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Category: Basketball

  • Converge, TNT search for answers as struggling imports take center stage 

    Converge, TNT search for answers as struggling imports take center stage 

    Tuesday’s showdown between Converge and TNT may ultimately be decided by the players both teams expected to carry them.

     

    Instead, it has become a battle between two imports still searching for consistency.

     

    When the FiberXers and the Tropang 5G square off at 7:30 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, much of the spotlight will fall on Justin Hudson and Darius Days—two reinforcements who have yet to consistently deliver despite the strong performances of their local teammates.

     

    For Converge, the supporting cast has done more than enough to keep the team among the early contenders.

     

    The FiberXers raced to a 3-0 start behind dominant wins over Titan Ultra, Terrafirma, and the Macau Giant Pandas before finally suffering their first defeat against unbeaten San Miguel Beer, 128-122.

     

    Even in that loss, Converge showed it could compete with one of the league’s top championship favorites.

     

    Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar combined for 45 points and 17 rebounds while battling June Mar Fajardo inside, and Juan Gomez de Liano, Mikee Williams, and Alec Stockton continued to provide reliable scoring.

     

    The one missing piece has been Hudson, who has struggled to establish himself as the consistent offensive force Converge envisioned when it brought him in.

     

    His production becomes even more important against a TNT squad desperate to avoid falling deeper in the standings.

     

    The Tropang 5G, meanwhile, have bigger concerns than simply replacing import scoring.

     

    The defending Governors’ Cup champions have been hit hard by injuries, with Calvin Oftana, Jayson Castro, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and Kelly Williams all unavailable, leaving Chot Reyes to rely on a thinner rotation than expected.

     

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    The results have reflected those absences.

     

    After escaping the Macau Giant Pandas in their opener, TNT dropped consecutive games to NLEX and Terrafirma, slipping to 1-2 and outside the current Top Four.

     

    Like Hudson, Days has struggled to consistently impact games, making Tuesday’s matchup an opportunity for either import to finally swing momentum in his team’s favor.

     

    For Converge, a victory would immediately erase the sting of losing its unbeaten record against San Miguel and reinforce the belief that it belongs among the conference’s contenders.

     

    For TNT, the stakes are even higher.

     

    Another defeat would leave the defending champions digging an even deeper hole early in the conference while waiting for their injured stars to return.

     

    Both teams already know their local stars can compete. Now, they need their imports to prove they can do the same.

     

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  • Converge reunites with Jamaal Franklin, parts ways with Jalen Hudson ahead of TNT clash

    Converge reunites with Jamaal Franklin, parts ways with Jalen Hudson ahead of TNT clash

    Converge wasted little time searching for answers after suffering its first setback of the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup, turning to a familiar face in hopes of keeping its strong start on track.


    The FiberXers have officially replaced import Jalen Hudson with returning reinforcement Jamaal Franklin, bringing back one of the franchise’s most productive imports ahead of Tuesday’s showdown against TNT at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The team confirmed the move through its official social media post.

     

    “Welcome Back, Jamaal Franklin!”

     

    The roster change comes after Hudson’s brief four-game stint with Converge. Although he showed flashes of his scoring ability, the former import struggled to find consistency throughout the conference.

     

    Hudson averaged 12.25 points, 6.75 rebounds, and 4.25 assists before being released by the FiberXers.

     

    He made an encouraging debut by tallying 20 points, eight rebounds, and four assists against Titan Ultra, but his production steadily declined over the next few games, highlighted by a two-point outing against Terrafirma.

     

    With Converge sitting at 3-1 and third in the Group A standings following its first loss of the conference to the San Miguel Beermen, management opted to make a change before the tournament reaches its crucial stretch.

     

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    That decision brings Franklin back to a team where he previously thrived wherein the high-scoring forward last suited up for Converge during the 2023 conference, producing outstanding averages of 34.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. 

     

    Behind his all-around brilliance, the FiberXers compiled a 6-5 record to secure seventh place in the elimination round before bowing out in the quarterfinals.

     

    Franklin’s return also restores an import known for his ability to impact every facet of the game rather than simply carrying the scoring load.

     

    Before establishing himself as one of the most accomplished imports to play in Asia, Franklin was selected 41st overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2013 NBA Draft. Although he never played in an NBA regular-season game with Memphis, he developed in the NBA G League with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants before continuing his career in China with the Zhejiang Lions. 

     

    He later earned an NBA opportunity with the Denver Nuggets during the 2015-16 season before becoming a longtime standout in the Chinese Basketball Association beginning in 2017.

     

    Franklin is expected to make his season debut for Converge when the FiberXers take on TNT on Tuesday, with the team hoping his familiarity with the system can provide an immediate spark as it looks to bounce back from its first defeat.

     

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  • Cebu City All-Stars bring first EASL Elite Future Championship home to Philippines 

    Cebu City All-Stars bring first EASL Elite Future Championship home to Philippines 

    The first-ever East Asia Super League (EASL) Elite Future Championship has found its first champion—and the trophy is headed to the Philippines.

     

    Representing the country, the Cebu City All-Stars etched their names in history after defeating Macau, 61-52, in the championship game of the inaugural 15-and-under tournament at Kai Tak Sports Hall in Hong Kong on Saturday.

     

    The victory capped a memorable run for the young Filipino squad, which not only conquered the competition but also became the first team to lift the newly introduced EASL Elite Future Championship trophy.

     

    Beyond the title, the triumph showcased the rapid chemistry the team developed in a short period of time, something that stood out to Cebu standout Derek Wenceslao.

     

    “I love these guys. We only had eight weeks of training and we built friendship and love. These guys are like my brothers already,” Derek Wenceslao said with pride, holding up the trophy. “We’re really happy to be here right now.”

     

    Cebu controlled much of the contest by relying on disciplined defense and balanced offense, entering the fourth quarter with a comfortable 49-42 cushion.

     

    Macau, however, refused to fold.

     

    The hosts opened the final period with a spirited 9-4 run that sliced the deficit to just two points, 53-51, threatening to erase Cebu’s hard-earned advantage.

     

    With momentum beginning to swing, Kent Labitad delivered the game’s biggest shot.

     

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    The tournament MVP calmly buried a three-pointer with 2:50 remaining, restoring a five-point cushion and allowing Cebu to regain complete control before closing out the historic victory.

     

    Labitad finished with 22 points, five rebounds, and three assists to earn Most Valuable Player honors, while Venz Nadela dominated inside with a double-double of 15 points and 16 rebounds.

     

    The pair’s stellar tournament performances also earned them spots on the Mythical Five.

    Their reward did not end there.

     

    Labitad and Nadela, together with fellow Cebuanos Dwayne Rojo, Derek Wenceslao, and McDome De Asis, will travel to Okinawa next month for a training program with the Ryukyu Golden Kings, providing another opportunity to further develop their games on the international stage.

     

    For Cebu’s young stars, winning the inaugural championship was only the beginning. With international exposure already waiting, the historic title could serve as the launching pad for the next generation of Philippine basketball talent.

     

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  • Fresh start awaits Quentin Millora-Brown as Filipino big man joins Nagoya Diamond Dolphins 

    Fresh start awaits Quentin Millora-Brown as Filipino big man joins Nagoya Diamond Dolphins 

    For Quentin Millora-Brown, the 2026-27 B.League season represents more than just another stop in Japan—it is a chance to reset his career.

     

    After an injury-marred campaign with the Chiba Jets limited his impact, the Filipino-American center has found a new home with the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, who officially announced his signing on Friday as they continue to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.


    Millora-Brown is embracing the fresh opportunity and is eager to help Nagoya build on the success it achieved a year ago.

     

    “I’m incredibly excited to join the Dolphins and become part of this organization. With the start of the new B.LEAGUE PREMIER era, I’m looking forward to fighting alongside my teammates and all of you to protect the legacy this club has built and add to it,” Millora-Brown said.

     

    The move comes after a frustrating stretch with Chiba, where injuries prevented the 6-foot-10 big man from carving out a consistent role. He suited up in just 19 games during the previous campaign, averaging 3.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 13.9 minutes per contest.

     

    Across his first season with the Jets, Millora-Brown produced averages of 4.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists before sciatica sidelined him for the latter part of the campaign. 

     

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    His absence came as Chiba finished with a strong 42-18 regular-season record before its playoff run ended in the B.League semifinals against Nagasaki Velca.

     

    Despite the limited production, Millora-Brown believes his value extends beyond statistics.

     

    “I play hard every time I step on the court. My goal is to become the kind of player that opponents hate to play against, but teammates love to play with. Defense and setting screens are the two things I take the most pride in,” he said. 

     

    Those traits could prove valuable for a Nagoya squad looking to take the next step after posting a 41-19 record last season. 

     

    The Diamond Dolphins also reached the B.League semifinals but were eliminated by the Ryukyu Golden Kings, prompting the club to reinforce its frontcourt ahead of the league’s new campaign.

     

    Millora-Brown’s transfer also continues a busy offseason for Filipino talent in Japan. AJ Edu stayed with the Gunma Crane Thunders, while Jamie Malonzo and Matthew Wright signed with Earthfriends Tokyo Z and the Saitama Broncos, respectively. Mike Phillips also secured a move to the Kyoto Hannaryz, further expanding the Filipino presence across Japanese professional basketball.

     

    Nagoya’s expectations are equally high entering the inaugural B.LEAGUE PREMIER season. The club recently appointed veteran international coach Roy Rana as its new head coach, signaling its intent to compete for championships in the league’s new era. 

     

    Millora-Brown’s arrival gives Rana another defensive-minded interior presence as the Dolphins look to improve on last season’s Final Four finish.

     

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  • LeBron James joins Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8M deal in stunning NBA move

    LeBron James joins Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8M deal in stunning NBA move

    In one of the biggest NBA free agency moves in recent memory, four-time NBA champion LeBron James is set to begin the next chapter of his legendary career after deciding to join the Philadelphia 76ers.

     

    The 41-year-old superstar announced his decision after weeks of speculation surrounding his future, with several contenders—including the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and his former teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers—linked to a possible move. James ultimately chose Philadelphia, believing the 76ers give him the best opportunity to continue competing for another championship.

     

    NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN first reported the agreement, revealing that James would sign a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option through Klutch Sports Group and Klutch CEO Rich Paul. 

     

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    After initially considering retirement following the conclusion of the previous NBA season, James admitted that he needed time away from the game to determine whether he still had the desire to compete at the highest level.

     

    “I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game,” James wrote in a statement on X.

     

    “I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and decide if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give,” he added.

    James explained that his decision was not motivated by financial considerations, but rather by his continued passion for basketball and his desire to chase another championship before eventually walking away from the sport.

     

    “The last few weeks have really been special. I have never been able to have no clue what to do and take real time to just think,” James said.

     

    “What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship,” he continued.

     

    The move to Philadelphia represents the fourth franchise of James’ historic NBA career, following previous stops with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers.

     

    James believes he can help the 76ers become legitimate championship contenders and expressed excitement about bringing his experience and leadership to a new organization.

    “I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time,” James wrote.

     

    “Thank you LA. Miami I will forever love and Northeast Ohio will always be home!” he added.

     

    Despite entering the twilight stages of his career, James has continued to perform at an elite level. Last season with the Lakers, he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game across 60 appearances, proving that he remains one of the league’s most impactful players.

     

    Now joining a Philadelphia squad built around championship aspirations, James will look to add another title to his already historic resume while attempting to further cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

     

    With another season ahead and a new challenge awaiting, James remains focused on the same goal that has defined his career: competing, winning, and chasing another championship.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone calls out Barangay Ginebra’s “really poor effort” after Rain or Shine loss

    Tim Cone calls out Barangay Ginebra’s “really poor effort” after Rain or Shine loss

    The struggles of reigning Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) champions Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the 2026 Governors’ Cup deepened on Sunday night after another disappointing performance saw them fall to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 99-110, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The defeat marked another setback for the league powerhouse, which has yet to find its rhythm early in the conference. After entering the Governors’ Cup with championship expectations, Barangay Ginebra has instead found itself searching for consistency, now sitting at 1-2 in the standings.

     

    Rain or Shine controlled much of the contest behind standout performances from Aaron Fuller and Caelan Tiongson. Fuller led all scorers with 37 points, while Tiongson added 21 points to help the Elasto Painters secure a statement victory against one of the PBA’s most decorated franchises.

     

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    For Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, the loss was particularly frustrating—not because of execution alone, but because of what he felt was a lack of effort and intensity from his players.

     

    Cone expressed his disappointment during the postgame press conference, saying his team was simply outworked by Rain or Shine in every aspect of the game.

     

    “I’m disappointed with our effort tonight. Really, really, really poor effort. It was the worst we have had in a long time. Rain or Shine outhustled us in all departments tonight, and they had a greater sense of urgency,” Cone said.

    The numbers reflected Cone’s concerns. Barangay Ginebra struggled with ball security throughout the game, committing 21 turnovers, while also losing the rebounding battle, 46-37. The Gin Kings were also dominated inside, getting outscored in the paint, 52-22, as Rain or Shine consistently found ways to attack their defense.

     

    Beyond the statistics, Cone stressed that the bigger issue was the team’s inability to match the hunger and intensity displayed by the Elasto Painters.

     

    The veteran tactician also acknowledged that a possible championship hangover may have contributed to Barangay Ginebra’s slow start. Coming off another title run, Cone admitted that maintaining the same level of focus and motivation can sometimes become a challenge for teams that have recently reached the top.

     

    “Sometimes, coming off a championship, it’s tough to get guys going. Somehow, I’m gonna have to light a fire under our players, especially our key guys,” Cone said.

     

    Despite the team’s early struggles, Cone remained confident that Barangay Ginebra can turn things around. He pointed to the squad’s history of overcoming adversity and believes the players will eventually rediscover the level of commitment needed to compete for another championship.

     

    The coach also defended new import Riley Grigsby, who has carried much of the offensive responsibility early in the conference. While acknowledging Grigsby’s contributions, Cone emphasized that the rest of the lineup must provide more support if the Gin Kings want to remain in the title race.

     

    “Riley’s doing enough for us to win, but everybody else needs to contribute at this point. They will probably be more on the horizon at this point, but eventually, we will figure it out. Generally, we always do, but again, it’s like pulling teeth trying to get our guys focused and locked in on what we do and to play hard,” Cone said.

     

    With the Governors’ Cup still in its early stages, Barangay Ginebra has plenty of time to recover, but Cone knows improvements must come quickly as the competition continues to intensify.

     

    The Gin Kings will look to end their slump and return to the win column when they face the Meralco Bolts on Friday, July 31, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

     

     

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  • Yeng Guiao credits Adrian Nocum’s maturity after career night lifts Rain or Shine over Ginebra 

    Yeng Guiao credits Adrian Nocum’s maturity after career night lifts Rain or Shine over Ginebra 

    Rain or Shine’s early struggles in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup may have forced adjustments, but those changes are beginning to reshape the team’s identity.


    After dropping its first two games of the conference, the Elasto Painters have responded with consecutive victories, and much of that resurgence has come from a different version of Adrian Nocum. Rather than relying solely on his trademark athleticism and scoring ability, the explosive guard has embraced a larger responsibility as Rain or Shine’s primary playmaker.

     

    That transformation was on full display Sunday night as Rain or Shine outlasted Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, with Nocum orchestrating the offense in one of the finest all-around performances of his young PBA career.

     

    The 26-year-old produced 13 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out a new PBA career-high 10 assists, surpassing his previous best while recording his highest assist total of the conference. It also marked another steady step in his development after consistently creating opportunities for teammates throughout the tournament.

     

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    Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao revealed that Nocum’s emergence as a floor general has been a deliberate move after the team’s sluggish start.

     

    “We’re actually, on purpose, trying to play him a lot more minutes at the point,” said Yeng Guiao after their 0-2 start to the Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The gamble has quickly paid dividends. Nocum has now recorded at least six assists in every game this conference and has raised his average to 7.75 assists per contest, while continuing to provide scoring with 17.5 points per game. 

     

    His ability to balance attacking the basket with creating for teammates has given Rain or Shine’s offense a different rhythm during its two-game winning streak.

     

    For Guiao, the numbers only tell part of the story.

     

    “His decision-making is getting better, more mature, and he’s also partly… nagpapakita rin siya ng leadership,” lauded the champion bench tactician.

     

    Nocum’s growth has also coincided with a broader shift inside the Rain or Shine locker room. Following the trade that sent former captain Gian Mamuyac elsewhere, Caelan Tiongson has taken over the leadership role, and Guiao believes that transition has encouraged more players—including Nocum—to embrace greater accountability on and off the floor.

     

    “Si Caelan, as the leader now, is also able to inspire other guys to be part of that leadership and be accountable to their teammates. I think that’s part of the maturity of the team. We’re able to adjust to situations,” he said.

     

    While the statistical leap has been impressive, Nocum admitted the adjustment hasn’t come easily. Long recognized as one of Rain or Shine’s most explosive finishers, he has had to rethink his approach by focusing more on directing the offense and making the right reads.

     

    Still, the results have made the transition worthwhile. With back-to-back victories, the Elasto Painters have climbed back to an even 2-2 record after opening the conference with two straight defeats.

     

    “Siyempre from 0-2, ngayon 2-2 na,” the 2024 All-Rookie Team member said.

     

    Rain or Shine will now look to extend its winning streak to three when it takes on the Magnolia Hotshots on Friday, July 31, carrying with it a renewed confidence built around Nocum’s continued evolution from high-flying scorer into a dependable floor general.

     

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  • LeBron James free agency update: NBA star prioritizing championship contender

    LeBron James free agency update: NBA star prioritizing championship contender

    The future of LeBron James remains one of the biggest storylines of the NBA offseason, with the league’s all-time leading scorer still deciding where he will continue his historic career after parting ways with the Los Angeles Lakers.

     

    As James enters the next chapter of his 24th NBA season, speculation has intensified around several potential landing spots, with multiple contenders reportedly exploring the possibility of adding the four-time NBA champion.

     

    Among the teams linked to James are his former squads, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, as well as the Philadelphia 76ers, all of whom could provide the veteran superstar with an opportunity to compete for another championship.

     

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    The Golden State Warriors have also emerged as one of the most intriguing destinations, with fans and analysts eager to see James share the court with fellow NBA legend Stephen Curry in what would be one of the most star-studded pairings in league history.

     

    There had also been speculation that James was monitoring potential roster moves around the league, particularly whether teams would make major acquisitions involving Anthony Davis of the Washington Wizards or Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks before making his final decision.

     

    However, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN, James is not waiting for any additional moves around the league and will determine his next destination based on his own priorities.

     

    “Now that we are 20 days in, there’s nothing left. The teams are the teams. The information is the information. LeBron has everything he needs to make a decision,” Charania said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

     

    “The conversations have happened. From my understanding, my sources tell me, LeBron James, his agent Rich Paul, and that inner circle, they’re not waiting for another domino right now.”

     

    Charania added that James is not holding his decision based on whether another star player changes teams, noting that potential destinations have already been identified.

    “They are not waiting for Anthony Davis to get traded anywhere. They’re not waiting for anyone else to move anywhere. The teams—Cleveland, Miami, Golden State, Philadelphia, Minnesota—they’re set. Those are the teams,” he said.

     

    According to Charania, the financial aspect of the move is unlikely to be the deciding factor, with James expected to prioritize basketball considerations over contract value.

     

    “Wherever he ends up, you’re looking at minimum deals, you’re looking at exceptions. The contracts are not going to be a grand part of this deal,” Charania explained.

     

    Instead, James is focused on joining an organization that aligns with his championship ambitions and competitive goals.

     

    “LeBron James is very clear from the very beginning. This is going to be based on happiness in terms of a chance to contend for a championship, a chance to compete at a high level, and join a winning culture,” Charania said.

     

    “That doesn’t come from going to a team and then gutting that team from multiple different players.”

     

    The NBA insider also noted that teams may have been willing to make major roster adjustments if James and his camp had committed early in free agency, but that signal never came.

     

    “If during the first week of July, LeBron James and Rich Paul told the Heat or the Cavaliers or the Warriors, ‘Hey, we need you to do this, and we’re coming,’ those teams might have done that. But that message was not delivered,” Charania added.

     

    Regardless of where James ultimately lands, his decision is expected to have a significant impact on the NBA’s competitive landscape. Even at 41 years old, the future Hall of Famer continues to perform at an elite level and remains one of the league’s most influential players.

     

    Last season, James continued to defy Father Time, putting up All-NBA-caliber numbers while remaining the centerpiece of the Lakers’ offense. His durability, playmaking ability, basketball intelligence, and leadership have allowed him to maintain superstar production deep into his career.

     

    As teams await his decision, the next chapter of LeBron James’ legendary journey promises to be one of the most closely watched moves of the NBA offseason.

     

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  • Fran Yu dedicates Titan Ultra’s first PBA win to late childhood friend JV Gallego 

    Fran Yu dedicates Titan Ultra’s first PBA win to late childhood friend JV Gallego 

    For Fran Yu, Titan Ultra’s long-awaited breakthrough victory meant far more than ending a losing streak.

     

    Moments after helping the Giant Risers score a stunning 103-87 upset of defending champion TNT in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, the veteran guard made it clear who the win was really for.

     

    “Thank you, tol, binigay mo yung panalo sa amin,” he said with a smile after Titan Ultra finally entered the win column.

     

    “Para sa kanya itong game na ito.”

     

    The heartfelt message was for former Batang Gilas guard and NCAA champion JV Gallego, Yu’s childhood best friend who tragically passed away in a vehicular accident along the NLEX early Saturday morning. He was 28.

     

    While the victory gave Titan Ultra something to celebrate, it also became a deeply emotional night for Yu, who has spent the past week grieving someone who had been part of nearly every step of his basketball journey.

     

    Long before either reached the collegiate or professional ranks, Yu and Gallego were teammates at Chiang Kai Shek College, where they formed one of the school’s most dependable backcourts from grade school through high school.

     

    “One-two punch talaga kami nun sa Chiang Kai from grade school to high school,” Yu recalled. “Lagi lang akong under his wings kasi ako yung point guard, siya yung scorer sa team namin.”

    Their careers eventually took different paths.

     

    Gallego first suited up for National University before transferring to San Beda, while Yu continued his development at the University of the East before moving to Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

     

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    Even as opponents, their friendship never changed.

     

    “Nagkalaban na kami,” he said. “Masaya lang balikan lahat ng memories na magkasama kami tsaka nung magkalaban na kami.”

     

    Fate, however, gave them one final chance to reconnect.

     

    Yu revealed they had reunited on Friday night—just hours before Gallego’s fatal accident. He never imagined it would be the last time they would see each other.

     

    “Ang daming tumawag sa akin nung umaga. Nung una, hindi ako makapaniwala,” Yu said, recalling the moment he learned of the heartbreaking news through mutual friends.

     

    Since then, the Titan Ultra playmaker has made it a point to visit Gallego’s wake every evening, hoping to honor the friendship they had built over so many years.

     

    “Every night, pumupunta ako kasi nga matagal kaming hindi nagkita,” he said. “Ano ba naman yung one week na magpunta ka sa wake niya para maalala mo lahat.”

     

    Playing with a heavy heart, Yu contributed five points and orchestrated Titan Ultra’s offense with a game-high 11 assists as the Giant Risers snapped their three-game skid and secured their first victory of the conference.

     

    To him, it wasn’t a coincidence.

     

    Yu believes Gallego was watching over him all night, giving him the strength to play through the grief.

     

    “Lagi kong pinagdadasal sa kanya na sana lagi niya akong gabayan sa game, gabayan niya yung family niya,” he said. “At saka binigyan niya ako ng lakas ngayon para maglaro.

     

    “Mami-miss namin siya ng mga kaibigan namin.”

     

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  • Roger Pogoy doubles down on TNT, eyes more championships after signing new deal 

    Roger Pogoy doubles down on TNT, eyes more championships after signing new deal 

    Roger Pogoy never had to think twice about where he wanted to spend the next chapter of his career.

     

    After nearly a decade of wearing TNT colors, the veteran guard has committed to staying with the only PBA franchise he has ever known, signing a three-year contract extension with the Tropang 5G ahead of the new conference.

     

    The deal keeps one of TNT’s longest-tenured stars in the fold as the franchise continues its pursuit of another championship following a string of Finals appearances.

     

    For Pogoy, the extension represents more than job security—it is a vote of confidence that he intends to repay on the court.

     

    “Thankful ako kasi yun nga, sa management—Boss MVP, Boss Ricky, Boss Jolas, Boss Chot —na nagtiwala pa rin sila sa akin,” Pogoy told One Sports during the Tropang 5G’s media day.

     

    “Thankful ako na in-extend nila ako [at] dito pa rin ako sa TNT.”

     

    Since being selected by TNT in the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft, Pogoy has developed into one of the league’s premier two-way guards, playing a vital role in multiple championship runs while becoming one of the team’s most reliable scorers and defenders.

     

    Despite everything he has accomplished with the franchise, the 34-year-old insists the new contract only raises the standard he has set for himself.

     

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    “Mas lalo akong motivated kasi gusto kong suklihan din ‘yung tiwala nila sa akin. Gusto ko ring manalo pa ng mas maraming championship.”

     

    The timing of the extension comes as TNT continues to establish itself as one of the PBA’s premier contenders.

     

    The Tropang 5G have reached five consecutive PBA Finals, a testament to the consistency of their core. But that impressive run has also left the team with unfinished business after ending up on the losing side in three of those title series.

     

    For Pogoy, those painful defeats remain fresh and continue to drive the team entering another title chase.

     

    “Ilang finals na kami, five straight, pero tatlo [dun] hindi kami nanalo. Kaya ngayon, talagang motivated kaming lahat at pinaghahandaan talaga namin na sana matapos namin at manalo naman kami.”

     

    With his future secured, Pogoy now shifts his focus back to basketball as TNT looks to bounce back in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The Tropang 5G resume their campaign on Saturday against the still-winless Macau Giant Pandas at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, with Pogoy hoping to begin another chapter that ends the same way he envisions his new contract—with more championships in TNT colors.

     

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