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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Tia Andaya exits Choco Mucho Flying Titans as overseas journey in PH ends early 

    Tia Andaya exits Choco Mucho Flying Titans as overseas journey in PH ends early 

    What was once viewed as a promising homecoming has now quietly come to an early end.

     

    Filipino-American setter Tia Joy Andaya has reportedly parted ways with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans after an abbreviated stay in the Premier Volleyball League, cutting short what many expected to be a longer chapter in Philippine volleyball.

     

    According to reports, Andaya has already returned to the United States after growing frustrated over her limited opportunities on the court during her lone conference with the Flying Titans.

    The 25-year-old playmaker reportedly requested her release from the team after spending most of the season watching from the sidelines rather than orchestrating the offense she had long been known for overseas.

     

    For Andaya, the move to the Philippines initially carried plenty of intrigue.

     

    Unlike many first-time imports entering the PVL, she arrived with a diverse volleyball background already built across multiple countries and competitive systems.

     

    The Filipino-American setter previously suited up for both Gonzaga University and Central Washington University during her collegiate career in the United States before eventually taking her game overseas professionally.

     

    Her arrival also generated interest because of her previous ties to the Alas Pilipinas Women program.

     

    At one point, Andaya was among the Filipino-American prospects being considered for the national team pool as Philippine volleyball explored expanding its talent base internationally.

     

    She had even looked into the possibility of changing her sporting allegiance to represent the Philippines before the process ultimately never materialized into a full commitment.

     

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    That background made her PVL entry feel less like a typical import signing and more like a player attempting to reconnect with her Filipino roots through volleyball.

     

    Instead, the stint quickly became a difficult adjustment.

     

    Reports indicated that Andaya had already been back in the United States for nearly a month, with fellow Filipino-American players even organizing a farewell gathering before her departure.

     

    The situation also reflects the increasingly competitive environment inside the PVL, where roster depth and established rotations can make it difficult even for experienced overseas players to carve out major roles immediately.

     

    For Choco Mucho, the exit marks another roster shift as the Flying Titans continue to reshape their lineup heading into the next conference.

     

    As for Andaya, her early departure leaves behind a brief what-could-have-been chapter — one that started with curiosity and potential, but ultimately never found rhythm on the court. 

     

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  • Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas begins new era for Gilas Pilipinas Women after Pat Aquino exit 

    Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas begins new era for Gilas Pilipinas Women after Pat Aquino exit 

    A major reset is quietly unfolding inside the Gilas Pilipinas Women program.

     

    For years, the national team’s rise had been closely tied to the leadership of Pat Aquino — the longtime architect behind some of the country’s biggest breakthroughs in women’s basketball.

     

    Now, with Aquino officially out as head coach, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas appears determined to steer the program toward a completely new direction ahead of a packed international calendar that includes the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in August and the Asian Games in September.

     

    Speaking to reporters on Monday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, SBP Head of Communications Carlo Pamintuan revealed that the federation has already reached an agreement with Aquino’s replacement — though the official announcement is still pending the completion of contract formalities.

     

    “Two things: first, I want to officially say that Gilas Pilipinas Women has already agreed with its upcoming head coach. It’s a name that I cannot announce yet because we’re still finalizing the details of the contract,” Pamintuan said.

     

    “But a lot of the terms have already been agreed upon, and it will be announced, I think in the next two days after everything is signed. So we’re just waiting for the formality before we get to announce it.”

     

    What the SBP has already made clear, however, is the type of direction it wants to pursue.

    Instead of staying local, the federation intentionally leaned toward a foreign coach — a move heavily influenced by conversations with Tom Hovasse, the former Japan men’s and women’s national team mentor who famously guided Japan to a silver medal finish in the 2020 Summer Olympics women’s basketball tournament.

     

    According to Pamintuan, Hovasse was never officially considered for the role itself.

     

    Rather, the decorated coach served as a resource person during the search process as SBP attempted to study the blueprint behind Japan’s sustained success in women’s basketball.

     

    “In terms of Gilas Pilipinas Women, the SBP had a conversation with former Japan Women’s and Men’s head coach Tom Hovasse. But it was never in an interview capacity. He never applied for the job. He was not considered for the job, but his input as a reference was valued by the Federation,” Pamintuan shared.

     

    “We all know that Japan has a really strong women’s program. Currently, I believe they’re number three in Asia, including Australia, China, and Japan. And we want to emulate the same success as Japan. We’ve seen their results so that is why the search for Gilas Pilipinas Women Head Coach skewed towards that direction.” 

     

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    “So again, we really thank Coach Tom Hovasse for his input. We value everything that he shared with us. But the SBP wants to clarify that he did not apply for the job. He never interviewed for the job. We just were able to talk to him as a reference in terms of helping us find the best candidate we need in this specific time.”

     

    The changes within the program extend beyond the senior team.

     

    In another key development, Bacon Austria has been appointed program director for Gilas Women, adding another experienced Ateneo figure into the national team structure.

     

    Austria recently guided the Ateneo Blue Eagles to a breakthrough Final Four appearance in the UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball tournament, finishing with an impressive 11-3 record.

    Meanwhile, veteran tactician Sandy Arespacochaga will take over the Gilas Youth Women program, replacing former head coach Julie Amos.

     

    For Arespacochaga, the appointment marks a return to familiar territory after previously serving within the national team setup during his earlier stint with Gilas Youth in 2019.

     

    “I think you have already kind of seen it, but Gilas Pilipinas Youth Women will be led by coach Sandy Arespacochaga. He has been running the practices with the team and they’re already deep in their preparations for their SEABA competitions this June,” Pamintuan said.

     

    The youth squad is currently preparing for the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers set from June 2 to 6 in Bacolod.

     

    Taken together, the moves signal something larger than a simple coaching change.

     

    After years of gradual progress under Aquino, SBP now appears intent on reshaping the entire Gilas Women structure — from the senior squad down to the youth pipeline — in hopes of building a program capable of consistently competing with Asia’s elite.

     

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  • Adrian “invy” Reyes captures first VCT Pacific title as Paper Rex dominates road to Masters: London 

    Adrian “invy” Reyes captures first VCT Pacific title as Paper Rex dominates road to Masters: London 

    For Filipino VALORANT player Adrian Reyes, the road to a championship was never instant.

     

    It took years of grinding through the Pacific scene, proving himself against some of Asia’s best talents, and eventually earning a spot in one of the world’s most explosive VALORANT teams.

     

    Now, he finally has the trophy to show for it.

     

    Invy celebrated the biggest title of his professional career after Paper Rex dismantled FULL SENSE, 3-0, in the grand finals of the 2026 VCT Pacific Stage 1 to secure the organization’s fourth regional crown and the top seed heading into VALORANT Masters: London.

     

    The triumph officially made invy just the second Filipino player ever to win a VCT Pacific title, following former PRX player Patrick Mendoza, who lifted the trophy during the 2025 Stage 2 tournament in Japan.

     

    For invy, the breakthrough came as part of a dominant PRX run that barely slowed down throughout the playoffs.

     

    Fresh off another sweep against Global Esports in the semifinals, Paper Rex entered the finals looking fully in sync — and once the team found momentum, FULL SENSE struggled to stop the flood.

     

    The Thai squad actually looked poised to take control early in the series.

     

    On Pearl, FULL SENSE built a halftime lead after successfully slowing PRX’s trademark aggressive style.

     

    But after losing the pistol and anti-eco rounds to begin the second half, Paper Rex suddenly erupted.

     

    The Pacific powerhouse strung together seven straight rounds to steal the opener, 13-10, immediately shifting pressure onto FULL SENSE.

     

    That same pattern repeated itself in Lotus.

     

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    Every time FULL SENSE created separation, PRX answered with overwhelming momentum swings.

     

    After evening the map at halftime, Paper Rex stormed ahead with six consecutive rounds before eventually sealing a 13-9 victory.

     

    Fracture delivered the most competitive battle of the series, with both teams trading rounds deep into the second half after a 6-6 deadlock at halftime.

     

    But when the pressure peaked, PRX once again found another level.

     

    Three crucial late-round wins allowed Paper Rex to close the map, 13-10, and officially punch its ticket to London as Pacific’s No. 1 seed.

     

    While veteran superstar Jason Susanto led the stat sheet with 63 kills and 30 assists across the series, the title symbolized something equally important for invy — validation that he belongs among the region’s elite.

     

    Now, the Filipino standout heads into Masters: London not as an underdog story, but as part of a legitimate international contender.

     

    Thanks to the Stage 1 title, Paper Rex advances directly into the playoff stage of Masters: London, allowing the team additional time to prepare while other squads battle through the Swiss Stage.

     

    The victory also secured PRX a berth in the Esports World Cup this July and earned valuable championship points toward qualification for VALORANT Champions: Shanghai.

     

    For invy, however, the breakthrough may matter even beyond the trophy itself.

     

    After years of Filipino players trying to carve out space in the global VALORANT scene, another Pinoy name is now standing at the top of the Pacific.

     

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  • Alex Eala fades late as Oleksandra Oliynykova outlasts Filipina star in Strasbourg thriller 

    Alex Eala fades late as Oleksandra Oliynykova outlasts Filipina star in Strasbourg thriller 

    For nearly three hours, Alex Eala tried to survive a match that constantly demanded one more rally, one more hold, one more comeback.

     

    But in the end, it was Oleksandra Oliynykova who had more left in the tank.

     

    Eala’s final clay-court tune-up before Roland Garros ended in heartbreak Monday after the Filipina bowed to the Ukrainian qualifier, 6-3, 5-7, 3-6, in the opening round of the Internationaux de Strasbourg in France.

     

    What initially looked like a controlled performance from Eala slowly evolved into a physical and tactical grind — the exact type of match Oliynykova appeared fully prepared for.

     

    The world No. 68 entered Strasbourg already carrying momentum from Rome, where she reached the third round of the Italian Open after surviving qualifying that included a victory over former world No. 20 Yulia Putintseva.

     

    Against Eala, that confidence translated into relentless pressure from the baseline.

     

    The Ukrainian repeatedly forced the Filipina into uncomfortable rallies using looping topspin shots, slices, and well-timed drop shots that disrupted Eala’s rhythm throughout the match.

     

    Still, Eala looked in command early.

     

    The world No. 38 showcased her composure in a marathon seventh game of the opening set, where she erased five break points and survived seven deuces just to protect serve.

     

    That escape turned into the turning point of the opener.

     

    Moments later, Eala grabbed the first break of the match before sealing the set, 6-3, after 57 grueling minutes.

     

    But while Eala managed to win the crucial points in the first set, the physical toll of the long exchanges slowly became visible as the match dragged deeper.

     

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    Oliynykova stormed to a 4-0 lead in the second set and looked poised to quickly force a decider.

     

    Eala, however, refused to disappear quietly.

     

    The Filipina clawed all the way back to level the set at 5-5, igniting hopes of another signature comeback win after her breakthrough run in Rome last week.

     

    Instead, the momentum vanished just as quickly.

     

    Oliynykova steadied herself, won the final two games of the second set, and carried that confidence straight into the decider.

     

    The third set became a battle of endurance.

     

    Eala briefly regained control after breaking for a 3-2 lead, but Oliynykova immediately answered with a break of her own before completely shutting the door the rest of the way.

     

    From there, the Ukrainian won four straight games to complete the comeback after two hours and 54 minutes.

     

    For Eala, the defeat halts what had otherwise been an encouraging clay campaign leading into the year’s second Grand Slam.

     

    The 20-year-old recently reached the third round of the Italian Open, where she pushed world No. 2 Elena Rybakina in a competitive straight-sets loss — another sign of her growing ability to compete with the sport’s elite on clay.

     

    Now, the focus shifts fully to the French Open, where Eala will look to turn the lessons of a demanding European clay swing into a deeper run on tennis’ biggest stage.

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez emerges as steadying presence for depleted Alas Pilipinas ahead of AVC Women’s Cup 

    Alyssa Valdez emerges as steadying presence for depleted Alas Pilipinas ahead of AVC Women’s Cup 

    At a time when Alas Pilipinas is scrambling to rebuild its roster just weeks before the AVC Women’s Cup, one of the most familiar names in Philippine volleyball may once again be stepping forward.

     

    Alyssa Valdez — long regarded as the face of the national team through multiple generations — is reportedly willing to suit up again for the country as Alas prepares to open training camp on Monday for the June 6 to 14 tournament in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

     

    “Very willing to support,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Tonyboy Liao said Sunday, referring to Valdez.

     

    And this time, the support could come from inside the court once more.

    Asked in what capacity the longtime Creamline star would help the national team, Liao answered directly: as a “player.”

     

    The possible return of Valdez arrives at a critical stretch for Alas Pilipinas, which has spent the past several weeks navigating uncertainty surrounding both its roster and coaching staff.

     

    Multiple key players from previous national team campaigns have already reportedly declined participation in the upcoming AVC Women’s Cup, including current team captain Jia de Guzman, former UAAP MVPs Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, as well as injured Adamson standout Shaina Nitura.

     

    Meanwhile, the program also absorbed another major setback after head coach Tai Bundit suffered an ankle injury following a scooter accident in Bangkok, temporarily sidelining the decorated Thai mentor during a crucial buildup period.

     

    With the team still trying to finalize its lineup and interim coaching setup, Valdez’s willingness to return suddenly carries weight beyond statistics or scoring.

     

    It offers familiarity.

     

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    Few players understand the emotional demands of carrying the national team better than Valdez herself, who spent years serving as one of the pillars of Philippine volleyball during both rebuilding years and breakthrough moments. From SEA Games campaigns to regional tournaments, she became the constant face of Alas through changing rosters, coaches, and systems.

     

    Now, with the current program once again facing instability, the possibility of her return feels less about nostalgia and more about leadership.

     

    Liao, however, remained non-committal regarding the final composition of the roster as well as who will temporarily call the shots while Bundit recovers.

     

    The federation chief hinted the interim coach could come from the existing staff composed of Creamline mentor Sherwin Meneses, Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos, La Salle assistant Benson Bocboc, and Adamson’s JP Yude.

     

    With the AVC Women’s Cup drawing closer and uncertainty continuing to surround the program, the possible return of Valdez provides the national team something it badly needs right now:

    stability from someone who has seen — and survived — almost everything in an Alas Pilipinas jersey.

     

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  • Tim Cone, Yeng Guiao rivalry adds another chapter as Ginebra and Rain or Shine collide anew 

    Tim Cone, Yeng Guiao rivalry adds another chapter as Ginebra and Rain or Shine collide anew 

    For decades, the PBA has evolved through different stars, dynasties, and eras. But somehow, Tim Cone and Yeng Guiao have remained constant.

     

    Now, more than 30 years since both first stepped into the league, the two coaching legends are once again standing on opposite sides of a playoff series — this time with a trip to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals hanging in the balance.

     

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Rain or Shine may headline the matchup on paper, but behind the teams stands a far deeper story: two of the most influential basketball minds the league has ever seen preparing to test philosophies that have shaped generations of Philippine basketball.

     

    One built dynasties through precision, discipline, and structure. The other forged his legacy weaponizing pressure, emotion, and relentless chaos. And somehow, both approaches kept winning for decades.

     

    That contrast is exactly why their rivalry continues to endure.

     

    “I just know how hard it is to go up against Yeng Guiao. His teams play the game extremely hard and extremely fast,” Cone admitted after Ginebra dismantled Phoenix, 112-81, to book its semifinal seat.

     

    The respect between the two runs deep because few coaches truly understand what the other has survived through.

     

    Cone arrived in the PBA in 1989 and almost immediately established himself as one of the league’s brightest tacticians. Guiao followed a year later, bringing with him the fiery personality and edge that would eventually define his coaching career.

     

    From there, their paths repeatedly crossed through changing generations of players and franchises.

     

    Cone collected championships through powerhouse systems, highlighted by Alaska’s legendary 1996 Grand Slam and San Mig Coffee’s historic repeat in 2014.

     

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    Meanwhile, Guiao became the league’s ultimate culture-builder — the coach who consistently convinced overlooked teams they could punch above their weight. He steered Red Bull to multiple championships in the early 2000s before later delivering Rain or Shine its breakthrough title in 2012.

     

    Perhaps most impressively, Guiao’s 2016 Commissioner’s Cup title with the Elasto Painters remains the last championship won by a team outside the SMC and MVP groups — a reminder of how dangerous his teams become when underestimated.

     

    Cone understands that better than most.

     

    “Coach Yeng is so experienced in all these things. Sometimes, I feel I have a little edge on that time, but not with coach Yeng. We came in the league at the same time and we’ve been coaching the same amount of years. He’s been through it all,” Cone added.

     

    This latest collision arrives with Ginebra carrying momentum after crushing Rain or Shine during the elimination round. But Cone knows playoff basketball erases old results quickly — especially against a Guiao-coached squad.

     

    “You don’t put too much salt in that game and you just have to let it go. Like I said, we know the kind of team that they present so that’s what we’re gonna be ready for, not our last game,” he insisted.

     

    Because if there is one lesson their rivalry has repeatedly taught the league over the years, it is this:

     

    No lead, reputation, or previous result ever feels safe once Cone and Guiao begin matching moves from opposite benches again.

     

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  • Angel Canino reveals overseas offers nearly pulled her away from La Salle before Season 88 title run 

    Angel Canino reveals overseas offers nearly pulled her away from La Salle before Season 88 title run 

    For a while, Angel Canino genuinely thought her La Salle story might already be over.

     

    Long before De La Salle University completed its historic unbeaten championship run in UAAP Season 88, the Lady Spikers superstar found herself torn between loyalty and opportunity — between staying in Taft and chasing professional volleyball overseas.

     

    The offers were real. The temptation was, too.

     

    “Honestly speaking po talaga, there were offers po internationally,” revealed Canino during La Salle’s sit-down interview with Rico Hizon on ANC. “Kaya napa-dalawang isip po ako last year.”

     

    Coming off a heartbreaking Finals loss to National University in Season 87, Canino found herself at a crossroads familiar to many modern collegiate stars. The volleyball landscape had changed rapidly, with overseas clubs and professional teams now aggressively pursuing top UAAP talent even before they exhaust eligibility.

     

    Former NU standouts Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen had already chosen that route, leaving college early to begin their professional journeys in Japan and the PVL.

     

    Canino could have easily done the same.

     

    Instead, she stayed — and in doing so, became the emotional anchor of one of the most dominant campaigns in UAAP history.

     

    What ultimately pulled her back to Taft wasn’t just unfinished business on the court. It was something far more personal.

     

    “When I went back after the Southeast Asian Games [last December], naramdaman ko po talaga na I really love La Salle. I also asked my Ates, and binigay nila yung advice nila sa akin. I was thinking about it, may offer sa labas, pero I made a promise that I will stay for five years,” shared Canino.

     

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    That promise, made years ago to legendary coach Ramil de Jesus, eventually outweighed everything else.

     

    And by staying, Canino didn’t just help La Salle reclaim the throne — she became part of a season that may define this generation of Lady Spikers forever.

     

    The green-and-white side stormed through Season 88 with a perfect 16-0 record, capped by a dominant Finals sweep of defending champion National University. More importantly, the run restored the aura of invincibility that has long surrounded the program.

     

    For Canino, though, the championship only deepened her attachment to the school she nearly left behind.

     

    “Mahal na mahal ko po yung La Salle, and mas lalo pa po akong napamahal dahil dito sa Season 88 na sisterhood namin,” she said. “And napa-stay din ako dahil sa Lasallian community.”

     

    Now, instead of exiting early, Canino is preparing for one final season with the Lady Spikers in Season 89 alongside the same core that brought La Salle back to the top.

     

    And perhaps that is what makes her decision resonate even more.

     

    At a time when many athletes are understandably tempted to leave early for bigger opportunities, Canino chose one more year of college — one more year of representing the school and teammates she says she learned to love even more after Season 88.

     

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  • Alex Eala starts Strasbourg Open campaign against Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova 

    Alex Eala starts Strasbourg Open campaign against Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova 

    Sometimes, timing changes everything in tennis.

     

    Just when Alex Eala appeared headed for another grind through qualifying, the Filipina instead found herself handed a direct path into the main draw of the WTA 500 Internationaux de Strasbourg — and perhaps one last opportunity to sharpen her game before the bright lights of French Open.

     

    The break came after Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko withdrew from the tournament, opening a main-draw slot that Eala immediately inherited as the highest-ranked player on the qualifying list. 

     

    Rather than expending extra energy in qualification matches, Eala now enters Strasbourg with additional recovery time and a cleaner runway heading into what could be a pivotal stretch of her season.

     

    Waiting for her in the opening round is Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova, a first-time opponent who arrives battle-tested after surviving two qualifying rounds, including an impressive straight-sets win over Yulia Putintseva.

     

    While neither player has yet captured a WTA Tour singles crown, both enter Strasbourg carrying growing momentum in very different ways.

     

    For Eala, the clay swing has slowly become a process of accumulation — match by match, lesson by lesson.

     

    The 20-year-old Filipina has already logged tournaments across Austria, Germany, Madrid, and Rome, with her breakthrough run at the Italian Open standing out as her strongest clay performance so far. There, she reached the third round before eventually falling to world No. 2 Elena Rybakina in a competitive Round of 32 clash.

     

    More importantly, the Rome campaign continued to reinforce Eala’s growing comfort against elite competition on one of tennis’ most demanding surfaces.

     

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    Now ranked world No. 38 in WTA live rankings, Eala enters Strasbourg carrying the highest ranking of her young professional career and increasing expectations as Southeast Asia’s rising tennis hope.

     

    Still, Strasbourg represents more than just another tournament stop.

     

    It serves as Eala’s final dress rehearsal before her second professional appearance at Roland Garros, where the challenge — and spotlight — will intensify considerably.

     

    The Filipina has already played 12 tournaments this season spanning Auckland, Australia, Manila, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Dubai, Indian Wells, Miami, and the European clay circuit. Along the way, she has steadily expanded both her experience and confidence against higher-ranked opposition.

     

    Her biggest professional singles title remains the WTA 125 championship she captured in Guadalajara in 2025, but her recent results suggest bigger stages may soon follow.

     

    Against Oliynykova, Eala now gets another chance to keep building that momentum — this time with Paris already looming just around the corner. 

     

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  • Calvin Oftana reveals TNT’s honest talk with Bol Bol sparked playoff turnaround 

    Calvin Oftana reveals TNT’s honest talk with Bol Bol sparked playoff turnaround 

    For most teams, playoff preparation usually revolves around scouting reports, film sessions, and tactical adjustments.

     

    For TNT Tropang 5G, it began with something far less comfortable — honesty.

     

    According to Calvin Oftana, TNT temporarily set basketball aside before its do-or-die clash against NLEX Road Warriors and instead confronted the issues that had quietly followed the defending champions throughout the conference.

     

    “Nag-usap kami as a team,” Oftana revealed after TNT’s 118-112 quarterfinal victory Saturday night at the Ynares Center.

     

    “Walang viewing, wala lahat. Instead na mag-viewing kami, nag-open forum kami kung anong problema sa amin internally.”

     

    The conversation became especially important because it did not exclude import Bol Bol — the player around whom much of TNT’s system now revolves.

     

    Rather than tiptoeing around frustrations, the Tropang 5G veterans addressed everything directly with the former NBA big man.

     

    “In-open up namin kung ano ‘yung problema namin kay Bol, ano ‘yung pananaw niya sa team, kung gusto niya ba kami sa team or gusto ba namin siya sa team, mga ganung bagay,” Oftana shared.

     

    For Oftana, what mattered most was how receptive Bol turned out to be.

     

    “Siyempre, you need to open up yourself naman sa kanya; ang maganda kay Bol, in-accept niya as a brother. Doon kami nagkasundo lahat.”

     

    The discussion eventually centered on one recurring theme: trust.

     

    TNT’s local core — led by Oftana, Roger Pogoy, and Jayson Castro — wanted Bol to rely more on the players around him instead of carrying the offense alone.

     

    “Sinabi lang namin na, ‘Bol, kailangan mo ipasa rin minsan.’”

     

    “Sinabihan talaga namin! Kasi sabi nga ni Coach (Chot Reyes), ‘You need to trust these locals,’” Oftana added with a laugh.

     

    The timing of the breakthrough proved perfect.

     

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    After struggling to establish chemistry during the elimination round, TNT suddenly looked far more connected in the playoffs. Bol still delivered monster numbers with 35 points and 13 rebounds in the knockout win, but the locals thrived alongside him instead of simply orbiting around his talent.

     

    Pogoy finished with 21 points, Oftana added 20 markers of his own, while Castro continued stabilizing the offense with veteran poise.

     

    More than the statistics, however, Oftana believes TNT finally discovered the balance it had been searching for all conference long.

     

    “We started rough sa conference na ‘to and right now, we’re looking good in our own way, na nakukuha na namin ‘yung rhythm namin with Bol. And Bol is looking pretty good surrounded by us,” he said.

     

    Oftana admitted the team also feels motivated to maximize what may be a short-lived partnership with one of the most talented imports to ever enter the league.

     

    “Siyempre motivated kami; siyempre ayaw naming umalis agad si Bol na ganito lang. And kami rin naman.”

     

    Now heading into the semifinals against Meralco Bolts, TNT suddenly appears more dangerous not because its stars changed individually, but because the defending champions finally started functioning like one complete unit.

     

    “It’s up to us na mga locals na to help him up, para makayod namin ‘tong semifinals to the Finals,” Oftana said. 

     

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  • Bryan Bagunas returns to Japan and finally captures elusive SV.League crown with Osaka 

    Bryan Bagunas returns to Japan and finally captures elusive SV.League crown with Osaka 

    For years, Japan represented unfinished business for Bryan Bagunas.

     

    He arrived as a promising Filipino import trying to carve out a place in one of Asia’s toughest volleyball leagues, endured losing seasons, changed countries, rebuilt his career elsewhere, and eventually returned for another shot. This time, though, the ending finally changed.

     

    Bagunas completed his long-awaited breakthrough in Japanese volleyball after helping Osaka capture the 2026 SV.League championship on Sunday at the Yokohama Arena.

     

    The title did not come easy.

     

    Osaka entered the Finals against reigning powerhouse Suntory as the underdog despite finishing second in the elimination round with a stellar 38-6 record. The Sunbirds, who topped the standings at 40-4 and won three of their four meetings during the regular season, immediately reminded everyone why they were favorites by taking Game 1 of the best-of-three series.

     

    Suntory claimed the opener in four sets, 26-24, 22-25, 25-16, 25-23, behind another dominant showing from towering Russian middle blocker Dmitry Muserskiy, who unloaded 23 points.

     

    Bagunas saw limited action in the match but still converted both of his attempts for two points.

     

    With their backs against the wall, Osaka found another level.

     

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    Game 2 became the turning point of the series as the Bluteon survived a five-set battle, 13-25, 25-23, 25-22, 20-25, 15-9, to force a winner-take-all showdown. Cuban star Miguel Angel Lopez carried much of the scoring load with 21 points, while Japanese ace Yuji Nishida added 20 markers built on powerful spikes and timely service aces.

     

    By Game 3, momentum had completely shifted. Osaka stormed to a convincing 25-22, 25-20, 25-18 victory to complete the comeback and dethrone Suntory on its own floor. Fittingly, it was Nishida who delivered the championship-clinching ace against Japanese star Ran Takahashi and the Sunbirds.

     

    For Bagunas, the celebration represented far more than just another trophy.

     

    Before returning to Japan, the Filipino outside hitter spent three seasons with Oita Miyoshi, where team success proved elusive despite flashes of individual brilliance. He later moved to Taiwan and rebuilt his confidence with Taichung, winning two championships and earning an MVP award during a dominant three-year run.

     

    That journey ultimately brought him back to Japan — older, more experienced, and finally part of a championship roster.

     

    Now, after years of grinding across different leagues in Asia, Bagunas can finally say he has conquered Japanese volleyball too.

     

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