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Category: Basketball

  • Nick Demusis returns to PBA stage as Blackwater adds veteran forward to Governor’s Cup campaign 

    Nick Demusis returns to PBA stage as Blackwater adds veteran forward to Governor’s Cup campaign 

    Nick Demusis is set to make his return to the PBA after Blackwater brought in the veteran forward for the remainder of Season 50, adding him to the Bossing roster ahead of the third conference Governors’ Cup.


    The 6-foot forward was officially welcomed into the Blackwater organization on Monday by team manager Johnson Martinez as the franchise looks to strengthen its lineup for the upcoming conference.

     

    Demusis’ arrival comes as Blackwater continues to make adjustments to its roster, with the team parting ways with veteran big man Bradwyn Guinto and third-year center Clifford Jopia. 

     

    There are also discussions surrounding a possible trade involving Christian David.

     

    The comeback marks Demusis’ return to competitive basketball after his stint with the Zamboanga Valientes in the Dubai International Basketball Invitational Tournament. 

     

    His overseas campaign gained attention after an incident involving Ismael Romero during a game against Al Ahli Tripoli, where Demusis was attacked. 

     

    The incident later led Demusis and the Valientes to file a complaint against Romero, affecting Romero’s chances of securing a contract as Meralco’s import for the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

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    Before his international stint, Demusis built his reputation as a dependable forward in the local basketball scene. His performances helped him become recognized as a versatile player, eventually earning him a place in the PBA Draft.

     

    The Filipino-American forward was selected 18th overall by the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in the 2021 PBA Draft. 

     

    After spending a season with Phoenix, Demusis was later included in a trade package that sent him and two future second-round draft picks to Rain or Shine in exchange for Javee Mocon.

     

    With the Elasto Painters, Demusis developed a reputation as an energetic contributor who provided effort on both ends of the floor. 

     

    During the 2022–23 season, he posted one of his more productive campaigns, averaging 5.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while giving Rain or Shine added depth in the frontcourt.

     

    His final PBA appearance came with Rain or Shine in Season 49, where he averaged 2.4 points per game before his contract expired in 2025 and was not renewed. 

     

    Now, the move to Blackwater gives Demusis another opportunity to revive his PBA career and provide veteran presence as the Bossing enter a new phase of their campaign.

     

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  • Jimmy Alapag returns home to bring NBA experience as NLEX’s new mentor  

    Jimmy Alapag returns home to bring NBA experience as NLEX’s new mentor  

    After spending the last six years learning the game from the sidelines of the NBA, Jimmy Alapag is finally bringing that experience back to where his legendary basketball journey began.

     

    The former PBA superstar officially returns to the Philippine league—not as a player this time, but as the new head coach of the NLEX Road Warriors, a franchise hoping its next breakthrough will come under one of the country’s most respected basketball minds.

     

    NLEX made the announcement on Monday through its official social media platforms, confirming Alapag’s appointment ahead of the opening of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The move signals a major shift for a team that has consistently shown flashes of promise but has yet to establish itself as a legitimate title contender.

     

    “Welcome to your new home coach Jimmy Alapag! As we prepare for the upcoming conference, the NLEX management believes this is the right time to introduce renewed leadership while preserving the continuity and identity that the team has built,” NLEX said on social media.

     

    “We are appointing Coach Jimmy Alapag as Head Coach of the NLEX Road Warriors. Coach Jimmy brings valuable experience from an NBA organization, a strong basketball philosophy, and a player-centered approach that we believe can help elevate the team to the next level,” the team further said.

     

    Alapag replaces veteran tactician Jong Uichico, inheriting a roster that showed significant progress during the Commissioner’s Cup after finishing the elimination round with a 10-2 record.

     

    Despite that impressive showing, NLEX’s campaign ended earlier than expected after falling to eventual finalist TNT Tropang 5G in the quarterfinals, leaving the franchise searching for the next piece that could push it deeper into the playoffs.

     

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    Rather than making wholesale roster changes, the Road Warriors opted for a change in leadership.

     

    “This move is about strengthening the program, combining fresh perspectives with continuity, and giving ourselves the best opportunity to achieve our goal of becoming a championship-caliber team,” the organization added.

     

    For Alapag, the opportunity marks another milestone in a career that has already crossed multiple basketball stages.

     

    Following his decorated playing career that included six PBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and a place among the league’s 50 Greatest Players, Alapag transitioned into coaching and eventually joined the Sacramento Kings organization.

     

    During his six-year stay, he served on the coaching staff of both the Kings and their NBA G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings, gaining valuable experience in one of the world’s most competitive basketball environments.

     

    Now, he returns to Philippine basketball carrying a different perspective—one shaped by years inside an NBA organization but rooted in the league where he became one of its greatest point guards.

     

    Alapag’s coaching debut will come immediately on opening night of the Governors’ Cup when NLEX faces guest team Macau Giant Pandas on July 10 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, officially ushering in a new era for the Road Warriors.

     

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  • Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao rekindle NU chemistry as Gilas cruises past Manawatu in tune-up

    Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao rekindle NU chemistry as Gilas cruises past Manawatu in tune-up

    Long before they became two of the biggest names in Philippine basketball, Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao were already winning games together in Nazareth School.

     

    On Sunday, the former National University standouts turned back the clock.

     

    Tamayo and Quiambao once again shared the spotlight, leading Gilas Pilipinas Men to a dominant 92-61 victory over Manawatu at Fly Palmy Arena in Palmerston North, giving the national team a confidence-boosting start to its New Zealand training camp ahead of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The exhibition was less about the final score and more about seeing Gilas’ revamped lineup build chemistry before facing two of Oceania’s toughest sides. And with Tamayo and Quiambao setting the tone early, the pieces appeared to fit together quickly.

     

    Tamayo finished with 14 points on an efficient 50-percent shooting clip while adding four assists and three rebounds, while Quiambao complemented him with 13 points and two rebounds as the pair anchored Gilas’ balanced offensive attack.

     

    Their early production helped the Nationals establish control almost immediately, racing to a 25-12 lead after the opening quarter before stretching the advantage to 67-45 entering the final period.

     

    Rather than easing off, Gilas continued to pile on in the fourth, eventually building its biggest lead of the night at 31 points.

     

    Depth also proved to be one of the biggest positives for head coach Tim Cone.

     

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    Veteran forward Troy Rosario delivered a flawless offensive outing, making all five of his field-goal attempts to score 11 points. Juan Gomez de Liano orchestrated the offense with nine points, seven assists, and two steals, while Mike Phillips made an impressive first appearance in Gilas colors with eight points and nine rebounds.

     

    Dwight Ramos also chipped in eight points and seven rebounds as every player in Cone’s lineup found the scoring column.

     

    Naturalized star Justin Brownlee was held out of the contest for rest, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate the rest of the roster ahead of the tougher tests awaiting the team.

     

    Manawatu, which finished last season’s New Zealand National Basketball League campaign with a 9-11 record, was led by Kazlo Evans with 11 points and Jameer Reed with 10.

     

    Team captain Jamal Poplar controlled the glass with a game-high 17 rebounds while adding six points in defeat.

     

    Gilas will wrap up its preparations against Franklin on June 30 before opening Window 3 of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers against New Zealand on July 3 in Auckland, followed by a showdown with Australia in Perth on July 6.

     

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  • Tim Cone carefully managing Justin Brownlee’s fitness ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers

    Tim Cone carefully managing Justin Brownlee’s fitness ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers

    The Philippine men’s national basketball team is set for a pivotal stretch in its FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers campaign, with back-to-back high-stakes matchups scheduled in the first week of July against regional powerhouses New Zealand and Australia.

     

    Head coach Tim Cone’s squad, Gilas Pilipinas, enters the window facing a demanding test of depth, conditioning, and execution as it continues its bid to secure qualification momentum. The Philippines currently sits in third place in its group with six points, having recorded two wins and two losses so far, and will need strong performances in the upcoming fixtures to strengthen its position in the standings.

     

    The spotlight, once again, will be on naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who remains the focal point of Gilas’ offense and leadership on the floor. Brownlee is coming off a physically taxing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup campaign, where he carried Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to the championship in a grueling best-of-seven series that pushed him to heavy minutes throughout the playoffs.

     

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    In the finals, the 38-year-old veteran delivered elite production, averaging 36.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game while logging approximately 45 minutes per contest. His heroics were instrumental in securing the title, further underlining his importance to both club and country despite concerns over his workload.

     

    Given his age and recent heavy usage, there have been questions regarding Brownlee’s physical condition heading into the international window. However, Cone has moved to ease concerns, emphasizing that the coaching staff and medical team are carefully managing his recovery and preparation.

     

    “Justin is fine. We are just making sure he stays fresh. He has the whole work up for recovery every day,” Cone said in a media interaction.

    The Gilas mentor stressed that Brownlee’s conditioning and availability remain a top priority, especially with two crucial games coming in quick succession. Managing fatigue will be a key factor as the Philippines prepares for the physical intensity of facing New Zealand’s structured defense and Australia’s athletic, high-pressure style.

     

    Brownlee himself is no stranger to the challenge posed by the region’s elite teams. In the previous window of the qualifiers held in February at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, he endured a difficult outing against the New Zealand Tall Blacks, scoring just four points on 2-of-10 shooting while adding six rebounds and two assists in a narrow 66-69 defeat for Gilas.

     

    However, he responded strongly in the following game against Australia, producing a much improved performance with 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Despite his efforts, Gilas still fell short, underscoring the difficulty of competing consistently against two of Asia-Oceania’s strongest basketball programs.

     

    Looking ahead, Brownlee acknowledged the physical nature of their upcoming opponents and stressed the importance of matching intensity if Gilas is to compete effectively.

     

    “We know that they are a physical team. So we got to match up their physicality and understand how to play through that. Just be aggressive. No matter what they do as far as guarding us, we just have to be aggressive,” Brownlee said.

     

    The upcoming schedule presents a tight turnaround for Gilas Pilipinas, with New Zealand awaiting on Friday, July 3, followed by a high-pressure clash against Australia on Monday, July 6. Both games are expected to play a significant role in shaping the group standings, which also includes Guam alongside Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

     

    As the qualifiers progress, Gilas will be aiming not only to secure wins but also to establish consistency against top-tier opposition. With Brownlee’s leadership, Cone’s system, and the team’s evolving chemistry, the Philippines will look to rise to the occasion in what could be a defining week in its World Cup qualification journey.

     

     

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  • Andrei Caracut contract talks hit standstill as Rain or Shine prepares for Governors’ Cup 

    Andrei Caracut contract talks hit standstill as Rain or Shine prepares for Governors’ Cup 

    With the PBA Governors’ Cup just around the corner, Rain or Shine is preparing for another title chase while facing uncertainty over one of its most important pieces.


    Negotiations between the Elasto Painters and Andrei Caracut remain unresolved, leaving the future of the veteran guard with the franchise still up in the air.

     

    Caracut’s previous deal expired after Rain or Shine’s Commissioner’s Cup campaign ended in the semifinals, where the Elasto Painters fell in six games to eventual champion Barangay Ginebra.

     

    The contract situation now puts Rain or Shine in a challenging position, with Caracut and fellow 27-year-old Gian Mamuyac both unsigned heading into the season-ending conference.

     

    For the past several conferences, Caracut has been a steady presence in Rain or Shine’s climb as one of the PBA’s most consistent contenders. 

     

    The 30-year-old guard played a major role in helping the franchise reach the semifinals in five of the last six conferences.

     

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    During the recently concluded PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, Caracut averaged 7.22 points, 2.00 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, providing valuable production on both ends of the floor.

     

    His biggest moment came in the playoffs when he exploded for a career-high 29 points, including six three-pointers, to lead Rain or Shine past San Miguel Beer in a 113-104 quarterfinal victory.

     

    Despite his importance to the team, discussions between Caracut’s camp and Rain or Shine have yet to produce a new agreement. Both sides have even opened the possibility of a trade if a deal cannot be finalized.

     

    The situation is a difficult one for the Elasto Painters, who drafted Caracut in the second round (23rd overall) of the 2021 PBA Draft and watched him grow into one of the franchise’s most recognizable players.

     

    Beyond his production on the court, Caracut has also built a strong connection with fans through his popular vlog featuring teammates and close friends, including Leonard Santillan, Adrian Nocum, Jhonard Clarito, and utility staff member Eric Nanas.

     

    While Caracut’s future remains uncertain, Rain or Shine has already locked in several pieces for the upcoming Governors’ Cup. 

     

    Teammates Jhonard Clarito, Anton Asistio, and Jun Roque have secured new and extended deals, while import Aaron Fuller is set to return for the conference.

     

    As the new conference approaches, the Elasto Painters now face a crucial decision and that is to secure a deal with one of their key players or risk losing a guard who has become central to their recent resurgence.

     

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  • Arvin Tolentino to honor SK Knights deal, delays Magnolia debut until after KBL season

    Arvin Tolentino to honor SK Knights deal, delays Magnolia debut until after KBL season

    Magnolia has secured the PBA rights to Arvin Tolentino, but the Hotshots will have to be patient before seeing him in their uniform.


    The 30-year-old forward confirmed that he will remain with the Seoul SK Knights for the upcoming 2026-27 Korean Basketball League season as he honors the final year of his contract in South Korea.

     

    “Yes, stay pa ako. Two years pa ako dito,” Tolentino said.

     

    Tolentino’s statement effectively puts to rest speculation that he could make an immediate return to the PBA following Magnolia’s recent acquisition of his playing rights.

     

    The Hotshots obtained Tolentino’s rights along with a Season 51 second-round draft pick in a trade with Titan Ultra. In exchange, Magnolia sent the rights to William Navarro and a Season 52 second-round selection.

     

    Although Magnolia has positioned itself to eventually welcome one of the league’s premier forwards, Tolentino’s focus remains on finishing what he started overseas.

     

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    His contract with Seoul SK includes a player option for its third and final year, allowing him to either stay with the Knights or enter free agency. Unless circumstances change before the PBA Governors’ Cup opens on July 10, Tolentino is expected to exercise that option and continue playing in the KBL.

     

    The decision comes after a bittersweet first season in Korea. Tolentino averaged 11.0 points and 2.0 rebounds for the Knights, helping the team reach the playoffs before its campaign ended in a quarterfinal sweep at the hands of Kevin Quiambao and the Goyang Sono Skygunners.

     

    The former NorthPort star left the PBA after winning the Best Player of the Conference award in the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup. He last suited up for the Batang Pier during the 2024-25 season before pursuing an opportunity in the KBL.

     

    Tolentino recently returned to the Philippines for a vacation following the Korean season and was among those in attendance during Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals between Barangay Ginebra and TNT, where he watched alongside his wife, Brandy Kramer Tolentino.

    While his PBA comeback will have to wait, Tolentino acknowledged that he has already been informed of Magnolia’s move to acquire his rights.

     

    “Nasabihan din naman nila ako tungkol diyan (trade),” he said.

     

    The trade also saw Titan Ultra acquire the rights to William Navarro, who previously had a brief stint with Magnolia before continuing his career with KBL champion Busan KGC Egis.

     

    Ironically, Navarro originally arrived in Magnolia through a deal with NorthPort involving Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and the same second-round draft pick that has now found its way back to the Hotshots.

     

    For now, Magnolia has secured a valuable piece for the future. But before Tolentino can begin his next chapter in the PBA, he remains committed to completing his final season with the Seoul SK Knights.

     

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  • NBA Trade Report: Isaiah Hartenstein agrees to a three-year, $75M contract extension with Oklahoma City Thunder

    NBA Trade Report: Isaiah Hartenstein agrees to a three-year, $75M contract extension with Oklahoma City Thunder

    The Oklahoma City Thunder have taken another significant step toward maintaining the core of their championship-caliber roster, agreeing to terms with veteran power forward Isaiah Hartenstein on a new contract extension ahead of the 2026-27 National Basketball Association (NBA) season.

     

    The agreement ensures that one of the Thunder’s most reliable frontcourt players will remain in Oklahoma City for years to come as the franchise continues its pursuit of sustained success in the Western Conference. Hartenstein has become an integral piece of the Thunder’s rotation since arriving in 2024, providing a physical presence in the paint, elite rebounding, interior defense, and veteran leadership for one of the NBA’s youngest contenders.

     

    NBA insider and ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed the agreement on the social networking platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

     

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    “Oklahoma City Thunder’s Isaiah Hartenstein intends to sign a new three-year contract to return to the Thunder through 2028-20 that brings his total earnings with the franchise at five years and $134 million guaranteed, sources tell ESPN. A key signing in 2024 leading to the 2025.

     

    “Hartenstein and his reps, Andrew Morrison and Aaron Mintz of CAA Sports, worked with the Thunder on an agreement that brings $75 million in new money over the next three years – plus a maximum 15% trade kicker and a unique mutual option that allows both parties to rework the agreement again in 2028 prior to the final season.”

     

    The extension underscores Oklahoma City’s commitment to keeping together the nucleus that has transformed the franchise into one of the league’s elite teams. With a roster built around rising stars and experienced role players, retaining Hartenstein provides continuity in the frontcourt while rewarding a player who has consistently delivered on both ends of the floor.

     

    Since signing with the Thunder in the summer of 2024, Hartenstein has emerged as one of the team’s most dependable contributors. His ability to control the boards, protect the rim, facilitate offense from the high post, and set effective screens has made him an ideal fit in head coach Mark Daigneault’s system.

    During the 2025-26 campaign, the 28-year-old averaged 9.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game while serving as a key starter in the frontcourt. His impact became even more evident during the postseason, where he started 20 of Oklahoma City’s 23 playoff games and played a vital role in the team’s deep playoff run through his physicality, rebounding, and defensive versatility.

     

    While Hartenstein’s statistics highlight his on-court value, Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti emphasized that the veteran’s influence extends well beyond basketball.

     

    “Hart has been great. He’s been a big factor in a lot of our success. Also, I know whenever I talk about him, I never want to not mention just the amount of community work this guy has done here in such a short amount of time. Just unbelievable. Him and his family, they have put two feet into this community and given it a huge hug. He’s been wonderful off the floor as well.”

     

    Presti’s comments reflect the culture Oklahoma City has carefully cultivated over the past several seasons, placing equal importance on character, professionalism, and community involvement alongside on-court production. Hartenstein has quickly embraced that identity, becoming a respected figure within both the organization and the Oklahoma City community.

     

    Born in the United States but raised largely in Germany, Hartenstein began his professional basketball career overseas before making the leap to the NBA. His journey to becoming one of the league’s respected big men has been defined by perseverance and steady development.

     

    Hartenstein entered the NBA after being selected by the Houston Rockets with the 43rd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Before finding a long-term home in Oklahoma City, he suited up for the Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, and New York Knicks, gaining valuable experience at every stop while steadily expanding his role.

     

    His career reached another milestone when he signed with the Thunder on July 6, 2024. Since then, he has become an indispensable member of one of the NBA’s brightest young teams, providing stability and experience alongside the franchise’s emerging stars.

     

    With Hartenstein now committed for the foreseeable future, the Thunder have strengthened another key piece of their championship foundation. The extension not only rewards a player whose contributions have been instrumental to the team’s recent success, but also reinforces Oklahoma City’s long-term vision of keeping its core intact as it looks to remain among the NBA’s elite contenders for seasons to come.

     

     

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  • Justin Brownlee embraces bigger Gilas role ahead of crucial Oceania road tests 

    Justin Brownlee embraces bigger Gilas role ahead of crucial Oceania road tests 

    Justin Brownlee knows Gilas Pilipinas won’t be walking into ideal circumstances.

     

    Instead of bringing its full complement of stars into the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, the national team heads to Oceania with a shorter rotation, new faces filling key roles, and two of the region’s toughest opponents waiting on home soil.

     

    For Brownlee, however, the challenge simply demands a stronger response.

     

    The veteran naturalized player will once again carry much of the offensive responsibility as Gilas faces New Zealand on July 3 in Auckland before taking on unbeaten Australia on July 6 in Perth to wrap up the first round of qualifying.

     

    “We’ve got to match their physicality and understand how to play through that,” Brownlee said during Gilas Pilipinas’ open practice at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

     

    The assignment has only become more difficult after Gilas lost several key contributors before the trip.

     

    Quentin Millora-Brown, Scottie Thompson, and Calvin Oftana have all been sidelined by injuries, while Kai Sotto remains unavailable as he pursues an NBA opportunity through the Summer League in Las Vegas.

     

    To reinforce the roster, head coach Tim Cone turned to Troy Rosario, Justine Baltazar, and Mike Phillips, who now join June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu in strengthening the Philippine frontcourt.

     

    Brownlee enters the international window riding the momentum of another historic PBA campaign.

     

    Just days after helping Barangay Ginebra capture the Commissioner’s Cup championship over TNT, the 38-year-old added a record seventh PBA title to his decorated career, further extending his legacy as the league’s winningest import.

     

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    Now, the focus shifts from club glory to national duty.

     

    Brownlee also has personal motivation after experiencing an uneven second qualifying window earlier this year.

     

    He struggled against New Zealand, finishing with just four points on 2-of-10 shooting as Gilas suffered a narrow 69-66 defeat, before bouncing back with 20 points against Australia despite the Philippines absorbing a 93-66 loss.

     

    Those results left Gilas with a 1-2 record in Group A, although the team has already secured qualification for the second round.

     

    Brownlee believes the approach remains straightforward despite the roster changes.

     

    “We just have to be aggressive,” he said. “No matter what they do, as far as how they are guarding us, we just have to stay aggressive.”

     

    Before the official qualifiers begin, Gilas will use its overseas camp to sharpen its chemistry and adjust to the conditions.

     

    The Philippines is scheduled to play exhibition games against New Zealand NBL clubs Manawatu Jets and Franklin Bulls, providing the squad valuable game repetitions before facing the Tall Blacks and the Boomers.

     

    With a revamped lineup and difficult road environment awaiting, Gilas Pilipinas will once again lean on Brownlee’s experience—hoping the same leadership that delivered another PBA championship can spark another memorable run for the national team.

     

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  • Rain or Shine locks up Jhonard Clarito with three-year contract extension 

    Rain or Shine locks up Jhonard Clarito with three-year contract extension 

    Rain or Shine is making continuity a priority ahead of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, rewarding one of its biggest success stories after handing Jhonard Clarito a fresh three-year contract extension.


    The new deal keeps one of the Elasto Painters’ most dependable players in the franchise for the foreseeable future, reinforcing the team’s commitment to a core that has transformed Rain or Shine into a legitimate title contender over the past two conferences.

     

    Clarito, who was accompanied by his longtime agent Danny Espiritu during the signing, inked the extension with team governor Atty. Mert Mondragon representing the organization. 

     

    The agreement is another vote of confidence for a player who entered the league with little fanfare after Rain or Shine selected him 17th overall in the second round of the 2022 PBA Draft out of De Ocampo College.

     

    Since then, the 30-year-old has steadily carved out a major role under coach Yeng Guiao. From being a reserve fighting for minutes, Clarito has developed into one of the team’s most trusted two-way players, providing hustle, defensive versatility and timely offense whenever called upon.

     

    His impact became even more evident during the recently concluded Commissioner’s Cup, where he averaged 10.4 points, 7.05 rebounds and 2.16 assists per game. 

     

    His consistent production helped Rain or Shine finish atop the elimination round before knocking out powerhouse San Miguel Beer in the quarterfinals and advancing to the semifinals.

     

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    Although the Elasto Painters eventually bowed to eventual champion Barangay Ginebra in an emotional six-game semifinal showdown, the conference further proved that Rain or Shine’s young nucleus is capable of competing with the league’s elite. 

     

    Clarito’s emergence was among the biggest reasons behind that breakthrough campaign.

    The franchise’s latest move also reflects its philosophy of rewarding players who have grown within the system. 

     

    Clarito is now the third Elasto Painter to receive a contract extension before the season-ending Governors’ Cup, joining injured rookie Jun Roque and guard Anton Asistio, who both signed one-year renewals.

     

    Rain or Shine also addressed another key piece of its Governors’ Cup campaign by bringing back familiar reinforcement Aaron Fuller. 

     

    The veteran import already knows Guiao’s demanding system and previously played a major role in helping the Elasto Painters make deep playoff runs with his rebounding, toughness and all-around game.

     

    For Clarito, the new contract represents a reward earned through years of perseverance and steady improvement, while for Rain or Shine, it is another important step toward keeping a promising championship window wide open. 

     

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  • SBP focuses on development after UST, FEU fall short in NBA Rising Stars Invitational 

    SBP focuses on development after UST, FEU fall short in NBA Rising Stars Invitational 

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) backed UST Junior Growling Tigresses and FEU Diliman Baby Tamaraws as the two teams represented the Philippines in the Singapore tournament, which brought together elite youth teams from 11 Asia-Pacific countries in a showcase of emerging basketball talent across the region.

     

    Both Philippine squads faced tough international competition, with the defending UAAP girls’ basketball champions from UST suffering a narrow 81-78 loss to Australia’s Rowville Secondary College. Meanwhile, the reigning UAAP boys’ basketball champions from FEU Diliman fell to Japan’s Tottori Johoku High School, 81-75.

     

    Despite the setbacks, the SBP emphasized that the tournament served as a valuable development opportunity for the young athletes as they gained experience against different playing styles and basketball cultures.

     

    SBP Executive Director Erika Dy traveled to Singapore to personally support the Philippine delegation, joining UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag in watching the teams compete on the international stage.


    Rather than focusing on the losses, Dy pointed to the exposure gained by the players and coaches throughout the tournament.

     

    “Well, it’s a very good experience for both the players and the coaches. I was able to talk to some of the staff members of both our boys and girls team here, and they’re very happy about the exposure that the players are receiving or getting from this tournament,” Dy said.

     

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    Beyond competition, Dy also highlighted the importance of building connections among athletes and basketball officials from different countries. She described the tournament as a platform where young players could develop relationships that could benefit them in future international competitions.

     

    “And on my end, I think one thing that they can really take home is the sports diplomacy that’s involved here. So you can see the players making friends with other players from the other countries and carrying themselves really well. So that’s something for sure they will bring to the national team also once they make it there,” she said.

     

    That focus on long-term development was also echoed by Saguisag, who stressed that the tournament was about creating opportunities and strengthening the basketball community beyond borders.

     

    “Right now, it’s not necessarily bringing home [the championship], but really expanding the global community, networking to begin with, just establishing new linkages and bridges.” he said.

     

    With the NBA Rising Stars Invitational experience now added to their journey, the UST Junior Growling Tigresses and FEU Diliman Baby Tamaraws return home with lessons that extend beyond wins and losses. For the SBP, these international opportunities are part of the bigger mission of preparing young Filipino players for the global basketball stage.

     

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