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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • NBA Roundup: Big Nights, Big Comebacks Mark Busy Wednesday Slate

    NBA Roundup: Big Nights, Big Comebacks Mark Busy Wednesday Slate

    It was another action-packed night in the NBA on Wednesday, January 21, as star performances, fourth-quarter rallies, and offensive explosions highlighted a busy slate across the league.

     

    Suns hold off 76ers in tight road win

     

    The Phoenix Suns leaned on balance and timely scoring to edge the Philadelphia 76ers, 116-110, on the road. Phoenix broke the game open with a dominant 40-point third quarter, creating enough separation to withstand a late Sixers push. Grayson Allen paced the Suns with 16 points and six assists, while rookie VJ Edgecombe led Philadelphia with 25 points and seven rebounds in defeat.

     

    Bulls overwhelm Clippers behind explosive second quarter

     

    Chicago delivered one of the night’s most lopsided results, blowing past the Los Angeles Clippers, 138-110, at home. The Bulls poured in 45 points in the second quarter alone, completely flipping the game’s momentum. John Collins finished with 23 points for the Clippers, but Chicago’s depth shined, led by Tre Jones’ all-around effort of 15 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists.

     

    Rockets rally late to stun Spurs

     

    Houston survived a late scare and came away with a 111-106 win over the San Antonio Spurs after closing strong in the fourth quarter. Alperen Sengun anchored the Rockets with a near triple-double—20 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists—while Julian Champagnie carried San Antonio with 27 points and eight boards in the loss.

     

    Jazz outlast Timberwolves in scoring duel

     

    In Salt Lake City, the Utah Jazz edged the Minnesota Timberwolves, 127-122, behind a scorching performance from Keyonte George, who erupted for 43 points. Anthony Edwards did everything he could to keep Minnesota close, finishing with 38 points and eight rebounds, but Utah’s late-game execution sealed the win.

     

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    Doncic posts triple-double as Lakers rally past Nuggets

     

    Luka Dončić delivered one of the night’s signature performances, recording a 38-point triple-double—adding 13 rebounds and 10 assists—as the Los Angeles Lakers rallied past a short-handed Denver Nuggets squad, 115-107. Denver jumped out early but couldn’t keep pace down the stretch, despite Jamal Murray’s 28 points and 11 assists.

     

    Raptors spoil Warriors’ first game without Butler

     

    Toronto spoiled Golden State’s first outing without Jimmy Butler, rolling to a 145-127 victory at Chase Center. Immanuel Quickley was unstoppable, matching his career high with 40 points while also dishing out 10 assists. Buddy Hield led the Warriors with 25 points, but Golden State struggled to contain Toronto’s perimeter attack.

     

    Heat stay hot with win over Kings

     

    The Miami Heat capped the night with a convincing 130-117 road win over the Sacramento Kings. Bam Adebayo led the way with 25 points and seven rebounds, while Norman Powell chipped in 22. Sacramento got solid production from Russell Westbrook, who posted 22 points and seven assists, but Miami’s shooting proved too much.

     

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  • PBA tightens Rookie Draft rules, bars prospects with active contracts from other leagues

    PBA tightens Rookie Draft rules, bars prospects with active contracts from other leagues

    The PBA is drawing a firmer line between commitment and opportunity as it moves to overhaul one of the long-standing gray areas in its Rookie Draft process.

     

    League commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that the PBA Board of Governors has approved a new policy barring players with active contracts in other professional leagues from entering the Rookie Draft. The ruling will officially take effect in the Season 51 Rookie Draft scheduled for early 2027.

     

    The decision is designed to address recurring issues that have disrupted team planning and player availability, particularly in recent seasons when several drafted rookies were unable to suit up right away.

     

    “Draftees should no longer have contracts from other leagues, so that you’ll get to play once you’re drafted,” Marcial said in Filipino, as quoted on the PBA’s official website.

     

    The move comes after multiple teams were forced to wait on their draft picks during the current season. Players such as NLEX rookies L-Jay Gonzales and JL Capulong, along with Rain or Shine’s Christian Manaytay, had to complete their MPBL obligations before making their PBA debuts.

     

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    The situation was even more pronounced for Terrafirma top overall pick Geo Chiu and Meralco’s seventh selection Jason Brickman. Both were unavailable for the Philippine Cup as they remained committed to Abra’s MPBL campaign — a run that ended with a dominant championship.

     

    For the league, the new rule represents a push toward clarity and fairness. Teams investing draft capital will now have greater assurance that their selections can contribute immediately, while players will be required to make a clearer decision about where they want to begin their professional careers.

     

    Importantly, the policy does not affect players coming from the collegiate ranks. NCAA prospects, in particular, remain eligible to enter the PBA Draft even while their school seasons are ongoing, consistent with existing league rules.

     

    By closing the door on dual-league commitments, the PBA hopes to streamline its transition process for rookies — ensuring that when names are called on draft day, jerseys won’t have to wait long to hit the court.

     

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  • Jimmy Butler suffers season-ending ACL Injury in Warriors win over former team 

    Jimmy Butler suffers season-ending ACL Injury in Warriors win over former team 

    What was supposed to be another statement win in Golden State’s midseason surge instead turned into a sobering night that could reshape the franchise’s immediate future.

     

    Jimmy Butler’s season came to a sudden halt Monday night after the Warriors’ 135–112 victory over the Miami Heat, when the veteran wing suffered a torn right ACL — an injury that now casts uncertainty over Golden State’s direction moving forward.

     

    The moment unfolded midway through the third quarter at Chase Center. Butler rose to secure an entry pass in the lane, collided with Heat guard Davion Mitchell, and landed awkwardly as his right knee twisted beneath him. He crumpled to the floor in visible pain, remaining down for several minutes as teammates and staff gathered around in stunned silence.

     

    Even then, Butler’s trademark humor surfaced.

     

    “He was still cracking jokes over there while he was on the ground,” Warriors guard Stephen Curry said. “In true Jimmy fashion, he’s always gonna have a good time no matter what the situation is.”

    Unable to put weight on his right leg, Butler was eventually helped off the court by Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga, his arms draped over their shoulders before being placed into a wheelchair near the locker room. An MRI later confirmed the worst: a season-ending ACL tear, according to his agent Bernie Lee.

     

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    “Obviously a gut punch on every level for Jimmy and the entire group, but I firmly believe that this is a part of the journey,” Lee told ESPN in a statement. “We can’t only expect to take the good things out of it. I’ve known for over 10 years now that Jimmy is going to win a championship before he is done. My belief in that is unwavering.”

     

    The injury is especially cruel given Golden State’s recent momentum. The Warriors had won 12 of their last 16 games and were climbing the standings behind Butler’s steady play. In January, the 36-year-old was averaging 21.3 points on 53 percent shooting, and he logged 17 points in just 21 minutes against his former team before going down.

     

    Since arriving from Miami in February 2025, Butler has been a stabilizing force alongside Curry, transforming Golden State from a fringe lottery team into a legitimate postseason threat. His arrival fueled belief inside the organization that the aging core still had one more meaningful run left.

     

    That belief now faces its sternest test.

     

    Lee said the coming days will involve “functional decisions” before Butler’s focus turns fully to rehabilitation and the 2026 season.

     

    “If you know anything about Jimmy, you know exactly how he will attack this challenge,” Lee said. “Put simply, he has this.”

     

    For the Warriors, the implications extend beyond the loss of a star. Butler is owed $54.1 million this season and $56.8 million next year — the final year of his deal — and Golden State was already exploring roster reinforcements ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. Without him, the franchise must now reassess how aggressively it pushes forward during the twilight of the Curry era.

     

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  • Charles Tiu finally gets his shot as PBA head coach with Phoenix 

    Charles Tiu finally gets his shot as PBA head coach with Phoenix 

    For Charles Tiu, the head coaching job at Phoenix is less a sudden promotion and more the culmination of a journey that has quietly stretched across a decade and a half.

     

    The Fuel Masters confirmed Tuesday that Tiu has accepted the vacant head coaching post, an appointment finalized Monday evening. At 37, he finally steps into a role many in basketball circles felt was inevitable, given his extensive résumé built in the shadows of some of the sport’s most respected tacticians.

     

    “I’m just a simple guy from Xavier School, and now I get another chance to compete against the best coaches in the country and to coach some of the best players as well. That makes this opportunity truly exciting,” Tiu told Tiebreaker Times, as he became the first Xaverian to be named a PBA head coach.

     

    Tiu’s coaching roots trace back to the national team, where he cut his teeth as a deputy to Rajko Toroman with Gilas Pilipinas from 2009 to 2011. From there, he navigated the PBA landscape as an assistant under Bo Perasol at Powerade before rejoining Toroman at Barako Bull, experiences that shaped his grounding in professional basketball.

     

    While his PBA roles were largely behind the scenes, Tiu’s name steadily grew louder elsewhere. In 2018, he guided Go For Gold to the PBA D-League Foundation Cup title, a breakthrough moment that hinted at his readiness to lead. His reputation only expanded overseas, where he handled high-profile international squads.

     

    With Mighty Sports, Tiu delivered championships at the 2019 William Jones Cup and the 2020 Dubai International Basketball Championship. He later carried that success to Strong Group Athletics, steering the program to back-to-back William Jones Cup titles in 2024 and 2025 — a rare feat that further solidified his standing as a program builder.

     

     

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    His return to the PBA in 2021 saw him working under Norman Black at Meralco, followed by a lead assistant role at Converge in 2024. Yet even with years of preparation, the call to take over Phoenix still came as a surprise.

     

    “I’m happy to have the opportunity to coach in the PBA again. I never expected or imagined that I would be here at all — this was totally unplanned. I actually had quite a few vacation trips scheduled this year, which I guess we’ll have to cancel for now,” Tiu said with a laugh.

     

    Tiu replaces Willy Wilson, whose contract was not renewed after a single conference that ended with Phoenix posting a 3–8 record. The challenge awaiting him is clear: the Fuel Masters have missed the playoffs in five straight conferences, a drought the new coach is determined to end.

     

    “To be honest, the first goal is to make the playoffs. I think the team hasn’t reached the playoffs in the last five conferences, so we’ll try to break that streak,” he said.

     

    Balancing his duties as concurrent head coach of College of St. Benilde, Tiu will be joined on the Phoenix bench by TY Tang and Paolo Layug, alongside holdovers Paolo Dizon and Jon Jacinto — a mix of familiarity and fresh voices aimed at resetting the franchise.

     

    As he embarks on his first PBA head coaching assignment, Tiu was quick to acknowledge the people who shaped his path.

     

    “I’m just thankful to Boss Dennis Uy and Boss RTZ (Atty. Raymond Zorilla) for the trust, and of course to the people in my life who have guided me and taken a chance on me — the Benilde community; Boss Frank Lao of SGA; Boss Dennis Uy and Gov. Delta (Pineda) from Converge; Coach Norman Black; Caesar Wongchuking of Mighty Sports; Boss JB Baylon of Powerade; and Coach Rajko, who gave me my first break,” he shared.

     

    Now, after years of preparation across leagues and continents, Tiu finally gets his chance to put his own imprint on the PBA — with Phoenix serving as both his proving ground and his long-awaited opportunity.

     

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  • Alex Eala turns page to WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open after gritty Australian swing exit 

    Alex Eala turns page to WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open after gritty Australian swing exit 

    Alex Eala’s Australian Open journey may have ended earlier than hoped, but the Filipina tennis star is already shifting her focus forward — and back home — with an expected appearance at the upcoming WTA 125 Philippine Open firmly in sight.

     

    That path was cleared after Eala formally closed her 2026 Australian Open campaign on Tuesday, bowing out in the opening round of the women’s doubles event at Melbourne Park. 

     

    Teaming up with Brazilian partner Ingrid Martins, the Filipina showed flashes of control and composure but ultimately fell to the seasoned pairing of Japan’s Shuko Aoyama and Poland’s Magda Linette in a hard-fought three-set encounter, 6–7(3), 6–2, 3–6.

     

    The result underscored both the promise and the growing pains of a partnership still finding its rhythm. Ranked at a career-high No. 134 in doubles, Eala entered the match alongside world No. 80 Martins with momentum and belief — and they showed exactly why in the opening stages.

     

    Eala and Martins stormed out of the gates, racing to a 4–0 lead in the first set and immediately putting pressure on the veteran duo. But experience soon asserted itself. Aoyama, a former world No. 4 and 2023 Australian Open doubles finalist, together with Linette, a 2023 US Open doubles quarterfinalist, calmly clawed their way back into contention.

     

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    Earlier in her Australian swing, the now WTA No. 44–ranked Eala as per live rankings,  enjoyed a strong run at the 2026 ASB Classic, reaching the semifinals after beating two former top-20 players in Donna Vekic and Magda Linette before bowing out to Xinyu Wang.

     

    The Filipina then reached another milestone by capturing the Kooyong Classic title, once again defeating Vekic in straight sets, just days before the Australian Open got underway.

     

    While her Melbourne run ended in disappointment, the experience adds another layer to Eala’s rapidly growing résumé — one that now includes main-draw appearances at Grand Slams and steady climbs in both her singles and doubles rankings.

     

    With the Australian Open chapter closed, attention now turns to the WTA 125 Philippine Open, where Eala is set to compete in front of a home crowd eager to watch the country’s brightest tennis hope continue her ascent.

     

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  • Can Creamline’s projected starting six bring the Cool Smashers back to PVL glory?

    Can Creamline’s projected starting six bring the Cool Smashers back to PVL glory?

    After a rare championship drought in 2025, the Creamline Cool Smashers are positioning themselves for a familiar role in 2026 — contenders with something to prove — as they enter the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference armed with a projected starting six built on experience, balance, and renewed hunger.

     

    Despite extending their league-record streak to 19 consecutive podium finishes, Creamline endured an uncharacteristic title-less year across all PVL conferences in 2025. The spotlight instead shone on the PLDT High Speed Hitters and Petro Gazz Angels, who split the season’s four championships and effectively disrupted what had long been Creamline’s near-monopoly on PVL dominance. For a franchise accustomed to setting the standard, the setback served less as a decline and more as a wake-up call.

     

    Central to Creamline’s recalibration is the acquisition of Jeniffer Nierva, widely regarded as one of the best defensive specialists in the country. The former Chery Tiggo Crossover brings elite floor coverage, sharper serve reception, and faster defensive reads — areas where Creamline showed vulnerability last season, particularly in extended rallies and transition defense.

     

    Analysts from multiple volleyball outlets have noted that Nierva’s arrival could be the single most impactful offseason move in the All-Filipino Conference, addressing a weakness without sacrificing offensive structure.

     

    Up front, Bernadeth Pons returns energized after a successful stint with Alas Pilipinas beach, highlighted by a Southeast Asian Games beach volleyball gold medal. Her dual-discipline experience has sharpened her all-around game, and her presence adds composure and flexibility to Creamline’s wing rotation. 

     

    Pons, the former 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference MVP and Finals MVP with Creamline has openly spoken about the team’s renewed mindset, emphasizing that early January training camps focused on cohesion and accountability after last season’s frustrations.

     

    Holding the middle is Bea De Leon, whose value extends beyond box scores. A consistent force at the net, the former UAAP Season 81 Finals MVP remains one of the league’s most reliable blockers and an underrated offensive option in quick sets. Her ability to disrupt opposing attacks has long been a pillar of Creamline’s defensive identity, and her leadership provides continuity as the team integrates new pieces.

     

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    Guiding the offense is Jia De Guzman, the reigning Alas Pilipinas captain and widely considered the best setter of her generation. De Guzman’s return ensures tempo control, efficient ball distribution, and tactical flexibility — critical in an All-Filipino Conference where depth and system execution often separate contenders from champions. With De Guzman orchestrating, Creamline regains its ability to vary pace and exploit mismatches, a hallmark of its championship runs.

     

    On the wings, Jema Galanza’s return from injury restores a proven closer to the lineup. When healthy, the two-time PVL MVP and former Adamson standout has consistently delivered in high-pressure moments, combining power with court awareness that few defenders can neutralize. Alongside her, Tots Carlos remains the offensive constant — a scorer capable of producing across rotations and carrying stretches when the offense stalls. Together, they form one of the most feared wing tandems in the league.

     

    This projected starting six reflects more than just talent; it reflects intent. Creamline’s offseason moves signal a strategic response to its sixth-place finish in the 2025 Reinforced Conference, its lowest placement since joining the professional ranks. Rather than overhauling the roster, the Cool Smashers opted for precision — reinforcing defense, restoring health, and leaning into their championship core.

     

    Historically, Creamline’s pedigree speaks for itself. The Cool Smashers are the winningest franchise in PVL history, owning 10 league championships across various conferences and more finals appearances than any other team, and the only team to win a Grand Slam by winning all three conferences in 2024. Since their debut, they have built a culture defined by consistency, adaptability, and postseason excellence — traits that remain intact despite last year’s setbacks.

     

    With the All-Filipino Conference placing a premium on chemistry and system play over import-driven firepower, Creamline appears well-suited for a return to form. With the league losing two of its powerhouse teams in Chery Tiggo and Petro Gazz, the Cool Smashers are poised to remain one of the top teams of the PVL. 

     

    For the rest of the league, the message is familiar — and unsettling: the Cool Smashers are reloaded, refocused, and once again ready to chase the crown.

     

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  • Alex Eala shrugs off Manny Pacquiao comparisons, hits career-high No. 43 in WTA live rankings

    Alex Eala shrugs off Manny Pacquiao comparisons, hits career-high No. 43 in WTA live rankings

    Alexandra “Alex” Eala has never been one to chase comparisons — especially not the kind that put her in the same conversation as a national legend.

     

    After drawing a massive Filipino crowd to her Australian Open debut in Melbourne, the 20-year-old tennis sensation was once again asked about the frequent parallels being drawn between her and boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

     

    Her response was simple, honest, and refreshingly grounded: “Oh my god, hindi naman ganoon. Iba naman si Manny Pacquiao, I think. Nasa ibang level na siya.”

     

    Eala’s comments came after her match against world No. 99 Alycia Parks — a game that ended in a 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 loss but still proved that she is already playing at a level that commands global attention.

     

    The match began like a dream for the Filipina as she dominated the first set 6-0, showing a level of control and confidence that had the crowd buzzing. But Parks bounced back, and Eala couldn’t maintain the same rhythm as the match wore on.

     

    Still, it was not just the tennis that made headlines — it was the sheer magnitude of support she drew.

     

    From packed practice sessions to loud, court-side cheers, Eala felt the weight of national expectations — and she handled it with maturity.

     

    “It was so heart-warming,” she said of the fans’ support.


     “That’s one of the things that makes a loss like today a little bit harder, is I know a lot of people were rooting for me.”

     

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    Her humility and gratitude were unmistakable — even after the defeat, she stayed to sign autographs and thank the fans.

     

    But the bigger story is what happened behind the scenes: despite her exit in the first round, Eala’s WTA live ranking climbed to No. 43, her best-ever position in the sport.

     

    She earned 10 ranking points from her Australian Open appearance, pushing her live ranking upward and giving her a chance to set a new career-best when the WTA updates the official rankings.

     

    The WTA live ranking system, based on a 52-week rolling period, still has the potential to change as the tournament progresses — but for now, Eala’s ascent is undeniable.

     

    Yet even with this breakthrough, Eala refused to be placed on a pedestal.

     

    She recalled how Pacquiao once brought the entire nation to a standstill — families gathering, streets emptying, and the country united in support.


     “I mean, naaalala ko ‘pag may laban si Manny talagang parang bakasyon ‘yung mga tao…,” she said.

     

    And then she added the most honest line of all:“So sa tingin ko, medyo malayo pa ako.”

    Eala may be far from Pacquiao’s level — but her rise in the WTA rankings shows she’s steadily building her own legacy, one match and one milestone at a time.

     

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  • NBA Tuesday Roundup: Warriors, Thunder, Clippers and Bucks Shine in High-Scoring Night

    NBA Tuesday Roundup: Warriors, Thunder, Clippers and Bucks Shine in High-Scoring Night

    Tuesday’s NBA slate featured a mix of thrilling finishes, dominant performances, and standout individual displays as teams across the league battled for wins. From the Milwaukee Bucks narrowly holding off the Atlanta Hawks to the Thunder’s blowout over the Cavaliers, fans were treated to another exciting night of basketball.

     

    Bucks Edge Hawks in Tight Finish

     

    The Milwaukee Bucks survived a late rally from the Atlanta Hawks to claim a 112–110 win. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 21 points, 17 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker put up 32 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists for Atlanta. The Bucks’ resilience in the fourth quarter proved just enough to secure the victory.

     

    Thunder Dominate Cavaliers

     

    Oklahoma City Thunder put on a scoring clinic, downing the Cleveland Cavaliers 136–104. Chet Holmgren starred with 28 points and 8 rebounds, spearheading the Thunder’s offense. For Cleveland, Evan Mobley contributed 16 points and 7 rebounds but couldn’t keep pace with OKC’s relentless attack.

     

    Spurs Top Jazz

     

    San Antonio Spurs outlasted the Utah Jazz, 123–110, in a high-scoring affair. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 33 points and 10 rebounds, while the Jazz’s Keyonte George countered with 30 points and 6 assists. San Antonio’s inside presence gave them the edge down the stretch.

     

    Mavericks Control Knicks

     

    The Dallas Mavericks pulled away from the New York Knicks, 114–97, behind Marcus Christie’s 26 points and 6 rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double with 22 points and 18 rebounds for New York, but Dallas’ offensive balance proved decisive.

     

    Clippers Overcome Wizards

     

    James Harden’s 36 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists led the LA Clippers to a 110–106 victory over the Washington Wizards. The Wizards’ A. Sarr countered with 28 points and 6 rebounds, but the Clippers’ experience and late-game execution carried them through.

     

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    76ers Outlast Pacers

     

    Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Indiana Pacers, 113–104. Tyrese Maxey starred with 29 points, 8 assists, and 8 steals, while the Pacers’ Andrew Nembhard led his team with 25 points. Maxey’s timely plays in the second and fourth quarters proved decisive.

     

    Suns Cruise Past Nets

     

    The Phoenix Suns defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 126–117, in a high-scoring matchup. Cameron Gillespie led the Suns with 22 points, while Michael Porter Jr. had 23 points and 6 rebounds for Brooklyn. Phoenix’s balanced scoring across all quarters helped them stay in control.

     

    Pistons Upset Celtics

     

    In a close contest, the Detroit Pistons edged the Boston Celtics, 104–103. Jaylen Brown tallied 32 points and 11 rebounds for Boston, but the Pistons’ collective effort allowed them to steal the win in a nail-biting finish. Cade Cunningham added 14 assists for Detroit, contributing to their late-game success.

     

    Warriors Roll Despite Butler Injury

     

    The Golden State Warriors overcame the Miami Heat, 135–112, even as Jimmy Butler went down with a right knee injury midway through the third quarter. Stephen Curry had 19 points and 11 assists, while Norman Powell added 21 points for Miami in the loss. The Warriors’ depth and teamwork carried them through despite the scare.

     

     

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  • June Mar Fajardo cements icon status with seventh SMC-PSA Mr. Basketball award

    June Mar Fajardo cements icon status with seventh SMC-PSA Mr. Basketball award

    In an era where greatness is often measured by fleeting peaks, June Mar Fajardo has made longevity his loudest statement.

     

    The most dominant force in Philippine basketball today will once again take center stage at the San Miguel Corporation–Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night on February 16 at the Diamond Hotel Manila, joining the country’s top volleyball stars as one of the evening’s major honorees.

     

    For Fajardo, the recognition is familiar—but no less significant. The 35-year-old San Miguel cornerstone will be honored for the seventh time, a testament to a career that continues to redefine sustained excellence in local basketball.

     

    Season 49 of the PBA served as yet another reminder of why the 6-foot-11 center remains the league’s gold standard.

     

    Fajardo etched his name deeper into the record books by securing an unprecedented ninth Most Valuable Player award, leading the Beermen to their 11th Philippine Cup championship at the expense of TNT—once again denying the Tropang Giga a coveted Grand Slam.

     

    Even as new stars emerge, Fajardo’s impact has not waned. During the most recent Philippine Cup eliminations, he posted averages of 16.5 points, 16.6 rebounds—best in the league—and 4.4 assists per game, while becoming the first local player to record three straight 20-point, 20-rebound outings.

     

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    His influence extends beyond the PBA hardwood. A Gilas Pilipinas mainstay since 2014, Fajardo remains the team’s anchor in international play. 

     

    He suited up for the national squad in the FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia and the opening window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where his steady presence helped power the Philippines to a 2–0 start.

     

    In that qualifying window, Fajardo averaged 7.5 points and 6.5 rebounds as the team’s starting center—numbers that may not scream dominance but underscore his enduring value as a stabilizing force against Asia’s best.

     

    As the PSA once again honors him, Fajardo’s career continues to stand as proof that true greatness isn’t just about peak moments—but about showing up, year after year, and still being the standard everyone else is measured against.

     

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  • NCAA alumni PBA stars speak out on former San Beda player Janti Miller’s ‘I refuse to play in the NCAA’ remark 

    NCAA alumni PBA stars speak out on former San Beda player Janti Miller’s ‘I refuse to play in the NCAA’ remark 

    Janti Miller’s decision to walk away from San Beda — and his pointed remarks about no longer wanting to play in the NCAA — didn’t just mark the end of a collegiate chapter. It struck a nerve among those who once walked the same path and later turned it into PBA success.

     

    For a group of former NCAA standouts now thriving in the pros, Miller’s farewell message felt less like a personal choice and more like a dismissal of a league that shaped their careers. Barangay Ginebra star Scottie Thompson, Titan Ultra’s Calvin Abueva, and Rain or Shine guard Adrian Nocum were among those who openly reacted, not with anger, but with disbelief.

     

    Abueva, a former San Sebastian MVP who built his reputation on relentless energy and toughness, was blunt in his assessment.

     

    “Hindi ko alam kung ano ang isyu nya sa NCAA, pero sana maisip nya, halos lahat ng nage-excel sa PBA ngayon galing sa NCAA,” he said.

     

    Numbers, according to Abueva, back that belief. After the Philippine Cup eliminations, NCAA products dominate much of the PBA’s major statistical leaderboards, with five of eight categories topped by former players from the league. 

     

    Another San Sebastian alumnus, Blackwater’s RK Ilagan, leads the steals race at 2.5 per game, while UAAP representation among the leaders is limited to Zavier Lucero of UP, who tops the blocks category.

     

    For Abueva, the NCAA’s value has never been about flash or popularity.

     

    “‘Yun kasi ang kagandahan sa NCAA, sabi nga nila pag may pangalan ka, sa UAAP ka. Pero pag may gusto kang patunayan, sa NCAA ka. At ganun nga ang nangyayari sa NCAA, lahat gustong lumaro ng todo,” he said.

     

    “Puso at laro ang nilalabas ng mga players sa NCAA. Hindi pagwapuhan o palakihan ng allowance.”

     

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    Nocum echoed that sentiment, admitting the statement left him disappointed, especially given Miller’s ties to San Beda, the league’s most decorated program.

     

    “Syempre, nasaktan ako kasi ang tanong ko bakit ayaw n’ya sa NCAA? Ano ang meron sa UAAP at bakit mas gusto nya run, to think na nasa San Beda pa siya, ang premier team sa NCAA?” said the former Mapua standout.

     

    To Nocum, the issue went beyond leagues and labels.

     

    “Basta ako nalungkot lang ako kasi hindi naman dapat isyu ‘yung liga na lalaruan mo basta maipakita mo yung value mo na dalhin sa championship yung school na nirerepresent mo.Nakakalungkot lang kasi talaga yung statement,” added the high-flying Elasto Painters guard.

     

    Thompson, a former NCAA MVP and now one of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players, took a more measured stance, saying he’s trying to understand Miller’s side while still standing firmly behind the league that molded him.

     

    “Baka naman may rason siya. Pero kung competition ang reason nya dahil sinabi n’yang ayaw n’ya sa NCAA, siguro naman the alumni of the league can speak for themselves. Marmaing produkto ang NCAA na naging superstars sa PBA,” said the Perpetual Help product.

     

    “Dun pa lang, proud na kaming mga dating taga NC na sabihing made ang liga when it comes to producing the best athletes,” he added.

     

    As the debate continues, one thing is clear: for those who survived the grind of the NCAA and carried it into the professional ranks, the league remains less about glamour — and more about proving, night after night, that toughness still travels.

     

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