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Category: Basketball

  • Tim Cone refuses to blame Justin Brownlee’s absence for Gilas’ heavy loss to Australia

    Tim Cone refuses to blame Justin Brownlee’s absence for Gilas’ heavy loss to Australia

    The Philippine men’s national basketball team closed out the opening round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers without a victory after suffering a heavy 94-49 defeat at the hands of host Australia at RAC Arena in Perth on Monday, July 6.

     

    The loss extended Gilas Pilipinas’ winless run to four games in the qualifiers, highlighting the significant gap between the Filipinos and one of the world’s elite basketball programs. Facing the sixth-ranked team in the FIBA world rankings on its home floor, Gilas struggled to establish any offensive rhythm as Australia imposed its physicality and defensive pressure from the opening tip.

     

    Already shorthanded entering the contest, Gilas was forced to play without naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who was ruled out because of a hamstring injury. Brownlee’s absence deprived the Philippines of its most reliable scorer and playmaker, but head coach Tim Cone refused to use it as an excuse for the team’s lopsided defeat.

     

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    “Well, it wasn’t worth 40 points, that’s for sure. You know, he’s a guy we can go to in tough moments, but he wasn’t just ready to go tonight. He wouldn’t be much of a help the way he was feeling,” Cone said after the game.

     

    Instead of dwelling on the missing personnel, Cone credited Australia for executing its game plan at an elite level, praising the Boomers’ athleticism, relentless defense, and ability to capitalize on every mistake committed by Gilas.

     

    “We really felt we could come out and compete, but we only competed in stretches. That’s not good enough against a high-quality team like this, the number six team in the world. There’s a reason they are ranked that highly. Like I said, they had really superior athletes out there getting into us and making it tough,” he added.

    Australia dictated the tempo throughout the contest, forcing Gilas into difficult possessions while converting turnovers into easy transition baskets. The Boomers’ defensive intensity repeatedly disrupted the Philippines’ offensive sets, preventing the visitors from finding any sustained momentum.

     

    Leading the charge for Australia were several standout players with professional experience at the highest levels of basketball. Among them were Cleveland Cavaliers guard Tyrese Proctor and NBL superstar Bryce Cotton, whose speed, shot-making, and overall offensive firepower proved too much for the Filipinos to contain.

     

    Cone singled out Cotton’s impact on the game, acknowledging the veteran guard’s ability to punish even the slightest defensive lapses while emphasizing that Australia’s pressure defense created numerous scoring opportunities.

     

    “Well, what is he, like a six-time MVP in the NBL? He’s one of the superior athletes. He’s incredibly quick and gets off the floor so fast on his jump shot. We were supposed to switch some of the screens he was getting, and we weren’t getting to the proper switch. We weren’t executing well. Again, their defense created so much for their offense and so much for Cotton.

     

    “The bottom line was our point guards struggled tonight under the pressure, and then having to guard those kind of guys was a revelation for them. If we move on, we’re going to see players like Bryce, Proctor, Jack McVeigh, Mitch Creek, all those guys. They’re tremendous players and they know the game,” Cone concluded.

     

    Australia’s relentless pressure exposed Gilas’ backcourt throughout the night, with the Filipino guards finding little room to operate against the Boomers’ aggressive perimeter defense. Every defensive breakdown was quickly punished, allowing the hosts to steadily build their advantage and put the contest out of reach long before the final buzzer.

     

    For Gilas Pilipinas, the defeat served as another difficult lesson against top-level international competition. While the absence of Brownlee was undoubtedly felt, Cone maintained that Australia’s superior execution, depth, and defensive intensity ultimately made the difference.

     

    The result leaves Gilas Pilipinas still searching for its first victory after four games in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. With the next phase of the campaign looming, the national team will be looking to regroup, regain its health, and make the necessary adjustments as it aims to revive its qualification hopes against equally formidable opposition.

     

     

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  • Dwight Ramos admits Australia’s defense wore down Gilas Pilipinas in heavy qualifiers defeat 

    Dwight Ramos admits Australia’s defense wore down Gilas Pilipinas in heavy qualifiers defeat 

    Australia’s defense didn’t just stop Gilas Pilipinas from scoring—it dictated everything the Philippines tried to do on the floor, and Dwight Ramos believes that was the deciding factor in the Boomers’ commanding 92-49 victory in Perth.


    The Filipino swingman said Australia’s relentless full-court pressure prevented Gilas from ever settling into its offense, leaving the team scrambling to beat the defense before it could even think about creating quality scoring opportunities.

     

    “Australia had amazing pressure up the court, giving us trouble. It was very difficult. We had a lot of turnovers in the backcourt and then when we were able to get across halfcourt, shot clock was low, forced us to bad shots, and then obviously throughout the game it wears us down,” Ramos said.

     

    The constant pressure took its toll on the Philippines, which committed 19 turnovers that Australia converted into 30 points, allowing the hosts to seize complete control of the contest.

     

    Even amid Gilas’ offensive struggles, Ramos finished as the team’s top scorer with nine points. However, the 26-year-old endured a difficult shooting night, connecting on only four of his 16 attempts as Australia’s defense made every possession a challenge.

     

    The Philippines showed resilience early and stayed within striking distance, entering halftime trailing by just 14 points.

     

    Veteran center June Mar Fajardo responded after being held scoreless against New Zealand, contributing eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks to anchor the Philippines inside.

     

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    Mike Philipps also delivered one of his best outings in the qualifying window, finishing with six points and 12 rebounds while battling Australia’s frontcourt.

     

    Australia received a major offensive spark from six-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton, who erupted for a game-high 21 points off the bench. 

     

    Rising guard Tyrese Proctor added 16 points as the Boomers completed an unbeaten 6-0 campaign in the opening round of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The defeat dropped Gilas to a 2-4 record and marked the team’s fourth consecutive loss to close the first phase of qualifying. 

     

    Despite the setback, the Philippines secured its place in the second round, where it will face Syria, Iran, and Jordan in another home-and-away group.

     

    With the next qualifying window scheduled for August 27 to 31, Gilas now shifts its focus to regrouping and addressing the issues exposed by Australia’s relentless defense as it continues its bid for a place in the FIBA World Cup.

     

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  • Mike Phillips gives Gilas a fighting pulse despite heavy loss to Australia 

    Mike Phillips gives Gilas a fighting pulse despite heavy loss to Australia 

    The final score offered little comfort for Gilas Pilipinas, but Mike Phillips made sure there was still something worth remembering from Monday night’s loss in Perth.

     

    In a game where Australia dictated the tempo from start to finish en route to a 92-49 victory at RAC Arena, Phillips refused to let the contest slip by without a fight. The 6-foot-8 forward relentlessly chased loose balls, battled for rebounds against the bigger Boomers, and provided the energy that the Philippines desperately needed throughout the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers clash.

     

    The numbers reflected his effort. Phillips grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds in just 24 minutes and 29 seconds while contributing six points, highlighted by a pair of emphatic dunks. He also recorded a steal and a block, making an impact on both ends of the floor despite the lopsided result.

     

    For head coach Tim Cone, Phillips’ relentless approach stood out more than anything else.

    “Yeah, he was one of the bright lights for us tonight. He was doing great, especially in the first half. He was rebounding the heck out of the ball and just playing,” said Philippines head coach Tim Cone after the game.

     

    “His nickname is ‘Motor Mike’ and there’s a reason for that. He plays with such a tremendous motor. He’s all over the floor.”

     

    The performance was a significant response after Phillips saw limited production in his Gilas debut against New Zealand, where he posted just two points, three rebounds, and a steal in 11 minutes during the Filipinos’ heartbreaking 106-102 double-overtime defeat.

     

    Against Australia, circumstances also demanded more from him. Gilas entered the contest without naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who was sidelined by multiple injuries, opening the door for Phillips to take on a larger role in the frontcourt.

     

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    What made his outing even more impressive was that he wasn’t operating at full strength.

    Cone revealed that Phillips had been dealing with a “gimpy ankle” after suffering an injury during one of Gilas Pilipinas’ tune-up games before the third qualifying window, yet the young forward never let it affect the way he attacked every possession.

     

    The effort may not have been enough to prevent the defeat, but it reinforced why Phillips is becoming one of the national team’s most intriguing young pieces heading into the next phase of the qualifiers.

     

    The Philippines wrapped up the first round of Group A with a 2-4 record, securing third place and advancing to the second round of the Asian Qualifiers. Gilas will resume its campaign at the SM Mall of Asia Arena later this August, taking on Jordan on August 28 before facing Iran on August 30.

     

    Cone believes performances like Monday’s are only the beginning for the energetic forward.

    “He’s a young guy, and he plays with so much enthusiasm. It’s very infectious,” Cone said of Phillips.

     

    “Tonight, it was less visible because of the score, but I think that’s something our fans are really going to appreciate moving forward — watching him play with that kind of effort and seeing the other guys get infected by it and continue to play.”

     

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  • Tim Cone encouraged by Gilas youngsters as Australia challenge awaits 

    Tim Cone encouraged by Gilas youngsters as Australia challenge awaits 

    The result stung, but for Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone, Friday’s heartbreaking double-overtime loss to New Zealand also revealed something far more encouraging — the next generation of the national team is beginning to arrive.

     

    Despite falling 106-102 to the Tall Blacks in Auckland to slip to 2-3 in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Gilas drew optimism from the emergence of its young core, with Juan Gomez de Liaño, Kevin Quiambao, and Carl Tamayo carrying much of the offensive load throughout the marathon contest.

     

    Cone believes performances like these are exactly what the program has been building toward.

    “That’s how you evolve a team, right? You try to win with your veterans and you develop your young guys. Our young guys have been developing over the last year and a half, two years. Every time they’ve come into a window, they’ve gotten better,” Cone said.

     

    The trio delivered one of their best collective outings in a Gilas uniform.

     

    Gomez de Liaño finished with a team-high 23 points, matching Quiambao’s output while also adding six rebounds, four assists, and a steal. He repeatedly answered New Zealand’s runs with timely baskets, including clutch shots late in regulation and the first overtime that kept the Philippines alive.

     

    Quiambao continued to showcase his all-around game, contributing 23 points along with three rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block, while Tamayo chipped in 17 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

     

    For Cone, their steady rise has exceeded expectations.

     

    “They have evolved along with the team. That was the vision from the very beginning when we put this team together. That they, at one point, would be the main guys,” said Cone.

     

    “It may be coming a little more quickly than we thought, but they are certainly stepping up and playing at a much higher level than they were when they were first on the team. We’re real proud of those young guys for continuing to improve.”

     

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    The coach admitted, however, that the progress offered little consolation after Gilas let another opportunity against New Zealand slip away.

     

    After losing another tight contest to the Tall Blacks — who now own an 8-1 advantage in the all-time head-to-head series — Cone acknowledged just how close the Philippines came to stealing a crucial road victory.

     

    “It would have been nice to be able to come down here and steal a game. That would have been special. And the fact that we got as close as we did obviously is a huge disappointment,” he said.

    “Once you feel like it’s in your grasp and you let it slip away, it makes it tough. We had chances in both overtimes. Regulation and overtime to win that basketball game and we just came up short.”

    Still, Cone refused to question his team’s effort after watching Gilas battle one of Oceania’s toughest squads for 50 minutes.

     

    “The bottom line was our guys came to play. They expended an incredible amount of energy just staying in the game,” he said.

     

    Gilas now shifts its attention to another daunting challenge as it closes out the first round of qualifiers against Australia on Monday.

     

    The Philippines has already secured a place in the second round but hopes to snap its three-game losing streak before carrying its record into the next phase of the World Cup qualifying campaign.

     

    Meanwhile, New Zealand officially clinched its own second-round berth by improving to 3-2 behind Reuben Te Rangi, who paced the Tall Blacks with 22 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. The Kiwis will face Guam in their final first-round assignment on Monday.

     

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  • For Chris Newsome, representing Gilas is always worth the pain 

    For Chris Newsome, representing Gilas is always worth the pain 

    For Chris Newsome, wearing the Gilas Pilipinas jersey has never been about convenience.


    Even after another grueling PBA campaign, the veteran guard once again answered the national team’s call—something Meralco coach Luigi Trillo says perfectly captures the kind of player Newsome has always been.


    Speaking to the reporters Trillo admitted he takes pride in seeing his star guard represent the country, but that pride also comes with concern.


    After helping Meralco reach the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, Newsome barely had any time to recover before immediately reporting for Gilas Pilipinas’ buildup for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.


    For Trillo, that’s simply who Newsome is.


    “It’s such an honor to be on a national team and any player from your team will put country first and that’s okay… but the thing with New is, he can be on one leg and he’ll still play,” he said.


    What many fans don’t see, however, is the physical punishment the 35-year-old has been enduring behind the scenes.


    According to Trillo, Newsome continues to play through lingering injuries that would sideline many players.


    “Look at his hands, his fingers aren’t sound. One of them dislocates every practice. No joke. He has to pull that finger back into place,” Trillo also revealed.


    Despite those setbacks, Newsome never hesitated when Gilas needed him.


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    He suited up for the national team during its World Cup qualifying campaign, including Friday’s double-overtime battle against New Zealand. Although he was limited in minutes and finished scoreless in the 106-102 defeat, his presence remained valuable as one of the team’s veteran leaders.


    Trillo believes Newsome’s willingness to sacrifice is both admirable and worrying.


    “I think it’s a double-edged sword because of the success we’ve had deep in the playoffs and he has that. He has no time to recover, no time to rest his body. Also, New’s older now. You see some of these other guys, they will sit. New’s right there from the start, though. He’s always there. That’s Newsome for you,” he said.


    “I wish I can tell him what to do sometimes, but he’s just remarkable. New’s very committed in those aspects.”


    The demanding schedule isn’t over yet.


    Once Gilas wraps up its qualifying window against Australia on Monday, Newsome will have only a brief break before returning to Meralco, where the Bolts begin another title chase in the PBA Governors’ Cup.


    For Newsome, however, the routine has become familiar—serve the country first, recover later.


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  • Rich Paul reveals 27 NBA teams have contacted LeBron James ahead of free agency

    Rich Paul reveals 27 NBA teams have contacted LeBron James ahead of free agency

    LeBron James’ remarkable eight-year tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers has officially come to an end after informing the franchise that he will not return for the 2026-27 NBA season, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated free agency decisions in league history.

     

    The four-time NBA champion now finds himself at a unique crossroads in his illustrious career. Unlike previous free agency periods that were centered on legacy-defining moves or championship pursuits, James is now evaluating his options with the freedom to prioritize what matters most to him after accomplishing virtually everything the game has to offer.

     

    James’ longtime agent and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul recently shed light on the NBA icon’s mindset during an appearance on the “Game Over” podcast, revealing that discussions have already taken place with 27 different teams interested in acquiring the league’s all-time leading scorer.

     

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    “Every day things change. This is the first time that LeBron James is making a decision pressure-free. He’s won already. He’s made good on his promise – he won in L.A. This is strictly for his happiness. What does happiness entail? It’s a number of things. It’s a bucket of happiness. It’s basketball, it’s living, it’s camaraderie, it’s competition. It’s everything,” Paul said.

     

    James originally joined the Lakers in the summer of 2018, arriving at a time when one of the NBA’s most storied franchises was searching for a return to championship relevance. After several rebuilding seasons, his arrival immediately changed the trajectory of the organization, restoring optimism and transforming Los Angeles into a legitimate title contender.

     

    His defining moment with the franchise came during the 2019-20 season when he led the Lakers to the NBA championship inside the Orlando bubble. The title not only delivered the franchise’s 17th NBA championship but also earned James his fourth NBA Finals MVP award.

     

    The championship remains one of the most unique in NBA history, as the season was interrupted for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic before resuming inside a closed-campus environment at Walt Disney World. Despite the unprecedented challenges, James guided the Lakers through the playoffs with his trademark leadership and consistency, cementing another memorable chapter in his legendary career.

     

    With James now entering free agency, speculation has intensified regarding his next destination. According to Paul, several contenders have emerged as realistic landing spots, including the Philadelphia 76ers.

     

    Discussing Philadelphia’s appeal, Paul highlighted the team’s established core and how James could elevate an already talented roster.

    “Philadelphia, everything changed. How could you not have his attention when you have Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Brown and Joel Embiid? He loves Maxey, so we don’t even have to talk about that. I think VJ, he helps VJ understand really how to play the game. Obviously, Jaylen Brown. Embiid is health and habits. The health and habits of Embiid are there. James enhances everything there. He unlocks everything there,” he added.

     

    Paul also revealed that the possibility of a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers has been discussed extensively. James famously delivered Cleveland’s first NBA championship in 2016, and a reunion with the franchise where he began his professional career continues to generate significant intrigue.

     

    “Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen. Dan and Grant, which is the Gilberts. Plus Koby Altman, he was there when LeBron won there. Big, big, big X factor. Let me talk to you about Brandon Weems. Brandon Weems is basically LeBron’s brother. Now, he worked his own way up, nobody gave him anything. He’s earned to be in the front office of the Cavs. But that is a big feather in the cap for Cleveland, because of Brandon Weems,” Paul continued.

     

    While numerous franchises have reportedly expressed interest in signing James, Paul emphasized that the veteran superstar intends to approach the process carefully rather than rushing into a decision.

     

    At this stage of his career, James is expected to weigh several factors beyond basketball, including organizational stability, championship aspirations, team culture, and overall quality of life before determining where he will continue his historic NBA journey.

     

    “As you’re going through this process, I’m saying to LeBron, ‘You really have to think this through. Everything looks great in July. Everything looks great on paper. But you got to be careful with that. I said to LeBron, “These calls that I’m getting a true testament to how you have respected this game. It’s Year 24,’” he concluded.

     

    Regardless of where James ultimately lands, his Lakers legacy is already firmly established.

    During his eight seasons in Los Angeles, he not only delivered an NBA championship but also continued to rewrite the league’s record books. Wearing the purple and gold, James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer before extending his career scoring total beyond the 50,000-point mark across regular-season and playoff competition.

     

    He also became the first player in league history to eclipse 10,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists, further reinforcing his reputation as one of the most complete and versatile players the sport has ever produced.

     

    Even in his 40s, James continued to perform at an elite level. Last season, the veteran forward earned yet another NBA All-Star selection after averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 51.5 percent from the field during the regular season.

     

    His production increased during the playoffs, where he averaged 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 6.7 rebounds per game, helping guide the Lakers through the first round despite the absence of Luka Dončić, who missed the postseason through injury.

     

    As free agency unfolds, James once again finds himself at the center of the NBA landscape. After more than two decades of sustained excellence and countless accolades, the next chapter of one of basketball’s greatest careers promises to be among the league’s most closely followed storylines.

     

     

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  • Manila Gilas makes history with breakthrough Women’s Series run in Xiantao 

    Manila Gilas makes history with breakthrough Women’s Series run in Xiantao 

    For the first time since the Philippines entered the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series, a local squad has broken into the tournament’s final four.

     

    Manila Gilas delivered the country’s strongest showing yet on the international 3×3 stage after finishing fourth in the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Xiantao Stop in China, marking a significant breakthrough for Philippine women’s basketball.

     

    The Filipinas exceeded expectations by reaching the semifinals, improving on the previous best finish by a Philippine team—a fifth-place result posted by Gilas Women during the Wuhan Stop in 2024.

     

    Their milestone campaign was built on resilience, beginning with a statement quarterfinal victory over Paraguay.

     

    After suffering a 16-10 loss to the South Americans during pool play, Manila returned with a far more composed performance when everything was on the line.

     

    Tin Cayabyab spearheaded the revenge mission, exploding for 13 points behind four shots from beyond the arc as Manila edged Paraguay, 20-17.

     

    The knockout contest remained tightly contested until the closing moments.

     

    Locked at 16-all, Sam Harada buried a clutch two-pointer with just 34 seconds remaining to swing the momentum in Manila’s favor.

     

    Although Paloma Niz answered to cut the lead to one, Cayabyab calmly knocked down two free throws to seal the Philippines’ historic semifinal berth.

     

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    Awaiting Manila was host nation China, whose experience quickly showed.

     

    Li Wenxia dictated the pace with 10 points while Yang Hengyu chipped in six as the Chinese side controlled the contest from start to finish en route to a 21-11 victory.

     

    Cayabyab still paced Manila with five points, while Kaye Pingol, Harada, and Ann Pingol added three, two, and one point, respectively.

     

    Despite falling short of the championship round, the tournament became a defining moment for the squad.

     

    The fourth-place finish also translated into a significant jump in the latest FIBA 3×3 team rankings, with Manila climbing to No. 26 in the world—moving ahead of Gilas Women, who slipped to No. 31.

     

    Meanwhile, Gilas Women’s campaign ended in the quarterfinals after running into eventual champion Ulaanbaatar, which claimed a convincing 21-10 victory.

     

    Mikka Cacho led the Philippine side with four points, while Camille Clarin, Elizabeth Means, and Tantoy Ferrer contributed two markers apiece.

     

    Ulaanbaatar leaned on a balanced attack led by Thao My Truong with seven points, Amari Robinson with six, and Khulan Onolbaatar with five as it completed its title-winning run.

     

    While Gilas Women exited earlier than hoped, Manila Gilas ensured the Philippines left Xiantao with a new benchmark—one that reflects the steady rise of the country’s presence in the global 3×3 basketball scene.

     

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  • Ricci Rivero faces bigger role as Phoenix banks on growth in PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup 

    Ricci Rivero faces bigger role as Phoenix banks on growth in PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup 

    After falling short in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters are determined to make a stronger push in the upcoming Governors’ Cup, which officially tips off on July 10.


    One of the team’s key players, Phoenix guard Ricci Rivero, enters the season-ending conference carrying bigger expectations after showing flashes of becoming one of the league’s premier local scorers.

     

    His performance in the Commissioner’s Cup drew praise from Fuel Masters head coach Charles Tiu, who believes Rivero is beginning to embrace a larger responsibility within the team’s system.

    “Ricci’s been getting there. He knows the role I have for him and what I expect of him so I’m hoping he’ll be up for the challenge,” Tiu said.

     

    Rivero carried much of Phoenix’s offensive workload throughout the previous conference, delivering timely scoring performances whenever the team needed a lift.

     

    “Obviously, I want him to be a bit more consistent. That’s a challenge for him if he really wants to be considered as a star of this league, he has to be that on both ends,” he added.

     

    Unfortunately, Rivero’s campaign was cut short after suffering a finger injury, forcing him to miss the latter stages of the import-laden tournament.

     

    “He’s shown flashes of what he can be but he also showed areas where he’s just okay but hopefully, he shows that he can be consistent.”

     

    For Tiu, consistency remains the final piece for Rivero to elevate his game to another level.

     

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    Rivero is expected to spearhead Phoenix’s backcourt once again alongside Tyler Tio, while former NBA veteran BJ Johnson takes over as the Fuel Masters’ import for the Governors’ Cup.

     

    Another boost for the Fuel Masters is the return of veteran big man Justin Chua, who rejoins Phoenix after spending the past several seasons with TNT Tropang 5G. Chua’s familiarity with the Phoenix system gives the Fuel Masters another experienced presence as they aim to make a deeper run in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup. 

     

    The upcoming conference presents a fresh opportunity for Rivero to build on what was arguably his most productive stretch in the PBA. 

     

    During the Commissioner’s Cup, the former UAAP standout emerged as one of Phoenix’s most reliable local options and even erupted for a career-high 40 points in one game, the highest scoring performance by a Filipino player during the conference. 

     

    That offensive explosion showed Rivero’s ability to take over games and gave Phoenix another dependable weapon alongside its veterans.

     

    Beyond the scoring numbers, Rivero also made his presence felt in the Best Player of the Conference race, finishing among the leading local performers in the statistical standings despite missing games because of injury. 

     

    His all-around contributions on offense and defense have reinforced the coaching staff’s confidence that he can become one of the franchise’s cornerstone players if he sustains that level of play throughout an entire conference.

     

    As the Governors’ Cup approaches, Phoenix hopes greater continuity and improved health will translate into better results after its Commissioner’s Cup campaign ended earlier than expected.

     

    With Johnson expected to anchor the import duties, Chua’s expected defense and rebounding and the backcourt tandem of Rivero and Tyler Tio leading the locals, the Fuel Masters believe they have enough firepower to compete for a deeper playoff run in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

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  • Gilas braces for biggest test yet as shorthanded squad takes on unbeaten Australia 

    Gilas braces for biggest test yet as shorthanded squad takes on unbeaten Australia 

    Gilas Pilipinas doesn’t have the luxury of dwelling on another heartbreaking loss.


    Less than three days after falling to New Zealand in a double-overtime classic, the national team now shifts its attention to an even steeper challenge—a date with World No. 6 Australia to close out the third window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The task has become even tougher with Gilas set to play without naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who has been ruled out after sustaining multiple injuries to both legs. His absence leaves the Philippines without its most experienced offensive weapon against a Boomers squad that has long been one of Asia’s measuring sticks.

     

    Still, there is one familiar advantage waiting for Gilas in Perth.

     

    Just as they experienced against New Zealand, the Filipinos are expected to receive overwhelming support from the Filipino community in Western Australia, turning RAC Arena into something resembling a home court.

     

    But for head coach Tim Cone, a supportive crowd alone won’t be enough.

    “Bottom line is we gotta win games,” Cone said after Gilas’ 102-106 double-overtime loss to New Zealand on Friday.

     

    That urgency goes beyond simply ending the third qualifying window on a positive note.

     

    Although Gilas has already secured its place in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers, every result from the opening phase carries over. Another defeat would leave the Philippines entering the next stage with just a 2-4 record, putting added pressure on every remaining qualification game.

     

    Australia also represents unfinished business.

     

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    The Boomers handed Gilas a convincing 93-66 defeat when they met in Manila on March 1. While the final margin suggested a one-sided contest, the Philippines actually stayed within striking distance for much of the first half, trailing only 38-33 at the break.

     

    Australia eventually imposed its size, depth, and physicality with a dominant third quarter, outscoring Gilas 30-20 before stretching the lead to as many as 29 points.

     

    This time, however, the circumstances are different.

     

    The Philippines enters the matchup fresh from pushing New Zealand to two overtime periods on the road behind the breakout performances of Juan Gomez de Liano, Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, and Dwight Ramos—proof that Gilas’ younger core is capable of challenging higher-ranked opponents.

     

    Now, the challenge is sustaining that level against the region’s top-ranked team.

     

    Australia remains unbeaten in the qualifiers and has not lost to the Philippines in official FIBA competition in more than five decades, making Monday’s clash another opportunity for Gilas to measure how far it has come.

     

    The Philippines faces Australia on Monday at 6:30 p.m. (Manila time) at RAC Arena in Perth, hoping to end the window with a statement victory before the road to the 2027 FIBA World Cup continues.

     

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  • Meralco’s Luigi Trillo backs CJ Cansino to become a complete two-way player

    Meralco’s Luigi Trillo backs CJ Cansino to become a complete two-way player

    CJ Cansino has quickly developed into one of the Philippine Basketball Association’s brightest young talents, emerging as a key figure for the Meralco Bolts since joining the franchise in 2024.

     

    Known for his relentless energy, scoring ability, and fearless approach on offense, the 26-year-old shooting guard has become an integral part of Meralco’s core. His rise has not gone unnoticed, with Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo praising not only Cansino’s production on the court but also the professionalism and work ethic he brings behind the scenes.

     

    While Cansino has established himself as one of the team’s most dependable offensive weapons, Trillo believes the next step in his development lies on the defensive end of the floor.

     

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    “He is very coachable. I remember when I got mad at him and some players have ego, but CJ doesn’t have that. Can he improve defensively? I think he can. He has gained 20 pounds in the offseason. I don’t think people noticed that. That alone, shows how committed he is,” Trillo said during a media interaction.

     

    The added muscle is a reflection of Cansino’s commitment to improving every aspect of his game. His physical transformation is expected to help him become more effective in defending bigger and stronger opponents while also allowing him to withstand the demands of a long PBA season.

    Although Cansino has made significant strides offensively, his defensive shortcomings became evident during Meralco’s semifinal series against the TNT Tropang Giga in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. Tasked with guarding two of the league’s premier perimeter threats in Jordan Heading and Roger Pogoy, Cansino faced one of the toughest assignments of his young career.

     

    Heading’s shooting and Pogoy’s all-around offensive game consistently tested Meralco’s perimeter defense throughout the series, exposing areas where Cansino can still grow as an individual defender. Despite the difficult matchup, the coaching staff views the experience as a valuable learning opportunity rather than a setback.

     

    For Trillo, Cansino’s willingness to accept coaching and improve gives him confidence that the young guard can eventually become a complete two-way player.

     

    “He still needs to know how to win in the league, and that’s where some of the veterans come in, but he has been amazing. For him to be respected and to be a leader, he really needs to elevate his defense. Once he starts to get his own there, then he gets to be the voice of the locker room. Right now, he is in line with the vets and I’m very proud of what he has done but the sky’s the limit for this guy,” he added.

     

    Beyond his offensive production, Trillo believes Cansino possesses the qualities needed to become one of Meralco’s future leaders. However, earning that status requires more than scoring points. Becoming a reliable defender and embracing the responsibilities that come with being a two-way player are crucial steps in his evolution.

     

    At 26 years old, Cansino remains in the prime developmental stage of his career. With an improved physique, a strong work ethic, and a coaching staff that believes in his potential, the former collegiate standout has positioned himself to take another leap in the coming seasons.

     

    If he can translate his offseason work into consistent defensive performances, Cansino could elevate not only his individual game but also his standing as one of the PBA’s premier guards. For Meralco, that progression could prove vital as the Bolts continue their pursuit of another championship.

     

     

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