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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Gilas Women banner Cebu Hustle 3×3 as Cebu finally gets major women’s hoops spotlight 

    Gilas Women banner Cebu Hustle 3×3 as Cebu finally gets major women’s hoops spotlight 

    Gilas Pilipinas Women 3×3 is set to bring the spotlight to Cebu as the national team headlines the inaugural Cebu Hustle 3×3 tournament this June.

     

    With some of the country’s top women’s players converging in the Queen City of the South, the event is shaping up to be more than just another 3×3 competition — it could become a defining moment for women’s basketball in Cebu.

     

    The two-day international invitational tips off June 20-21 at SM Seaside City Cebu, featuring 12 teams from the Philippines and overseas in what organizers are calling one of the strongest women’s 3×3 fields assembled locally.

     

    Bannering the tournament are Gilas Pilipinas Women 3×3 U23 standouts Louna Ozar and Amyah Espanol, who will lead the charge for the host country against six foreign squads eager to spoil the home showcase.

     

    For Cebu basketball fans, the tournament offers a rare chance to watch the national women’s program up close while also seeing local teams test themselves against elite competition.

     

    Joining Gilas Women in the Philippine contingent are Uratex Dream, Pilipinas Aguilas, TOL Patriots, UP Cebu Fighting Maroons, and MOVE Lilo-an.

     

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    The arrival of a national team-led international tournament in Cebu carries deeper meaning for the local basketball community, especially after several previous attempts to establish a women’s league in the region failed to gain traction.

     

    SBP Zone 8 director Popoy Navarro believes Cebu Hustle 3×3 could finally give women’s basketball the platform it has long needed.

     

    “Cebu Hustle 3×3 is such a breakthrough for women’s basketball for Cebu. After recent failed attempts to put up a women’s league, Cebu women’s basketball finally gets an avenue to showcase their talents and see what the best looks like,” said Navarro.

     

    “The talent level of the tournament is a level that I’m very happy to see and I’m excited for our women and our fans to be exposed to what I believe is the best women’s 3×3 tournament in the country.”

     

    Beyond the prestige, there is also plenty at stake competitively, with the champion set to receive USD 3,000, while the runner-up and third placer will earn USD 2,000 and USD 1,000, respectively.

     

    Backed by Uratex, Smart, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the tournament not only gives Gilas Women another major stage — it also signals Cebu’s growing role in the future of Philippine women’s basketball.

     

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  • Chris McCullough warns TNT critics: “Once I get going, it will be scary” 

    Chris McCullough warns TNT critics: “Once I get going, it will be scary” 

    Chris McCullough did not hide from the struggles of his TNT debut. Instead, he treated it as only the beginning.

     

    Thrown into a pressure-packed semifinal series with barely any time to adjust, the former San Miguel import admitted he is still far from the version of himself PBA fans once feared — a reality he believes should worry the rest of the league once he finally settles in.

     

    After TNT absorbed a 101-90 loss to Meralco in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Wednesday night, McCullough made it clear that rust, not readiness, defined his first game back in the league.

     

    “I haven’t played basketball in 13 days — this is my first time picking up a basketball in 13 days,” he said after the defeat at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

    “So I’m still getting my rhythm, still getting my flow. But once I get going, it will be scary.”

     

    The warning came after a mixed opening performance that showed flashes of the high-scoring reinforcement TNT hopes can help carry them back to the Finals following the devastating injury to Bol Bol.

     

    McCullough still produced 24 points and nine rebounds despite obvious timing issues, shooting just 7-of-22 from the field while missing all five of his attempts from beyond the arc.

     

    Yet even amid the inefficiency, there were signs of life.

     

    The 31-year-old forward slowly found his footing in the second half, where he scored 17 of his total points as TNT tried to erase a growing Meralco lead.

     

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    For stretches, the Tropang 5G looked close to pulling off another comeback behind McCullough’s aggressiveness attacking the basket and earning trips to the foul line, where he converted 10 of 15 attempts.

     

    But Meralco simply had fresher legs late in the game.

     

    CJ Cansino, Javee Mocon, and Cliff Hodge delivered the key plays down the stretch as the Bolts tied the series at 2-2 and spoiled McCullough’s return.

     

    Even so, the veteran import sounded more focused on long-term adjustment than immediate frustration.

     

    With less than 48 hours before the pivotal Game 5, McCullough emphasized that his biggest task now is building chemistry with a TNT team he has barely practiced with since arriving in Manila.

     

    “Chemistry is regular. I know some of the guys,” he said.

     

    “I’ve only had two days of practice, so tomorrow, we’re gonna work on some things, see what works, and come back Friday.”

     

    For TNT, that may be the most important takeaway from Game 4 — not what McCullough currently is, but what he could become once the rust fully disappears. 

     

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  • Alex Eala’s French Open campaign quietly comes to an end after doubles withdrawal 

    Alex Eala’s French Open campaign quietly comes to an end after doubles withdrawal 

    Alex Eala’s stay at Roland Garros ended not with another match on court, but with a quiet exit from the doubles draw alongside partner Victoria Mboko.

     

    Just a day after her singles campaign concluded in Paris, Eala and the rising Canadian star withdrew from the 2026 French Open doubles tournament before they could even begin their partnership on the Grand Slam stage.

     

    The Filipino-Canadian duo had originally been scheduled to face Leylah Fernandez and Diana Shnaider in the Round of 64 on Wednesday. Instead, Fernandez and Shnaider moved on to face Oksana Selekhmeteva and Anastasia Zakharova, who eventually claimed a convincing 6-3, 6-1 victory in the opening round.

     

    No official explanation was released regarding Eala and Mboko’s withdrawal, leaving questions surrounding the decision unanswered.

     

    Still, signs during Mboko’s singles opener hinted that physical management may have become a priority for the 18-year-old Canadian sensation, who continues to build momentum in her breakout campaign.

     

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    Mboko advanced to the second round after cruising past Nikola Bartunkova, 6-1, 6-2, though observers noticed heavy taping on her right shoulder throughout the match.

     

    With a deep singles run still possible, preserving her condition may have taken precedence over continuing in doubles competition.

     

    For Eala, the withdrawal officially closes another learning experience on clay as she transitions toward the next phase of her season.

     

    The Filipina world No. 37 bowed out of the singles tournament on Tuesday after falling to American teenager and close friend Iva Jovic, 6-4, 6-2, in the opening round.

     

    Although her French Open journey ended earlier than hoped, the 21-year-old still exits the clay season with valuable experience gained from competing consistently at the top level, including a strong showing in Rome earlier this month.

     

    Attention now shifts to the grass-court swing, where Eala will look to build momentum again heading into Wimbledon.

     

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  • “Tinawag niya akong ‘ulol’: Yeng Guiao calls out Alfrancis Chua after heated Game 4 clash 

    “Tinawag niya akong ‘ulol’: Yeng Guiao calls out Alfrancis Chua after heated Game 4 clash 

    What began as a crucial semifinal equalizer quickly turned into another fiery chapter in the long-running tension surrounding the PBA’s biggest personalities.

     

    Fresh off Rain or Shine’s gritty 97-85 win over Barangay Ginebra in Game 4 of the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao shifted the conversation away from basketball and toward what he felt was an issue of professionalism and conduct during the game itself.

     

    Instead of celebrating the series-tying victory, Guiao openly addressed his heated postgame confrontation with Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua — an exchange that unfolded during the traditional handshake line moments after the final buzzer at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

    According to Guiao, the tension had been brewing throughout the game because of what he described as Chua’s repeated interactions with referees during live action.

     

    “Akala ko, makiki-handshake siya,” Guiao said. “Nilapitan ko si (Ginebra) Coach Tim (Cone). Nag-handshake kami. Tapos lumapit siya, tinanong niya ‘ko kung ano raw ang problema ko sa kanya. Sabi ko, ‘wag mo lang kakausapin ang referees.’”

     

    For the veteran coach, the issue was never simply about emotions running high in a playoff environment. Instead, Guiao stressed that team officials — particularly governors — should avoid placing added pressure on referees during tightly contested games where every whistle could influence the outcome.

     

    “I feel as a governor, it’s not his job to keep talking to the referees in such an intimidating way. Never ginawa ‘yun ni Atty. Mert,” he said, referring to longtime Rain or Shine governor Atty. Mert Mondragon. “Ang layo ng behavior.”

     

    Guiao acknowledged that emotional outbursts can naturally happen during high-stakes games, but argued that constant engagement with officials crosses a different line.

     

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    “Maybe sometimes baka paminsan-minsan madala siya ng emosyon, but not every time,” he continued. “Tao rin naman ‘yang mga ‘yan, minsan may bugso ng emosyon. Pero, you cannot do that for Game 1, Game 2, Game 3, Game 4.”

     

    The longtime coach and former PBA commissioner also claimed the situation escalated further after Chua allegedly shouted an insult at him from afar during the confrontation.

    “Tapos from afar, tinawag niya ‘kong ulol,” Guiao said. “‘Yun lang naman sinabi ko. Nagkasagutan kami. I think marami namang nakawitness. I was just asking him to stop talking to the referees. ‘Yun lang ‘yon.”

     

    “‘Di ko naman siya minura. Sabi ko lang ‘wag mo kausapin ang referees, which is a fair statement kasi nakaka-intimidate ‘yun. And in a close series where there are a lot of calls that can determine the game, I’m protecting my team,” he added.

     

    Despite the heated atmosphere, Guiao emphasized that his concern ultimately centered on protecting the integrity of the game and shielding his players from situations that could potentially influence officiating.

     

    With the semifinal series now tied at 2-2, the already intense matchup between Rain or Shine and Ginebra suddenly carries even more tension heading into the pivotal next game.

     

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  • CJ Cansino hits big 4-pointer as Meralco downs TNT to tie semis series at 2-2 

    CJ Cansino hits big 4-pointer as Meralco downs TNT to tie semis series at 2-2 

    Sophomore guard CJ Cansino drilled a clutch four-point shot in the final minutes to help the Meralco Bolts stave off a late TNT rally and secure a 101-90 victory, tying the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals at 2-2 on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

    With Meralco’s 11-point lead trimmed down to just three, 93-90, following a corner triple by TNT’s Roger Pogoy, Cansino launched a booming 27-foot four-pointer under heavy defensive pressure. The shot found the bottom of the net with 1:21 remaining, stretching the lead to 97-90 and effectively halting the Tropang Giga’s comeback attempt.

     

    Cansino finished the match with 17 points, a significant jump from his 8.3-point average over the first three games of the series.

     

    “Mas natuto lang kami sa past games namin. And ‘yung composure namin mas kailangan pa… diinan pa, kasi ganu’n palagi nagiging problema namin eh,” said Cansino after the game.

     

    The Bolts closed out the game on an 8-0 run, highlighted by a putback from Javee Mocon and a driving layup by Cliff Hodge, keeping TNT scoreless for the remainder of the contest. The win turns the all-MVP Group matchup into a virtual best-of-three series.

     

    The strong finish also handed new Meralco import Patrick Gardner a victorious debut. The American-Egyptian forward anchored the Bolts with a double-double of 20 points, including three three-pointers, and 13 rebounds before fouling out of the game with 3:26 left on the clock.

     

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    Head coach Luigi Trillo credited his team’s focus after losing their reinforcement down the stretch.

     

    “They found their rhythm there, even with Patrick fouling out,” Trillo said. “I thought we did a good job as a team keeping our poise not only on offense but defense as well.”

     

    Meralco displayed balanced scoring across the board. Mocon recorded his own double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, Aaron Black chipped in 12 markers, and Chris Newsome added 11 points to provide solid offensive support.

     

    The Bolts’ defensive effort spoiled the PBA comeback of TNT’s new import Chris McCullough. The former champion with San Miguel led the Tropang Giga with 24 points and nine rebounds but struggled from the floor, shooting just 7-of-22.

     

    Jordan Heading contributed 15 points for TNT, while Pogoy and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser tallied 14 apiece. Calvin Oftana rounded out the double-digit scorers for the Tropa with 10 points.

     

    Game 5 of the series is scheduled for Friday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. 

     

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  • From Suspensions to Team Fallout: Philippine Volleyball’s Biggest Controversies 

    From Suspensions to Team Fallout: Philippine Volleyball’s Biggest Controversies 

    Philippine volleyball has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade. The rise of the Premier Volleyball League, the emergence of Alas Pilipinas, and the sport’s growing television and online audience have transformed volleyball into one of the country’s most followed sports. 

     

    But behind the packed arenas, viral highlights, and passionate fanbases lies a series of controversies that exposed deep cracks within the sport’s governance and decision-making. From legal battles and federation disputes to controversial officiating and player unrest, these moments have significantly shaped the modern volleyball landscape in the Philippines.

    1. PSL vs. Tats Suzara case

    One of the biggest controversies in Philippine volleyball history emerged in 2018 when the Philippine Superliga (PSL) filed a qualified theft complaint before the National Bureau of Investigation against former league president Tats Suzara and finance director Donaldo Caringal. The PSL board alleged that the two were involved in “irregular and unauthorized disbursement of company funds,” amounting to millions of pesos discovered through an independent audit. Suzara and Caringal denied the accusations and claimed they were victims of “unfounded lies.”


    The PSL later elevated the complaint to the Taguig prosecutor’s office in 2019, turning the issue into a major legal controversy within the volleyball community. Although the case generated headlines, no widely reported final court ruling has surfaced publicly. Ironically, Suzara later continued serving in major volleyball leadership roles, while the PSL itself eventually collapsed in 2021 after most of its teams transferred to the rival PVL.

    1. Jia De Guzman speaks out against the Alas draft

    Former Alas Pilipinas captain Jia De Guzman became one of the strongest critics of the proposed “Alas Draft,” a plan that would have given the national team priority access to top players. Critics believed the proposal could limit player movement and complicate club and national team commitments. Jia stressed that athletes should still be able to balance professional club careers alongside national team duties.


    She also highlighted concerns regarding player welfare, scheduling, recovery, and communication between the federation and athletes. The tensions remained as several members of the former Alas Pilipinas core later declined invitations for the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, with many observers linking the withdrawals to frustration over the federation’s handling of the national team program.

    1. PNVF–PVL tension over delayed ITCs

    In 2025, tensions escalated between the PNVF and the Premier Volleyball League after foreign players and Filipino-foreign reinforcements were initially barred from competing in the PVL Reinforced Conference due to delays in International Transfer Certificate (ITC) endorsements. The PVL stated that all required documents had already been submitted, yet the federation withheld endorsement.


    The situation disrupted the tournament and left imports sidelined despite already arriving in the country. Public backlash quickly followed as fans questioned why administrative disputes were affecting players and the competition itself. The issue was eventually resolved after the PNVF signed the transfer certificates, but the controversy exposed the strained relationship between the federation and the country’s biggest professional league.

     

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    1. Jorge de Brito’s labor complaint against the PNVF

    Former Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Jorge de Brito filed a labor complaint against the PNVF over alleged unpaid salaries and bonuses. The Brazilian tactician claimed negotiations with the federation failed after what he described as attempts to delay resolution. He later brought the issue before the National Labor Relations Commission with legal representation.

    The controversy raised questions regarding the federation’s handling of contractual obligations and organizational stability within the national team program. As the 2026 AVC Cup approaches, Tai Bundit was initially named as the new head coach of Alas Pilipinas but an accident in Thailand prevented him from taking the role. He was then replaced by Cignal HD Spikers head coach Shaq Delos Santos, who stepped in to lead the team on short notice.

    1. Akari-PLDT semifinal call

    The 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals between Akari and PLDT produced one of the league’s most debated officiating moments. With PLDT leading 14-13 in the deciding fifth set and one point away from its first Finals appearance, the High Speed Hitters challenged a possible net touch involving Akari middle blocker Ezra Madrigal during a crucial rally.


    After a review that lasted more than ten minutes, officials ruled the challenge unsuccessful, sparking frustration from PLDT’s side. Akari eventually capitalized on the momentum shift and secured a historic Finals berth. PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo later defended the decision by citing the FIVB casebook, but the incident still fueled debate regarding transparency and officiating consistency in high-pressure matches.


    These controversies reveal a recurring pattern within Philippine volleyball are governance issues, communication breakdowns, leadership disputes, and inconsistent decision-making. Whether involving legal cases, league-versus-federation tensions, officiating concerns, or athlete welfare, each controversy affected not only administrators and officials, but also the players and fans who continue to elevate the sport. 


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  • World Cup’s Deadliest Scorers: Every Golden Boot Winner Since 2000

    World Cup’s Deadliest Scorers: Every Golden Boot Winner Since 2000

    Scoring goals at the FIFA World Cup has always been the fastest way to achieve football immortality. Every four years, the world’s best forwards carry the pressure of their nations on the biggest stage in sports, where one magical tournament can transform careers forever.

     

    Since 2000, the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race has delivered some of the game’s most iconic performances — from Ronaldo’s legendary redemption run in 2002 to Kylian Mbappé’s historic hat trick in the 2022 final. Some winners lifted the trophy alongside their Golden Boot, while others carried their countries far beyond expectations through sheer attacking brilliance.

     

    Here’s a look at every FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner since 2000 and the unforgettable stories behind their tournament runs.

     

    1. Ronaldo (Brazil) — 2002 World Cup — 8 Goals

    Few World Cup stories can rival the comeback of Ronaldo in 2002.

     

    Four years after the heartbreak of the 1998 World Cup final and after battling career-threatening knee injuries, the Brazilian striker arrived in South Korea and Japan with plenty of doubts surrounding him. By the end of the tournament, he had completely silenced every critic.

     

    Ronaldo scored eight goals in seven matches, including two in the final against Germany, helping Brazil secure its record fifth World Cup title. His iconic haircut became part of pop culture, but it was his finishing ability and composure that truly defined the tournament.

     

    The 2002 campaign completed one of football’s greatest redemption arcs and firmly restored Ronaldo as one of the sport’s all-time legends.

     

    1. Miroslav Klose (Germany) — 2006 World Cup — 5 Goals

    Germany’s home World Cup in 2006 introduced the world to the clinical efficiency of Miroslav Klose.

     

    Klose may not have had the flashiest style, but his movement inside the penalty area and elite positioning made him one of the deadliest strikers of his generation. He scored five goals during the tournament to edge out the Golden Boot race and help Germany finish third on home soil.

     

    His 2006 success was only part of a much larger World Cup legacy. Across four tournaments, Klose eventually became the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 16 career goals — a record that still stands today.

     

    1. Thomas MĂŒller (Germany) — 2010 World Cup — 5 Goals

    At just 20 years old, Thomas MĂŒller exploded onto the global scene during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

     

    The young German attacker scored five goals and added three assists while helping Germany reach the semifinals. What made MĂŒller unique was his versatility — he wasn’t a traditional striker, yet he constantly found dangerous spaces and delivered in big moments.

     

    MĂŒller won the Golden Boot through FIFA’s tiebreak system and also claimed the Best Young Player award, immediately becoming one of the tournament’s breakout stars.

     

    His 2010 run also marked the beginning of Germany’s dominant era that would eventually culminate in their World Cup triumph four years later. 

     

     

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    1. James Rodríguez (Colombia) — 2014 World Cup — 6 Goals

    No player raised his global profile more during the 2014 World Cup than James RodrĂ­guez.

     

    The Colombian playmaker arrived in Brazil as a promising talent, but he left the tournament as a worldwide superstar after scoring six goals in only five matches. His stunning chest-and-volley strike against Uruguay in the Round of 16 instantly became one of the greatest goals in World Cup history and later won FIFA’s Puskás Award.

     

    Even though Colombia exited in the quarterfinals, James still secured the Golden Boot — a rare achievement for a player whose nation did not reach the semifinals.

     

    His unforgettable tournament also earned him a blockbuster move to Real Madrid shortly after the World Cup ended.

     

    1. Harry Kane (England) — 2018 World Cup — 6 Goals

    Harry Kane became the first Englishman since Gary Lineker in 1986 to win the World Cup Golden Boot after his six-goal campaign in Russia.

     

    As captain of England, Kane led the Three Lions to their first semifinal appearance in nearly three decades. His leadership and finishing ability became central to England’s resurgence under Gareth Southgate.

     

    While some critics pointed out that several of his goals came from penalties, Kane consistently delivered under pressure and embraced the responsibility of leading one of football’s most scrutinized national teams.

     

    The tournament also helped restore belief around England’s national team after years of disappointing international performances.

     

    1. Kylian MbappĂ© (France) — 2022 World Cup — 8 Goals

    By the end of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Kylian MbappĂ© had fully established himself as the face of football’s next generation.

     

    The French superstar scored eight goals, including a breathtaking hat trick in the final against Argentina — becoming the first player to achieve that feat in a World Cup final since 1966.

     

    Although France ultimately fell short in a dramatic penalty shootout, Mbappé’s performances were historic. His speed, composure, and attacking brilliance turned nearly every touch into a dangerous moment.

     

     

    At only 23 years old during the tournament, MbappĂ© had already won one World Cup, reached another final, and collected a Golden Boot — achievements most players can only dream of across an entire career. 

     

     

    The World Cup Golden Boot has always been more than just a scoring award. It often becomes the defining symbol of an unforgettable tournament run — moments where players carried entire nations, created football history, and turned themselves into global icons forever.

     

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez embraces new role as mentor in Alas Pilipinas return 

    Alyssa Valdez embraces new role as mentor in Alas Pilipinas return 

    For Alyssa Valdez, returning to Alas Pilipinas is no longer just about scoring points or carrying the offense.

     

    At this stage of her career, the longtime face of Philippine volleyball sees her latest national team stint as something deeper — an opportunity to guide, inspire, and grow alongside a new generation wearing the country’s colors.

     

    That mindset became one of the biggest reasons why Valdez immediately accepted the call to rejoin the Alas Pilipinas Women pool for the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, despite limited preparation time and a roster still trying to find its chemistry.

     

    Instead of viewing another national team campaign as an obligation, the Creamline captain sees it as another chance to evolve.

     

    “Parang ang dami pa ring things na gusto kong matutunan sa mga coaches and sa mga batang makakasama namin dito sa national team. Kaya parang hindi rin ako nagsasawa and hindi ako nagdadalawang-isip kapag tinatawag ng national team,” said Valdez during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.

     

    Now 32 years old and already one of the most decorated names in Philippine volleyball, Valdez believes experience has changed the kind of value she can bring to the program.

     

    The three-time PVL MVP last represented the country during the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, but this latest return comes with a different perspective — one centered less on individual production and more on leadership behind the scenes.

     

    “Pero at the end of the day, at this point in my career also, sabi nga ni coach, nag-mature na rin kami. Hopefully, our experience will bring so much more to this team,” said Valdez.

     

    “Not only in terms of playing, but also hopefully helping the coaches guide the players and hopefully inspiring din kami sa loob ng national team. Siguro isa ‘yun sa mga hopefully madala namin dito sa national team.“

     

    The veteran winger joins a heavily reshaped Alas Pilipinas pool composed of established stars and emerging collegiate standouts alike, creating a mix that Valdez believes can still grow into a competitive unit despite the short buildup.

     

    Included in the pool are fellow veterans Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ara Galang, Tots Carlos, and Trisha Tubu, alongside younger names such as Niña Ytang, Cla Loresco, Tin Ubaldo, Jaz Ellarina, Vanessa Sarie, and Nat Estreller.

     

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    For Valdez, simply being part of another national team remains something she never wants to take for granted.

     

    “I think it’s ano naman, once you’re part of the national team, you’re always going to be part of the national team. And once you’re called, part of me talaga laging buo ‘yung puso to serve dahil alam ko kung gaano naghihirap and gaano kasaya rin mag-represent din ng country. Siguro ‘yun din,” Valdez said.

     

    Alas Pilipinas heads into the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup carrying both uncertainty and urgency after several players from the previous national team core became unavailable for the tournament.

     

    Still, Valdez said expectations inside the camp remain grounded, with the team choosing to focus more on maximizing every training day rather than making lofty promises.

     

    “Siguro realistically, we really cannot predict anything this AVC. We’re formed just recently din. All we could do now is prepare talaga para mabigyan naman natin ng magandang laban kung sino po ‘yung mga makakalaban natin this AVC,” Valdez said.

     

    “That’s something that we keep in mind din talaga na kahit hindi kami ganun pa siguro hundred percent ready, pero pagpasok namin ng court 101 pa yung effort na ibibigay namin para makapagbigay ng magandang laban.”

     

    One familiar presence helping ease the transition is interim head coach Shaq delos Santos, whom Valdez previously played for during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games campaign.

     

    That reunion, alongside reconnecting with fellow veterans Gonzaga and Molina, has added another layer of motivation for the longtime national team mainstay.

     

    “Honestly, I’ve played for coach Shaq in the national team way back in 2019. We were actually almost at the end. But unfortunately, I think ‘yun nga rin isa sa mga things na napag-usapan namin nila Ate Jov, nila Ces din, na it’s nice to be back and having that motivation na hopefully makakuha rin talaga kami ng panalo or ma-represent din namin ‘yung bansa with pride and honor,” she said.

     

    “Very, very excited kasi nakalaban din namin si coach Shaq sa Finals recently so iba rin kapag nasa same side ng court—this time, it’s for the national team so lahat tayo, all one for the national team.” 

     

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  • Rain or Shine looks to hit reset as Ginebra eyes semifinal stranglehold 

    Rain or Shine looks to hit reset as Ginebra eyes semifinal stranglehold 

    Rain or Shine suddenly finds itself in unfamiliar territory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals — chasing momentum instead of controlling it.

     

    After opening the series with an impressive Game 1 statement against Barangay Ginebra, the Elasto Painters have now dropped back-to-back games and enter Wednesday’s crucial Game 4 searching for answers before the series completely slips away.

     

    What once looked like a wide-open matchup has quickly tilted in favor of the Gin Kings, who now carry a 2-1 lead and the confidence of a team beginning to impose its identity on both ends of the floor.

     

    For Rain or Shine, the challenge now goes beyond simply scoring enough points. The bigger concern is rediscovering the balance that fueled its upset win to start the series.

     

    Ginebra’s defense has steadily tightened over the last two games, with Scottie Thompson and Stephen Holt leading the disruption. Thompson exploded for 25 points in Game 3, but his defensive activity proved just as damaging, collecting three steals while constantly pressuring Rain or Shine’s decision-makers. Holt added three steals of his own as the Gin Kings forced 20 Elasto Painter turnovers overall.

     

    Much of that pressure fell directly on Rain or Shine’s main creators.

     

    Adrian Nocum committed seven turnovers, while import Jaylen Johnson had four giveaways despite producing another monster stat line of 23 points, 21 rebounds, and eight assists. Johnson continues to fill up the box score, but one major part of his game has disappeared at the worst possible time — his outside shooting.

     

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    After torching teams from deep earlier in the conference, Johnson struggled again from long range in Game 3, hitting just one of seven attempts from beyond the arc. Without that perimeter threat fully clicking, Ginebra has become far more comfortable crowding the paint and limiting driving lanes.

     

    Rain or Shine did find one encouraging sign in defeat, however.

     

    The Elasto Painters finally broke through from three-point territory as a team, knocking down 17 triples in their best outside shooting performance of the series. Caelan Tiongson immediately provided a lift upon returning from illness, draining seven triples, while Andrei Caracut caught fire early and buried five straight threes to help Rain or Shine stay within striking distance.

     

    But perhaps the biggest missing piece was Jhonard Clarito.

     

    After emerging as one of Rain or Shine’s most reliable offensive sparks in the first two games, Clarito was held to just five points on 2-of-6 shooting in Game 3. He still impacted the game defensively with nine rebounds and five steals, yet the Elasto Painters clearly missed his scoring punch.

     

    Now, with Ginebra only two wins away from another Finals appearance, Rain or Shine heads into Game 4 needing more than just another competitive effort.

     

    The Elasto Painters need a response strong enough to stop the series from turning into a runaway.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Women coach Shaq delos Santos embraces committed core amid AVC buildup 

    Alas Pilipinas Women coach Shaq delos Santos embraces committed core amid AVC buildup 

    For interim head coach Shaq delos Santos, the biggest victory for the current version of Alas Pilipinas Women may have already happened long before the team steps onto the floor in Ilocos Sur.

     

    With less than two weeks left before the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup, the national team continues to navigate roster adjustments, late call-ups, and unavailable players. But amid the uncertainty surrounding the buildup, Delos Santos has found reassurance in one thing: the players who stayed.

     

    “ We invited lots of players and some of them had the personal decisions [to beg off], but we’re still so happy and lucky,” Delos Santos said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.

     

    “We have these players who are committed to representing our country.”

     

    Instead of dwelling on the names no longer available for the tournament, Delos Santos has shifted the team’s identity toward willingness, sacrifice, and collective purpose.

     

    The coach pointed to the presence of veterans and rising stars like Alyssa Valdez, Niña Ytang, Ces Molina, and Jovelyn Gonzaga as proof that the national team still carries both experience and hunger despite the changes around the roster.

     

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    For Delos Santos, chemistry and commitment now matter just as much as talent.

     

    “We’re focused on the idea that this team built and the players included will do their roles in not just working together but also in fighting for the Philippines.”

     

    The current Alas pool features a blend of decorated veterans, PVL standouts, and younger collegiate stars, many of whom are getting their first extended exposure to the senior national team environment.

     

    And while preparations may not have unfolded as smoothly as originally planned, the coaching staff believes the shared willingness to represent the country could become this team’s defining strength entering the regional tournament.

     

    The 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup begins on June 6 at the Candon City Arena, where Alas Pilipinas hopes to quickly come together despite the limited preparation time.

     

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