Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Andre Sotelo

  • New faces shine as Philippine Men’s National Football team rolls past Guam in Tri-Nations opener

    New faces shine as Philippine Men’s National Football team rolls past Guam in Tri-Nations opener

    The Philippine Men’s National Football Team entered the PFF Tri-Nations Friendlies looking for more than just a victory.

     

    With a new generation continuing to emerge and several players fighting to establish larger roles in the squad, the tournament offered an opportunity to see who could seize the spotlight.

     

    On Wednesday night at Rizal Memorial Stadium, several players did exactly that.

     

    Jarvey Gayoso and Andre Leipold headlined an impressive attacking display as the Philippines overwhelmed Guam, 5-1, to open its campaign on a winning note before 2,243 spectators in Manila.

     

    While the scoreline reflected the Philippines’ superiority, the evening was equally about the players who took advantage of their moment.

     

    Among them was Filipino-American midfielder Cole Mrokaw, who wasted little time making an impression in his first appearance for the national team. Just six minutes into his international debut, Mrokaw found the back of the net to hand the hosts an early lead and immediately announce his arrival on the senior stage.

     

    The breakthrough set the tone for a dominant first-half performance.

     

    Gayoso soon added his name to the scoresheet in the 18th minute after reacting quickest to a rebound when Guam goalkeeper Josiah Jones denied his initial header. The goal marked the former Ateneo standout’s fifth in 29 appearances for the national team and further highlighted his growing importance in the Philippine attack.

     

    By the time Santi Rublico calmly slotted home the third goal in the 44th minute, the match had already begun slipping away from Guam.

     

    Yet one of the most memorable stories of the evening was still unfolding.

     

    Andre Leipold entered the match searching for his first international goal. He left the stadium with two. 

     

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    The striker finally broke through in the 63rd minute after being set up by Gayoso, converting the opportunity to score his maiden goal in Philippine colors. Deep into stoppage time, Leipold struck again with a powerful finish that capped the scoring and punctuated an emphatic team performance.

     

    His two-goal outing provided another encouraging sign for a Philippine side continuing to build depth and competition across its attacking positions.

     

    Guam managed to spoil the clean sheet when Levi Berg capitalized on a mistake from goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad in the 61st minute, but it did little to alter the overall narrative of the match.

     

    The Philippines controlled proceedings from start to finish, creating chances consistently and displaying the kind of attacking fluidity that has often been sought by the national team in recent years.

     

    The victory also marked a successful return to Rizal Memorial Stadium, where the Philippines last played in December 2024 when it secured a memorable 2-1 victory over Thailand in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

     

    More importantly, it gave the coaching staff another glimpse of what the future could look like.

     

    Veterans such as Gayoso continued to provide leadership and production, while newcomers like Mrokaw and Leipold demonstrated that the next wave of talent is ready to contribute.

     

    The challenge now shifts to Myanmar, which will face the Philippines next Tuesday following its match against Guam this weekend.

     

    If Wednesday’s performance was any indication, the Philippines may have discovered more than just a winning formula—it may have uncovered new weapons capable of carrying the national team forward. 

     

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  • No. 1 pick Camilla Lamina embraces new challenge in PVL with Galeries Towers  

    No. 1 pick Camilla Lamina embraces new challenge in PVL with Galeries Towers  

    For years, Camilla Lamina’s role was clear.

     

    She was the steady hand behind one of the most dominant programs in collegiate volleyball, orchestrating plays, directing traffic, and helping National University maintain its place among the country’s elite teams.

     

    Now, the challenge is entirely different.

     

    Instead of fitting into an established championship culture, Lamina is being asked to help build one.

     

    The former NU star officially enters the professional ranks as the No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 PVL Draft after the Galeries Tower Highrisers made her the centerpiece of their future, entrusting the accomplished setter with a responsibility that extends far beyond distributing the ball.

     

    For Lamina, hearing her name called first overall was less about individual recognition and more about the confidence a franchise placed in her.

     

    “For me, siyempre fulfilling kasi wow, ako ‘yung isa sa mga napili nila ng Galeries. It shows ‘yung trust na ako pa talaga ‘yung napili. Very happy and very grateful,” she said.

     

    The selection marks a significant transition for one of the most decorated setters to emerge from the UAAP in recent years.

     

    At NU, Lamina was surrounded by a culture built around winning. Championships were expected, and excellence was the standard. At Galeries Tower, she enters a team still searching for its breakthrough and looking for foundational pieces capable of elevating the franchise.

     

    That reality is not lost on the 23-year-old playmaker.

     

    Rather than focusing solely on her skills as a setter, Lamina believes the biggest contribution she can bring comes from the values she developed during her years with the Lady Bulldogs.

     

    “Since I am from a champion team, which is NU, ang mabibigay ko lang at mao-offer ko sa Galeries ay kung gaano ako ka-competitive inside and outside the court at ‘yung hard work, discipline, at ‘yung work ethic ko,” Lamina said.

     

    Those traits could prove just as valuable as her precise sets and court vision.

     

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    Galeries Tower’s decision to make Lamina the top pick reflects its belief that building a competitive team requires more than talent. It requires players capable of setting standards and establishing habits that can influence an entire roster.

     

    The professional game, however, presents a different landscape from the one she dominated in college.

     

    Gone are the familiar opponents and systems. Waiting for her in the PVL are battle-tested veterans, former MVPs, national team standouts, and players who have spent years refining their craft at the highest level of Philippine volleyball.

     

    Instead of viewing that reality with apprehension, Lamina sees it as the next stage of her growth.

     

    “Of course, always ready naman ako syempre. But syempre, it will start sa how will I prepare first and how will I manage myself,” she said.

     

    “Siyempre, pagtuntong sa PVL, kasi iba na sila maglaro, mga beterano na sila maglaro. Feel ko marami ako matututunan and i-e-embrace ko talaga ‘yung challenge pag kalaban sila.”

     

    For Lamina, the draft did more than launch a professional career.

     

    It transformed her from the setter of a champion into a potential cornerstone of a franchise looking to write its own success story. The expectations that come with being the first overall pick are undeniable, but so is the opportunity.

     

    And for a player who spent her collegiate career helping others shine, the next chapter will be about proving she can help lead an entire organization forward.

     

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  • Balanced Gilas Girls stay unbeaten, tighten grip on SEABA U18 qualifiers lead 

    Balanced Gilas Girls stay unbeaten, tighten grip on SEABA U18 qualifiers lead 

    The deeper the tournament goes, the clearer one thing becomes for Gilas Pilipinas Girls: this team is not built around a single star.

     

    Two games into the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup–SEABA Qualifiers, the Philippines has showcased a luxury few youth teams possess — production coming from virtually everywhere.

     

    That depth was on full display once again Wednesday evening as Gilas overwhelmed Singapore, 83-53, at the STI West Negros University Gym in Bacolod City to remain unbeaten and seize sole possession of first place in the five-nation tournament.

     

    Fresh off a 51-point demolition of Vietnam in its opener, the Philippines encountered a brief challenge from Singapore early on. The visitors stayed within striking distance throughout the opening quarter and trailed by just a point, 18-17, after the first 10 minutes.

     

    But once Gilas settled in, the gap between the two sides quickly became evident.

     

    Sophia Dignadice orchestrated the attack while Zaydhen Rosano helped ignite a decisive second-quarter surge that transformed a close contest into a comfortable lead. The Filipinas outscored Singapore, 26-10, in the period to enter halftime ahead, 42-27.

     

    The second-half script followed a familiar pattern.

     

    Wave after wave of Philippine pressure gradually wore down Singapore as the lead ballooned to as much as 32 points, allowing Gilas to cruise to its second straight double-digit victory.

     

    What has made the Philippines particularly dangerous through the opening rounds is the collective nature of its offense.

     

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    For the second consecutive game, every player who saw action found the scoring column, underscoring both the team’s balance and coach Sandy Arespacochaga’s confidence in his entire roster.

     

     

    Tiffany Reyes spearheaded the attack with 18 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting clip while also contributing seven rebounds and four steals. Dignadice continued her impressive tournament with 16 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and four steals without committing a turnover.

     

    Rosano added nine points, while Rhiane Perez chipped in seven. Brianna Katigbak and Lea Pinuela supplied six points apiece as the Filipinas showcased their growing offensive versatility.

     

    Singapore struggled to keep pace throughout the night, with Hui Jun Ayeni emerging as its lone double-digit scorer. The defeat dropped Singapore to 0-2 in the standings.

     

    The result leaves Gilas alone at the top of the table and strengthens its position as the team to beat in the regional qualifiers. 

     

    With momentum firmly on its side, the Philippines now shifts its attention to another important test against Thailand.

     

    If the first two games have revealed anything, it is that Gilas does not need a single player to carry the load. The Filipinas are winning through numbers, depth, and relentless energy — a formula that has placed them two victories closer to another successful international campaign.

     

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  • Camille Clarin powers historic Gilas Women win to end FIBA 3×3 World Cup campaign 

    Camille Clarin powers historic Gilas Women win to end FIBA 3×3 World Cup campaign 

    For three games, Gilas Pilipinas Women kept searching for a breakthrough.

     

    On the final day of its campaign in Warsaw, that breakthrough finally arrived.

     

    With its hopes of reaching the knockout stage already gone, the Philippine squad found something else worth celebrating — a landmark victory on one of the biggest stages in international 3×3 basketball.

     

    Powered by a long-awaited shooting explosion from Camille Clarin, Gilas Pilipinas Women closed out its 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup campaign with a historic 17-13 upset of World No. 11 Italy on Wednesday night (Manila time).

     

    The victory not only prevented a winless finish but also delivered the Philippines’ first triumph in the tournament, giving the team a memorable reward for its persistence against some of the world’s best programs.

     

    After struggling to find her rhythm through the opening games, Clarin saved her best performance for last.

     

    The former National University standout transformed the contest with her outside shooting, repeatedly punishing Italy from beyond the arc and providing the offensive spark Gilas had been missing throughout the tournament.

     

    Clarin drilled four two-pointers and finished with eight points, accounting for nearly half of the Philippines’ total output. Her biggest shot came with just 22 seconds left, a dagger from distance that effectively sealed the upset and sent the Filipina bench into celebration.

     

    The victory did not come without tension.

     

    Italy mounted a late charge and trimmed the deficit to 15-13 after Caterina Gilli completed an and-one play with just over a minute remaining. But every time the Italians threatened to take control, Gilas found an answer.

     

    Clarin delivered the decisive blow, while veteran leader Afril Bernardino provided stability inside with four points and six rebounds.

     

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    Mikka Cacho added three points, while Kacey Dela Rosa chipped in two as the Filipinas completed one of the most significant wins in the program’s young history.

     

    The result was especially meaningful considering the disappointment earlier in the day.

     

    Gilas showed flashes of potential against powerhouse China, racing to an early 6-1 lead and briefly putting one of Asia’s traditional contenders on the defensive. The Chinese eventually settled down and pulled away for a 20-12 victory, officially ending the Philippines’ chances of advancing.

     

    Yet instead of letting that defeat define their tournament, the Filipinas responded with their most complete performance.

     

    The final standings show Gilas finishing fourth in Pool C with a 1-3 record, narrowly missing out on the knockout rounds reserved for the top three teams.

     

    But beyond the numbers, the campaign offered something equally valuable: proof that the Philippines can compete and win against established programs on the world stage.

     

    And fittingly, it ended with a piece of history.

     

    In a tournament filled with lessons, challenges, and growing pains, Gilas Women left Warsaw with a breakthrough victory that may prove just as important as any medal — a reminder that the gap between the Philippines and the world’s elite continues to shrink.

     

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  • Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown will not suit up for Gilas in FIBA Qualifiers says Tim Cone 

    Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown will not suit up for Gilas in FIBA Qualifiers says Tim Cone 

    The challenge facing Gilas Pilipinas in the next FIBA World Cup qualifying window may not be about who will play—it may be about who won’t.

     

    As the national team prepares for a daunting road trip against regional heavyweights Australia and New Zealand, Gilas is set to navigate the window without two of its most important frontcourt pieces, creating a significant void in the middle just weeks before competition resumes.

     

    National team head coach Tim Cone confirmed that both Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown will be unavailable for the upcoming assignment, stripping the Philippines of two players who were expected to anchor the team’s interior presence.

     

    “QMB is out after back surgery in Japan. And so is Kai, officially. We’re told Kai is attending the NBA Summer League, which we are happy about. We’re supporting his road to the NBA,” Gilas head coach Tim Cone told me in a Tuesday night interview.

     

    The timing leaves Gilas searching for answers at a position that has long been one of its greatest strengths. Sotto’s size, rim protection, and international experience have made him a cornerstone of the program, while Millora-Brown quickly emerged as a reliable contributor after joining the national team setup.

     

    With both unavailable, attention naturally shifts to the veterans expected to shoulder a heavier burden.

     

    One of them is June Mar Fajardo, who had initially hoped to take a step back from national team duties as he explored the possibility of undergoing surgery.

     

    Instead, circumstances have once again called on the longtime Gilas pillar.

     

    According to Cone, the nine-time PBA MVP agreed to postpone those plans and make himself available for the national team after learning of the growing personnel concerns in the frontcourt.

     

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    His decision gives Gilas a much-needed stabilizing force as it prepares for arguably its toughest assignments of the qualifying campaign.

     

    The uncertainty does not end there.

     

    TNT star Calvin Oftana also revealed on Tuesday that he is scheduled to undergo surgery on an infected toe immediately after the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Barangay Ginebra, creating another situation the coaching staff will need to monitor closely in the coming weeks.

     

    Despite the mounting injury concerns, Cone remains focused on assembling the roster that will represent the country in the next window.

     

    While declining to discuss specific replacements or potential additions, the veteran coach indicated that the official lineup will be finalized soon.

     

    “We will be announcing the 12 players for the next window in a few days.”

     

    For Gilas, the upcoming qualifiers were already expected to be a difficult test against two of the strongest programs in Oceania. Now, with key pieces sidelined and roster adjustments becoming unavoidable, the challenge has become even greater.

     

    The next few days may determine not only who fills those vacant roster spots, but also how the Philippines plans to compete without two of the biggest names in its frontcourt rotation.

     

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  • Andy Gemao’s journey goes global as Filipino prospect earns spot in prestigious adidas Eurocamp 

    Andy Gemao’s journey goes global as Filipino prospect earns spot in prestigious adidas Eurocamp 

    Andy Gemao’s basketball journey is beginning to stretch far beyond Philippine shores.

     

    Long regarded as one of the country’s most promising young guards, Gemao has earned another significant opportunity to measure himself against the world’s best after being selected to participate in the 19th adidas Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy from June 5 to 7.

     

    More than just another international tournament, the adidas Eurocamp has become one of basketball’s premier talent showcases outside the United States. For nearly two decades, the event has served as a launching pad for future NBA players, bringing together elite prospects from Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific region under one roof.

     

    For Gemao, the invitation represents the latest step in a rapid rise that has transformed him from a promising local standout into one of the most closely watched Filipino prospects of his generation.

     

    His selection came after an impressive showing at the adidas Tokyo Nations Camp earlier this year, where he competed against some of the region’s top young players. That performance further validated what many scouts and basketball observers have been saying for years — that Gemao possesses the skill set and potential to compete on bigger stages.

     

    The opportunity also highlights the growing relationship between Gemao and adidas Philippines, which signed him in 2023 as one of its youngest basketball athletes. At the time, he was viewed as a player with tremendous upside. Three years later, that investment continues to pay dividends as Gemao earns opportunities that few Filipino prospects have experienced.

     

    His stock has been climbing steadily in recent months.

     

    Just weeks before receiving his Eurocamp invitation, Gemao picked up his first NCAA Division I scholarship offer from Penn State, another major milestone that underscored the increasing international attention surrounding his development.

     

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    Now, he finds himself headed to an event where NBA dreams often begin to take shape.

     

    The adidas Eurocamp is expected to feature some of the world’s top draft-eligible prospects, NBL Next Stars, NextGen EuroLeague standouts, and emerging talents from developing basketball markets. NBA and EuroLeague scouts will closely monitor the event, while established professionals will serve as mentors throughout the camp.

     

    Among the confirmed guests are Franz Wagner, Bogdan Bogdanović, and VJ Edgecombe, giving participants rare access to players who have successfully navigated the path from international prospect to professional star.

     

    The camp will be led by veteran coaching director Bill Bayno and scouting director Gianluca Pascucci.

     

    For Gemao, the immediate goal may simply be to compete and learn. But his presence alone sends a powerful message about the growing visibility of Filipino basketball talent on the international stage.

     

    At a camp designed to identify the next generation of global stars, the Philippines will have a representative standing among them. And for Andy Gemao, another door has opened on a journey that continues to get bigger with every step.

     

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  • Juami Tiongson returns to Terrafirma as San Miguel reloads with Jerrick Ahanmisi in blockbuster trade 

    Juami Tiongson returns to Terrafirma as San Miguel reloads with Jerrick Ahanmisi in blockbuster trade 

    For Juami Tiongson, the move feels familiar.

     

    Eighteen months after San Miguel acquired him from Terrafirma as part of its pursuit of another championship, the veteran guard is heading back to the franchise where he rebuilt his career and became one of the PBA’s most productive local scorers.

     

    The PBA announced Wednesday that San Miguel has traded Tiongson and rookie Chris Miller to Terrafirma in exchange for Jerrick Ahanmisi and sophomore Paolo Hernandez, a deal that says as much about each team’s present priorities as it does about the players involved.

     

    On the surface, it is a straightforward swap of talent. Dig deeper, however, and it becomes a story of two franchises moving in opposite directions.

     

    For San Miguel, the transaction is another attempt to maximize a championship window that never seems to close.

     

    The Beermen are adding one of the conference’s most explosive local scorers in Ahanmisi, a player who emerged as Terrafirma’s primary offensive weapon during the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    He averaged more than 21 points per game while helping the Dyip produce the best start in franchise history and remain in playoff contention deep into the conference. Ahanmisi also delivered several signature performances, including a 24-point outing against San Miguel in a crucial late-season matchup.

     

    The former Jerrick Ahanmisi arrives with an established reputation as one of the league’s premier perimeter threats. A former UAAP Mythical Team member from Adamson University, he has steadily developed into one of the PBA’s most dangerous shot creators since entering the league in 2021.

     

    Meanwhile, Hernandez gives San Miguel another young piece to develop behind its veteran core.

     

    The trade also underscores how difficult Tiongson’s transition to San Miguel ultimately became.

     

    When the Beermen acquired the former Terrafirma franchise player in late 2024, many expected him to provide additional scoring and playmaking alongside stars such as June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez. Instead, Tiongson found himself adjusting to a far different role than the one he had grown accustomed to as Terrafirma’s offensive centerpiece.

     

    After averaging 17.2 points per game before his move to San Miguel, Tiongson’s production dropped significantly as he settled into a supporting role behind an already loaded backcourt. 

     

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    During the Commissioner’s Cup, he averaged just 4.7 points and 1.9 assists while often splitting minutes with veteran floor generals.

     

    Earlier this year, Tiongson openly acknowledged the adjustment that came with joining a championship contender.

     

    He admitted missing the larger offensive role he once had but recognized that becoming part of San Miguel’s deep roster required a different approach to the game.

     

    Now, he returns to the team where he spent five seasons and enjoyed the most productive stretch of his professional career.

     

    For Terrafirma, the move is about reclaiming a proven leader while adding a player whose skill set fits a team still searching for stability. Tiongson was more than just a scorer during his previous stint with the Dyip. He evolved into an All-Star, earned recognition as one of the league’s most improved players, and became one of the few consistent bright spots during challenging seasons for the franchise.

     

    The addition of Miller also provides Terrafirma another young guard who could receive more opportunities than he was likely to find within San Miguel’s crowded rotation.

     

    Ultimately, the trade reflects a familiar PBA reality.

     

    San Miguel continues to chase championships by adding established talent ready to contribute immediately. Terrafirma, meanwhile, welcomes back a player who once carried the franchise and now gets another chance to do so.

     

    For Ahanmisi, the move represents an opportunity to compete for titles alongside one of the league’s most decorated rosters.

     

    For Tiongson, it represents something different.

     

    A return to the team where he became a star, and perhaps the place where he can once again become one.

     

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  • Thirty-eight aspirants await their moment at 2026 PVL Draft 

    Thirty-eight aspirants await their moment at 2026 PVL Draft 

    As the 2026 PVL Draft finally arrives, the conversation is no longer about who is missing. It is about who is ready to seize the opportunity left behind.

     

    What once appeared to be a draft class headlined by consensus top prospects Alyssa Solomon and Niña Ytang has transformed into one of the most unpredictable talent pools in recent memory. With both stars opting out before draft night, a new generation of hopefuls now steps into the spotlight, each carrying a legitimate case to become the first name called when teams gather at Novotel Manila Araneta City on Wednesday evening.

     

    At the center of that conversation are National University playmaker Camilla Lamina and University of Santo Tomas defensive anchor Bernadett Pepito.

     

    Lamina enters the draft as one of the most decorated setters in collegiate volleyball, having established herself as the steady hand behind NU’s championship success. Pepito, meanwhile, built her reputation as one of the country’s premier defensive specialists, earning multiple UAAP Best Libero honors while serving as the backbone of UST’s floor defense.

     

    But unlike previous drafts that featured a clear-cut favorite, this year’s selection process feels far more fluid.

     

    The absence of Solomon and Ytang has opened the door for several prospects to significantly boost their stock, including athletes who impressed scouts and coaches during the recent Draft Combine conducted by Valor Performance Institute.

     

    Among the biggest risers was Adamson speedster Barbie Jamili, who showcased elite athleticism by topping several testing categories. Jamili recorded the fastest 10-meter sprint time at 1.759 seconds, dominated the pro agility 5-10-5 test with a 5.109-second mark, and led the hop test reactive strength index with 3.36 meters per second.

     

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    University of the East standout Khy Cepada likewise strengthened her case as one of the most intriguing prospects in the class. She finished near the top of multiple combine categories, placing second in both the 10-meter sprint and countermovement jump while also ranking among the leaders in agility and vertical explosion drills.

     

    The draft pool remains rich with established collegiate names despite the high-profile withdrawals.

     

    Among those hoping to hear their names called are UST’s Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula; UP standouts Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo; FEU’s Ann Asis and Florize Papa; La Salle’s Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen; UE’s Tin Ecalla and Kayce Balingit; and former Ateneo setter Taks Fujimoto.

     

    Adding an international flavor to the proceedings is Jade Fuentes of Cal State Dominguez Hills, the lone Filipino-foreign applicant in the draft class.

     

    Notably absent from the event itself will be FEU setter Tin Ubaldo, who remains committed to the Alas Pilipinas Women program as preparations continue for the upcoming AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City.

     

    Beyond the individual names, Wednesday’s draft represents another important chapter in the league’s continued growth. The PVL has increasingly become the primary bridge between collegiate stardom and professional volleyball, forcing teams to balance immediate needs with long-term roster building.

     

    That challenge begins with Galeries Tower, which secured the coveted No. 1 overall pick after winning the draft lottery despite long odds. Capital1 follows at No. 2, while Choco Mucho and Akari complete the top four selections.

     

    Nxled, Farm Fresh, PLDT, and Creamline round out the remainder of the first-round order.

     

    By the end of the night, careers will change, franchises will reshape their futures, and one prospect will walk away as the newest face of the league’s next generation. The only certainty heading into draft night is that no one truly knows how the board will fall.

     

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  • One wants redemption, the other wants revenge as TNT and Ginebra renew finals rivalry 

    One wants redemption, the other wants revenge as TNT and Ginebra renew finals rivalry 

    For all the familiarity surrounding TNT and Barangay Ginebra, this Finals series is being fueled by something neither team has fully satisfied.

     

    Need.

     

    The names are familiar. The stage is familiar. Even the matchup has become a recurring chapter in the modern PBA era.

     

    But as the Tropang 5G and Gin Kings collide once more in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals beginning Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, both sides arrive carrying unfinished business of their own.

     

    TNT enters the series as defending champion and a team making its fifth consecutive Finals appearance. Yet for a franchise accustomed to competing for trophies, recent memories have been less than satisfying.

     

     

    The Tropang 5G have reached the summit repeatedly, only to watch opportunities slip away in the last two conferences after falling short against San Miguel in consecutive Philippine Cup Finals.

     

    On the opposite side stands a Ginebra squad that has spent the better part of two years searching for answers against the very team standing in its way.

     

    The Gin Kings have not celebrated a championship since Season 47 and have suffered three straight Finals defeats at the hands of TNT, including last season’s Commissioner’s Cup heartbreak.

     

    That history gives this latest showdown a different feel.

     

    For Ginebra, it’s about finally turning the page.

     

    For TNT, it’s about proving last year’s championship was not the end of a run but the beginning of another.

     

    The sense of urgency is equally personal for several players.

     

    Stephen Holt has reached the Finals twice with Ginebra and twice watched TNT walk away with the trophy.

     

    “This is why we play — to win games and win championships. This is my fifth conference with the team and third finals appearance. So hopefully we can break through this moment. We definitely don’t want to take these moments for granted and hopefully we can get the job done this time,” said Holt.

     

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    Across the floor, Jordan Heading is chasing the same goal from a different direction.

     

    The TNT guard has already experienced the pain of falling short on the biggest stage and sees another opportunity to finally finish the job.

     

    “I guess there’s a chance, yeah? We’ll see,” said Heading.

     

    The hunger is shared by Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who missed TNT’s championship runs in Season 49 due to injury and returned only to endure back-to-back Finals defeats.

     

    “I hope so. I’m just excited to go out and play some good basketball. You never want to take these opportunities for granted, coming here five times. We just play our game, rely on each other, do the things that got us here and hopefully this time we come out on the winning side,” he said.

     

    While much of the rivalry remains unchanged, this chapter introduces a new centerpiece.

     

    For the first time, Justin Brownlee and Chris McCullough will oppose each other in a PBA Finals.

     

    Brownlee remains the league’s gold standard among imports, while McCullough has transformed TNT since replacing the injured Bol Bol during the semifinals.

     

    Their duel could ultimately define the series.

     

    “It’s going to be an exciting matchup. I’ve known Chris (McCullough) for a long time, he’s a very versatile player. It’s definitely going to be a challenge for our team to contain him,” said Brownlee.

     

    McCullough’s arrival has also altered the way Ginebra views TNT.

     

    According to Gin Kings coach Tim Cone, the defending champions have rediscovered the identity that made them so difficult to beat.

     

    “I think they’re a lot more integrated now in terms of everybody contributing. I thought that when Mr. Bol was there, they really had a more difficult time trying to keep everybody involved,” said Cone.

     

    “Now they’re back to playing ‘Talk and Text’ brand of basketball and I think that that’s made them better, tougher in the coming series.”

     

    That may be what makes this Finals rematch different from the previous ones.

     

    TNT is no longer chasing validation.

     

    Ginebra is no longer simply chasing another Finals appearance.

     

    One side wants redemption after recent heartbreaks. The other wants revenge for years of frustration.

     

    And beginning Wednesday night, only one of them will move closer to finally getting it. 

     

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  • Gilas Girls make statement, dominates Vietnam in U18 SEABA opener 

    Gilas Girls make statement, dominates Vietnam in U18 SEABA opener 

    The future of Philippine women’s basketball wasted little time announcing its arrival.

     

    With a roster packed with rising stars and familiar basketball bloodlines, Gilas Pilipinas Women U18 opened the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers with an emphatic 93-42 victory over Vietnam on Tuesday night at the STI-West Negros University Gym in Bacolod City.

     

    While the senior national team continues to build on its recent international successes, the next wave of talent showed it may not be long before it is ready to carry the program forward.

     

    After a competitive opening quarter, the Filipinas blew the game wide open behind a suffocating defensive display and a blistering 26-7 second-quarter run that immediately created separation.

     

    What followed was a showcase of the depth, athleticism, and defensive intensity that has become a hallmark of the country’s youth program.

     

    Gilas forced turnovers all night long, finishing with 28 steals that directly translated into 55 points off Vietnam’s miscues.

     

    Rhiane Perez led the charge with 16 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks, while Zaydhen Rosano added 15 points and eight rebounds as the Filipinas controlled both ends of the floor.

     

    The performance also highlighted the emergence of several players carrying familiar surnames.

     

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    US-trained Tiffany Reyes, daughter of former PBA player Jay-R Reyes, contributed 14 points, five rebounds, and two steals in an efficient outing.

     

    Meanwhile, Sophia Dignadice, daughter of PBA legend Yves Dignadice and already a member of the gold medal-winning Gilas Women squad in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, six rebounds, five assists, and six steals.

     

    The victory serves as another encouraging sign for a program that has steadily expanded its talent pipeline in recent years.

     

    Although the Philippines has already secured its place in this year’s FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup after topping Division B in 2024, the SEABA qualifiers provide valuable international experience for a group expected to become future mainstays of the national team.

     

    For one night at least, the next generation looked more than ready for the challenge.

     

    Gilas Women U18 returns to action on Wednesday against Singapore as it continues its campaign on home soil.

     

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