterans with emerging talent, Phillips believes the team’s chemistry will be one of its strengths as it heads into challenging road games against New Zealand and Australia.

     

    “Maganda din po ‘yung samahan namin,” he said.

     

    “May mga old faces, new faces, so maganda ‘yung mix ng mga rookies tsaka beterano sa team.”

    For Phillips, the upcoming qualifiers are about more than wins, losses, or standings.

     

    They are another reminder that a career once placed in doubt has evolved into something far greater than he imagined.

     

    From hearing that he might never play again to wearing the national colors on the international stage, Phillips’ journey has become one of the most inspiring stories inside the Gilas Pilipinas program.

     

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  • Alex Eala bows out in Bad Homburg, shifts focus to Wimbledon 

    Alex Eala bows out in Bad Homburg, shifts focus to Wimbledon 

    For the third time in her career, Elise Mertens proved to be a hurdle Alex Eala could not clear.

    The Belgian veteran once again got the better of the Filipina rising star, defeating Eala 6-3, 6-3 in the opening round of the Bad Homburg Open and denying her one final singles boost before Wimbledon.

     

    The result ended Eala’s latest grass-court campaign but also offered a reminder of the challenge that comes with sustaining momentum on one of tennis’ most demanding stretches of the season.

     

    Coming into Bad Homburg, Eala was riding high from a productive run through the European grass-court swing. The world No. 30 had recently captured a title in Birmingham and added another headline-grabbing victory by upsetting Elena Rybakina in Berlin.

     

    But with less than two days separating her Berlin campaign and her Bad Homburg opener, the physical and mental demands of the tour appeared to catch up.

     

    The match initially seemed headed in Eala’s favor.

     

    She started aggressively and quickly built a 3-1 lead, putting pressure on Mertens early. Instead of allowing the match to slip away, however, the Belgian responded with the composure that has kept her among the world’s top players for years.

     

    Mertens reeled off five consecutive games to steal the opening set, flipping the momentum completely.

    Once she found her rhythm, the world No. 26 rarely allowed Eala back into the contest.

     

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    The Filipina attempted to mount a response in the second set and briefly threatened to narrow the gap after falling behind 4-2. But Mertens remained steady from the baseline and closed out another straight-sets victory over Eala, extending her perfect record against the Filipina to 3-0.

     

    The win continued a trend that began in Tunisia in 2023 and carried into Madrid earlier this season, where Mertens also prevailed in straight sets.

     

    While the singles result was disappointing, Eala’s week in Germany is not yet over.

     

    She remains in the doubles draw alongside tennis legend Venus Williams, giving her another opportunity to gain valuable grass-court experience before heading to Wimbledon.

     

    The defeat also does little to diminish what has already been a breakthrough grass season for the 21-year-old. Her rise into the world’s top 30 and her historic Wimbledon seeding remain among the biggest milestones of her career.

     

    With the All England Club now just days away, Eala leaves Bad Homburg with one final lesson from the grass-court circuit—and one more chance to sharpen her game before tennis’ most prestigious tournament begins.

     

     

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  • Alex Eala earns historic Wimbledon seeding, adds another milestone to breakthrough year 

    Alex Eala earns historic Wimbledon seeding, adds another milestone to breakthrough year 

    Alex Eala’s rise in world tennis has reached another landmark moment.

     

    Before even stepping onto the grass courts of Wimbledon this year, the Filipino star has already secured a place in history after becoming the first Filipino singles player ever to earn a Grand Slam seeding.

     

    Eala was officially named the No. 29 seed for the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, marking another significant achievement in what has become a breakthrough season for the 21-year-old.

     

    The distinction places her among the tournament’s top-ranked players and serves as further evidence of how quickly she has climbed the sport’s global ladder. Her recent surge has pushed her to No. 30 in the live WTA rankings, just one spot away from matching her career-best ranking.

     

    While the accomplishment is unprecedented in Philippine singles tennis, it also places Eala alongside one of the country’s most accomplished racket sports figures.

     

    She becomes only the second Filipino in the Open Era to receive a Grand Slam seeding, joining doubles specialist Treat Huey.

     

    Huey earned seeded status in five straight Grand Slam men’s doubles events beginning with the 2016 Australian Open. That same year, he reached the Wimbledon semifinals with Belarusian partner Max Mirnyi and climbed to a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 18 before retiring in 2023.

     

    For Eala, however, the latest milestone is less a culmination than another sign of how dramatically her status in the sport has changed over the past year.

     

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    Once viewed primarily as a promising prospect, she now enters Wimbledon as one of the tournament’s seeded players and a legitimate threat on one of tennis’ biggest stages.

     

    Before heading to London, Eala still has work to do in Germany.

     

    The Filipina received a wildcard into the main draw of the WTA 500 Bad Homburg Open, where she faces a familiar challenge in World No. 24 Elise Mertens of Belgium.

     

    Mertens holds a 2-0 career edge against Eala, including a straight-sets victory in Madrid earlier this season. The matchup gives Eala another opportunity to measure her progress against an established Top 25 player before Wimbledon begins.

     

    The winner will advance to face either four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka or Poland’s Magdalena Frech in the next round.

     

    Eala’s preparations won’t be limited to singles competition.

     

    She is also set for one of the most anticipated doubles partnerships of the week, teaming up with tennis icon Venus Williams. The pair will open their campaign against Catherine Harrison of the United States and Alexandra Osborne of Australia.

     

    With a Wimbledon seeding now attached to her name, Eala enters the grass-court major carrying a different level of expectation than ever before.

     

    And for Philippine tennis, that may be the most significant milestone of all.

     

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  • FIFA World Cup Preview: Argentina Eyes Knockout Spot, France Seeks Control as Group Stage Intensifies

    FIFA World Cup Preview: Argentina Eyes Knockout Spot, France Seeks Control as Group Stage Intensifies

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage enters a crucial phase on Tuesday, with four matches that could significantly shape the race for qualification.

     

    Defending champions Argentina and European powerhouse France both have opportunities to strengthen their positions, while Norway and Senegal meet in one of the day’s most balanced contests. Meanwhile, Jordan and Algeria could be playing for survival in Group J.

     

    Argentina vs Austria (Group J)

     

    1:00 AM (Manila Time)

     

    Argentina head into Dallas carrying plenty of momentum after opening their title defense with a convincing victory over Algeria.

     

    Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a hat trick in the reigning champions’ first outing, immediately reminding the football world why Argentina remains one of the favorites to lift the trophy once again.

     

    A win against Austria would virtually secure Argentina’s passage to the knockout rounds and put them in prime position to top Group J.

     

    Austria, however, should not be overlooked. Managed by Ralf Rangnick and led by veterans David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer, and Marko Arnautovic, the Austrians entered the tournament as one of Europe’s most organized sides after qualifying as group winners during the European preliminaries.

     

    This will be the first World Cup meeting between the two nations.

     

    Key Player: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

     

    France vs Iraq (Group I)

     

    5:00 AM (Manila Time)

     

    France enter Philadelphia looking to build on a strong opening performance and move closer to the Round of 32.

     

    Les Bleus opened Group I with a 3-1 victory over Senegal, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament favorites. Led by Kylian Mbappé and one of the deepest squads in the competition, France know another three points would leave them firmly in control of the group.

     

    Iraq, meanwhile, are seeking their first points after falling to Norway in their opener. The Asian side qualified through the intercontinental playoffs and now faces the difficult task of slowing down one of the world’s most talented attacks.

     

    This marks the first-ever World Cup meeting between France and Iraq.

     

    Key Player: Kylian Mbappé (France)

     

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    Norway vs Senegal (Group I)

     

    8:00 AM (Manila Time)

     

    Perhaps the most evenly matched fixture of the day takes place in New Jersey as Norway and Senegal collide in a game with major qualification implications.

     

    Norway made an emphatic World Cup return after a 28-year absence, cruising to a 4-1 win over Iraq behind a brace from Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker wasted little time

     announcing himself on football’s biggest stage and will once again be Norway’s biggest threat.

     

    Senegal may have lost 3-1 to France in its opener, but the Lions of Teranga showed enough quality to suggest they remain a serious contender for a knockout-round spot. Led by Sadio Mané, the African giants know a positive result is vital before their final group match.

     

    The matchup also pits two nations chasing significant milestones. Norway is seeking its first World Cup knockout appearance since 1998, while Senegal hopes to make a deep run similar to its historic quarterfinal campaign aspirations that have lingered since its breakthrough years on the global stage.

     

    Key Player: Erling Haaland (Norway)

     

    Jordan vs Algeria (Group J)

     

    11:00 AM (Manila Time)

     

    The final match of the day could become one of the most important of the group stage.

    Algeria enter the contest under immense pressure after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Argentina. Head coach Vladimir Petkovic has already acknowledged that his team’s World Cup fate may depend on this match.

     

    Jordan, meanwhile, also needs a result after opening Group J against Austria. With Argentina heavily favored to top the group, the battle for second place could come down to the outcome of this matchup.

     

    Petkovic expects a very different challenge compared to Argentina, describing Jordan as a compact and physical side capable of making life difficult for opponents.

     

    For both teams, defeat would leave qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

     

    Key Player: Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

     

    Matches to Watch

    • 🇦🇷 Argentina vs Austria — Can the champions book their knockout-round ticket?
    • 🇫🇷 France vs Iraq — Les Bleus chase a second straight win.
    • 🇳🇴 Norway vs Senegal — A potential group-stage classic.
    • 🇯🇴 Jordan vs Algeria — A pivotal battle in Group J.

    With qualification scenarios beginning to emerge, every point is becoming increasingly valuable. By the end of the day, several teams could be on the verge of the knockout rounds, while others may find themselves facing must-win situations heading into the final group-stage matches.

     

     

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  • Elizabeth Means nears Gilas dream as naturalization process enters final stretch

    Elizabeth Means nears Gilas dream as naturalization process enters final stretch

    For Elizabeth Means, every game she plays in the Philippines now feels like a preview of something bigger.

     

    The Cebu Hustle 3×3 tournament may be another stop in her basketball journey, but for Means, the event also serves as a reminder that her long-awaited opportunity to officially represent the country is finally within reach.

     

    After years of paperwork and waiting, the Filipino-American forward revealed that her naturalization process is nearing completion, placing her one step closer to wearing the Philippine colors in international competition.

     

    The process took another significant leap forward in March when the Philippine Senate approved on third and final reading the bills granting citizenship to Means and former University of the Philippines standout Malick Diouf. Both are expected to strengthen the country’s growing 3×3 basketball program.

     

    Now, the finish line is in sight.

     

    “Oh my gosh, it has been a process, and I’m so excited,” said Means, whose Filipino roots trace back to Naga City in Camarines Sur.

     

    “We’re almost there. I’m just waiting on my passport, but we’re in the last steps, and I cannot wait to have it, finalize it.”

     

    That anticipation has added extra meaning to every appearance she makes on local courts.

     

    This weekend, Means is competing in the inaugural Cebu Hustle 3×3 tournament alongside Camille Clarin, Camille Malagar, and Trina Guytingco under the Pilipinas Aguilas banner. The team opened its campaign strongly, sweeping its two pool-stage games to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.

     

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    While her future with Gilas Pilipinas remains the bigger picture, Means has stayed focused on the task at hand.

     

    The former Westminster University standout believes her team is finding its rhythm at the right time as the tournament enters its most important stage.

     

    “I think 3×3 tournaments are all about growing and getting better every game, and kinda warming up throughout the tournament, and I think we did that in each game,” said Means.

     

    “We’re excited to play some more competitive games tomorrow.”

     

    Beyond Cebu Hustle, Means is already looking ahead to what her Philippine passport could unlock.

     

    Potential opportunities in the FIBA Women’s Series, the Asian Games, and other international competitions are now becoming increasingly realistic. For a player who has long hoped to compete for the country connected to her family roots, that possibility is becoming more tangible with each passing day.

     

    Before she can officially step onto the international stage as a Filipina athlete, however, there is still business to take care of in Cebu.

     

    And for Means, every game remains another chance to prepare for the moment she has been waiting for all along.

     

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  • Rene Baterbonia’s teammates leave Ateneo path, commit to La Salle Zobel  

    Rene Baterbonia’s teammates leave Ateneo path, commit to La Salle Zobel  

    The basketball journey that once seemed destined to continue in Ateneo colors is now headed in a different direction.

     

    Several weeks after the tragic passing of teammate and close friend Rene Baterbonia, four of Ateneo de Davao’s most promising young players have officially moved away from their original collegiate path, choosing La Salle Zobel as the next destination in their development.

     

    Head coach Jess Evangelio confirmed that Rhysus Bajenting, Matt Cayetano, JM Sanoria, and Macky Peligrino will join the Junior Archers program after previously committing to Ateneo.

     

    The decision closes one chapter for a group that became synonymous with one of the most successful periods in Ateneo de Davao basketball history.

     

    Together, the quartet helped elevate the program’s profile on the national stage, capturing the 2025 Palarong Pambansa championship, winning gold in the ASEAN School Games, and finishing with a silver medal in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur.

     

    Their rise also came alongside Baterbonia, whose death earlier this month sent shockwaves through the basketball community and deeply affected teammates, coaches, and supporters.

     

    Now, instead of continuing toward Ateneo, the four players will begin a fresh chapter under the La Salle system.

     

    For Evangelio, the move is about more than basketball opportunities.

     

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    “We are truly thankful to La Salle Zobel for opening its doors and providing them with the opportunity to grow not only as athletes, but also as students and young men of character,” Evangelio said in a social media post.

     

    The transfer represents a significant recruiting boost for La Salle Zobel, which gains four players who arrive with championship experience and a track record of success on major stages.

     

    At the same time, it marks a notable shift in the landscape of Philippine grassroots basketball. A group once expected to strengthen Ateneo’s future now finds itself preparing to wear green instead of blue.

     

    As Bajenting, Cayetano, Sanoria, and Peligrino move forward, they carry with them the accomplishments they built in Davao, the lessons from a remarkable run together, and the memory of a teammate whose impact remains part of their story.

     

    Their destination may have changed, but the expectations surrounding one of the country’s most accomplished young basketball cores remain as high as ever.

     

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  • Juan Gomez de Liaño steps into Gilas lineup as Scottie Thompson sits out 

    Juan Gomez de Liaño steps into Gilas lineup as Scottie Thompson sits out 

    Gilas Pilipinas will enter the next stage of its FIBA World Cup qualifying campaign with a familiar face stepping into a larger role.

     

    Juan Gomez de Liaño has been promoted to the national team’s Final 12 after Scottie Thompson was forced to withdraw due to injury, creating an opening that the Converge guard is no stranger to filling.

     

    While Thompson’s absence leaves a significant void in terms of experience, versatility, and leadership, it also presents another chance for Gomez de Liaño to continue building his place within the national team setup.

     

    The roster adjustment comes after a physically demanding stretch for Thompson, who helped lead Barangay Ginebra to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship in a grueling seven-game Finals series against TNT.

     

    Already dealing with a hamstring issue, Thompson absorbed another blow early in the deciding Game 7 when an accidental collision with TNT veteran Kelly Williams left him with a cut beneath his eye. Despite the injury scare, he remained on the floor and played a key role in Ginebra’s title-clinching victory, a performance that ultimately earned him his third Finals MVP award.

     

    With Thompson sidelined, Gilas turns to a player who made a strong impression during the previous qualifying window.

     

    Gomez de Liaño emerged as one of the team’s bright spots during its tightly contested matchup against New Zealand, finishing with 10 points and two assists while connecting on two three-pointers in the 69-66 defeat.

     

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    Although his offensive numbers dipped against Australia, he continued to contribute in other areas, collecting four rebounds and two assists while showing the versatility that has made him a valuable option for the national team.

     

    His performances did not go unnoticed.

     

    Head coach Tim Cone previously described Gomez de Liaño as a “special talent,” signaling confidence in the 26-year-old guard’s long-term future within the Gilas program.

     

    Now, with another opportunity in front of him, Gomez de Liaño will be tasked with helping stabilize a roster preparing for two of its toughest assignments yet.

     

    Despite losses to New Zealand and Australia in the second window, Gilas secured progression to the next stage after New Zealand’s victory over Guam. The Philippines currently holds a 2-2 record and remains firmly in contention as the race toward the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup continues.

     

    The national team resumes action on July 3 in Auckland against New Zealand before traveling to Perth for a rematch with Australia on July 6.

     

    For Gomez de Liaño, those games represent more than just another call-up. They offer another chance to prove he can become a consistent piece of Gilas Pilipinas moving forward.

     

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