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Category: Basketball

  • Phoenix, Converge bank on new import moves with BJ Johnson, Jalen Hudson for PBA Governors’ Cup

    Phoenix, Converge bank on new import moves with BJ Johnson, Jalen Hudson for PBA Governors’ Cup

    Two PBA teams that fell short of deep playoff runs last conference are hoping a change—or in one case, a reunion—at the import position will provide the spark they need in the upcoming PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.


    Phoenix Super LPG has entrusted its campaign to former NBA guard BJ Johnson, while Converge has opted for familiarity by bringing back high-scoring American swingman Jalen Hudson as both franchises look to climb the standings in the import-laden conference.

     

    Phoenix officially unveiled Johnson as its reinforcement, adding a versatile wing with experience across the NBA, the G League, and several overseas leagues.

     

    The 6-foot-7 Johnson went undrafted in 2018 after a productive collegiate career at La Salle University in Louisiana but earned opportunities in the NBA through his athleticism and defensive versatility. 

     

    He suited up for the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and Orlando Magic, while also spending time in the NBA G League, where he developed a reputation as a reliable two-way player capable of defending multiple positions and contributing offensively.

     

    Beyond the NBA, Johnson has built an extensive international rĂ©sumĂ© with stints in leagues across Europe and Asia, giving him valuable experience adapting to different styles of play—an asset Phoenix hopes will translate quickly to the PBA.

     

    The Fuel Masters are looking for that veteran presence after seeing their Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup campaign end in the quarterfinals. Phoenix finished the eliminations with a 6-6 record before its playoff run was halted by eventual champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

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    While Phoenix turns to a fresh face, Converge is welcoming back a player who already has a memorable chapter in PBA history.

     

    The FiberXers officially announced on Wednesday, July 1, that Hudson will return to the Philippines three years after his lone PBA stint.

     

    The 30-year-old first played in the league during the Season 47 Governors’ Cup, suiting up for TNT and helping the Tropang Giga post a 5-1 record during his six-game run. Despite the strong start, TNT eventually replaced him with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who went on to lead the franchise to the conference championship with a Finals victory over Barangay Ginebra.

     

    Hudson, however, left behind one of the most explosive individual performances of that conference.

     

    Ironically, his finest outing came against the very team he will now represent. He erupted for 56 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists as TNT defeated Converge, 128-122, showcasing the offensive firepower that convinced the FiberXers to bring him back.

     

    Since his previous PBA stint, Hudson has continued his professional career overseas, most recently playing for the Hefei Storm in China. He has also suited up for clubs in TĂŒrkiye, Italy, Israel, Greece, and Germany.

     

    Before taking his talents abroad, Hudson spent the 2019-20 season with the NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go, after going undrafted.

     

    He now joins a revamped Converge roster featuring Juan Gomez de Liaño, Justine Baltazar, Calvin Abueva, and Mikey Williams as the FiberXers aim to return to playoff contention.

    Converge is coming off a disappointing Commissioner’s Cup campaign after finishing with a 5-7 record, a mark that left the team outside the postseason picture.

     

    With Johnson providing Phoenix a new weapon and Hudson returning to a familiar stage, both clubs are hoping their import decisions will translate into improved results when the Governors’ Cup tips off.

     

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  • Malick Diouf, Elizabeth Means officially receive Philippine passports after naturalization 

    Malick Diouf, Elizabeth Means officially receive Philippine passports after naturalization 

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has taken another major step toward strengthening its 3×3 national basketball program after Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means officially received their Philippine passports on Wednesday.


    The federation marked the milestone by sharing photos of both players taking their oath of allegiance to the Philippines at the House of Representatives before completing passport processing at the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Consular Affairs.

     

    Their passports formally complete the final stage of a journey that began when they became Filipino citizens on May 18. Diouf and Means were granted Philippine citizenship under Republic Act 12318 and Republic Act 12319, respectively, after the measures lapsed into law without the signature of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

     

    Celebrating the occasion, the SBP welcomed its newest Filipino athletes.

     

    “Filipinos, finally! Maodo Malick Diouf and Beth [Means] have secured their Philippine passports and are now officially Filipino citizens.”

     

    The federation also acknowledged the Office of the President and members of Congress for supporting the naturalization process that made the development possible.

     

    With their Philippine passports now secured, both players are officially eligible to represent the country in international 3×3 competitions under Gilas Pilipinas, adding valuable depth to the national pool ahead of future tournaments.

     

    “This is an important step in the right direction for Gilas Pilipinas 3×3,” SBP stated.

     

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    For Means, the milestone brings an opportunity she has long anticipated. Having competed in several local tournaments, including the inaugural Cebu Hustle 3×3, she is eager to finally wear the Philippine colors on the international stage.

     

    “Oh my gosh, it has been a process, and I’m so excited.”

     

    Means played collegiate basketball for Westminster University in NCAA Division II and traces her Filipino roots to Naga City in Camarines Sur.

     

    Diouf, meanwhile, already has an established basketball rĂ©sumĂ© in the Philippines. During his stint with the University of the Philippines in the UAAP, he emerged as one of the league’s most dominant players, capturing both the UAAP Finals MVP award and the season’s Most Valuable Player honors in 2022.

     

    While celebrating the completion of Diouf’s and Means’ citizenship process, the SBP has already turned its attention to another key target.

     

    The federation remains hopeful that Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization will be finalized before the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4.

     

    Boatwright’s naturalization bill was approved on third and final reading on June 17 and, like those of Diouf and Means, could become law without the President’s signature after 30 days from receipt.

     

    Should Boatwright complete the process in time and secure his Philippine passport, the SBP could enter the continental competition with another significant reinforcement as it continues to build a more competitive Gilas Pilipinas program.

     

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  • LeBron James leaves Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons

    LeBron James leaves Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons

    The NBA’s all-time leading scorer has informed the organization that he will not return for the 2026-27 season, signaling the start of another major chapter in one of the most decorated careers in basketball history.

     

    The development was first reported by ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania after receiving confirmation from James’ longtime agent and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul. Despite turning 41, James reportedly has no plans to retire and instead intends to continue his career with another franchise, immediately making him the biggest name on the NBA market.

     

    James’ departure marks the end of an era in Los Angeles, where he spent eight seasons helping restore the Lakers to championship contention while adding several milestones to his already legendary rĂ©sumĂ©.

     

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    Lakers governor Jeanie Buss paid tribute to the four-time NBA champion, thanking James for his contributions both on and off the court throughout his tenure with the franchise.

     

    “LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers – including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold. We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family,” Buss said in a statement on social networking platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

     

    James quickly responded to Buss’ heartfelt message, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises.

     

    “No. THANK YOU! Truly an honor to wear the purple and gold while trying to continuing the greatness and legacies that came before me! I hope I made a few proud during my stint!”

     

    The message brought an emotional close to a partnership that began in the summer of 2018, when James left the Cleveland Cavaliers after opting out of his contract to sign a four-year, $153 million deal with the Lakers.

     

    Although his arrival initially came during a transitional period for the franchise, James quickly transformed Los Angeles back into a legitimate championship contender. The crowning achievement came during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when he guided the Lakers to the NBA championship inside the Orlando bubble, delivering the franchise’s 17th title and earning NBA Finals MVP honors.

    The championship was widely regarded as one of the most unique in league history due to the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the season, with players competing in a closed-campus environment after the pandemic forced a months-long suspension.

    Beyond the championship, James continued rewriting the NBA record books during his time in Los Angeles.

     

    While wearing the purple and gold, he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the league’s all-time leading scorer before extending his record beyond the 50,000-point mark across regular season and playoff competition. He also became the first player in NBA history to record at least 10,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists, further solidifying his status as one of the most complete players the sport has ever seen.

     

    Even entering his 40s, James remained among the league’s elite performers.

     

    Last season, the veteran forward earned another NBA All-Star selection after averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting 51.5 percent from the field during the regular season.

     

    He elevated his production during the playoffs, averaging 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 6.7 rebounds, helping lead the Lakers to a first-round series victory despite the absence of Luka Dončić, who missed the postseason through injury.

     

    With free agency now underway, attention has immediately shifted to where James will continue his illustrious career.

     

    No official decision has been announced regarding his next destination, but several teams are already being linked to the four-time NBA champion. Among the reported frontrunners are the Golden State Warriors, who are believed to have strong interest in pairing James with Stephen Curry in what would be one of the most star-studded duos in NBA history.

     

    James could also opt for a reunion with one of his former franchises. The Cleveland Cavaliers, where he won the 2016 NBA championship and delivered the city’s first major professional sports title in more than five decades, remain a sentimental possibility. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat—where James captured two NBA championships and four consecutive Finals appearances—have also been mentioned as a potential landing spot.

     

    Regardless of where he signs, James’ decision is expected to reshape the NBA landscape once again.

     

    After eight memorable seasons, a championship, countless records, and an enduring legacy with one of basketball’s most storied franchises, LeBron James leaves Los Angeles as one of the greatest players ever to wear the Lakers jersey. Now, as he prepares for the next stop in his unprecedented career, the basketball world will once again be watching where the NBA legend chooses to write his next chapter.

     

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  • Titan Ultra completes Governors’ Cup lineup with Tirrell Brown signing 

    Titan Ultra completes Governors’ Cup lineup with Tirrell Brown signing 

    With every other PBA team already introducing its reinforcement, Titan Ultra waited until the final stretch before revealing the player it hopes can anchor its Governors’ Cup campaign.

     

    The Giant Risers officially completed the league’s list of imports on Tuesday by signing American forward Tirrell Brown for the season-ending conference, which opens on July 10.

     

    Brown becomes the final reinforcement announced among the league’s participating teams, ending weeks of speculation as clubs finalized their rosters under the conference’s 6-foot-6 height restriction.

     

    Rather than bringing in a familiar face from the PBA circuit, Titan Ultra opted for a well-traveled veteran whose professional résumé spans multiple basketball leagues across South America.

    The 32-year-old has built his career playing in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay, gaining experience in different styles of play while establishing himself as a reliable frontcourt presence.

     

    Before turning professional, Brown suited up for the University of Central Arkansas before finishing his collegiate career at Ouachita Baptist University, where he continued to develop into a versatile forward.

     

    Now, he faces a different challenge in Asia as he prepares for his first taste of Philippine basketball.

     

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    Brown joins a Titan Ultra franchise that continues to build its identity after taking over the PBA club previously operated by NorthPort. The upcoming Governors’ Cup will mark only the team’s third conference under its new banner, making the selection of its import another significant step in shaping its long-term direction.

     

    His debut will come immediately on opening night.

     

    Titan Ultra is scheduled to face Terrafirma at Ynares Center to kick off its campaign in a tournament that will once again feature a double-round group-stage format before the playoffs.

    The Giant Risers were drawn into the highly competitive Group A alongside TNT, Converge, San Miguel Beer, NLEX, Terrafirma, and guest team Macau.

     

    With the final piece of its roster now in place, Titan Ultra hopes Brown’s international experience can help the franchise take another step forward as it seeks to establish itself among the PBA’s emerging contenders.

     

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  • Perth’s Filipino community rallies behind Gilas ahead of Boomers showdown 

    Perth’s Filipino community rallies behind Gilas ahead of Boomers showdown 

    Long before Gilas Pilipinas takes the floor against Australia, the Philippines has already made its presence felt in Perth.

     

    Across Western Australia’s Filipino community, preparations have shifted into full gear as thousands of supporters rally behind the national team ahead of its July 6 showdown with the Boomers in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    From sold-out sections and locally made Gilas merchandise to airport welcomes and community celebrations, the build-up has become more than just anticipation for a basketball game—it has evolved into a celebration of Filipino pride overseas.

     

    The excitement intensified after the Philippine Consulate in Western Australia successfully requested a dedicated Philippine supporters’ section inside RAC Arena.

     

    Almost immediately, Filipino families, basketball clubs, and community organizations began snapping up tickets, determined to transform part of the venue into a sea of red, blue, and yellow when Gilas faces the host nation.

     

    The growing anticipation has also benefited local businesses.

     

    Perth-based entrepreneur Mark Ingalla, who produces Gilas Pilipinas fan shirts locally, said demand has climbed sharply as game day approaches.

     

    “Sales are going fast. Our kababayans really want to show their support — everyone wants to wear Gilas gear on game day,” Ingalla shared.

     

    Support for the national team extends well beyond the arena.

     

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    Community groups have organized a packed schedule beginning with a welcome reception for Gilas at Perth Airport on July 4. A fan march is planned before tip-off on July 6, while public watch parties and a post-game gathering at a nearby pub are expected to keep the celebration going regardless of the result.

     

    With thousands expected to converge around RAC Arena, organizers believe the district will resemble a Filipino festival throughout the weekend.

     

    Philippine Honorary Consul to Western Australia Melissa Aguasa said the response from the community has exceeded expectations.

     

    “Tickets are selling very fast. Our kababayans can’t wait to cheer for Gilas Pilipinas. Perth is ready,” Aguasa said, noting that the community is mobilizing to give the national team a hero’s welcome.

     

    Sports club leader Gil Mangoba shared the same optimism.

     

    “Perth is ready to roar. The energy in the community is incredible.”

     

    The atmosphere will also welcome a refreshed Gilas lineup.

     

    The national team will be reinforced by UAAP MVP Mike Phillips and PBA standout Justine Baltazar, with Phillips set to make his first appearance as a locally classified player under FIBA eligibility rules. He last represented the Philippines during the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, where Gilas reclaimed the men’s basketball gold medal.

     

    Home to an estimated 50,000 Filipinos—Australia’s fifth-largest Filipino migrant community—Perth is poised to become an extension of Philippine basketball culture, proving that even thousands of kilometers from home, Gilas Pilipinas will never have to play without a crowd behind it

     

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  • Gilas Pilipinas sweeps New Zealand clubs in tune-up games ahead of FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

    Gilas Pilipinas sweeps New Zealand clubs in tune-up games ahead of FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

    The Philippine men’s national basketball team heads into one of the most crucial stretches of its FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers campaign as Gilas Pilipinas prepares for back-to-back clashes against regional heavyweights New Zealand and Australia in the opening week of July.

     

    With qualification points at a premium and the race for the next phase intensifying, head coach Tim Cone knows his squad faces its biggest challenge yet. The upcoming window will test Gilas’ depth, chemistry, and resilience as it looks to improve its standing against two of the strongest basketball programs in the Asia-Oceania region.

     

    The Philippines currently occupies third place in its qualifying group with six points after compiling a 2-2 record through its first four games. While Gilas remains firmly in contention, victories in the upcoming fixtures would significantly strengthen its qualification hopes and provide valuable momentum heading into the latter stages of the campaign.

     

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    Recognizing the importance of the July window, Cone and his coaching staff have carefully structured the team’s preparations, with Gilas completing a successful training camp in New Zealand that included two convincing victories in a pair of tune-up games against local professional clubs.

     

    The national team opened its exhibition schedule with an impressive 92-61 victory over the Manawatu Jets, showcasing its defensive intensity and balanced offensive attack.

     

    Gilas then carried that momentum into its second outing, producing another dominant performance with a 94-66 triumph over the Franklin Bulls on Tuesday, June 30.

     

    Despite sitting out naturalized star Justin Brownlee in both exhibition games, the Philippines showed encouraging depth as Cone gave extended minutes to several younger players and role contributors. The decision allowed the coaching staff to evaluate different lineup combinations while keeping one of the team’s most important veterans fresh ahead of the qualifiers.

     

    The convincing victories also provided Gilas an opportunity to sharpen its offensive execution, defensive rotations, and transition game against quality competition before facing New Zealand and Australia.

    Cone expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparation, emphasizing that confidence stems from thorough planning and consistent work during training.

     

    “We have been a team that’s pulled off surprises before, so I’m not going to be surprised if we pull off another one. That’s really good preparation for us. I have always said that a prepared team is a confident team, and if we are confident, that’s going to show in our games,” Cone said after the win.

     

    The veteran coach has repeatedly stressed that while Gilas may not always be favored against traditional regional powers, preparation and belief can help bridge the talent gap.

    The challenge now becomes considerably tougher.

     

    Gilas opens the qualifying window against New Zealand on Friday, July 3, a matchup that has historically been one of the Philippines’ toughest assignments. The Tall Blacks are known for their disciplined half-court offense, physical defense, and strong international experience, making them a formidable opponent on home soil.

     

    The test becomes even greater just three days later when Gilas takes on Australia on Monday, July 6. The Boomers remain one of the premier basketball nations in the Asia-Oceania region, boasting elite talent, size, and depth developed through top domestic and international leagues.

     

    The condensed schedule leaves little room for recovery, placing an added premium on Gilas’ conditioning, bench production, and ability to make quick tactical adjustments between games.

     

    The Philippines will also look to its veteran core to provide leadership in the high-pressure environment, while younger players who impressed during the tune-up matches may be called upon to make meaningful contributions in crucial stretches.

     

    Both games are expected to have a significant impact on the group standings, with Australia, New Zealand, Guam, and the Philippines all vying for favorable positioning as the qualification race enters a pivotal stage.

     

    For Gilas Pilipinas, the upcoming window represents more than just two basketball games. It is an opportunity to measure itself against the region’s elite, validate the progress made under Cone’s system, and potentially deliver another statement performance on the road.

     

    Armed with confidence from a successful training camp and dominant exhibition victories, Gilas now turns its full attention to the challenge ahead, hoping its preparation translates into results when the stakes are at their highest.

     

     

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  • Jimmy Alapag reunites with trusted ally Jamike Jarin as NLEX coaching staff takes shape 

    Jimmy Alapag reunites with trusted ally Jamike Jarin as NLEX coaching staff takes shape 

    Jimmy Alapag is wasting little time surrounding himself with familiar faces as he begins a new chapter with NLEX, tapping longtime coaching associate Jamike Jarin to join his staff for the upcoming PBA season.


    Among the Road Warriors’ coaching group, Jarin stands out as the lone addition personally selected by the newly appointed head coach, highlighting the trust and chemistry the two have developed through years of working together.

     

    Their partnership dates back to their successful stint with TNT, where Jarin served as an assistant coach from 2010 to 2013 while Alapag starred as the team’s floor general. 

     

    The connection continued at Meralco after Jarin joined Norman Black’s coaching staff, with both sharing the bench during Alapag’s final season as a professional player in 2015.

     

    Now, that long-standing relationship will continue at NLEX as Alapag assembles a staff he believes can help establish the culture he wants with the Road Warriors.

     

    Jarin is no stranger to head coaching responsibilities. He most recently handled Phoenix Super LPG before Charles Tiu took over the franchise last year. 

     

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    Prior to that, he also coached the Phoenix Fuel Masters before stepping away ahead of the PBA Season 50. The veteran mentor likewise built his résumé as a former national youth coach.

     

    His arrival adds another experienced voice to an already established NLEX coaching staff that includes Borgie Hermida, Emman Monfort, Melo Lim, Anton Escolin, Jorge Sison, Woody Co, and veteran Adonis Tierra. 

     

    Aside from Jarin’s appointment, the rest of the Road Warriors’ coaching lineup remains unchanged.

     

    Fans got an early glimpse of the revamped coaching staff on Tuesday when both Alapag and Jarin were seen together on the sidelines during NLEX’s tuneup game against Blackwater at the Epsilon Chi Center inside the University of the Philippines grounds.

     

    The appointment also marks Jarin’s return to the MVP Group after a nine-year absence, bringing him back to an organization where he previously enjoyed some of the most significant chapters of his coaching career.

     

    Alapag, 48, was officially named NLEX’s new head coach on Monday night, and his first major personnel move reflects a preference for continuity, familiarity, and trusted experience as he begins building the Road Warriors in his own image.

     

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  • PBA sets stage for Season 50 Governors’ Cup with schedule release 

    PBA sets stage for Season 50 Governors’ Cup with schedule release 

    The PBA has officially released the schedule for the Season 50 Governors’ Cup, with the season-ending conference set to open on July 10 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo with a doubleheader.

    The opening game will feature Terrafirma taking on Titan Ultra at 5 p.m., with Justin Strings set to make his debut as Dyip’s new import.


    The main game will see the NLEX Road Warriors begin their campaign against the Macau Black Pandas, marking the franchise’s first official game under incoming head coach Jimmy Alapag.

     

    NLEX enters the Governors’ Cup looking for a strong bounce-back after a disappointing Commissioner’s Cup playoff exit. The Road Warriors finished as the top seed in the eliminations and held a twice-to-beat advantage but were eliminated by TNT in the quarterfinals.

     

    The action continues on July 11 at the Ynares Center in Montalban, where Blackwater faces Rain or Shine in the opening game before Phoenix battles Magnolia in the second match of another doubleheader.

     

    The following schedule at Montalban features NLEX against Titan Ultra in the first game, while Converge makes its conference debut against the same guest team in the second matchup.

     

    One of the biggest debuts of the tournament comes on July 14, when prolific import George King makes his first appearance for San Miguel Beer as the Beermen take on the Macau Black Pandas at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

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    Meanwhile, Meralco opens its Governors’ Cup campaign on July 13 against Phoenix at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The league’s two reigning champions will also begin their title bids on July 19 at the Big Dome. Defending Governors’ Cup champion TNT Tropang 5G starts its title defense against the Macau Black Pandas, while newly crowned Commissioner’s Cup champion Barangay Ginebra faces the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

     

    The Governors’ Cup is scheduled to run until October 21, making it the longest conference on the PBA calendar this season. After the games on August 14 featuring Converge vs. NLEX and Meralco vs. Barangay Ginebra at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the league will take a break before resuming on October 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The return of action will feature NLEX against the Macau Black Pandas, followed by Terrafirma versus TNT.

     

    The September break will give way to the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, as Gilas Pilipinas Men prepare to represent the country in the continental competition.

     

    Gilas will aim to defend the gold medal won by the Philippines at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where the national team captured the country’s first men’s basketball gold in 61 years.

     

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  • BJ Andrade chases fresh start with Winling in Hong Kong 

    BJ Andrade chases fresh start with Winling in Hong Kong 

    For the first time since turning professional, BJ Andrade is stepping outside the PBA in search of something that has continued to slip through his grasp—a championship.

     

    The former Ateneo standout is taking his career to Hong Kong after securing an unconditional release from Blackwater, allowing him to sign a three-year contract with A1 League club Winling.

    The move offers Andrade more than just a new jersey. It gives the 27-year-old guard an opportunity to return to the city where he was born while embracing a new challenge as a local player in one of Hong Kong’s top basketball leagues.

     

    Before beginning his overseas chapter, Andrade made sure to acknowledge the league and the organization that helped him reach this point.

     

    “Sobrang grateful ako sa PBA kasi ever since nag-start ako mag-basketball, pangarap ko na maglaro dun. At na-develop ko ang sarili ko sa liga at nakalaro ako ng mga idol ko dati,” Andrade told Tiebreaker Times.

     

    “Sa Blackwater sobrang thankful ako kasi nabigyan ako ng opportunity na ipakita yung kaya kong gawin and napaka-understanding nila when I brought up the offer from Winling. And they just wanted what was best for me.”

     

    Andrade’s PBA journey was filled with adjustments.

     

    After being selected 10th overall by Converge in the 2023 PBA Draft, he spent two seasons with the FiberXers before being dealt to Blackwater in exchange for Rey Suerte.

     

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    Although his stint with the Bossing lasted only one conference, it provided him with another chance to showcase his versatility. Andrade appeared in 11 games and averaged 6.1 points per contest before an unexpected opportunity knocked from overseas.

     

    Now, Winling becomes the next destination for the former Blue Eagle.

     

    The Hong Kong club finished fifth in last season’s A1 League standings and is hoping Andrade can help strengthen its backcourt as it pursues its first league championship since 2015.

    For Andrade, however, the motivation extends beyond simply changing teams.

     

    He sees the move as an opportunity to carry Filipino basketball onto another stage while pursuing the one achievement still missing from his résumé.

     

    “I’m very happy and lucky because I was born in Hong Kong and local ako dito. Kahit papaano, nagkaroon ako ng opportunity to play outside the Philippines. Goal ko dito is to bring Filipino basketball to Hong Kong kahit papaano, make a name for myself here, and win a championship. Never pa kasi akong nag-champion as a pro, and you know me—I’m a winner,” he said.

     

    “I won in high school and college. Sana soon, champion na rin as a pro.”

     

    After winning titles with Ateneo in college and enjoying success earlier in his basketball career, Andrade now begins a new pursuit—one that he hopes finally ends with his first professional crown, this time in the city where his story first began.

     

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  • Jack Animam looks forward to BT Toews-led Gilas Women campaign 

    Jack Animam looks forward to BT Toews-led Gilas Women campaign 

    Jack Animam sees a new opportunity for growth as Gilas Pilipinas Women enters a new chapter under head coach BT Toews, with the national team preparing for a crucial campaign in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament.

    The 6-foot-4 center, who recently made history by becoming the first homegrown Filipino player to compete in Poland’s Basket Liga Kobiet after signing with Energa Torun, is eager to be part of Toews’ system and experience his approach to the game.

    Animam’s excitement comes from a familiar connection. Fresh off a championship run with Denso in Japan, the Filipino standout will now work with a coach who also built a winning reputation in the same country after guiding Fujitsu to league championships in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.

    “Nagulat ako siyempre, kasi galing ako sa Japan, tapos nag-coach din siya sa Japan. Parang, ‘Wow!’ Nagulat ako and excited to work with him. Siguro ‘yun nga, matagal na siyang nasa Japan and he’s been coaching in different parts ng world,” Animam said.

    Toews brings decades of international coaching experience, with previous stops at the University of Winnipeg, Canadian Academy High School, and several B.League clubs including Hyogo, Shibuya, and Toyama.


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    He officially took over the Gilas Pilipinas Women program last month, replacing longtime mentor Patrick Aquino.

    For Animam, the arrival of Toews gives the national team another valuable resource as Philippine women’s basketball continues to rise on the international stage.

    She believes the Canadian coach’s global background can help build on the foundation established during Aquino’s tenure.

    “Siguro ‘yung experience niya, lalo na ngayon paangat na nang paangat ‘yung estado ng Philippine women’s basketball na sinimulan ni Coach Pat (Aquino), ayun I think more on ‘yung kung ano ‘yung madadala ni Coach BT sa pagiging coach niya for the longest time on the international stage,” she said.

    Gilas Pilipinas Women will begin its first practice session under Toews on Tuesday as the squad starts preparations for the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament scheduled from August 17 to 23 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

    The Philippines faces a difficult Group B assignment, where it will battle host Mexico, Canada, and Senegal. The tournament presents another opportunity for Gilas Women to continue its progress and move closer to an Olympic berth.

    “I think you know kung ano ‘yung tinrabaho namin all these years na makarating kami sa ganitong estado at mabigyan kami ng oportunidad para lumaban, para magkaroon kami ng spot sa Olympic qualifiers, malaking bagay ‘yun sa amin,” the National University standout said.

    Although Animam is preparing for a new professional chapter in Poland, her focus remains with the national team first. The veteran center is committed to helping Gilas Women navigate its transition period and compete against some of the world’s strongest women’s basketball programs.

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