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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Kianna Dy, Erika Santos lead new wave in Alas Pilipinas pool for AVC Women’s Cup 

    Kianna Dy, Erika Santos lead new wave in Alas Pilipinas pool for AVC Women’s Cup 

    FA new chapter is quietly taking shape for the Alas Pilipinas Women—and this time, it’s built on both fresh energy and familiar leadership.

     

    The Philippine National Volleyball Federation has unveiled a 27-player wishlist for the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, offering an early glimpse of a national team that blends rising collegiate standouts with proven names from the pro ranks.

     

    Among those drawing attention are new additions Kianna Dy and Erika Santos, who headline a group of reinforcements expected to inject depth and versatility into the pool. They are joined by fellow Premier Volleyball League performers Jean Asis and Riza Nogales, signaling a stronger pro presence in the national setup.

     

    The collegiate ranks also made a strong case for inclusion, with standouts like Sam Cantada, Shaira Jardio, Jaz Ellarina, Tin Ubaldo, and Niña Ytang earning spots in the expanded pool. Their inclusion reflects a clear direction—building a pipeline that bridges the college and professional levels.

     

    At the core of the group remains leadership and continuity. Veteran playmaker Jia De Guzman is set to captain the pool once more, joined by familiar names such as Eya Laure, Maddie Madayag, Mars Alba, Fifi Sharma, Justine Jazareno, Jen Nierva, Alleiah Malaluan, Vanie Gandler, and Bella Belen—a group that ensures stability amid the influx of new talent.

     

    The mix extends further with collegiate holdovers like Angel Canino, Amie Provido, Shaina Nitura, and Arah Panique, alongside additional reinforcements such as Shevanah Laput and Alyssa Solomon, who is currently seeing action overseas.

     

    Rounding out the pool are NCAA standouts Zam Nolasco and Vanessa Sarie, further emphasizing the federation’s effort to widen its talent search.

     

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    0px;”>Beyond the names, however, the announcement also carried a different tone—one focused on rebuilding trust and improving player conditions.

     

    “The PNVF reaffirms its commitment to the welfare of all national team athletes. We have heard the voices of our players and take their concerns seriously. The federation is actively addressing outstanding financial obligations and is committed to ensuring timely compensation and transparent financial processes going forward,” the federation said.

     

    “Athletes joining the training pool will be entitled to clearly defined support structures, including competitive allowances, insurance coverage, and a communicated training and competition calendar that respects their club and personal schedules. PNVF commits to maintaining open dialogue channels with player representatives throughout the duration of the national team program.”

     

    The final composition of the training pool will depend on player availability, with preparations expected to begin in early May. Hosting the tournament from June 6 to 14 in Candon adds another layer of motivation, especially after the team’s silver-medal finish in the previous edition.

     

    This time, the goal is clear—not just to compete, but to complete the climb.

     

    And with a refreshed pool led by both rising stars and seasoned leaders, Alas Pilipinas is positioning itself for a stronger push toward gold on home soil.

     

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  • Cooper Flag edges former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel to bag NBA Rookie of the Year 

    Cooper Flag edges former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel to bag NBA Rookie of the Year 

    The race for Rookie of the Year didn’t just produce a winner—it told the story of two former teammates pushing each other from afar.

     

    In the end, it was Cooper Flagg who came out on top, edging Kon Knueppel in one of the closest voting finishes in recent memory. But the result hardly captured the full picture of a season defined by parallel rises, shared history, and a rivalry built on mutual respect.

     

    Flagg’s rookie year with the Dallas Mavericks was anything but typical. While the team struggled to stay competitive, the 19-year-old forward turned the season into a personal showcase, becoming the first rookie since Michael Jordan in 1984-85 to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.

     

    His individual brilliance stood in contrast to Dallas’ inconsistency, but it was enough to separate him—just barely—from a challenger who was rewriting expectations in his own way.

     

    On the other side was Knueppel, who helped transform the Charlotte Hornets into one of the league’s most improved squads. Charlotte’s 25-win jump nearly carried them into the playoffs, with the rookie guard playing a central role in the turnaround.

     

    Knueppel’s impact went beyond team success. He led the entire league in three-pointers made with 273 and delivered a rare statistical combination, joining Larry Bird and Paul Pierce as the only rookies to average at least 15 points and five rebounds while shooting over 40 percent from deep.

     

    The contrast between the two candidates made the race compelling—Flagg’s historic all-around dominance versus Knueppel’s winning impact and elite shooting.

     

    For Flagg, the competition never lost its personal layer.

     

    “I see the games every night. I can check the box scores,” Flagg said when asked how closely he followed Knueppel’s performances. “I think also I was watching Kon just because that’s one of my brothers. We had such a good connection, and we’re gonna be there for each other for the rest of our lives. I was watching him as a fan as well, but there was obviously that competition at the same time.”

     

    Their connection dates back to their time at Duke University, where they built chemistry before quickly becoming two of the NBA’s most productive rookies. They even finished first and second in rookie scoring, a rare feat for former college teammates, last achieved by Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon in 2004-05.

     

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    The deciding stretch came late in the season, when Flagg delivered a scoring surge that likely sealed the award. He poured in 96 points across two games, highlighted by a 51-point explosion against Orlando—the first 50-point game by a teenager in NBA history. That performance broke his own mark of 49, which he had set earlier in the season against Knueppel and the Hornets.

     

    When the votes were counted, the margin reflected just how tight the race had been. Only 26 points separated the two in a system where 100 media members ranked their top three rookies.

     

    For context, some Rookie of the Year races in league history have ended in ties, including notable ones involving Elton Brand and Grant Hill, as well as Jason Kidd—now Flagg’s coach in Dallas.

     

    While Knueppel’s Hornets fell just short of the playoffs after losing in the play-in round, his season left a clear mark on a franchise trending upward. Meanwhile, Flagg’s campaign was defined by resilience, carrying a Mavericks team that dealt with injuries and roster instability throughout the year.

     

    In the end, the award went to Flagg, but the season belonged to both.

     

    One delivered history. The other delivered hope. And together, they created a rookie race that felt less like a competition—and more like the beginning of a rivalry shaped by respect.

     

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  • “We accomplished our goal”: Gilas Men 3×3 tops pool, reaches quarters 

    “We accomplished our goal”: Gilas Men 3×3 tops pool, reaches quarters 

    A loss to end the group stage rarely feels like a step forward—but for the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Men, it marked the completion of a mission.

     

    Despite absorbing a 14-21 defeat at the hands of Iran in the 6th Asian Beach Games at the Sanya Sports Centre Gymnasium, the Nationals still walked away from Pool A exactly where they wanted to be—on top.

     

    It wasn’t about the final game alone. It was about the body of work.

     

    Locked in a three-way tie with Iran and China at 2-1, Gilas leaned on consistency across all games to secure the No. 1 spot via total accumulated points. In a format where every basket counts, their earlier performances proved just as valuable as any win.

     

    Head coach Patrick Fran emphasized that perspective, choosing to focus on what the team achieved rather than how the group stage ended.

     

    “We accomplished our goal top our pool. Just to be honest, the boys deserved to be here. They worked hard and this is a blessing for us because of the hard work we put in the first day,” Fran said.

     

    “I think this is a big preparation for us going into the quarterfinal tomorrow.” 

     

    The loss to Iran served as a reminder of the physical and tactical challenges waiting ahead.

    Gilas found itself trailing for most of the contest, struggling to match the size and interior presence of their opponents. A late push sparked by Nic Cabañero—who sliced the deficit to five, 14-19, with under two minutes left—briefly gave the Filipinos a window.

     

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    But Iran’s control never wavered, shutting the door on any comeback attempt.

     

    Still, the game offered valuable lessons, especially against a team built on strength and inside scoring—traits that often define success in the half-court-heavy 3×3 format. 

     

    Jeff Manday paced Gilas with eight points, continuing his role as the team’s steady offensive anchor, while Cabañero added six, showcasing his ability to create off the dribble even against taller defenders.

     

    Their production, combined with the team’s collective effort across all three games, ultimately secured their passage to the knockout stage.

     

    With the group stage behind them, the focus now shifts to survival basketball.

    The quarterfinals present a clean slate, where previous records no longer matter and every possession carries heavier weight. For Gilas, the loss to Iran may even serve as an advantage—a timely wake-up call before the stakes rise further.

     

    Their opponent in the Last Eight will be determined Tuesday, but one thing is already clear: this team is no longer just chasing wins.

     

    They are learning how to advance—and that might matter even more.

     

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  • “Ito ‘yung happiest”: Jema Galanza cherishes Creamline’s hardest-earned title

    “Ito ‘yung happiest”: Jema Galanza cherishes Creamline’s hardest-earned title

    For a team that has grown accustomed to winning, the Creamline Cool Smashers found themselves navigating unfamiliar territory in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference. 

     

    Their journey to the championship was anything but smooth, shaped by losses, injuries, and repeated encounters with teams that had previously gotten the better of them. In the end, however, those very struggles became the foundation of what Jema Galanza considers their most meaningful title yet.

     

    “Para sa’kin, ito ‘yung happiest and [most] memorable na championship na napanalunan namin kasi ‘yung mga teams na natalo kami, naka-bawi kami ngayong conference,” said Galanza, who delivered 12 points, 19 excellent digs, and 16 excellent receptions in the title-clinching Game 2 win.

     

    The Cool Smashers’ campaign opened on a difficult note after absorbing a loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters, immediately putting their form into question. They responded with a five-game winning streak that restored some stability, but the consistency they were searching for remained elusive. A loss to the Akari Chargers exposed cracks in their system, and a crucial defeat to the Farm Fresh Foxies tightened the standings and put their campaign under pressure.

     

    Despite the challenges, Creamline managed to stay afloat. They secured a key victory over the Cignal HD Spikers to advance, even while missing Galanza and Bernadeth Pons. The win highlighted the team’s depth and ability to adjust, but their momentum was short-lived as they fell again to Cignal in the qualifying round, dropping them to the play-in stage.

     

    That setback ultimately became the turning point of their campaign. Instead of breaking their rhythm, it reshaped their mindset. From that point forward, every match carried added meaning, as the Cool Smashers faced teams that had previously dealt them setbacks earlier in the conference. 

     

    They eliminated Akari in the play-in stage to keep their hopes alive, then defeated PLDT to regain momentum. Another loss to Cignal followed in the semifinals, but Creamline responded with a crucial victory over Farm Fresh in a virtual knockout match to secure a place in the Finals.

     

    “I mean, bago kami nakapasok talaga sa Finals, talagang dinaan namin lahat nung tumalo sa amin. And alam mo, ‘yun pa lang, parang nakaka-proud na. And na-prove din namin sa self namin na kaya talaga namin na mag-champion basta sama-sama kami.”

     

    Awaiting them in the Finals was Cignal, the team that had consistently challenged them throughout the conference. This time, however, the Cool Smashers left no room for doubt. They completed a sweep to capture the championship, finally overcoming the very team that had repeatedly disrupted their run and sealing a redemption story that defined their season.

     

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    Beyond the team’s journey, the championship also marked a personal triumph for Galanza. She entered the conference coming off a lengthy recovery from a serious injury and was gradually working her way back into form during the preliminaries. Just as she began to regain her rhythm, a knee injury sidelined her again, forcing her to miss key games late in the elimination round and in the qualifiers.

     

    “Yung injury kasi, well, di naman natin inaasahan yun eh. Parang buong off-season naman nag-prepare ka nang maayos. ‘’Yung nagpa-condition ka, tapos magugulat ka, or hindi mo ini-expect talaga na magkakaroon ng gano’n,” she said.

     

    Despite her absence, Creamline continued to find ways to win, something Galanza credited to the collective effort of the team.

     

    “Pero, ‘yun nga, sabi ko nga, kahit nawala ako, di naman na-feel ng team na may kulang eh, kasi lahat talaga nag-contribute sa team. So, thankful lang ako na meron akong coaches and teammates na umiintindi din.”

     

    Galanza emphasized that the title was not just about overcoming opponents, but also about enduring internal challenges, including injuries and lineup disruptions that tested the team’s chemistry throughout the conference.

     

    “Sabi ko, sobrang pasasalamat talaga sa mga teammates ko, coaches kasi, alam mo, may mga times, may mga games na si coach eh nawala, ako nawala. I mean, alam mo yun, hindi kami nakukompleto sa ibang games. Pero, nagpe-perform sila, binibigay nila yung best nila.”

     

    In the end, Creamline’s latest championship stood out not because it added to their growing collection, but because of how it was won. It was a title forged through adversity, defined by resilience, and completed through redemption—qualities that made it, in Galanza’s words, their happiest and most memorable one yet.

     

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  • World Cup-bound core powers Gilas Women as fresh faces reshape Men’s 3×3 bid in Asian Beach Games

    World Cup-bound core powers Gilas Women as fresh faces reshape Men’s 3×3 bid in Asian Beach Games

    Momentum is a dangerous weapon—and the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Women are bringing plenty of it to the sands of Sanya.

     

    Fresh off securing a historic berth to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw, the Filipina dribblers are rolling into the 2026 Asian Beach Games not as underdogs, but as a team with something to prove—and momentum to protect.

     

    At the center of that push are Mikka Cacho and Tantoy Ferrer, two pillars of the squad that punched the country’s ticket to the world stage. Their return signals continuity, chemistry, and confidence—three elements that are often decisive in the fast-paced 3×3 format.

     

    Joining them are Kaye Pingol and Gabi Bade, forming a balanced unit that blends experience with fresh energy. While the roster may have slight changes, the identity remains clear: quick decisions, relentless defense, and the ability to thrive in tight, high-pressure finishes.

     

    The group stage, however, offers no easy path. Slotted in Group C alongside Indonesia, Macau, and Kyrgyzstan, the Filipinas will need to hit the ground running, with only the top two teams advancing to the knockout quarterfinals.

     

    Guiding them remains Anton Altamirano, whose steady hand has been instrumental in the team’s rise on the international 3×3 scene.

     

    If the women’s side is built on continuity, the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Men are taking the opposite route—starting fresh.

     

    Bannered by veteran Jeff Manday, the men’s team features a retooled lineup with Nic Cabanero, Aldous Torculas, and Gelo Crisostomo stepping into bigger roles.

     

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    It’s a sharp contrast from the squad that reached the quarterfinals of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup. Key pieces like Jerrick Ahanmisi, Chris Koon, and Ralph Cu have returned to their mother teams in the Philippine Basketball Association, while Sean Alter is back with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

     

    The result is a squad that may lack shared reps but carries upside—particularly if its younger core clicks quickly.

     

    Handling the reins is Patrick Fran, tasked with molding a competitive unit on short notice. The challenge is immediate: Group A features heavyweights China and Iran, alongside Macau, making every possession critical in the race for a top-two finish.

     

    As action unfolds from April 25 to 29 in Sanya, the contrast between the two Gilas squads becomes the storyline itself.

     

    One team leans on continuity and recent success, aiming to extend its rise on the global stage. The other embraces change, hoping fresh legs and new chemistry can spark an upset run.

     

    Different approaches, same objective: carry the Philippine flag deep into the tournament—and maybe, just maybe, bring home another breakthrough.

     

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  • Rondae Hollis-Jefferson returns to TNT camp, takes on mentor role for Bol Bol

    Rondae Hollis-Jefferson returns to TNT camp, takes on mentor role for Bol Bol

    The familiar presence of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was felt once again inside a TNT Tropang 5G practice—but this time, not in uniform and not chasing wins on the hardwood.

     

    Fresh off surgery to repair a torn Achilles injury suffered during his stint in the East Asia Super League, Hollis-Jefferson returned to the Philippines carrying something different: experience, perspective, and a voice TNT hopes can steady its campaign heading into the most demanding stretch of the conference.

     

    Instead of leading fast breaks or attacking the rim, RHJ was seen deep in conversation with current import Bol Bol—a symbolic passing of responsibility from one reinforcement to another.

     

    TNT made it clear that Hollis-Jefferson’s presence is intentional, even strategic.

     

    “Dumating si RHJ upang gabayan si Bol at magbahagi ng mahahalagang payo tungkol sa responsibilidad ng pagiging import ng TNT Tropang 5G habang papasok na sa mas kritikal na yugto ng conference,” the team shared on its official social media page.

     

    Hollis-Jefferson built his reputation in the PBA as more than just a scorer—he was the emotional anchor, the player who thrived under pressure and embraced the expectations that come with being TNT’s import.

     

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    Now, that same role is being translated off the court. For Bol, whose skillset and length offer a completely different dynamic, the challenge isn’t just production—it’s adaptation. The PBA’s physicality, pace, and expectations for imports demand consistency night in and night out. That’s where RHJ’s voice could prove crucial.

     

    Rather than learning through trial and error, Bol now has a firsthand guide who has already navigated the same pressure-packed environment.

     

    With the conference entering a pivotal stage, TNT is clearly tightening its structure—not just tactically, but mentally.

     

    The addition of a veteran presence like Hollis-Jefferson, even in a non-playing capacity, hints at a team preparing for high-stakes games where composure often separates contenders from pretenders.

     

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  • Bella Belen bags two awards in PVL AFC Awards Night

    Bella Belen bags two awards in PVL AFC Awards Night

    It was supposed to be a night celebrating the best of the league—but in the end, it felt like the arrival party of Bella Belen.

     

    The young star stamped her class in her very first professional conference, walking away with not one but two major honors in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Awards Night—Rookie of the Conference and Best Outside Spiker.

     

    And she didn’t win them quietly. Belen finished third in scoring with 218 points built on 199 attacks, eight blocks, and 11 aces, immediately proving she could carry a heavy offensive load. But what made her campaign stand out even more was her versatility.

     

     She ranked fourth in both spiking efficiency (35.16%) and serving (0.31 aces per set), while also showing elite floor instincts—second in receiving efficiency (40.84%) and sixth in digging (3.06 per set).

     

    For a rookie, those numbers don’t just impress—they shift expectations. Her rapid rise gives the Creamline Cool Smashers another dangerous dimension moving forward, adding youth and all-around reliability to an already stacked roster.

     

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    While Belen headlined the night, several other standouts carved their own moments.

     

    Vanie Gandler emerged as the conference’s Most Valuable Player, leading the Cignal Super Spikers with steady, high-level play throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, Bernadeth Pons delivered when it mattered most, earning Finals MVP honors after steering Creamline to the championship.

     

    The league’s best in each position also reflected its growing depth: Gel Cayuna controlled the tempo as Best Setter, Brooke Van Sickle joined Belen as Best Outside Spiker, while Mikaela Panaga and Riza Nogales anchored the middle. Trisha Tubu and Kath Arado rounded out the honors as Best Opposite Spiker and Best Libero, respectively. 

     

    Belen’s breakout isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a signal to the rest of the league.

    With her ability to score, defend, and receive at a high level, she’s already playing like a seasoned pro. If her trajectory continues, she could quickly become one of the central figures in the PVL’s next era.

     

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  • Filoil Cup returns May 17 with UAAP, NCAA teams gearing up for new season

    Filoil Cup returns May 17 with UAAP, NCAA teams gearing up for new season

    The country’s top collegiate basketball programs return to action as the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup tips off on May 17, serving as a key buildup for the upcoming UAAP and NCAA seasons.

     

    Bannered by powerhouse schools from both leagues, the tournament offers an early look at revamped rosters and emerging stars as teams fine-tune their systems ahead of the official collegiate campaigns.

     

    The University of the Philippines enters the competition as the three-time defending preseason champion, looking to extend its dominance behind a retooled squad led by former UAAP Rookie of the Year Veejay Pre.

     

    Reigning UAAP champion De La Salle University is also expected to contend, with Jacob Cortez and Mason Amos spearheading the Green Archers’ campaign.

     

    Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University makes its return to the tournament, showcasing a new generation of talent highlighted by prized recruit Kieffer Alas.

     

    From the NCAA side, defending champion San Beda University leads the charge with Nygel Gonzales at the helm, while Colegio de San Juan de Letran banks on veteran guard Titing Manalili to anchor its bid.

     

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    The preseason tilt will again follow a familiar format, with UAAP and NCAA teams grouped separately in a single-round robin. The top four squads from each group will advance to the crossover quarterfinals, where the tournament shifts to a knockout stage.

     

    Off the court, the league also welcomes new leadership, with BJ Manalo taking over as commissioner and working alongside veteran sports figure Joe Lipa and the organizing committee.

     

    “It’s a wonderful privilege to be in touch with the current players and the current head coaches, and to have this chance to learn from coach Joe. This is special,” said Manalo.

     

    The tournament finals are scheduled for July 18, where one game will decide the champion.

     

    As teams continue to rebuild and reload, the Filoil Preseason Cup once again sets the stage for what could unfold in the collegiate season ahead.

     

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  • PSC urges swift resolution in PNVF–Jorge de Brito dispute

    PSC urges swift resolution in PNVF–Jorge de Brito dispute

    With Philippine volleyball gearing up for bigger roles on the global stage, a brewing dispute off the court is drawing concern at the highest level.

     

    Patrick Gregorio made it clear that the ongoing legal conflict between the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and former national team coach Jorge Souza de Brito cannot be allowed to linger.

     

    The Brazilian mentor has taken his complaints to the National Labor Relations Commission, citing unpaid bonuses, salary issues, and what he described as illegal deductions during his tenure with Alas Pilipinas Women. While the case now moves through formal channels, Gregorio emphasized that its impact extends far beyond paperwork.

     

    “Dapat ayusin nila ‘yan,” Gregorio said. “Kasi alam mo, ang focus natin is ‘yung 2029 World [Championship] hosting natin. Ang focus natin, ‘yung mga marami nating hosting. You cannot afford any internal conflict.”

     

    Speaking on the sidelines of the Asian Beach Games, the PSC chief framed the issue as one that could affect the country’s broader sporting ambitions—particularly as the Philippines positions itself as a host for major international events.

     

    While de Brito was originally brought in during the leadership of former federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, Gregorio stressed that the responsibility now lies with the current administration under Tony Boy Liao.

     

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    “I encourage President Tony Boy [Liao], he’s the head of the federation, to really just fix this kasi mahirap ‘yung ma-negative publicity pa tayo sa ibang bayan,” he said.

     

    Beyond the immediate dispute, Gregorio pointed to a deeper concern: credibility.

     

    As Philippine sports increasingly taps foreign expertise, unresolved issues like this could cast doubt on the country’s ability to uphold agreements and protect professionals working within its programs.

     

    “Otherwise, how can we welcome foreign coaches in the future? Naniniwala ako, maaayos ni President Tony Boy, at sana sa lalong madaling [panahon] pa rin,” he said. “Ang dami nating foreign coaches na magagaling ngayon. Kung ano ‘yung pinagkasunduan, dapat lang masunod, and I will make sure na matulungan rin natin ‘yung PNVF in solving this.”

     

    For Gregorio, the message is simple but urgent: settle the issue, protect the program, and keep the focus where it belongs—on growth, not conflict.

     

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  • Charles Tiu backs Francis Escandor amid backlash from fans 

    Charles Tiu backs Francis Escandor amid backlash from fans 

    In a league where minutes often invite scrutiny, opportunity can quickly turn into a spotlight.

     

    For Francis Escandor, increased playing time with the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters hasn’t just meant more responsibility—it has also come with questions from the outside.

     

    But inside the team, the view is far more grounded.

     

    Head coach Charles Tiu has made it clear that Escandor’s role isn’t about circumstance—it’s about trust. And that trust, he says, is rooted in familiarity and belief in what the player brings beyond the box score.

     

    “I think Francis is a solid PBA player,” Tiu said. “He’s been riding the bench the last couple of seasons sa Rain or Shine. Only now siya nakakalaro. But I had a chance to coach him before, I know what he can do. He is really a good shooter and a good defender. He played for me sa SGA.”

     

    For Tiu, the current rotation isn’t built on perception—it’s built on need and reliability.

     

    With injuries affecting the lineup, including Kai Ballungay, Phoenix has had to lean on depth. And in those moments, Escandor has become one of the pieces the coaching staff turns to—not necessarily for numbers, but for stability.

     

    “For me, it’s about giving guys trust, giving them confidence. Kai (Ballungay) has been hurt anyway. We are a bit short with our players,” he said.

     

    That trust was evident in Escandor’s extended minutes in a recent outing, where he logged over 27 minutes. The stat line—two points, five rebounds, one steal—didn’t jump off the page. But for Tiu, impact isn’t always measured that way.

     

    “(Against Rain or Shine), he played great, he ended up playing 27 minutes, but he was solid defensively. You won’t see much mistakes from him. Would have made a big three also. Ako, I need guys like that. Guys I trust that can follow what we want and are smart players. Bilib naman ako kay Francis,” he said.

     

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    Still, the outside noise hasn’t gone unnoticed.

     

     

    Reports and assumptions have fueled criticism toward Escandor, but Tiu believes the narrative has overlooked something more important—the work being done away from the spotlight.

     

    “Sometimes, it’s unfair. Actually, I feel bad for Francis. I don’t think he deserves any of it. He just really wants to play basketball. I hope they can just lay off him and let the guy just enjoy. We play basketball. We love the game. They are pros.”

     

    “I’m sure it’s very hard for him. Pero kahit papaano, grabe rin bilib ko sa kanya kasi hindi siya nagpapadala. Trabaho lang siya everyday. He really puts in the work. He trains every morning at 5 a.m. No excuses yun.”

     

    For Tiu, that consistency matters more than any narrative.

     

    “To him, he is just one of the guys. Yun ang maganda. No matter what, he is just another player and another teammate. And that’s what I appreciate kay Francis.”

     

    In a team searching for cohesion amid challenges, that mindset might be just as valuable as any stat line.

     

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