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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • TNT weighs Bol Bol as possible Commissioner’s Cup import

    TNT weighs Bol Bol as possible Commissioner’s Cup import

    The noise around TNT Tropang 5G possibly parading another NBA name as its next import is growing louder—but inside the camp, the tone remains far more cautious.

     

    Team manager Jojo Lastimosa has moved to temper expectations amid reports linking TNT to 7-foot-3 big man Bol Bol, stressing that while talks have happened, nothing is locked in just yet.

    “Nothing is definite,” Lastimosa said in a Viber message to a source.

     

    That clarification came after speculation that TNT was eyeing Bol as a potential reinforcement for the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, especially with reigning Finals MVP Rondae Hollis-Jefferson still recovering from an Achilles injury.

     

     For a franchise fresh off a championship run, the logic behind scanning the market is clear. The Tropang 5G remain in win-now mode, and history suggests they won’t settle for a low-impact import.

     

    Still, league whispers suggest the situation could move quickly.

     

    Sources told that TNT management and Bol’s camp are already deep into negotiations,with optimism that a deal could be finalized within days—potentially clearing the way for the son of the late Manute Bol to finally see action in the PBA, a league that now has no height restrictions for imports.

     

    “Let’s just say na in the next two days, okay na ’yan. Magpipirmahan na ’yan,” said the source. 

     

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    If completed, the signing would be both intriguing and risky.

     

    Bol’s pedigree is undeniable. A former McDonald’s All-American and NBA lottery talent, he’s spent time with several NBA teams, most recently the Phoenix Suns. But his recent résumé raises fair questions. During the 2024–25 NBA season, he averaged 6.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in limited minutes across 36 games—respectable numbers, yet hardly dominant.

     

    More concerning is the lack of recent high-level competition. Since that stint, Bol has largely been off the radar. He was even slated to suit up for Sudan in the 2024 Paris Olympics, only to withdraw at the last minute due to undisclosed personal reasons.

     

    That uncertainty is exactly why TNT remains guarded.

     

    “You can never be sure until he arrives,” Lastimosa said in a statement posted on the team’s social media pages.

     

    For now, that sums up the situation perfectly. On paper, Bol’s length, mobility, and perimeter touch could give TNT a new dimension—especially after coming off a tough six-game Finals loss to San Miguel in the Philippine Cup. In reality, however, the Tropang 5G know better than to count wins before their import even steps off the plane.

     

    Until Bol Bol is actually in Manila, the buzz remains just that—buzz.

     

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  • What Alex Eala Still Needs to Win a WTA Grand Slam 

    What Alex Eala Still Needs to Win a WTA Grand Slam 

    Alex Eala’s rise through the women’s tennis ranks has been one of the most compelling stories on the WTA Tour over the last two seasons. In 2025 alone, she broke new ground by becoming the first Filipina to win a WTA-level title at the Guadalajara 125 Open, secured historic wins at the Miami Open (including over top players), and reached the semifinals of both the Jingshan Open and the ASB Classic. Most recently, she reached the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open—a breakthrough at a higher tier of competition.

     

    Yet, despite these milestones, it’s been ten WTA tournaments since that Guadalajara win without another title. That gap raises an important question: what does Eala need to do to make the leap from contender to Grand Slam champion?

     

    One of Eala’s most underappreciated assets is her left-handed game. Lefties often trouble right-handed opponents by creating unusual angles and disrupting opponents’ rhythms—a tactical nuance few players can replicate. This gives her returns and cross-court patterns that can force errors from opponents more accustomed to right-handed spins.

     

    Her resilience and competitive fire have also been evident. In Abu Dhabi, she fought back from a set down in a dramatic, tight match, showing she’s mentally tough and capable of grinding through adversity.

     

    Her experience on big stages is also growing. She has not only stood up to elite competition but beaten them before—such as her stunning Miami run where she dispatched three Grand Slam champions en route to the semifinals.

     

    Even with these positives, ten tournaments without a title since Guadalajara spotlight areas that need refinement if a major breakthrough is to happen. 

     

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    1. Serve consistency and power
       While her baseline game and left-handed patterns trouble many opponents, her serve has sometimes lacked the punch needed to dominate rallies or earn cheap free points—especially against top 20 players. Grand Slam matches hinge on even small edges, and boosting first-serve effectiveness would help her control service games more reliably.
    2. Closing out big matches
       Eala has shown she can push deep, but her losses late in tournaments often come where experience and tactical variety are decisive. For example, despite dominating early rounds at the Jingshan Open, she lost steam in the semifinal—a reminder that closing rounds require not just skill but strategic endurance.
    3. Tactical adaptability across surfaces
       Her most notable results have largely come on hard courts, where her game naturally thrives. A Grand Slam run requires adaptability—especially at Roland Garros (clay) and Wimbledon (grass). Gaining more experience and confidence on varied surfaces will be crucial to extend deep runs at all four majors.
    4. Match management under pressure
      Grand Slam success often boils down to winning tight sets and tiebreaks. Eala has shown flashes of clutch play, but refining her point construction and minimizing unforced errors in the critical moments of deciding sets will be key.

    It’s important to stay grounded: Eala is only 20 years old—still younger than many Grand Slam champions when they first broke through. Her 2025 season already marked a historic rise, including a WTA title and major upsets that turned heads around the world.

     

    However, elite consistency—especially at the Grand Slam level—demands incremental improvements in serve, tactical versatility, and mental ruggedness over best-of-three marathons. The talent and left-handed advantage are there, and if she sharpens those support elements, Eala won’t just be a threat—she could be a legitimate title contender.

     

    For now, the question isn’t whether she can win a Slam—but when she’ll be ready to do it. With continued growth and learning from her deep runs, the answer might come sooner than many expect.

     

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  • Alex Eala nears WTA Top 40, set for Indian Wells Open 

    Alex Eala nears WTA Top 40, set for Indian Wells Open 

    Alex Eala’s ascent on the women’s tour is starting to feel less like a hot streak and more like a steady climb toward tennis’ elite.

     

    Barely a week after celebrating a career-best ranking of No. 45, the 20-year-old Filipina has already pushed her ceiling higher. With her run at the Abu Dhabi Open, Eala is now projected to crack the WTA top 40—sitting at No. 39 in the live rankings—another landmark moment in what has quickly become the most productive stretch of her young career.

     

    The jump was fueled by a gritty campaign at the WTA 500 event in the UAE, where Eala held her own against experienced tour veterans and marched all the way to the quarterfinals. Her breakthrough performance wasn’t built on dominance alone, but on resilience—none more telling than her comeback win over Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

     

    After dropping the opening set, Eala steadied herself and turned the match into a test of will, eventually prevailing 2–6, 6–4, 7–6 (5) in a gripping three-set duel at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre. It was the kind of victory that reveals growth beyond technique, demanding patience, belief, and nerve in the tightest moments.

     

    That emotional toll wasn’t lost on Eala herself. She later posted on Instagram, “Survived this one, thanks guys:)” A few moments later, she put words to the experience in her own way, telling reporters, “Napasubok talaga yung tibay ng dibdib ko.”

     

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    The Abu Dhabi run reinforced what her ranking surge already suggested: Eala is no longer just knocking on doors—she’s learning how to push through them. Competing deep into a WTA 500 draw, she showed she can endure long matches, manage pressure, and problem-solve against players who have spent years on the main tour.

     

    Next on her calendar is another significant proving ground. Eala has been confirmed in the field for the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells from March 4 to 15, one of the sport’s premier WTA 1000 events and often dubbed the “fifth Grand Slam” for its depth and prestige.

     

    The draw promises no shortage of challenges. Defending champion Mirra Andreeva, former winner Elena Rybakina, world No. 5 Coco Gauff, and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka are all expected to feature, underscoring the level of competition awaiting the Filipina tennis sensation.

     

    For Eala, though, the timing feels right. Armed with confidence, momentum, and a ranking that continues to climb, she heads to Indian Wells not just as a promising prospect—but as a player increasingly comfortable on the game’s biggest stages.

     

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  • NBA Trade Deadline Recap: Stars on the Move as League Shaken by Blockbuster Deals

    NBA Trade Deadline Recap: Stars on the Move as League Shaken by Blockbuster Deals

    The 2025–26 NBA season delivered one of its wildest trade deadlines in recent memory. From franchise-altering superstars to depth-shifting role players, teams went all-in before the Feb. 5, 2026, cutoff, reshaping playoff races and long-term blueprints across the league. With Anthony Davis, James Harden, Trae Young, and Kristaps Porziņģis among the biggest names moved, the balance of power entering the stretch run looks dramatically different.

     

    As the clock struck 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 5, front offices across the NBA had already pulled the trigger on a flurry of league-approved deals that underscored two clear themes: contenders doubled down, while rebuilding teams stockpiled picks and young talent.

     

    Washington emerged as one of the most aggressive players of the deadline, landing Anthony Davis in a massive three-team transaction with Dallas and Charlotte. The Wizards surrendered a haul of players and future picks, signaling a bold pivot around Davis as their new franchise anchor. Dallas, meanwhile, reshaped its core by bringing in Khris Middleton, Tyus Jones, and multiple first-round selections to deepen its rotation and flexibility.

     

    Another seismic move came a day earlier when James Harden was shipped to Cleveland, pairing the former MVP with Donovan Mitchell in a win-now gamble by the Cavaliers. The Clippers opted for a younger path, acquiring Darius Garland and a future second-rounder as Harden chased another title opportunity.

     

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    Golden State also made waves, flipping Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta in exchange for Kristaps Porziņģis, a move aimed squarely at maximizing the Warriors’ championship window. Boston followed suit by bolstering its frontcourt, prying Nikola Vučević away from Chicago to add size and scoring for the postseason grind.

     

    In the Central Division, Indiana addressed its interior needs by acquiring Ivica Zubac, while Minnesota added defensive grit with Ayo Dosunmu as part of a pick-heavy deal with the Bulls. Chicago, one of the busiest teams at the deadline, shuffled veterans and youth alike—sending out Vučević, Dosunmu, and Coby White while bringing in future assets and frontcourt help such as Guerschon Yabusele.

     

    Several three-team deals added to the chaos. Toronto reunited with veteran savvy by acquiring Chris Paul, while Utah landed Lonzo Ball and later stunned the league by securing Jaren Jackson Jr. in a blockbuster with Memphis that included multiple first-round picks. The Wizards made their mark earlier in January, acquiring Trae Young in a move that hinted at their aggressive deadline philosophy weeks in advance.

     

    Elsewhere, contenders fine-tuned their rotations. The Lakers added shooting with Luke Kennard, Memphis picked up veteran scorer Eric Gordon, and New York brought in Brooklyn native Jose Alvarado for backcourt energy. Charlotte quietly stayed active, landing Coby White, Xavier Tillman Sr., and Tyus Jones across multiple deals.

     

    When the dust settled, the 2025–26 trade deadline stood as a defining moment of the season—one that blurred the line between rebuilding and contending. With new star pairings, reshaped rotations, and future assets redistributed, the race to the playoffs now carries an entirely new look, and the ripple effects of these moves will be felt well beyond this season.

     

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  • Dwight Howard to PBA? Macau Black Bears explore blockbuster import move

    Dwight Howard to PBA? Macau Black Bears explore blockbuster import move

    The long-running question of whether Dwight Howard will ever suit up in the PBA is once again gaining traction—and this time, the possibility feels closer than ever.

     

    Sources told that incoming guest team Macau Black Bears are actively exploring ways to bring in the former NBA champion as one of their imports for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup. While nothing has been finalized, the intent is clear: the Black Bears are aiming big as they prepare for their debut on Asia’s oldest professional basketball stage.

     

    “They are looking for ways to get Dwight and have him squeeze the PBA campaign into his busy schedule,” said the source. “It is not far-fetched and the Black Bears are doing their best to have him.”

     

    Howard’s connection to Philippine basketball is already well established. After an 18-year NBA career highlighted by a championship run with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2020 bubble season, the eight-time All-Star made waves locally when he suited up for Strong Group Athletics in the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Invitation.

     

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    That stint reignited talk of a possible PBA appearance, especially after Howard was previously linked to Converge. Those plans, however, never materialized due to the league’s import height limit at the time, which capped eligibility at 6-foot-8—effectively ruling out the 6-foot-10 big man.

    “I am so mad, I can’t help but scratch my head. How can there be a basketball league that has a height limit? Tell me, where in the world can you find a league that disallows big men to play,” said Howard in his TikTok video for Philippine sports-oriented scratch card company Go for Gold in 2024.

     

    Since stepping away from the NBA in 2022, Howard has remained active on the global basketball scene, including a stint with the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan’s professional league later that year. Yet basketball is no longer his only focus.

     

    The biggest hurdle in the Black Bears’ pursuit may not be league rules, but Howard’s packed calendar. The former Slam Dunk champion has embraced life beyond the hardwood, appearing on Dancing with the Stars and, more recently, the British reality series Inside last November.

     

    Still, the interest from Macau suggests that the door to a PBA cameo hasn’t fully closed. If schedules align and logistics fall into place, the league could finally see one of the most recognizable big men of his generation step onto a PBA floor—something fans have been waiting years to witness.

     

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  • Jema Galanza embraces comeback, eyes bounce-back despite Creamline loss

    Jema Galanza embraces comeback, eyes bounce-back despite Creamline loss

    The roar of the crowd, the grind of long rallies, the pressure of big points—Jema Galanza finally had them all back. After four months away from competition due to a lingering left foot injury, the Creamline star returned to the PVL court with a mix of excitement and unfamiliar nerves. What she didn’t get, however, was the result she hoped for.


    Creamline’s straight-set loss to PLDT on Thursday put a damper on what was supposed to be a celebratory night for the Cool Smashers, especially for Galanza, who had waited patiently through rehabilitation just to feel game action again.

     

    “Siguro, may excitement na may kaba. Nakakapanibago na ngayon lang ulit nakabalik. Nakakalungkot lang na kinulang,” Galanza admitted after the match.

     

    While the defeat stung, the returning hitter was clear that pressure wasn’t part of her mindset heading into the game. Instead, it was the rhythm of competition—something no amount of training can fully replicate—that took time to rediscover.

     

    “Actually, wala namang pressure o wala naman akong inisip talaga. Yung pagkasanay lang kung paano ka maglalaro sa loob kasi four months din akong di naglaro. Ang tagal ko ring di na-feel yung pressure, yung laro, ganyan. Siguro, naninibago lang,” she shared.

     

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    Galanza’s comeback also coincided with the long-awaited return of Creamline’s core, as Jia De Guzman and Bernadeth Pons suited up alongside her. For the first time in a while, the Cool Smashers finally fielded a complete lineup—something Galanza said brought excitement from the very start of training camp.

     

    “Actually, nung start ng training, nakaka-excite na lahat kumpleto na kami. Ayun, di nga namin alam ano ang mangyayari, sino ang first six, o ano ang itatakbo ng training namin, pero ngayong game lang, sad lang talaga na kinulang,” she said.

     

    Still, Galanza remains optimistic. Years of playing together, shared championships, and countless battles have built a foundation she believes will eventually show itself as the conference unfolds.

    “Pero alam naman din namin na ang tagal na naming magkakasama, magkakakilala. Alam naman din namin na makakabawi kami sa next games this conference.”

     

    For Galanza, the loss was only one part of the story. The bigger win was simply being back—healthy, competing, and ready to help Creamline find its stride again.

     

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  • PLDT, Cignal score big wins to start PVL campaign

    PLDT, Cignal score big wins to start PVL campaign

    The opening days of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference sent a clear message: continuity matters, and momentum is real.

     

    PLDT wasted no time reminding everyone of its growing mastery over Creamline, delivering a confident 25-22, 25-17, 25-23 sweep Thursday at the Playtime Filoil Centre. What once felt like an occasional upset has now turned into a pattern, as the High Speed Hitters stretched their unbeaten run against the league’s most decorated franchise to five straight games—an astonishing streak that has lasted 811 days.

     

    At the heart of it all was Savi Davison, who looked every bit like the reigning MVP. She detonated early, pouring in 13 points in the opening set alone to immediately seize control of the match. Creamline tried to counter with experience and pedigree, but PLDT’s pace and precision never wavered.

     

    Even the long-awaited return of Creamline’s championship core—Jia de Guzman, Bernadeth Pons, Jema Galanza, and Dij Rodriguez—failed to disrupt PLDT’s rhythm. The High Speed Hitters, nearly intact from last year’s title run save for Seth Rodriguez filling in for Dell Palomata, played with the cohesion of a team that never stopped building.

     

    Davison finished with a conference-first triple-double, tallying 26 points, 11 digs, and 10 receptions, while Kianna Dy, Jovy Prado, and the rest of PLDT’s supporting cast ensured the offense stayed balanced and relentless.

     

    Creamline, meanwhile, showed flashes of its old self but lacked its usual bite. Pons shined in her return with 13 points and a double-digit presence on defense, while Tots Carlos added 11. De Guzman’s 12 excellent sets marked her first PVL action in 922 days, yet Creamline’s biggest guns—Alyssa Valdez, Galanza, and Michele Gumabao—were largely neutralized.

     

    If PLDT asserted dominance through familiarity, Cignal showcased the value of sharp preparation.

     

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    The HD Spikers outlasted Choco Mucho, 25-20, 16-25, 25-19, 25-18, in a physical four-set encounter that tested composure more than firepower. After briefly losing control in the second set, Cignal leaned into longer rallies and cleaner execution to slowly wear down the Flying Titans, becoming the first team to reach two wins this conference.

     

    Erika Santos continued her strong run from the preseason, leading Cignal with 18 points built on efficiency across attacks, blocks, and service aces. Vanie Gandler provided steady two-way production, while setter Gel Cayuna orchestrated the offense with 23 excellent sets that kept Choco Mucho guessing.

     

    At the net, Jackie Acuña proved decisive, piling up four kill blocks among her 13 points to halt Choco Mucho’s momentum at critical junctures.

     

    The Flying Titans didn’t go quietly. Newly formed star partners Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure delivered emphatic double-doubles, with Rondina posting a game-high 20 points and Laure contributing across every phase of play. Still, the inability to sustain pressure in the closing sets proved costly, handing Choco Mucho its first loss after a promising start.

     

    As the All-Filipino Conference unfolds, PLDT and Cignal have done more than just win—they’ve drawn early lines in the sand, signaling that the road to the title will demand not just talent, but cohesion, patience, and execution under pressure.

     

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  • Alex Eala, Janice Tjen make WTA 500 semis breakthrough as Abu Dhabi run hits new heights

    Alex Eala, Janice Tjen make WTA 500 semis breakthrough as Abu Dhabi run hits new heights

    Alex Eala’s week in Abu Dhabi became a tale of momentum, resilience, and firsts—one that underscored her growing presence on the WTA stage even in the face of a demanding schedule.

     

    Alongside Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, Eala carved out a shared career milestone by storming into the doubles semifinals of a WTA 500 tournament for the first time. 

     

    The Southeast Asian pairing delivered a composed and authoritative performance, dispatching second seeds Zhang Shuai of China and Cristina Bucsa of Spain, 6-3, 6-3, in the quarterfinals of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre.

     

    From the opening games, Eala and Tjen made it clear they were in control. They surged to 3-0 leads in both sets, consistently applied pressure on return, and broke serve five times overall. Zhang and Bucsa—both seasoned doubles players—never once managed to draw level, as the match wrapped up in just one hour and seven minutes.

     

    The victory stood out even more given the pedigree of their opponents. Zhang is a recent Australian Open champion, while Bucsa currently sits at world No. 22 and reached the finals of the WTA 500 Brisbane International earlier this year. Yet it was the younger duo who dictated tempo and execution throughout.

     

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    For Eala, the doubles triumph also served as a quick rebound after a physically taxing stretch. It marked her third match in less than 24 hours, a run that tested both endurance and focus.

     

    Earlier in the day, the Filipina standout saw her singles campaign come to an end in the quarterfinals, bowing to second seed Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia, 6-3, 6-2. Less than a day removed from a grueling two-hour-and-53-minute, three-set win over Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus, Eala returned to Stadium Court to face the world No. 11.

     

    Alexandrova, fresh off a dominant win over Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska, proved too powerful this time, closing out the match in an hour and 31 minutes. Still, the result carried significance: Eala reached the quarterfinals of a WTA 500 event for the first time in her career, another step forward in her steady rise.

     

    The week is not over yet for Eala. Together with Tjen, she now eyes a spot in the doubles final when they face world No. 26 Olivia Nicholls of Great Britain and Tereza Mihalikova of the Slovak Republic on Friday—another opportunity to turn a breakthrough run into something even bigger.

     

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  • Gilas Pilipinas gets 10-day preparation window ahead of second window of FIBA World Cup qualifiers

    Gilas Pilipinas gets 10-day preparation window ahead of second window of FIBA World Cup qualifiers

    Timing, more than talent, has often been Gilas Pilipinas’ biggest opponent. This time, Tim Cone finally gets a break.

     

    After weeks of coordination and calendar juggling, the Gilas coach confirmed that the national team will open its training camp on February 16—giving him the 10-day preparation window he has long pushed for ahead of the next FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.

     

    The original plan was far from ideal.

     

    “Our initial date was Feb.11, but we could only secure four players for practice,” Cone told sources, underscoring the familiar challenge of aligning schedules across leagues and countries.

     

    Rather than force a half-built lineup into early workouts, Cone and the Gilas program opted for patience. The adjusted start date lines up with the arrival of key overseas-based players while still fitting the coach’s preferred preparation timeline for two high-stakes home games.

     

    “So we’ve moved it to Feb 16, which is when the Japan and Korea guys will start trickling in,” Cone said. 

     

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    That group includes a returning Kai Sotto, now back in action with the Koshigaya Alphas after recovering from an ACL injury, along with fellow B.League standouts AJ Edu, Dwight Ramos, and Quentin Millora-Brown. From the Korean Basketball League, Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo are also expected to report.

     

    The extra week also serves a crucial purpose closer to home. Fresh off a bruising PBA Philippine Cup Finals, June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, and Calvin Oftana will benefit from added recovery time before shifting gears back into national duty.

     

    “The guys coming from the finals will have extended rest before restarting,” Cone noted.

    Gilas will open the second window of the qualifiers on February 26 against New Zealand at the Mall of Asia Arena, before facing Australia on March 1 at the same venue. The Philippines currently sits atop Group A alongside the Boomers, both sporting perfect 2-0 records—raising the stakes for a window that could shape the group’s hierarchy.

     

    For Cone, the reset isn’t about comfort. It’s about control—finally giving Gilas enough time to come together, settle roles, and prepare properly before stepping back onto the international stage.

     

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  • Bella Belen steps up as Capital1 opens PVL AFC campaign strong

    Bella Belen steps up as Capital1 opens PVL AFC campaign strong

    Capital1’s first conference game was supposed to be about introductions — new faces, new chemistry, and a new identity taking shape in real time. Instead, it quickly became about Bella Belen.

     

    With eight newcomers around her and the Solar Spikers still figuring out their on-court rhythm, Belen walked into her second PVL stint carrying more than just the weight of expectations that come with being the No. 1 overall pick. 

     

    Hours before tip-off, she was informed she would serve as interim captain, filling in for regular skipper Roma Doromal, who was sidelined by illness.

    At 23, and among the youngest on the floor, Belen didn’t hesitate.

     

    Capital1 opened its campaign with a 25-17, 25-16, 15-25, 25-19 win over ZUS Coffee on Tuesday, and Belen made sure the moment didn’t slip away. She delivered the most complete performance of her young pro career, pouring in a career-high 28 points while anchoring the backcourt with 16 digs and seven receptions.

     

    If there were doubts about whether the sudden leadership role would weigh her down, the numbers — and her poise — erased them quickly.

     

    “In-inform din ako ni coach Jorge kahapon na if kaya ko raw ‘yung ganyan, o kapag masyadong mabigat siya for me,” Belen said.

     

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    “Sabi ko naman, kaya ko naman since for me, ‘yung being a captain, pinagkaiba niya lang is may line ka lang under your number.

     

    “Kung kahit naman hindi ako captain, I’ll try my best naman na mag-lead din ng team.”

     

    Still, Belen acknowledged that the responsibility felt different from her days at NU, where leadership came with familiarity and time. This time, she was guiding a professional roster she was only beginning to know.

     

    “Iba talaga, kasi sa NU, kasama ko na rin sila before so hindi siya ganun kahirap for me. Dito naman, hindi rin ganun kahirap since feeling ko pagdating sa game, sa Capital, walang captain-captain talaga eh,” she said.

     

    “Kung sino kayang mag-lead, kailangan mag-lead din [dahil] hindi pwedeng isa o dalawa lang po talaga ‘yung gumagana sa team.”

     

    In Capital1’s debut, the captaincy stripe may have arrived unexpectedly, but Belen showed that leadership — much like her impact — doesn’t need to be announced. It shows up in moments, decisions, and the calm that settles a team finding its footing. 

     

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