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Category: Basketball

  • Triple-double king Russell Westbrook announces retirement from the NBA after 18 seasons

    Triple-double king Russell Westbrook announces retirement from the NBA after 18 seasons

    Russell Westbrook has called time on his illustrious NBA career, announcing his retirement after 18 seasons in the league and bringing an end to one of the most dynamic and statistically remarkable careers in basketball history.

     

    Westbrook announced his decision through social media in the early hours of Thursday, August 13, Philippine Standard Time, sharing a reflective message as he closed the chapter on a career that saw him become an NBA MVP, nine-time All-Star, and the league’s all-time leader in triple-doubles.

     

    “Sometimes you don’t even know when you have already watched the end. You had to be there. And now it’s over,” Westbrook wrote.

     

     

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    The 37-year-old guard’s retirement came despite continued interest from around the league. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Westbrook received offers from the Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards during the offseason but ultimately chose to step away from basketball on his own terms.

     

    Westbrook entered the NBA as the fourth overall pick of the 2008 draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, who relocated to Oklahoma City shortly afterward. He spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, becoming one of the franchise’s defining players.

     

    His time in Oklahoma City included a memorable run alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden, with the trio helping lead the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals. Westbrook eventually emerged as the face of the franchise following Durant’s departure in 2016 and went on to establish himself as Oklahoma City’s all-time leader in several major statistical categories.

     

    Perhaps no season better encapsulated Westbrook’s unique style and relentless approach than his 2016-17 campaign.

     

    With Durant having left the Thunder, Westbrook took on an even greater offensive and playmaking burden and responded with one of the most productive individual seasons in NBA history. He averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game, becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson in 1962 to average a triple-double over an entire season.

     

    Westbrook also recorded 42 triple-doubles that season, breaking Robertson’s long-standing single-season record and earning the NBA Most Valuable Player award.

     

    The triple-double became synonymous with Westbrook throughout his career. His ability to score, rebound, and create for teammates from the point guard position allowed him to repeatedly produce statistical lines that were once considered extraordinary.

     

    That consistency ultimately saw him establish an NBA record that may stand for years. Westbrook finished his career with 209 regular-season triple-doubles, comfortably the most in league history.

    He also became the first player in NBA history to record 200 career triple-doubles, reaching the milestone during the 2024-25 season.

     

    Westbrook’s career eventually took him beyond Oklahoma City, with stops at the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Sacramento Kings. Despite playing different roles as his career progressed, his trademark intensity and competitiveness remained constants.

     

    He retires with career averages of 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game, while also ranking among the league’s most accomplished players in scoring, assists, rebounds, and steals.

     

    His final season with Sacramento also added several milestones to an already remarkable résumé. Westbrook surpassed 27,000 career points, became the first point guard to surpass Oscar Robertson in career scoring, and moved into the top five on the NBA’s all-time assists list.

    For Oklahoma City, however, Westbrook’s legacy goes beyond statistics.

     

    Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti praised the former franchise cornerstone for his competitiveness, confidence, and lasting impact on the organization and its community.

     

    “Russell Westbrook is the ultimate competitor. His internal belief and unbridled fearlessness helped establish the foundation of our organization from day one in 2008 and he elevated the confidence and inspired our community in every year thereafter,” Presti said in a statement.

     

    “Russell will be as successful in his life after basketball as he was during his career because his qualities and gifts transfer. His impact on our community is still felt today, and he is beloved for his devotion as much as his talent,” he added.

     

    Westbrook’s list of individual accomplishments is extensive. In addition to his 2017 MVP award, he was a two-time NBA All-Star Game MVP, a two-time scoring champion, a three-time assists leader, and a nine-time NBA All-Star.

     

    He was also named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, further cementing his status among the greatest players in league history.

     

    While a championship ring eluded Westbrook during his 18 seasons, his impact on the game is difficult to measure solely through team success. His relentless playing style, explosive athleticism, and ability to manufacture triple-doubles transformed the way statistical production from the point guard position was viewed.

     

    From his high-flying years in Oklahoma City to his record-setting triple-double campaigns and his later role as a veteran presence, Westbrook remained one of the NBA’s most recognizable and polarizing figures.

     

    Now, after nearly two decades of competing at basketball’s highest level, the triple-double king is walking away with a legacy defined by records, individual honors, extraordinary statistical production, and an unmistakable competitive spirit.

     

    Westbrook may no longer be taking the floor, but the mark he left on the NBA—and particularly on the triple-double—will remain part of the league’s history for generations to come.

     

     

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  • Titan Ultra reworks Joshua Munzon trade as TNT remains in pursuit 

    Titan Ultra reworks Joshua Munzon trade as TNT remains in pursuit 

    Titan Ultra has pulled the plug on the initial framework of its transaction with TNT, opening the door for a new set of negotiations as the Tropang 5G continue to pursue Joshua Munzon.

    The Giant Risers were initially prepared to send Munzon to TNT in exchange for the Tropang 5G’s Season 53 first-round pick and rookie big man Joe Celzo. 

     

    The deal had been nearing completion and was only waiting for approval from the PBA Commissioner’s Office before unforeseen circumstances forced a rethink.

    Now, Titan Ultra is looking for more pieces from TNT. The change comes at a difficult time for the Giant Risers, who will be without Sajonia for the remainder of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup and the early portion of Season 51. 

     

    With the team needing to fill the void, Titan Ultra is reportedly exploring a stronger package before giving the green light on Munzon.

     

    The uncertainty surrounding the trade also explained Munzon’s no playing time on Wednesday.

     

    He did not suit up for Titan Ultra in its 143-113 blowout loss to San Miguel at the Ynares Center, an indication that the 15-point-per-game scorer is already at the center of a potential roster shake-up.

     

    Munzon has been a major contributor for the Giant Risers this conference, averaging 15.0 points, 4.75 rebounds and 1.25 steals through eight games.

     

    The proposed deal has already gone through at least one major revision. An earlier version that TNT ultimately rejected would have sent Rey Nambatac and Poy Erram to Titan Ultra in exchange for Munzon and Jeo Ambohot.

     

    With that package off the table, both sides are expected to continue talking over the next several months.

     

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    TNT’s interest, however, has not changed. The Tropang 5G remain determined to acquire Munzon, whose combination of scoring and perimeter defense makes him an attractive addition to a TNT roster looking to strengthen its rotation.

     

    The timing could also be significant for TNT as it battles for position in Group A. The Tropang 5G currently sit third at 4-4, tied with Converge, while Titan Ultra is at the bottom of the group with a 2-7 record. 

     

    For Titan Ultra, the situation presents an opportunity to maximize the return for one of its most valuable players.

     

    The Giant Risers are reportedly willing to listen to offers for everyone on the roster except their first-round pick and three second-round selections in the upcoming PBA Season 51 Draft. That gives the franchise considerable flexibility as it weighs both immediate needs and its longer-term rebuilding plans.

     

    Munzon’s value is also rooted in what he has already shown in the PBA. He broke out with NorthPort last season as one of the league’s emerging two-way talents, earning PBA Most Improved Player honors while also being selected to the All-Defensive Team.

     

    That development has made him more than just another trade piece.

     

    For TNT, he represents a proven young player who can contribute on both ends of the floor. For Titan Ultra, he is a valuable asset that could bring back the pieces needed to navigate a depleted roster.

     

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  • Brothers Dave and Shaun Ildefonso take family reunion to international stage with Strong Group 

    Brothers Dave and Shaun Ildefonso take family reunion to international stage with Strong Group 

    For Dave and Shaun Ildefonso, the 45th William Jones Cup offers more than another opportunity to compete for a championship.

     

    It gives the brothers a chance to share the court for the Philippines on a stage they have never experienced together before.

     

    The Ildefonso brothers have already gone through several chapters as teammates. They played together at National University in the UAAP before Shaun moved to Ateneo de Manila University, and they eventually reunited in the professional ranks with the Abra Solid North Weavers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

     


    Now, they are taking that partnership beyond the Philippine basketball scene.

     

    Dave is returning to Strong Group-Pilipinas as the team chases a historic third straight Jones Cup title, while Shaun joins Charles Tiu’s squad for the first time.

     

    For Dave, having his younger brother beside him makes an already meaningful opportunity even more special.

     

    “Siguro it’s a, malaking step up talaga, it’s an international league this time around. And kasama ko pa rin kuya ko. So it’s a great feeling to be able to experience this with him. And hopefully, maka-championship ako kasama siya,” Dave told reporters.

     

    Shaun, meanwhile, sees the tournament as a rare chance to test himself against high-level international competition while learning from some of the biggest names on the roster.

     

    “It’s not every day that you get to play with Boban, sila Tee, DJ, Matthew Wright, sila Remy Martin. These big names, I’m just really trying to learn from them talaga,” he told the media.

     

    “Especially, hindi ako masyado makapag-international stint sa buong career ko. So, given this chance, I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” Shaun added.

     

    But beyond basketball, the brothers are also carrying a family name that has followed them throughout their careers.

     

    Dave sees their reunion as another chapter in a journey that began in college, was temporarily separated when Shaun transferred schools, and eventually brought them back together in Abra before leading to this international opportunity.

     

    “Siyempre it’s a good opportunity to represent the country, but also yung pangalan namin, give homage to our family. It’s been us ever since, nung college, tapos naghiwalay kami tapos ito ulit sa Abra,” he said.

     

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    For Shaun, the focus is simple: appreciate the opportunity and make every moment count.

     

    “We’ll just treat it as another tournament where we can share the court together. Ang daming players na would sacrifice a lot to be in this position. We’re just really thinking of that. You know, just give everything on the court while sharing this experience with him,” Shaun explained.

     

    The brothers will be part of a loaded Strong Group lineup featuring former NBA big man Boban Marjanović, Fil-Am guard Remy Martin, veteran Matthew Wright, and returning players DJ Fenner, Tajuan Agee and Titing Manalili.

     

    Naturalized big man Malick Diouf, William Navarro and Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Piñeiro also add depth to a squad determined to extend its dominance in the tournament.

     

    That dominance, however, also means Strong Group will enter Taiwan with an even bigger target on its back.

     

    “Mas malaki yung targets on our backs kasi nga it’s our third year and we’re trying to gun for the third three-peat. So I heard nga na our competition this year is stronger and parang nag-iba pa yung tournament format,” Dave said.

     

    “So I think we have a really big target on our backs this year. Pero yun nga, you said that we have a bunch of new guys and I’m really confident in our team this year,” Dave added.

     

    Strong Group-Pilipinas will travel to Taiwan on Thursday ahead of the nine-day tournament, which runs from August 14 to 23 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.

     

    For the Ildefonsos, the goal remains the same as the rest of the team: win another title. But whatever happens, they will get to experience something that has been years in the making—representing the Philippines together on an international court.

     

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  • NSAC World Invitational puts Filipino college teams to international test 

    NSAC World Invitational puts Filipino college teams to international test 

    The Philippine collegiate basketball scene gets an international measuring stick this weekend as four local programs go head-to-head with teams from Japan, Taiwan, and Australia in the National Student Athletes Championship (NSAC) World Invitational.

     

    Presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and organized by Asiabasket, the three-day tournament runs from August 14 to 16 at the PhilSports Arena, bringing together eight teams for a competition designed to expose Filipino student-athletes to different styles of basketball.

     

    Representing the Philippines are the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, San Beda University Red Lions, Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, and Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

    They will be tested by Japan’s Fighting Eagles Nagoya and Tenri University, Taiwan’s National Formosa University, and Australia’s Elite Stacks AUS.


    More than simply adding another tournament to the collegiate calendar, the event gives the four Philippine teams an opportunity to see how their systems and players measure up against international opposition without having to leave the country.

     

    PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio highlighted the value of that exposure for the development of Filipino student-athletes.

     

    “The NSAC World Invitational allows our students to compete against international opposition here at home and gain valuable experience that can contribute to their development. The Philippine Sports Commission is pleased to support initiatives that create more meaningful competitive opportunities for Filipino athletes,” Gregorio said.

     

    For Asiabasket, the tournament is also part of a bigger push to connect Philippine collegiate basketball with the wider Asia-Pacific scene.

     

    “The NSAC World Invitational is a reflection of our vision to elevate Philippine collegiate basketball beyond our borders,” Reyes said.

     

    “We want to provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete against quality international programs while showcasing the talent, passion, and competitiveness of Philippine basketball on a larger stage.”

     

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    The format guarantees that the participating teams will get more than one chance to make an impression. The tournament opens with quarterfinals on August 14, followed by semifinals and classification games the next day before the final round of games on August 16.

     

    JRU opens against Elite Stacks AUS, while San Beda faces National Formosa University. UST battles Tenri University, with FEU taking on Fighting Eagles Nagoya.

     

    Every team will play three games, giving the Filipino squads valuable opportunities to adjust after each outing and gain experience against unfamiliar opponents.

     

    Reyes also credited the PSC and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for helping make the international competition possible.

     

    “We are truly grateful to the PSC and SBP for believing in this vision and partnering with us for the NSAC World Invitational. Together, we’re creating more opportunities for Filipino student-athletes to compete internationally while continuing to raise the standard of collegiate basketball in the Philippines,” he added.

     

    With four Philippine schools facing four international programs, the NSAC World Invitational offers more than a championship trophy.

     

    For the local teams, it is a chance to discover where they stand, identify areas that need work, and gain experience that could prove valuable when they return to domestic competition.

     

    For fans, it is also an opportunity to see Philippine collegiate basketball measured against programs from across the region and beyond.

     

    Tickets are available through TicketNet, with one ticket providing access to all games scheduled for the corresponding tournament day.

     

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  • NLEX races against time to replace injured DeQuan Jones 

    NLEX races against time to replace injured DeQuan Jones 

    NLEX is facing a race against the clock after losing DeQuan Jones for the remainder of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, leaving the Road Warriors with just days to find a replacement import.

     

    Jones suffered a gruesome ankle injury during NLEX’s overtime victory over TNT on Tuesday, forcing the team to immediately shift its attention toward finding another reinforcement before its final game ahead of the league’s long break.

     

    The Road Warriors are scheduled to face Converge on Friday, giving coach Jimmy Alapag little time to make a decision. NLEX must submit its new import to the league by Thursday noon or enter the matchup with an all-Filipino lineup.

     “You never expect your import to go down. I’ll get our staff together with management and try to figure out what we can do kasi ‘yung next game is Friday so medyo bitin ‘yung time,” Alapag said.

     

    The urgency is understandable. Jones had become a major piece of NLEX’s impressive campaign, averaging 24.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks through eight games as the Road Warriors climbed near the top of Group A.

     

    Replacing that production on short notice will be a difficult task, but NLEX knows it cannot afford to dwell on the setback with another important game approaching.

     

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    “But we will do the best we can. But again, right now, all of our thoughts and prayers are with DJ. 

     

    Big time loss for our team but we will try to find somebody who can fill that void,” Alapag said.

     

    Jones has already undergone successful surgery to repair the ankle dislocation sustained in the injury. He is also scheduled for another procedure to address the fractured fibula he suffered in the same incident.

     

    While the Road Warriors work on finding his replacement, Alapag made it clear that the team’s immediate concern remains Jones himself rather than simply the production they have lost on the court.

     

    “My deepest prayers go out to DJ. More than the basketball player, it’s the person. The team had lunch yesterday and his value to this team goes far beyond what he does on the basketball court. It’s the person, it’s the leadership, it’s the character. It’s heartbreaking to see him go down,” Alapag said.

     

    That makes the search for a new import about more than filling a statistical gap.

     

    NLEX is trying to replace a player who had become an important part of the team’s identity, while also keeping its momentum alive before the Governors’ Cup pauses for Gilas Pilipinas’ commitments.

     

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  • Zavier Lucero hopes Asian Games call-up brings first Gilas Pilipinas 

    Zavier Lucero hopes Asian Games call-up brings first Gilas Pilipinas 

    For Zavier Lucero, making the Gilas Pilipinas preliminary roster is more than simply another name on a 30-man list. It represents a possible first step toward finally wearing the national team jersey he has long wanted to earn.

     

    The Magnolia Hotshots forward was included in the preliminary pool for the 20th Asian Games in Japan next month, putting him within reach of a potential national team debut under head coach Tim Cone.

     

    “Hopefully, I’m on that short list too and get to represent the country for the first time,” he told Tiebreaker Times Wednesday night, shortly after the Hotshots beat Phoenix for their third straight win in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    Lucero still has work to do before that dream becomes reality. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has only submitted the long list required for the Asian Games, with Cone and his coaching staff still tasked with trimming the pool down to the final 12-man roster.

     

    Still, the opportunity gives the 29-year-old a fresh chance after coming close to joining Gilas in the past.

     

    The former University of the Philippines standout was initially part of the national team pool for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, only to be removed while his eligibility was being verified. The Asian Games’ more relaxed eligibility rules could now work in his favor, particularly with the absence of several overseas-based Filipino players.

     

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    On the court, Lucero offers the type of physicality and athleticism that could make him an intriguing option for the frontcourt. His ability to defend, rebound and battle inside gives Cone another potential piece as the Philippines tries to defend the Asian Games gold medal it won in 2023.

     

    But Lucero knows being considered is still a long way from making the final cut.

    For now, he is simply embracing the opportunity and allowing himself to dream about what could be his biggest basketball honor yet.

     

    “It’s bigger than anything I’ve ever been a part of, so I’m very thankful to be considered,” said Lucero.

     

    “Like I said … Hopefully I’ll make that short list. I’m excited. I’m excited at the possibility, and it’s an honor.”

     

    For a player who has already experienced the highs of college and professional basketball, the possibility of finally representing the Philippines could be the next major chapter in Lucero’s career.

     

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  • Magnolia finds its groove as Jerom Lastimosa lead the charge against Phoenix 

    Magnolia finds its groove as Jerom Lastimosa lead the charge against Phoenix 

    Magnolia is finally beginning to look like a team that has found its rhythm as the Hotshots put together their game winning streak of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, turning a tight contest against the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters into a statement 115-101 victory at the Ynares Center.

     

    The difference came in the fourth quarter, when Magnolia answered Phoenix’s push with a devastating 16-0 run that completely flipped the game.

     

    Phoenix had taken an 86-82 lead, but Jerom Lastimosa and KJ Buffen helped ignite Magnolia’s decisive surge, transforming a four-point deficit into a 98-86 advantage. From there, the Hotshots never gave the Fuel Masters a chance to recover.

    Lastimosa was at the center of the turnaround as the Magnolia guard delivered the best offensive performance of his career, scoring 30 points on an outstanding 11-of-14 shooting. Twelve of those points came in the final quarter, allowing the Hotshots to pull away when the game mattered most.

     

    Mark Barroca provided another major boost late, scoring 10 of his 21 points in the fourth.

     

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    Buffen was just as important throughout the night, finishing with 35 points and 10 rebounds, while Phoenix struggled once again to maintain its offensive production down the stretch.

     

    It was a familiar problem for the Fuel Masters. In their previous outing against Blackwater, Phoenix managed only 14 points in the final quarter. Against Magnolia, the same fourth-quarter struggles resurfaced at the worst possible time.

     

    BJ Johnson carried much of the Phoenix offense with 37 points, while Ricci Rivero added 16. Kenneth Tuffin and Kai Ballungay contributed 12 points each, with Gian Mamuyac finishing with 10.

     

    For Magnolia coach LA Tenorio, however, the biggest takeaway was not simply the scoring. It was how his players reacted after Phoenix mounted its challenge in the third quarter.

     

    “The guys responded after the third quarter. Usually, kapag nagkaka-run ang kalaban namin, we got deflated at natataranta. Today, they stayed positive,” offered head coach Tenorio said.

     

    That resilience became the foundation of Magnolia’s fourth-quarter explosion.

     

    Tenorio also singled out Lastimosa, praising the guard’s willingness to absorb coaching and immediately translate instructions into action.

     

    “What I like about Jerom is that he’s a listener, he’s a good student of the game. Ginagawa niya talaga yung mga sinasabi naming coaching staff, lalong-lalo na ako,” he said.

     

    Lastimosa’s breakout performance could prove particularly valuable for a Magnolia squad that is beginning to build momentum. With Buffen providing the heavy scoring load and Barroca delivering his veteran presence, the Hotshots suddenly have another reliable weapon capable of changing the game.

     

    The victory also carries added significance in the Group B standings as Magnolia improved to 4-3. 

     

    Phoenix, also now 4-3, slipped to solo second after previously sharing the lead with Rain or Shine.

     

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  • NLEX coach Jimmy Alapag heartbroken over DeQuan Jones injury

    NLEX coach Jimmy Alapag heartbroken over DeQuan Jones injury

    The NLEX Road Warriors continued their dominant run in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup, beating the TNT Tropang 5G, 118-111, on Tuesday, August 11, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

    But the victory came at a heavy cost as NLEX import DeQuan Jones suffered a gruesome right leg injury in the third quarter.

     

    Jones had been putting together another productive outing before the injury with 7:27 remaining in the period. He landed awkwardly after a play, with his right leg getting caught underneath him following a collision with TNT center Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser.

     

    Jones immediately went down in pain as players from both teams rushed to his side. The game was briefly halted as medical personnel attended to the veteran import.

     

     

     

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    NLEX head coach Jimmy Alapag lamented the loss of one of his team’s key players, saying it was heartbreaking to see Jones go down.

    “It’s heartbreaking to see him go down. He and I just had lunch yesterday, and his value to this team goes far beyond what he brings to the basketball court. It’s the person, the leadership, the character,” Alapag said in a press conference.

     

    Jones has been brilliant since returning to the PBA, averaging 24.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while helping NLEX win seven of its first eight games.

     

    The Road Warriors return to action on Friday, August 15, against the Converge FiberXers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. NLEX will then have an extended break as the PBA takes a hiatus while Gilas Pilipinas competes in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the 2026 Asian Games.

     

    Alapag did not disclose how NLEX plans to cope with Jones’ absence, although the team will have some time to regroup during the league’s break.

     

    “You never expect your import to go down. So we will try to figure out what we can do, but we will do the best that we can. We will try to find somebody who can fill that void,” Alapag said.

     

    Jones has since undergone successful surgery on his right leg, with NLEX team governor Ronald Dulatre saying the star import remains in high spirits following the procedure.

     

     

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  • DOLE fines Tab Baldwin and Ateneo PHP4.9 million over work permit violations

    DOLE fines Tab Baldwin and Ateneo PHP4.9 million over work permit violations

    Former Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball head coach Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin and the university have been found administratively liable for violations of Philippine labor rules governing the employment of foreign nationals, with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) imposing millions of pesos in fines.

     

    In a decision issued Tuesday, August 11, DOLE ruled that Baldwin and Ateneo violated Article 40 of the Labor Code in connection with the American-New Zealand coach’s employment and the absence of the required work permits.

     

    Baldwin was found to have worked for Ateneo from December 1, 2015, to September 28, 2016, without a valid Alien Employment Permit (AEP). Under Philippine labor regulations, foreign nationals seeking employment in the country are generally required to secure an AEP, which is issued by DOLE after determining that no qualified Filipino worker is available to perform the position.

     

     

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    DOLE imposed a separate PHP10,000 administrative fine on Baldwin and Ateneo for the earlier violation.

     

    The labor department also found Baldwin liable for failing to secure a Certificate of Exemption for a subsequent period of employment. Under the applicable rules, the continuing violation carried a PHP10,000 fine for each day of non-compliance.

     

    For the 490-day period from February 10, 2025, until Baldwin’s resignation on June 15, 2026, DOLE assessed PHP4.9 million in fines for the violation. Baldwin was also assessed another PHP4.9 million for the failure to secure the required exemption certificate, bringing his total administrative liability to approximately PHP9.8 million. Ateneo, meanwhile, was ordered to pay approximately PHP4.9 million in connection with the employment-permit violations.

     

    The DOLE ruling also referred Baldwin’s case to the Bureau of Immigration for possible summary deportation proceedings, although the labor department’s order does not itself constitute a deportation ruling.

     

    “Without prejudice to civil, administrative, or criminal complaints pending before other investigative agencies or the courts of law against Mr. Baldwin, this matter is hereby referred to the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation for summary deportation proceedings,” DOLE said in its decision.

    Baldwin and Ateneo now face the fallout from the labor ruling as the former Blue Eagles coach’s legal situation continues to develop.

     

    Ateneo has said it is reviewing the DOLE order with its legal team and studying the legal remedies available to the university. The school previously maintained that Baldwin was not an employee but worked under an independent contractor arrangement.

     

    The issue surrounding Baldwin’s employment status and work permits gained renewed attention following the tragic death of Ateneo student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili.

     

    The two Blue Eagles players drowned on June 8 during a team-building activity at a beach resort in Dipaculao, Aurora. The incident triggered several investigations involving the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the Ateneo basketball program, eventually bringing increased scrutiny to the team’s operations and Baldwin’s status in the Philippines.

     

    Baldwin subsequently resigned as Ateneo’s head coach on June 15, 2026. The UAAP later imposed a perpetual ban on Baldwin, while Ateneo was allowed to remain eligible to compete in Season 89 subject to a comprehensive reassessment of its athletic program.

     

    The DOLE case is separate from the investigations into the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili, although the labor department’s scrutiny of Baldwin’s employment documentation intensified in the aftermath of the tragedy.

     

    Baldwin had been one of the most successful coaches in Philippine collegiate basketball during his tenure with Ateneo. He guided the Blue Eagles to multiple UAAP championships and established the program as one of the dominant forces in the league.

     

    The latest DOLE ruling, however, adds another significant development to the controversies surrounding the former Ateneo coach.

     

    Both Baldwin and Ateneo have the option to pursue legal remedies against the labor department’s decision, while the Bureau of Immigration is expected to determine the next steps regarding the referral involving Baldwin.

     

    For now, the case remains part of a wider legal and administrative reckoning surrounding the Ateneo basketball program following the Aurora tragedy.

     

     

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  • OKC’s Cason Wallace reveals what makes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a superstar

    OKC’s Cason Wallace reveals what makes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a superstar

    Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has firmly established himself among the NBA’s elite, with his back-to-back Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards serving as the clearest indication of just how dominant he has become.

     

    For Thunder guard Cason Wallace, however, Gilgeous-Alexander’s greatness is about more than his numbers, accolades or ability to take over games.

     

    Wallace has had a front-row seat to Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2023. After being acquired by the Thunder in a draft-night trade, Wallace quickly became an important part of the team’s rotation, developing a reputation as a reliable two-way guard and one of Oklahoma City’s most dependable young players.

     

     

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    Over his first three seasons, Wallace has frequently operated as the Thunder’s unofficial sixth starter, providing defensive intensity, perimeter shooting and secondary playmaking whenever he steps onto the floor.

     

    With Luguentz Dort departing for the Atlanta Hawks during the offseason, Wallace could now have an even bigger role to play. The 23-year-old guard is expected to have an opportunity to push for a starting spot, which could give him even more time alongside Gilgeous-Alexander.

     

    If that opportunity comes, Wallace knows exactly who he wants to learn from.

     

    Speaking on the Cousins podcast with NBA legends Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter, Wallace opened up about what separates Gilgeous-Alexander from other elite players and highlighted the two-time MVP’s remarkable confidence and mentality.

     

    “His confidence and his self-talk are unmatched,” Wallace said.

     

    The young guard explained that Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to respond to missed shots and mistakes is one of the most impressive aspects of his game.

     

    “If you miss a shot or if something doesn’t go your way, how do you respond? His response is like, ‘I gotta keep doing that. I don’t care how many times I have missed it. I’m going to keep shooting it until I make it.’ It’s in the game. It’s crazy, bro,” Wallace added.

    That mentality has become a defining characteristic of Gilgeous-Alexander’s game.

     

    The Thunder star has blossomed into one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers, averaging more than 30 points per game in consecutive seasons. Few players in league history have been able to sustain that level of scoring production, particularly while remaining efficient and playing within the flow of an offense.

     

    What makes Gilgeous-Alexander even more difficult to defend, according to Wallace, is how efficiently he gets his numbers.

     

    Unlike some high-volume scorers who dominate the ball and require a significant portion of their team’s possessions to produce, Gilgeous-Alexander can reach elite scoring totals without completely taking the offense away from his teammates.

     

    That balance has been particularly beneficial for the Thunder, allowing other young stars and developing scorers to thrive alongside him.

     

    Players such as Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell have continued to develop their offensive games while sharing the floor with Gilgeous-Alexander, a testament to the superstar’s ability to lead without monopolizing the basketball.

     

    Wallace also pointed to Gilgeous-Alexander’s personality away from the court as another reason why he commands so much respect inside the Thunder locker room.

     

    “The fact he doesn’t take advantage of that as much as other people might. Very humble. Off the court, great guy. Nothing bad you can say about him,” Wallace said.

     

    For Wallace, playing alongside a player of Gilgeous-Alexander’s caliber represents an invaluable learning opportunity.

     

    The Thunder have built their championship aspirations around their young core, but Gilgeous-Alexander remains the centerpiece of that group. His ability to score at an elite level while creating opportunities for teammates has made him one of the most difficult players in the league to contain.

     

    Now, as Wallace potentially takes on a larger role in Oklahoma City, he will have an even greater opportunity to absorb lessons from the reigning MVP.

     

    And if Wallace can adopt even a portion of Gilgeous-Alexander’s confidence, resilience and approach to the game, the Thunder could have another important piece ready to take a significant step forward.

     

     

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