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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Alex Eala’s biggest title shot put on hold as rain halts DC Open final vs Jessica Pegula

    Alex Eala’s biggest title shot put on hold as rain halts DC Open final vs Jessica Pegula

    Alex Eala has overcome world champions, Grand Slam winners, and Top 10 opponents this week. On Sunday, however, her biggest opponent wasn’t standing across the net.

     

    It was the weather.

     

    What was supposed to be the most important match of the 21-year-old Filipina’s career turned into a marathon waiting game after relentless rain repeatedly delayed and eventually suspended the WTA 500 Mubadala DC Open final against world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in Washington.

     

    Instead of battling for her first WTA Tour-level singles title, Eala found herself spending more time waiting than playing as the championship match stretched beyond eight hours from its originally scheduled start.

     

    The final, initially slated for 12 a.m. Philippine time, was first delayed by more than three hours before the players were finally able to step onto Center Court at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center.

     

    The stop-and-go conditions immediately tested both finalists.

     

    Pegula managed to claim the opening set, 6-4, but Eala quickly responded by grabbing a 2-1 lead in the second set, showing signs of another comeback after surviving several difficult matches throughout the week.

     

    Then the skies opened once more.

     

    After only 57 minutes of actual tennis, play was suspended again at around 4:30 a.m. Philippine time, forcing both players back inside while tournament staff scrambled to protect and dry the court.

     

    The lengthy interruption only added another challenge to what has already been a breakthrough tournament for the Filipina star.

     

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    Eala entered the final riding one of the finest stretches of her young career. She eliminated Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in the opening round before exacting revenge on defending champion Leylah Fernandez in the second round. She then knocked off world No. 10 Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals before stunning four-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka in straight sets to reach her maiden WTA Tour final.

     

    The impressive run came just weeks after Eala continued her rise on the biggest stages by becoming the first Filipina to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon, proving that her historic semifinal appearance at the Miami Open earlier this season was no fluke.

     

    Awaiting her, though, is another familiar obstacle.

     

    Pegula defeated Eala during their Miami Open semifinal meeting earlier this year and has once again shown why she remains one of the world’s elite players by taking the opening set before the latest weather interruption.

     

    As the hours passed, uncertainty became the theme of the day.

     

    By around 6:30 a.m. Philippine time, veteran sports journalist Dyan Castillejo shared on social media that the rain had begun to slow and fans were still hoping the final could resume.

     

     Tournament workers continued drying the court, although another shower again interrupted preparations.

     

    Tournament organizers later announced on X that play was expected to resume around 7 a.m. Philippine time (7 p.m. local time in Washington), but further delays followed.

     

    As of posting time, the championship match remained suspended.

     

    For now, Eala’s dream of lifting her first WTA Tour trophy remains unfinished—not because she was beaten, but because the weather refused to let the final reach its conclusion.

     

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  • Alex Eala is no longer an underdog—she’s becoming the opponent nobody wants to draw

    Alex Eala is no longer an underdog—she’s becoming the opponent nobody wants to draw

    There was a time when seeing Alex Eala’s name in the draw brought relief.

     

    She was the young qualifier, the promising teenager, the talented newcomer still searching for consistency on the WTA Tour. Established stars viewed her as another hurdle to clear on the way to bigger matches.

     

    That perception is quickly fading.

     

    Today, drawing Eala has become far more complicated than convenient. The 21-year-old Filipina has evolved into one of the tour’s most dangerous floaters—a player capable of eliminating title contenders long before championship weekend.

     

    Her recent performances suggest that beating Eala is no longer a routine assignment. It’s becoming a genuine challenge.

     

    The transformation began months ago but accelerated during the grass-court season.

     

    At Wimbledon, Eala authored another milestone for Philippine tennis by becoming the first Filipina in the Open Era to reach the Round of 16 in singles. Along the way, she stunned defending champion Iga Swiatek in the third round, adding another Top 10 scalp to her rapidly growing collection before eventually bowing out in the fourth round.

     

    Instead of treating that breakthrough as a one-off achievement, Eala carried the momentum into the North American hard-court swing.

     

    Now competing at the WTA 500 Mubadala DC Open, she has once again reminded the tennis world why she is becoming one of the most feared early-round opponents on tour.

     

    Her opening-round victory over Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen showcased her composure under pressure.

     

    After dropping the opening set, Eala flipped the momentum by breaking Zheng while serving for the second set before completely taking over in the decider for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory.

     

    Two days later, she proved it was no fluke.

     

    Facing defending champion Leylah Fernandez—a player who defeated her earlier this year in Stuttgart—Eala appeared headed for a deciding set after falling behind 5-1 in the second.

    Instead, she delivered one of the tournament’s biggest turnarounds.

     

    The Filipina reeled off six of the next seven games before dominating the tiebreak to complete a stunning 6-2, 7-6(1) victory and book another WTA 500 quarterfinal appearance.

     

    Both victories carried extra significance.

     

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    They weren’t just wins over elite opponents—they were revenge victories against players who had previously denied her.

     

    Zheng defeated Eala in the semifinals of the 2023 Asian Games before going on to capture the gold medal, while Fernandez stopped the Filipina’s campaign during the Stuttgart Open earlier this season.

     

    More importantly, both matches highlighted a noticeable change in Eala’s game.

    The explosive shot-making has always been there.

     

    Now, so is the belief.

     

    Rather than unraveling after losing momentum, Eala has repeatedly shown an ability to reset mentally, solve problems during matches, and finish against some of the sport’s biggest names.

    Her record speaks volumes.

     

    Over her last 11 matches against Top 10 opponents, Eala has emerged victorious seven times—a remarkable statistic for a player who only recently cracked the world’s Top 30.

     

    While her overall season has still featured setbacks, the trend is becoming increasingly clear. The defeats are becoming less frequent, while the signature victories continue to pile up.

     

    Asked after defeating Zheng how she has become so comfortable mounting comebacks against elite competition, Eala pointed to the maturity she has developed through experience.

    “I think I’ve already had that in me,” Eala said. “I think it’s definitely a mindset that you have. That being said, I think it’s been trained or I’ve practiced. I’ve had more experience now to implement that mindset at the higher level.”

     

    The biggest title of her career may still be waiting.

     

    The Mubadala DC Open remains loaded with world-class competition, with stars such as Jessica Pegula, Elena Svitolina, Naomi Osaka, and Diana Shnaider still in contention.

     

    But perhaps the biggest sign of Eala’s rise isn’t her ranking, her statistics, or even her historic Wimbledon run.

     

    It’s that opponents no longer look at her section of the draw and see opportunity.

    They see danger.

     

    Alex Eala may still be chasing her first WTA Tour-level title, but one thing has already changed: she’s no longer the player others hope to face.

     

    She’s becoming the one they hope to avoid.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Women eyes statement win against Vietnam to open 2026 SEA V Cup 

    Alas Pilipinas Women eyes statement win against Vietnam to open 2026 SEA V Cup 

    Alas Pilipinas Women opens another chapter in its pursuit of Southeast Asian volleyball supremacy on Friday, but standing in its way is a familiar rival that has often dictated the region’s pecking order.

     

    The Filipinas begin their 2026 SEA Women’s V Cup campaign against host Vietnam at the Đông Anh Gymnasium in Hanoi, hoping to turn a difficult opening assignment into an early statement victory.

     

    First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m., with the Philippines determined to improve on the bronze-medal finishes it settled for in both legs of last year’s tournament.

     

    The matchup also serves as an immediate measuring stick for the national team after Vietnam spoiled the Filipinas’ momentum the last time they met in the AVC Women’s Nations Cup.

     

    Despite entering that semifinal riding a historic run that included victories over Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Iran, and Chinese Taipei, Alas Pilipinas bowed to the eventual champions in four sets, 25-23, 23-25, 25-17, 25-16. Vietnam went on to complete an unbeaten campaign and capture the continental crown, while the Philippines eventually settled for silver — still its best-ever finish in the tournament.

     

    Now, the Filipinas have another opportunity to test themselves against one of Asia’s strongest programs, this time on Vietnamese soil.

     

    Leading the charge is team captain Jia De Guzman, who once again takes command of the offense alongside fellow setter Mars Alba.

     

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    The Philippines will rely heavily on a talented group of wing attackers bannered by Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, Eya Laure, and newcomer Erika Santos, who earned her first call-up to the senior national team after an impressive PVL campaign.

     

    Middle blockers Fifi Sharma, Thea Gagate, Dell Palomata, and Niña Ytang provide the team’s presence at the net, while Alyssa Solomon and National University standout Vange Alinsug add more scoring options.

     

    At the backline, Justine Jazareno and Dawn Catindig are expected to anchor the team’s floor defense against Vietnam’s explosive offense.

     

    The tournament also marks another important step in Alas Pilipinas’ preparations for bigger international competitions later this year, particularly the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

     

    Thailand and Indonesia, the other contenders in the four-team field, open the day’s action at 4 p.m., with the Filipinas set to face both teams over the weekend as they chase a breakthrough SEA V Cup championship.

     

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  • Dylan Harper ineligible to play as Gilas local, SBP clarifies passport issue 

    Dylan Harper ineligible to play as Gilas local, SBP clarifies passport issue 

    The dream of seeing NBA rookie Dylan Harper suit up for Gilas Pilipinas as a local player has hit a major roadblock.

     

    Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Erika Dy confirmed that the San Antonio Spurs guard is not eligible to represent the Philippines as a local player because he did not obtain a Philippine passport before his 18th birthday — a key requirement under FIBA eligibility rules.

     

    The clarification also applies to Dylan’s older brother, Ron Harper Jr., who is currently with the Boston Celtics organization.

     

    According to Dy, the Harper family had previously expressed interest in exploring the possibility of representing Gilas Pilipinas, but by the time discussions took place, Dylan had already exceeded the age requirement.

     

    “To begin with, I don’t believe si Dylan has a passport already. Although they’ve reached out, I think, two years ago nung nasa Las Vegas kami ni coach Norman [Black] asking about eligibility,” Dy shared during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

     

    “But he was already 18 at that time or 19. And wala pa pala silang passport.”

     

    Under FIBA regulations, players with multiple nationalities must secure the passport of the country they intend to represent before turning 16, with eligibility considerations extending before they reach 18. Since Dylan failed to meet that requirement, he cannot be classified as a local player for the Philippines in international competitions.

     

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    The development closes the door on one of the country’s most intriguing basketball possibilities.

    Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper and Filipina Maria Pizarro Harper of Bataan, has emerged as one of basketball’s brightest young talents after being selected No. 2 overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2025 NBA Draft.

     

    His older brother, Ron Jr., has likewise climbed to the NBA level after earning a spot with the Boston Celtics.

     

    Despite their Filipino heritage, both brothers would only be eligible under different FIBA provisions, not as local players.

     

    “So definitely, yung magkapatid, they won’t be eligible as a local kung maglalaro sa Gilas yan,” Dy said.

     

    While Dylan Harper’s path to becoming a Gilas local has officially been ruled out, the clarification provides a definitive answer to one of Philippine basketball’s most frequently discussed eligibility questions.

     

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  • Matthew Wright returns as Strong Group loads up for Jones Cup three-peat bid 

    Matthew Wright returns as Strong Group loads up for Jones Cup three-peat bid 

    Matthew Wright’s return to Philippine basketball will come with championship expectations.

    The veteran wing is set to wear the colors of Strong Group Pilipinas after being named one of the team’s newest reinforcements for the 45th William Jones Cup, strengthening an already loaded roster determined to defend its crown in Taiwan.

     

    Wright headlines a three-man boost that also includes versatile forward William Navarro and rising swingman Shaun Ildefonso as Strong Group intensifies preparations for the August 8 to 23 tournament at the New Taipei City Xinzhuang Gymnasium.

     

    Although Wright recently signed with B.LEAGUE Division One club Saitama, the former PBA standout will make a brief return to the Philippine basketball scene after last representing Gilas Pilipinas in its gold medal-winning campaign at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.

     

    His arrival also marks a long-awaited reunion with Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu, who has been eager to coach Wright again after nearly a decade.

     

    “I’ve been trying to recruit Matt to play for me again in Phoenix, but it just hasn’t worked out,” Tiu said. “I’m glad to finally get the chance to coach him again. It’s been almost 10 years since we last worked together, even before he joined the PBA.”

     

    Tiu believes Wright’s veteran presence and perimeter shooting will be valuable assets as Strong Group chases another international title.

     

    “I always want a veteran on my team. Matt can still play at a high level and is a great shooter for us. You can never have too many shooters, so we’re really looking forward to working with him again.”

     

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    Strong Group president Jacob Lao also highlighted the importance of adding experienced international campaigners like Wright and Navarro.

     

    “Matthew and William have both competed internationally, and that experience is something that will really help our team as we go for another Jones Cup championship,” Lao said.

     

    Navarro joins the squad after completing his stint with Busan KCC in the Korean Basketball League, where he gained valuable overseas experience. The 6-foot-6 forward is expected to provide versatility on both ends while working toward a return to the PBA.

     

    “We’ve been trying to get William to join our team for a while now, so it’s nice to finally make it happen,” Tiu said. “We’re hoping he can get back to playing at a high level after his stint in Korea and gradually work his way back to the PBA.”

     

    Meanwhile, Shaun Ildefonso earns an opportunity to showcase his game on the international stage following an impressive MPBL campaign with the Abra Weavers, where he has averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds. The tournament will also allow him to suit up alongside younger brother Dave Ildefonso for the first time in Strong Group colors.

     

    “We expect him to bring a lot of energy, and he can be a lockdown defender for us,” Tiu said.

    The three newcomers join a formidable lineup featuring NBA veteran Boban Marjanovic, Angelo Kouame, DJ Fenner, Tajuan Agee, Allen Liwag, Titing Manalili, and Dave Ildefonso.

     

    Strong Group enters this year’s William Jones Cup with history on the line after winning the last two editions. Drawn alongside Chinese Taipei Blue, Korea, and Japan, the defending champions are aiming to become the first team since Iran (2009-2011) to capture three consecutive Jones Cup titles.

     

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  • Jennifer Nierva left out as Alas Pilipinas finalizes Taka Minowa’s first SEA V Cup roster 

    Jennifer Nierva left out as Alas Pilipinas finalizes Taka Minowa’s first SEA V Cup roster 

    One of the biggest surprises in Alas Pilipinas Women’s final roster for the opening leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup was the omission of veteran libero Jennifer Nierva.

     

    The multi-time UAAP Best Libero was named one of two reserve players after new head coach Taka Minowa finalized his 14-player lineup for the tournament in Hanoi, Vietnam, leaving Dawn Catindig and Justine Jazareno to take over libero duties in the team’s opening campaign under the Japanese mentor.

     

    Nierva traveled with the national team as part of the 16-player pool, but tournament regulations only allow 14 active players, forcing the coaching staff to make two difficult decisions before the competition begins.

     

    Also placed on the reserve list was National University outside hitter Celine Marsh, trimming the squad down to the official roster that will represent the Philippines in Leg 1.

     

    With Nierva unavailable for active duty, Catindig and Jazareno will anchor the team’s floor defense as Alas Pilipinas faces a demanding schedule against Southeast Asia’s top volleyball nations.

     

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    Leading Minowa’s first official roster are veteran setters Jia De Guzman of Creamline and Mars Alba of Akari, who will orchestrate the offense throughout the tournament.

     

    The outside hitter rotation remains one of the deepest in the competition, featuring Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, Eya Laure, and Vange Alinsug.

     

    Capital1 standout Erika Santos is set to make her long-awaited national team debut after earning one of the opposite hitter spots alongside Alyssa Solomon.

     

    The middle blocker unit is composed of Niña Ytang, Thea Gagate, Dell Palomata, and Fifi Sharma, giving the Philippines a versatile frontline capable of matching up against the region’s strongest attacks.

     

    Despite missing the final active lineup, Nierva remains part of the delegation as a reserve and could still be activated in the succeeding leg should roster changes be made.

     

    Alas Pilipinas opens the Taka Minowa era against host Vietnam on Friday before facing defending SEA V Cup champion Thailand on Saturday and Indonesia on Sunday in the opening leg of the regional tournament.

     

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  • Gilas Pilipinas Boys rally from 14 down to capture bronze in B.League Under-16 Challenge Cup 

    Gilas Pilipinas Boys rally from 14 down to capture bronze in B.League Under-16 Challenge Cup 

    Gilas Pilipinas Boys refused to let their campaign in Japan end on a sour note, producing one final comeback to leave the 2026 B.League Under-16 Challenge Cup with a bronze medal.

     

    After missing out on a place in the championship game, the young Filipinos showed resilience on Thursday, overcoming a 14-point deficit before pulling away late for a 78-72 victory over Fukuoka at Sumida City Gymnasium in Tokyo.

     

    The triumph capped a memorable tournament for Gilas, which recovered from an early setback in the competition and once again displayed the grit that has become its trademark.

     

    Things looked bleak early as Fukuoka dictated the pace and built a double-digit cushion, stretching the lead to as much as 14 points. Even midway through the fourth quarter, Gilas still faced a daunting 68-58 deficit with less than seven minutes left.

     

    Instead of folding, the Filipinos delivered their best stretch of basketball when it mattered most.

    Their defense suffocated Fukuoka down the stretch, limiting the Japanese side to just four points the rest of the way while Gilas unleashed a game-changing 20-4 run.

     

    Brielle Salazar sparked the turnaround, tying the contest at 70-all with a driving layup before coming up with a crucial steal on the next possession. He raced coast-to-coast, absorbed contact, and completed a three-point play that handed Gilas its first lead of the second half, 73-70, with 2:36 remaining.

     

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    Fukuoka refused to go away as Takumichi Uchida answered with a jumper to cut the deficit to a single point, but Gilas remained composed.

     

    Sam Esomchi calmly split a pair of free throws to extend the lead before the defense came through with another stop. Salazar then delivered another huge basket, slicing through the lane for a euro-step layup that pushed the advantage to four with under a minute left.

     

    After Uchida misfired on Fukuoka’s next possession, Dwayne Madrigal cleaned up an Esomchi miss with a putback basket that officially sealed the bronze medal for the Philippines.

     

    Salazar paced Gilas with an all-around performance of 18 points, four steals, three rebounds, and two blocks, while Esomchi continued his impressive tournament with a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double.

     

    Hisham Mampao also provided solid support with 11 points, five rebounds, and two steals.

     

    Uchida finished with 23 points for Fukuoka, while Ryuki Shinozuka added 18 in the losing effort.

     

    The bronze-medal finish capped a strong showing for Gilas Pilipinas Boys, who advanced to the third-place game after placing second in Group A with a 2-1 record. The Filipinos opened the tournament by defeating Chiba, 91-81, stumbled against Ryukyu, 73-66, before bouncing back in emphatic fashion with a 105-79 rout of Tachikawa.

     

    Although a finals berth slipped away, Gilas ended its campaign on a high note, proving its resilience once again with a comeback victory that showcased the promise of Philippine basketball’s next generation.

     

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  • Governors’ Cup imports face defining stretch as Magnolia, Ginebra chase much-needed momentum 

    Governors’ Cup imports face defining stretch as Magnolia, Ginebra chase much-needed momentum 

    The spotlight may fall on the imports Friday night, but for Magnolia and Barangay Ginebra, winning will depend on far more than foreign firepower.

     

    As the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup heads to the SM Mall of Asia Arena, two of the league’s most popular franchises enter pivotal matchups searching for consistency after uneven starts to the conference.

     

    Magnolia opens the twin bill against Rain or Shine, while Barangay Ginebra renews its rivalry with Meralco in the featured showdown.

     

    For the Hotshots, head coach LA Tenorio believes import KJ Buffen doesn’t have to carry the burden alone.

     

    Magnolia finally snapped its 0-2 start by defeating Meralco, 112-98, behind another productive outing from Buffen, who finished with 26 points. But what pleased Tenorio even more was how the locals took over in the second half, allowing Buffen to focus on rebounding, defense, and making winning plays.

     

    That balanced attack is exactly what Tenorio wants moving forward.

     

    Having spent more than a decade alongside Justin Brownlee during Ginebra’s dynasty, Tenorio knows even the league’s greatest imports relied heavily on their teammates.

     

    “As good as Justin Brownlee is… I’ve been with him for so many years, the support of the locals talaga ang naging success nu’ng run namin na iyon. He’s really good, but I was telling them Justin is good because of the support of the locals also,” narrated Tenorio.

     

    Rather than expecting Buffen to replicate Brownlee’s accomplishments, the Magnolia mentor has been impressed by the import’s willingness to grow with the team.

     

    “Ang maganda rin kasi sa kanya he’s learning also and at the same time na buong team natututo dahil sa mga bata kong mga players,” the coach said.

     

    “But he’s been really working hard with the team, he listens to the locals. I think ‘yun ‘yung importante, very good attitude towards the game and he accepts ‘yung mga mistakes. So I think ‘yun ‘yung importante and for me that’s what we need in this team.

     

    “He’s not a leader per se, but by doing that parang ni-li-lead niya rin ‘yung team namin, eh.”

     

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    Rain or Shine, meanwhile, arrives with momentum after consecutive victories over Phoenix Super LPG and Barangay Ginebra.

     

    The Elasto Painters have rebounded from an 0-2 start, and head coach Yeng Guiao credits the team’s renewed commitment on the defensive end.

     

    “I think it’s a wakeup call. After that we’ve been playing better defense saka better rebounding,” Guiao pointed out.

     

    “Hindi ako worried about our offense, eh. I think we’ve scored more than 100 points every game. So it’s really just playing good defense, rebounding. When we get our rebounds, we’re able to run.

    “So itong mga bata, nag-focus lang sila doon sa mga bagay na dapat naming gawin kaya siguro nakabawi kami.”

     

    The second game presents another interesting contrast.

     

    Ginebra remains without injured resident import Justin Brownlee, leaving Riley Grigsby to continue filling one of the biggest shoes in the league.

     

    Grigsby has delivered respectable numbers since arriving, but the Gin Kings have struggled to find the rhythm that made them Commissioner’s Cup champions earlier this season. They have alternated between wins and losses through their first three games while also missing Scottie Thompson.

     

    Across the floor will be a Meralco side equally desperate to establish consistency.

     

    The Bolts have split their first four games despite solid performances from import Antonio Hester, making Friday’s rivalry clash another critical opportunity to gain ground in Group B.

     

    With Phoenix sitting atop the standings at 4-1 and the race for the coveted Top Four tightening by the week, every victory now carries added significance.

     

    For Magnolia and Ginebra, Friday is more than another stop on the schedule.

     

    It is a chance to prove that success in the Governors’ Cup isn’t determined by imports alone—but by how well the entire roster rises around them.

     

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  • Kevin Quiambao adds to Gilas’ growing Asian Games absences as KBL duty calls 

    Kevin Quiambao adds to Gilas’ growing Asian Games absences as KBL duty calls 

    Gilas Pilipinas’ roster for the 2026 Asian Games continues to take shape—but not in the way head coach Tim Cone would have hoped.

     

    Kevin Quiambao has become the latest key player expected to skip the continental showcase, further shrinking the pool of familiar faces available for the Philippines after AJ Edu and Dwight Ramos were also ruled out due to overseas club commitments.

     

    Fresh from helping Gilas in the fourth window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Quiambao is set to immediately shift his focus back to South Korea, where he is expected to report to the Goyang Sono Skygunners following the national team’s final qualifier on August 30.

     

    The timing leaves little room for the reigning UAAP MVP-turned-KBL standout to join the Philippine squad for the Asian Games, as Goyang Sono begins preparations for the 2026-27 Korean Basketball League season with heightened expectations after reaching last year’s finals.

     

    Quiambao has quietly carved out an important role for Gilas during the World Cup qualifiers, averaging 9.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while providing versatility on both ends of the floor.

     

    His absence follows similar situations involving Edu and Ramos, who are both expected to return to Japan after the qualifiers to rejoin Gunma Crane Thunders and Levanga Hokkaido, respectively.

     

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    Both B.League clubs are scheduled to compete in the B.League Manila Games on September 9 and 10 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, making their immediate return to Japan a priority.

     

    Despite the growing list of unavailable players, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas still has reason for optimism.

     

    SBP executive director Erika Dy remains hopeful that Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization process will be completed before the Asian Games officially begin on September 10.

     

    If his documents are finalized in time, Boatwright could provide Gilas with a significant boost in the frontcourt.

     

    Unlike FIBA tournaments, the Asian Games follow a different eligibility system, opening the possibility for Cone to deploy a formidable frontline featuring naturalized stars Justin Brownlee, Angelo Kouame, and Boatwright together—an option unavailable in FIBA-sanctioned competitions.

     

    As overseas commitments continue to reshape the national team’s roster, Gilas now faces the challenge of balancing player availability while assembling a squad capable of contending on one of Asia’s biggest sporting stages.

     

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  • Taka Minowa begins Alas Pilipinas chapter with blend of veterans, new faces in SEA V.League 

    Taka Minowa begins Alas Pilipinas chapter with blend of veterans, new faces in SEA V.League 

    A new coach may be calling the shots, but Alas Pilipinas Women is banking on a familiar foundation as it opens a new chapter under Taka Minowa in the 2026 SEA V.League.

     

    Set to make his official debut as Philippine women’s national team head coach, Minowa will lead a squad built around continuity, keeping the core that has represented the country in recent international tournaments while injecting three fresh faces into the mix for Leg 1 of the regional competition from July 31 to August 2 in Hanoi, Vietnam.

     

    Already settled in the Vietnamese capital ahead of the tournament, the Filipinas will lean on chemistry as 13 players from previous Alas Pilipinas squads return to represent the country.

     

    The biggest additions come on the wings, where former PVL Most Valuable Player Erika Santos joins National University standouts Vange Alinsug and Celine Marsh as prospective national team debutants. The trio gives Minowa additional firepower alongside established scorers Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, and Alyssa Solomon.

     

    Veteran setter Jia de Guzman continues to captain the squad and will direct the offense with fellow playmaker Mars Alba orchestrating the attack.

     

    At the middle, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Dell Palomata, and Niña Ytang provide the team’s imposing net presence, while Dawn Catindig, Justine Jazareno, and Jen Nierva anchor the defensive unit as liberos.

     

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    Although 16 players traveled with the team, only 14 can be activated for each tournament leg, with two athletes serving as reserves.

     

    Several notable names were left out of the roster, including reigning Leg 1 Best Outside Hitter Angel Canino, reigning UAAP Best Middle Blocker Amie Provido, reigning UAAP Best Libero Shaira Jardio, and 2026 PVL Rookie Draft top overall pick Lams Lamina.

     

    Minowa’s first assignment will hardly be an easy introduction.

     

    The Philippines opens its campaign against host Vietnam, last year’s SEA V.League Leg 2 champion, before taking on defending Leg 1 winner Thailand and regional contender Indonesia in what promises to be an early measuring stick for the Japanese tactician’s system.

     

    Following the Hanoi leg, Alas Pilipinas Women will immediately shift its focus to Leg 2 in Chiang Mai, Thailand from August 7 to 9, where Minowa hopes to further establish his identity while continuing to build toward bigger international competitions in the coming years.

     

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