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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Alex Eala builds Australian Open momentum with second straight win over Donna Vekic

    Alex Eala builds Australian Open momentum with second straight win over Donna Vekic

    Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala continued to build momentum on the eve of the season’s first Grand Slam, scoring another straight-sets win over Donna Vekic, 6-3, 6-4, in an exhibition match at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne on Wednesday.

     

    The victory carried added meaning beyond the scoreboard. It marked Eala’s second win over the former world No. 19 in just over two weeks, following her three-set triumph at the WTA 125 ASB Classic in New Zealand earlier this month. More importantly, it reinforced the idea that Eala is arriving at the Australian Open not just prepared—but confident she can go toe-to-toe with established tour veterans.

     

    Despite the convincing result, Eala was quick to acknowledge the difficulty of the matchup.

     

    “I always have a tough time playing with her (Donna Vekic),” Eala said.

     

    The opening set tested that claim. Vekic seized an early 2-1 lead before Eala steadied herself, tying the score at 2-all and then stringing together a decisive run. 

     

    A six-point streak swung the momentum in her favor, allowing her to reclaim the lead at 3-2, and another five-point burst soon stretched it to 4-2. Eala maintained her composure down the stretch, closing the set at 6-3 despite a brief response from Vekic.

     

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    Vekic again struck first in the second set, but Eala responded immediately, leveling at 1-1 and later at 2-all. From there, the Filipina dictated play with greater authority, managing the key moments to seal the match, 6-4, without allowing the contest to drift into the kind of extended battle their New Zealand meeting produced.

     

    The performance left a strong impression on Eala herself.

     

    “I wanna say this is the best I’ve ever played,” she said.

     

    That statement may be the most telling takeaway as the Australian Open looms. While the Kooyong Classic is an exhibition event, Eala’s ability to back up a breakthrough win with another composed, straight-sets performance suggests real growth—not just in shot-making, but in belief and match management.

     

    Heading into Melbourne Park, Eala appears to be carrying something she has often chased in the early stages of her career: rhythm. Beating the same experienced opponent twice in a short span sends a clear signal that she is learning how to impose her game, absorb pressure, and close out matches against players accustomed to the Grand Slam spotlight.

     

    For a young Filipina still carving out her place on the tour, that may be the most valuable edge of all as she steps onto the Australian Open stage. 

     

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  • Chris Newsome stays in the fight as Meralco faces do-or-die without star guard 

    Chris Newsome stays in the fight as Meralco faces do-or-die without star guard 

    Chris Newsome’s jersey never touched the floor in Game 4, but his voice never left the huddle.

     

    Sidelined by an MCL injury, the Meralco star was forced to watch as the Bolts absorbed a 102–83 loss to TNT in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. Yet even in street clothes, Newsome remained deeply involved, turning the bench into his temporary command post as Meralco tried to navigate life without one of its emotional and tactical anchors.

     

    “He’s still here. In spirit, huddles, he always talks to us. He tells us what to do. While he’s physically not on the court, he still talks to us for us to play well,” Brandon Bates said at Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday night.

     

    That presence mattered, even as the result didn’t go Meralco’s way.

     

    With Newsome unavailable, the Bolts leaned on balance scoring. Chris Banchero led the way with 19 points, CJ Cansino followed with 17, and Cliff Hodge matched that output while adding eight rebounds. The effort, however, wasn’t enough to stop TNT from taking a commanding 3–1 series lead.

     

     

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    “Obviously, when you lose one of your main guys, it’s always going to be difficult but you have to have that next man up mentality.” 

     

    For Raymond Almazan, Newsome’s value extends far beyond what shows up on the stat sheet.

     

    “He’s our leader, not just on the court but off it as well,” Almazan said. “These things happen, so somebody has to step up. We’re down 3-1, but this series isn’t over yet. We still believe we can push it to Game 7.”

     

    Almazan finished with seven points and seven rebounds, a modest line that reflected a team still searching for answers while refusing to fold.

     

    Now facing elimination, Meralco turns its focus to Game 5 on Wednesday at Araneta Coliseum. Whether or not Newsome can return remains uncertain, but one thing is already clear: even sidelined, he remains central to how the Bolts fight to keep their season alive.

     

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  • Galeries Tower completes massive roster overhaul ahead of All-Filipino Conference 

    Galeries Tower completes massive roster overhaul ahead of All-Filipino Conference 

    Galeries Tower didn’t just tweak its lineup this offseason—it tore the blueprint apart and started over.

     

    With the 2026 PVL season approaching, the Highrisers emerged as one of the league’s most aggressive retoolers, committing to a full-scale reset that reshaped both their roster and their bench. 

     

    By the time the dust settled, 14 new faces were in, a veteran coach was installed, and only a handful of familiar names remained to bridge the past with what now feels like a completely new identity.

     

    The overhaul began with difficult decisions. Thirteen players were released as Galeries Tower opted to keep just four holdovers: Julia Coronel, Jean Asis, Roselle Baliton, and Winnie Bedaña. Among those who exited were inaugural captain Fhen Emnas, a string of rotational mainstays, and the Capital1-bound duo of France Ronquillo and Ysa Jimenez—moves that signaled this was not a partial rebuild, but a clean slate.

     

    Change reached the sidelines as well. PVL champion coach Godfrey Okumu and his staff made way for veteran tactician Aying Esteban, who arrived with a trusted group rooted heavily from the University of Santo Tomas coaching staff. With John Abella, JM Millado, Emman Dedoroy, Lorence Cruz, and physical therapist Migs Dizon joining him, the Highrisers aligned themselves with a system built on familiarity, structure, and long-term development.

     

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    The final touches came Tuesday, when Galeries Tower rolled out what it described as its last batch of signings: Jules Samonte, Gayle Pascual, Venice Puzon, and Maji Mangulabnan. Each arrival carried a different storyline—Samonte searching for continuity after injury setbacks, Pascual and Puzon chasing bigger opportunities after limited stints elsewhere, and Mangulabnan adding immediate comfort to the system after recent runs with Akari’s squads.

     

    Yet the centerpiece of the rebuild remains Aiza Maizo-Pontillas.

     

    Landing the veteran spiker marked Galeries Tower’s most high-profile acquisition in two years and arguably the defining signal of its ambition. She anchors a group that also includes Shola Alvarez, Sharya Ancheta, Cams Victoria, Dolly Verzosa, Erika Deloria, Lycha Ebon, Erika Raagas, Blove Barbon, and Julia Angeles—an eclectic mix of experience, upside, and positional depth.

     

    With the January 31 opening of the 2026 All-Filipino Conference fast approaching, Galeries Tower’s transformation is no longer theoretical. 

     

    The Highrisers have bet on volume, leadership, and a unified coaching vision to accelerate their climb—and in doing so, have made it clear that standing still was never an option.

     

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  • NXLED capitalizes on league shake-up, banks on veteran signings for 2026 All-Filipino Conference 

    NXLED capitalizes on league shake-up, banks on veteran signings for 2026 All-Filipino Conference 

    NXLED’s long rebuild just took a sharp and deliberate turn.

     

    Rather than easing into another developmental year, the Chameleons made a loud statement ahead of the 2026 PVL season by stacking their roster with proven veterans—players shaped by championships, franchise resets, and the pressure of winning now.

     

    The first wave features a familiar Petro Gazz core in Jonah Sabete, Djanel Cheng, and Ranya Musa, all finding new footing after the Angels elected to take a leave of absence from the league. But this wasn’t merely a landing spot for displaced talent. It was a calculated acquisition of players who know how to finish seasons on top.

     

    Joining them are two of the most battle-tested names in Philippine volleyball: former Chery Tiggo captain Aby Maraño and longtime Choco Mucho scorer Aduke Ogunsanya. With their arrival, Nxled suddenly looks less like a rebuilding franchise and more like a team fast-tracking itself into relevance.

     

    the Petro Gazz trio had long been expected to surface in Nxled colors after entering free agency. Their arrival now serves as the foundation of a larger, still-unfolding plan. 

     

    More former Angels are expected to follow, as the remnants of the aborted merger quietly reshape themselves into a single, competitive identity in training.

     

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    For Cheng, the move carries historical weight. She was there when Petro Gazz entered the PVL in 2018 and remained a constant through every championship run the Angels ever claimed. Sabete and Musa, though later additions, were integral pieces of the club’s final two title conquests in 2025—experience Nxled has sorely lacked in crunch moments.

     

    Maraño’s path to the Chameleons, meanwhile, feels almost symbolic of this roster’s theme: resilience through upheaval. After enduring consecutive team disbandments with F2 Logistics and Chery Tiggo, one of the country’s most decorated middle blockers finds herself resetting yet again. This time, she hopes the restart leads not just to survival—but stability.

     

    Ogunsanya adds another layer of intrigue. Injuries slowed her during her three-year run with Choco Mucho, but a healthy return could unlock flashes of the dominant scorer who once thrived at La Salle and helped anchor championship-caliber teams.

     

    Individually, these signings tell stories of transition. Collectively, they hint at something more ambitious.

     

    Nxled is no longer content with gradual growth. By surrounding itself with winners who have already endured league turbulence, title pressure, and abrupt endings, the Chameleons are signaling that 2026 isn’t just about rebuilding—it’s about redefining who they are, and how quickly they intend to matter. 

     

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  • PVL 2026 All-Filipino Conference: Teams to watch out for this season 

    PVL 2026 All-Filipino Conference: Teams to watch out for this season 

    As the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference approaches, anticipation has never been higher. The league’s premier domestic tournament — where only Filipino players compete — returns amid a swirl of roster shakeups, free-agency moves, and franchise transitions that have reshaped the competitive landscape. This season also carries added significance as the All-Filipino Conference champion earns the right to represent the Philippines in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Champions League, with travel and logistics covered by the league.

     

    With the tournament slated to open January 31, here’s a look at the top five teams expected to make deep runs and why each deserves attention:

     

    5. Capital1 Solar Spikers — A Young Core Evolving Fast

     

    The Solar Spikers have energetically reshaped their roster following a winless Reinforced Conference campaign last season. Capital1 has loaded up with talent from disbanded squads like Chery Tiggo and others, bringing in Pauline Gaston, Cherry Nunag, Ysa Jimenez, and France Ronquillo, among others.

     

    What makes Capital1 intriguing is the blend of youthful promise and emerging leadership. Players like Bella Belen have shown the type of playmaking and consistency that can fuel upsets, and the team’s aggressive offseason strategy suggests a squad eager to prove itself in the big games. If their chemistry gels early — especially with internal leadership — Capital1 could surprise more established contenders.

     

    4. Strong Group Athletics (Farm Fresh & ZUS Coffee) — Two Banners, One Contender Identity

     

    Strong Group Athletics continues to be one of the most intriguing forces in the PVL with dual representation in the league through the Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles. The organization has signed marquee veterans like Ara Galang, Royse Tubino, Mylene Paat, and Chie Saet, bolstering both teams’ experience and firepower.

     

    Farm Fresh’s dynamic young attackers like Trisha Tubu and ZUS Coffee’s rising star Thea Gagate give each squad explosive scoring options. Meanwhile, the veteran additions bring discipline and leadership — a valuable combination in a tightly contested All-Filipino field. The key for both teams will be sustaining momentum and translating talent into consistent results against top-flight opposition.

     

    3. Choco Mucho Flying Titans — Balanced Scoring with Elite Firepower

     

    Choco Mucho’s offseason was anchored by the signing of Eya Laure, a dominant attacker whose return to the league promises to elevate the Titans’ offensive capacity. Alongside stalwarts Sisi Rondina, Kat Tolentino, and Maddie Madayag, Choco Mucho presents one of the most balanced scoring threats in the league.

     

    In previous All-Filipino runs, Choco Mucho has proven capable of rising to the occasion, even going toe-to-toe with perennial powerhouses — a reminder that they are always in the hunt when chemistry and fitness align. With a deep roster capable of pressure scoring and backline stability, the Titans step into 2026 ready for a late-season surge.

     

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    2. PLDT High Speed Hitters — Momentum and Championship Know-How

     

    PLDT enters the All-Filipino Conference with strong recent form. The High Speed Hitters captured back-to-back titles in the 2025 PVL On Tour and Invitational Conferences, showing both resilience and clutch execution in high-stakes matches.

     

    Adding middle blocker Seth Rodriguez — a strategic move following roster changes — gives PLDT added size and depth up the middle. Combined with cornerstone performers like Savi Davison and a cast familiar with title runs, PLDT offers a blend of stability and experience that few teams can match. Their championship pedigree and consistency make them serious favorites to reach the final rounds.

     

    1. Creamline Cool Smashers — The Standard Bearers of Philippine Volleyball

     

    Atop the list stands the Creamline Cool Smashers, the most decorated team in All-Filipino Conference history with six titles — more than any other franchise. They were dominant again last season, capturing both the Open Conference and the Invitational legs while narrowly missing a rare grand slam after strong showings throughout the year.

     

    Creamline’s roster remains anchored by stalwarts Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, and other seasoned players such as Bernadette Pons who will be returning after a SEA Games gold medal. The signing of elite libero Jennifer Nierva provides a targeted boost on defense — an area Creamline sought to shore up after finishing middle-of-the-pack in digs and receptions last season.

     

    Their coaching structure and continuity give them a notable edge as well; while other squads have undergone sweeping changes, Creamline’s core remains intact and battle-tested. It’s a team built for long playoff runs and poised for a bounce-back championship campaign.

     

    Season Overview 

     

    The 2026 All-Filipino Conference represents more than another trophy chase — it symbolizes a transition point in the PVL’s evolution. From significant roster realignments to more structured player acquisition mechanisms (including ongoing discussions around trades and drafts), the league is moving toward a future where talent distribution and competitive balance will continue to improve.

     

    With international competition on the line along with national pride and club supremacy, this season promises all-out battles from opening serve to final point. Whether it’s Creamline defending its legacy, PLDT building on recent success, or emerging contenders challenging the hierarchy, one thing is clear: the race for PVL supremacy in 2026 will be one of the most compelling in recent memory.

     

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  • PBA issues ₱20,000 fine after Converge ‘cooking’ gesture in Ginebra quartefinals loss

    PBA issues ₱20,000 fine after Converge ‘cooking’ gesture in Ginebra quartefinals loss

    What should have been remembered purely for a dramatic finish instead carried added consequences for Converge, as the PBA Commissioner’s Office handed down fines following a heated quarterfinal exit at the hands of Barangay Ginebra.

     

    Assistant coach Humperdink Dimatulac and players Justine Baltazar and Mark Denver Omega were each fined ₱20,000 for making a “cooking” gesture during their do-or-die knockout game against the Gin Kings, an act the league deemed inappropriate and unsportsmanlike.

     

    The incident unfolded at the height of tension, with Dimatulac and Baltazar visibly performing the gesture in open view of fans, expressing frustration over officiating calls as the FiberXers struggled to protect their twice-to-beat edge. 

     

    Omega, meanwhile, was caught doing the same motion from the bench, despite not having logged a single game for Converge since being acquired via trade from Rain or Shine following the NCAA season.

     

    All three were summoned by PBA commissioner Willie Marcial on Monday, where they acknowledged their actions and issued apologies.

     

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    “Lahat naman sila nag-sorry, nadala sila sa emosyon. Sabi ko, wag na uulitin lalo na ‘yung assistant coach na wag na (provoke) ‘yung mga fans,” Marcial said.

     

    The league’s response underscored its continued emphasis on professionalism, especially during high-pressure games where emotions often run high and gestures can quickly inflame both crowds and online discourse.

     

    The fines came on the heels of a heartbreaking end to Converge’s campaign. Despite holding a twice-to-beat advantage, the FiberXers were eliminated after Stephen Holt drilled an overtime buzzer-beater to lift Ginebra to a 99–98 victory.

     

    Instead of advancing to the semifinals, Converge was left reflecting not only on a missed opportunity but also on a costly lapse in composure—one that turned a single gesture into a league reminder that emotions, no matter how intense, must still stay within bounds.

     

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  • NBA Roundup: Big Nights, Late Runs, and Road Wins Highlight Tuesday Action

    NBA Roundup: Big Nights, Late Runs, and Road Wins Highlight Tuesday Action

    Tuesday’s NBA slate delivered a little of everything — breakout performances from young stars, veteran-led closing stretches, and crucial wins that could shape the playoff picture as the season hits its midpoint.

     

    Jazz Silence Cleveland Crowd Behind Keyonte George Masterclass

     

    Utah Jazz 123, Cleveland Cavaliers 112

    Utah turned Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse into its own stage as Keyonte George orchestrated a composed road victory, finishing with 32 points and nine assists. The Jazz established early control, then responded calmly when Cleveland surged in the second quarter behind its interior play.

     

    Utah’s ability to score in bunches after halftime proved decisive, as they consistently punished defensive lapses and won the tempo battle. Cleveland struggled to generate clean looks late, settling for contested shots as the Jazz widened the gap in the final period.

     

    Evan Mobley came close to a triple-double with 15 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, serving as the Cavaliers’ most consistent presence, but the lack of sustained perimeter scoring ultimately hurt the home side.

     

    Pacers Grind Out Tight Win Over Celtics

     

    Indiana Pacers 98, Boston Celtics 96

    In one of the night’s most physical contests, Indiana leaned on execution and defensive discipline to edge Boston in a low-scoring affair. Pascal Siakam delivered across the board with 21 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, providing steady offense whenever the Pacers needed a basket.

    Both teams struggled to find rhythm offensively, particularly in the fourth quarter, where every possession carried weight. Indiana’s ability to force tough shots and protect the ball late proved to be the difference.

     

    Payton Pritchard paced Boston with 23 points and eight assists, keeping the Celtics within striking distance, but missed opportunities down the stretch prevented a late comeback.

     

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    Maxey Ignites Early Surge as 76ers Control Raptors

     

    Philadelphia 76ers 115, Toronto Raptors 102

    Philadelphia wasted no time asserting itself, exploding out of the gate behind Tyrese Maxey’s scoring burst. The All-Star guard finished with 33 points, spearheading a dominant first half that gave the 76ers full control of the contest.

     

    While Toronto showed resilience after the break, trimming the deficit through improved ball movement and transition scoring, the Raptors were never able to fully swing the momentum. Philadelphia answered each run with timely baskets to maintain a comfortable cushion.

     

    Brandon Ingram led Toronto with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, but the Raptors’ slow start ultimately dictated the outcome.

     

    Mavericks Stay Steady to Hold Off Nets

     

    Dallas Mavericks 113, Brooklyn Nets 105

    Dallas showcased composure in the closing minutes to fend off a pesky Brooklyn squad. Rookie Cooper Flagg continued to impress, tallying 27 points and three steals, including several timely defensive plays that halted Nets rallies.

     

    The Mavericks built separation through balanced scoring and ball movement, then leaned on defensive stops late to protect their lead. Brooklyn made multiple pushes but struggled to string together stops when it mattered most.

     

    Michael Porter Jr. carried the Nets offensively with 28 points and nine rebounds, keeping Brooklyn within range, though Dallas’ control of key moments proved decisive.

     

    Kings’ Balance Beats Lakers Despite Dončić Brilliance

     

    Sacramento Kings 124, Los Angeles Lakers 112

    Luka Dončić delivered one of the night’s most electric performances, erupting for 42 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, but Sacramento answered with depth, pace, and execution.

     

    The Kings consistently found scoring from multiple spots on the floor, preventing the Lakers from loading up on one primary option. Sacramento seized control in the second half, capitalizing on defensive breakdowns and converting at the free-throw line to maintain separation.

     

    DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 32 points, six assists, and three steals, anchoring the offense and closing the door whenever Los Angeles threatened to rally.

     

     

    Clippers Pull Away Late Against Hornets

     

    LA Clippers 117, Charlotte Hornets 109

    The Clippers saved their best basketball for the closing stretch, leaning on James Harden’s playmaking and poise to secure a home victory at Intuit Dome. Harden finished with 32 points, 10 assists, and four steals, controlling the game’s tempo in crunch time.

     

    Charlotte remained competitive through three quarters, fueled by LaMelo Ball’s aggressiveness and rebounding from the guard spot. However, defensive lapses and turnovers in the final frame allowed the Clippers to pull away.

     

    Ball led the Hornets with 25 points and nine rebounds, but Los Angeles’ experience and execution down the stretch proved too much.

     

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  • Suwon KT of KBL eyes DLSU’s Jacob Cortez, UST’s Nic Cabanero as replacement for injured JD Cagulangan

    Suwon KT of KBL eyes DLSU’s Jacob Cortez, UST’s Nic Cabanero as replacement for injured JD Cagulangan

    Suwon KT’s season took a sharp turn the moment JD Cagulangan went down.

     

    With the Filipino point guard ruled out for the year due to a torn left anterior cruciate ligament, the Sonicboom are suddenly operating without the engine that steadied their backcourt. What was once a team gaining rhythm is now one racing against time, forced into the market to plug a glaring hole at point guard.

     

    Multiple sources closely monitoring the situation say Suwon KT has shifted its focus to the Philippines, where two young guards have emerged as serious options: De La Salle University floor general Jacob Cortez and University of Santo Tomas standout Nic Cabanero.

     

    The urgency is understandable. Before Cagulangan’s injury, Suwon KT was riding a four-game winning streak with the former University of the Philippines star orchestrating the offense. 

     

    The two-time UAAP champion averaged 7.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 22 minutes for  Suwon KT before going down with the injury. 

     

    Without him, the Sonicboom have been left thin at the guard spot, even as they remain in the thick of the playoff race at 16–16, good for sixth place in the standings.

     

     

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    Cortez represents a ready-made organizer with a winning pedigree. At 23 and standing 5-foot-11, the son of former PBA star Mike Cortez delivered a breakout season for La Salle, averaging 15.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals.

     

    His poise and shot-making were central to the Green Archers’ UAAP Season 88 championship run—his second collegiate title after lifting the NCAA Season 99 crown with San Beda in 2023. A move overseas, however, would come at a cost, as Cortez would have to give up his final year of eligibility with La Salle.

     

    Cabanero offers a different profile. Taller at 6-foot-2, the 22-year-old has been a fixture for UST, earning UAAP Elite Team honors twice across a five-year collegiate career. 

     

    Last season, the Cebuano guard posted 17.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while steering the Growling Tigers to a fourth-place finish. His size and scoring punch could provide Suwon KT with versatility in a backcourt suddenly short on options.

     

    Any move, though, comes with added layers. Should Suwon KT opt to bring in a new Asian import, the club would still need to negotiate a buyout for the remainder of Cagulangan’s contract, a reminder that replacing a key piece is rarely straightforward.

     

    For now, the Sonicboom are weighing risk, timing, and fit. With their season balanced on the playoff line, the search for Cagulangan’s successor is no longer just about filling a spot—it’s about preserving momentum before it slips away.

     

     

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  • Phoenix turns the page as Willy Wilson’s one-conference run comes to an end

    Phoenix turns the page as Willy Wilson’s one-conference run comes to an end

    Change has come swiftly for the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

     

    Willy Wilson’s tenure as head coach ended as quickly as it began, with the former PBA standout not renewed following Phoenix’s 2025–26 PBA Philippine Cup campaign, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation. What was envisioned as a new chapter instead became a brief stopover—one conference that served more as an evaluation period than a long-term partnership.

     

    A team insider shared that Phoenix management is still in the process of assessing the rest of the coaching staff, signaling that the changes may not stop with Wilson’s departure.

     

    Wilson was appointed head coach during the offseason, taking over from Jamike Jarin, who transitioned into the role of team consultant. 

     

    The move was meant to inject a different voice and perspective into the Fuel Masters’ program, with Wilson bringing both professional playing experience and years of coaching exposure to the bench.

     

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    In his lone conference at the helm, Phoenix struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 3–8 record and placing 10th overall. While the results fell short, Wilson’s time with the team coincided with a period of adjustment, as the Fuel Masters continued to search for a stable identity amid roster and system changes.

     

    Before joining Phoenix, Wilson quietly built a solid coaching résumé in the local basketball scene. A former PBA pro himself, he paid his dues in the collegiate and developmental ranks, earning respect as a detail-oriented coach known for emphasizing fundamentals, player accountability, and defensive discipline. 

     

    His background made him an intriguing choice for a Phoenix squad aiming to develop talent while remaining competitive.

     

    Now, the Fuel Masters appear set to pivot again.

     

    Sources indicate that Phoenix is turning its attention to the collegiate ranks in search of its next head coach, a move that suggests the franchise is prioritizing long-term program building and player development.

     

    The Fuel Masters are scheduled to open their year with their first team practice on January 19, a date that could also mark the start of another transition phase. With the season approaching, Phoenix faces familiar questions—about leadership, direction, and stability—as it once again reshapes its coaching blueprint.

     

     

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  • Galeries Towers bets on experience and youth in bold All-Filipino Conference makeover

    Galeries Towers bets on experience and youth in bold All-Filipino Conference makeover

    Galeries Towers is making it clear that the lessons from a difficult Reinforced Conference have not gone unnoticed.

     

    With the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference fast approaching, the HighRisers continued their aggressive roster build on Monday by announcing the signing of veteran opposite spiker Aiza Maizo-Pontillas—one of the most accomplished players of her generation.

     

    At 37, Maizo-Pontillas arrives not simply as an offensive option, but as a stabilizing presence for a team leaning into a new direction. 

     

    Her championship pedigree, forged during her storied run with University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP and reinforced by years of top-level competition, is expected to anchor a largely youthful Galeries lineup both on and off the court.

     

    She won’t be carrying the rebuild alone.

     

    Galeries has also brought in former Capital1 hitter Shola Alvarez and ex-ZUS Coffee standout Shar Ancheta, creating a mix of proven reliability and emerging talent. Ancheta, in particular, represents the future—the league’s first-ever Rookie of the Conference last year, she flashed immediate impact in her debut PVL season and remains one of the most intriguing young players in the league.

     

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    Alvarez, meanwhile, adds familiarity and continuity, returning to Galeries after previously suiting up for the HighRisers in 2024. Her re-entry provides the team with a player who already understands the system and culture the franchise is trying to rebuild.

     

    The moves come after a sweeping reset triggered by a winless Reinforced Conference campaign. Galeries parted ways with head coach Godfrey Okumu and his entire staff, while also releasing a long list of players as management opted for a clean slate rather than incremental change. 

     

    From the overhaul, only Alas Pilipinas standout Julia Coronel, FEU standout and PVL 2025 second overall pick Jean Asis, Roselle Baliton, and Winnie Bedaña.

     

    The roster shake-up didn’t stop there. Outside spikers Erika Raagas, Cams Victoria, Lycha Ebon, and Erika Deloria have also joined the fold, with Raagas widely viewed as a potential primary scoring option once the All-Filipino Conference begins.

     

    Guiding this revamped group is new head coach Aying Esteban, who previously led Chery Tiggo in 2022 and brings experience navigating teams through transition periods.

     

    With the All-Filipino Conference set to open on January 31, Galeries Towers is no longer just patching holes—it is redefining its identity. 

     

    By blending championship-tested veterans like Maizo-Pontillas with hungry young talents, the HighRisers are signaling that their rebuild is not about patience alone, but about competing with purpose.

     

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