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Category: Basketball

  • SBP eyes Bennie Boatwright’s Asian Games debut as naturalization nears completion  

    SBP eyes Bennie Boatwright’s Asian Games debut as naturalization nears completion  

    Gilas Pilipinas’ bid to defend its Asian Games crown may soon receive a major boost—not through a new recruitment drive, but through the final steps of a long-running process.

     

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is now racing against time to complete Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization before the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, where the federation hopes the former San Miguel import can finally wear Philippine colors in official competition.

     

    For months, Boatwright’s availability has depended less on basketball and more on paperwork.

    According to SBP Executive Director Erika Dy, the federation is now waiting for House Bill 6639 to officially become law after it secured Senate approval on third and final reading.

     

    “The goal is paabutin siya (Boatwright),” Dy said, referring to the national team’s target of having the 6-foot-10 forward eligible in time for the continental meet.

     

    The legislation now only requires the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. If no action is taken within the constitutional period, it will automatically lapse into law.

     

    “So yan ang hinihintay natin,” Dy explained.

     

    “After nun, mag-oathtaking na siya and makakakuha na siya ng naturalization certificate sa BI (Bureau of Immigration) and yun ang dadalhin natin sa DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) para ma-issue-han siya ng passport.”

     

    Once those formalities are completed, Boatwright is expected to immediately return to the Philippines.

     

    The 29-year-old University of Southern California product had remained in the country during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup not only to reinforce San Miguel Beer but also to attend Senate hearings related to his citizenship application before eventually returning to the United States to spend time with his family.

     

    “As soon as pwede na siyang mag-oathtaking, puwede na siyang bumalik ulit,” Dy said.

    Boatwright’s arrival would give Gilas another proven scorer with familiarity in Philippine basketball.

     

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    The American big man first suited up for San Miguel in the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup, leading the Beermen to the championship after defeating Magnolia in the Finals. His previous stint in the PBA also works in his favor under Asian Games eligibility rules.

     

    “Ang rule kasi sa Asian Games is there’s no limit sa naturalized players. Ang definition kasi nila dyan is as long as you’re in the country for three years. And alam naman natin si Bennie first played for San Miguel three years ago, so papasok siya dun sa residency rule,” Dy explained.

     

    That eligibility could allow national team head coach Tim Cone to deploy Boatwright alongside longtime Gilas naturalized player Justin Brownlee, potentially giving the Philippines one of its deepest frontcourts in recent years as it seeks to defend the gold medal won in Hangzhou.

     

    Boatwright’s naturalization process could have been completed earlier had his return to the Philippines not been delayed by his commitment with Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the Korean Basketball League.

     

    Meanwhile, two other Gilas hopefuls are already nearing the finish line.

     

    Naturalized basketball prospects Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means have already completed their oath-taking ceremonies and are now awaiting the release of their naturalization certificates before securing Philippine passports.

     

    “Tapos na silang mag-oathtaking, so for release na lang sa BI yung naturalization certificates nila, and then diretso na yan sa DFA for their passports,” Dy said.

     

    With the legal process entering its final stage, Gilas Pilipinas now waits for the last signature that could pave the way for another key piece in its quest to remain Asia’s basketball champion.

     

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  • Gilas Pilipinas veteran Jack Animam heads to Poland, signs with Energa Torun

    Gilas Pilipinas veteran Jack Animam heads to Poland, signs with Energa Torun

    Jack Animam’s latest destination now takes the Gilas Pilipinas Women standout back to Europe, where she will suit up for Energa Torun in the 2026-27 Orlen Basket Liga season following a championship campaign in Japan.


    Animam arrives in Poland with momentum after helping Denso Iris capture the Women’s Japan Basketball League (WJBL) championship. 

     

    The triumph came after Denso defeated the Toyota Antelopes in four games, with Animam starting in the series-clinching victory to cap a memorable season.

     

    The move also marks a return to familiar territory. Before her stint in Japan, the 6-foot-4 center played for FCC UAV Arad in Romania in 2025 and has steadily built one of the most extensive international careers among Filipino basketball players. 

     

    Her passport already includes professional stops in Serbia with Radnicki Kragujevac, France with Toulouse Metropole Basket and USO Mondeville, China with Wuhan Shengfan, and Australia with the Ringwood Hawks.

     

    Long before becoming a sought-after import overseas, however, Animam established herself as one of the best players in UAAP women’s basketball. 

     

    As one of the centerpieces of the National University Lady Bulldogs, she helped build one of the league’s most dominant dynasties, leading NU to five straight championships from Seasons 78 to 82. Along the way, she collected Rookie of the Year honors in 2015, the Most Valuable Player award in 2017, and Finals MVP in 2018.

     

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    Her success at the collegiate level naturally opened the door to a long national team career. Wearing the colors of Gilas Pilipinas Women, Animam has represented the country in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, FIBA 3×3, and the Southeast Asian Games, becoming one of the program’s cornerstone players. 

     

    She was instrumental in the Philippines’ breakthrough campaign at the 2019 SEA Games, where the country captured gold medals in both the women’s 5-on-5 and 3×3 basketball competitions on home soil.

     

    Her championship run in Japan further reinforced her reputation as one of the Philippines’ premier exports. 

     

    Joining Denso Iris for the 2025-26 campaign, Animam quickly became part of a historic season as the club claimed its first-ever WJBL championship. Now carrying that winning experience into another competitive European league, the Filipino star begins yet another chapter of a career defined by embracing new challenges.

     

    With another overseas contract secured, Animam’s journey continues to reflect not only her own growth as a player but also the increasing presence of Filipino women’s basketball on the global stage. 

     

    As she prepares for her debut with Energa Torun, she brings with her the experience of winning championships and leading the national team.

     

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  • UAAP champions FEU-D, UST fall short of NBA Rising Stars semifinals 

    UAAP champions FEU-D, UST fall short of NBA Rising Stars semifinals 

    The Philippines arrived in Singapore carrying the credentials of two reigning UAAP champions. It left with something just as valuable—proof that the country’s next generation can compete with some of Asia-Pacific’s finest basketball programs.

     

    Far Eastern University-Diliman and University of Santo Tomas both saw their campaigns in the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Invitational end in the group stage at the OCBC Arena, but not before showing they belonged on an international stage.

     

    Both squads opened the tournament by making emphatic statements.

     

    The Baby Tamaraws overwhelmed Singapore’s Hwa Chong Institution, 89-24, behind another balanced effort from their Gilas Youth standouts, while the Junior Growling Tigresses comfortably handled Mongolia’s Royal International School, 75-45, to immediately place themselves in contention for semifinal spots.

     

    Those convincing victories set up winner-take-all group finales against two of the tournament’s unbeaten teams.

     

    UST found itself within striking distance until the final seconds before absorbing a heartbreaking 81-78 defeat to Australia’s Rowville Secondary College.

     

    With the Junior Growling Tigresses trailing by six points in the closing moments, Sofia Petalcorin drilled a clutch three-pointer to trim the deficit to three.

     

    Rhiane Perez then created one final opportunity by forcing a turnover from Bridgette Kata, but her fast-break layup rolled off the rim. Lea Pinuela secured the offensive rebound, yet time expired before UST could attempt another shot.

     

    The loss allowed Rowville to finish atop Pool B after completing a perfect group-stage sweep.

     

    Earlier, the Australian school had also defeated Royal International School, 73-48.

     

    The Baby Tamaraws faced a similar uphill battle later in the day against Japan’s Tottori Johoku High School.

     

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    After trailing by nine points with under two minutes remaining, FEU-D launched one final rally, cutting the deficit to four after JJ Dagcutan converted a putback from a JB Cagurungan miss with just 17 seconds left.

     

    The comeback, however, stopped short.

     

    A pair of missed free throws by Dwyne Enriquez prevented the Baby Tamaraws from applying more pressure before Yuki Yamasaki calmly knocked down his free throws to seal an 81-75 victory that sent Tottori Johoku into the semifinals as Pool D champions.

     

    Despite the disappointing finishes, several Filipino standouts delivered throughout the tournament.

     

    Pinuela and Petalcorin carried UST with 16 points apiece in its battle against Rowville, while Perez flirted with a double-double after posting eight points and 12 rebounds. Lhian Arabi also anchored the interior with seven points and 13 rebounds.

     

    For FEU-D, Cagurungan and Prince Cariño once again led the offense with 16 points each against the Japanese side, while Cariño added eight rebounds. JA Lopez chipped in 10 points.

     

    Both players had already set the tone during the Baby Tamaraws’ dominant tournament opener, combining for 43 points against Hwa Chong after Cagurungan scored 22 and Cariño added 21.

     

    UST likewise received another all-around effort from Perez in its opening victory, where she collected 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Jesabel Anacan contributed a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double.

     

    Although neither Philippine representative advanced to the knockout stage, their performances reinforced the growing competitiveness of Philippine high school basketball against established programs from Australia, Japan, and across Asia—valuable experience that could pay dividends for many of these players as they continue their development on bigger stages.

     

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  • Chot Reyes confirms beach training has long been a staple of Philippine basketball preparation

    Chot Reyes confirms beach training has long been a staple of Philippine basketball preparation

    The Ateneo de Manila University community and the Philippine basketball fraternity continue to mourn the devastating loss of two promising student-athletes following the deaths of men’s basketball players Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

     

    The tragedy, which occurred on Monday, June 8, has sent shockwaves across collegiate sports, drawing heartfelt tributes from teammates, coaches, alumni, sports organizations, and basketball fans nationwide. The incident has also sparked renewed discussions about safety protocols during off-court training activities, particularly those conducted in natural environments.

     

    According to the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3), initial reports indicated that Adili and Baterbonia were participating in water-based activities when they were reportedly swept away by strong currents into deeper waters. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and have urged the public to refrain from speculation while fact-finding efforts remain ongoing.

     

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    The heartbreaking event has also prompted veteran coaches and basketball figures to reflect on the role of beach and water-based training in modern conditioning programs. Among those who addressed the issue was former Gilas Pilipinas head coach and current TNT Tropang 5G mentor Chot Reyes, who spoke candidly during an appearance on GMA 7’s Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.

     

    Reyes explained that beach training has long been a staple in basketball conditioning, not only in the Philippines but in various training programs around the world, because of the physical benefits it provides.

     

    “Alam mo, sa sports, not only in basketball, beach training is very effective resistance training. ‘Yung tumatakbo sa bugangin, as against running on regular surfaces. That really promotes stronger footwork, greater cardiovascular endurance. So, maraming gumagawa niyan. We do that. Several times na kami nagpabalik-balik. Difference beaches,” Reyes said.

     

    He emphasized that conditioning methods are carefully integrated into a team’s overall preparation, with different phases designed to build endurance, improve strength, and eventually allow players to recover before competitions.

    “There are, in the entire training pedagogy, if you want to call it, there are times where you have to go to really hard training and then there’s a cycle where you have to rest a little bit in preparation for the actual tournament. So there are different means. Water training is not new,” he added.

     

    Drawing from decades of coaching experience, Reyes revealed that he had incorporated water-based exercises into his own programs as early as his first coaching stint in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). However, he stressed that safety has always been a top priority whenever his teams conducted outdoor training sessions.

     

    According to Reyes, his teams limited water activities to shallow areas, using knee-deep water strictly as a form of resistance during conditioning drills rather than for swimming exercises.

     

    “Sa akin, we have done a lot of activities in beach areas. Sa akin, my teams, we just limit them to running sa buhangin. Not really going into the water. And they were not swimming or, you know, panglangoy kasi sa dami, hindi naman sila swimmer. But it was just that they were, the objective was to put them in knee-deep water to provide more resistance to the activities, whatever, the calisthenics or the activity that they were doing.

     

    “So it’s always a combination of doing those activities. We call that, you create shared memories. That’s how teams are built,” Reyes concluded.

     

    Beyond the physical benefits, Reyes underscored the importance of team-building activities in fostering trust, camaraderie, and chemistry among players—qualities that often translate into stronger performances on the court. He noted that shared experiences outside of basketball can help build the bonds that successful teams rely upon throughout a long and demanding season.

     

    Following the incident, Ateneo de Manila University issued an official statement confirming that the Blue Eagles were conducting a strength and conditioning session in knee-deep water as part of their scheduled team-building program. The university said the players were unexpectedly caught by large waves and powerful currents, resulting in the tragic accident.

     

    As investigations continue, the loss of Adili and Baterbonia has left an immeasurable void within the Ateneo community and Philippine collegiate basketball. Their passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from schools, athletic organizations, former players, and coaches, while also encouraging renewed conversations about risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and safety measures during outdoor training sessions.

     

    For many in the local basketball community, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that while innovative training methods and team-building exercises remain valuable components of athlete development, ensuring the safety and well-being of student-athletes must always remain the highest priority.

     

     

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  • After ending Ginebra’s drought, RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario embrace new challenge 

    After ending Ginebra’s drought, RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario embrace new challenge 

    For most players, winning a championship comes with a chance to slow down, celebrate, and finally catch their breath.

     

    For RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario, it meant packing their bags for national team duty.

     

    Just days after helping Barangay Ginebra end its three-year title drought in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, the two Gin Kings traded championship festivities for Gilas Pilipinas practice, joining the national squad as preparations intensified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The transition from champions to national team players happened almost instantly.

     

    Rather than extending the celebration following Ginebra’s dramatic seven-game Finals victory over TNT, Abarrientos and Rosario reported for Gilas duties on June 22, becoming part of a squad now preparing for difficult road assignments against New Zealand and Australia.

     

    For Abarrientos, the decision required little thought.

     

    “Unang-una, hindi ka mapapag-no kapag tinawag ka ng Gilas Pilipinas at para maglaro sa bayan,” he said.

     

    “There’s no reason para magpahinga at ilaban itong window na ito.”

     

    The star guard has emerged as one of the brightest young faces in Philippine basketball. After earning Best Player of the Conference honors and playing a major role in Ginebra’s title run, he could have easily opted for recovery after a physically demanding season.

     

    Instead, he viewed the call-up as another opportunity.

     

    “Hindi lahat ng players ay nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na magsuot ng jersey at i-represent ang kanilang bansa,” Abarrientos said on playing for Gilas.

     

    “Very blessed, thankful ako na part pa rin ako dito sa Gilas with the other guys.”

    Rosario’s path to the Final 12 carried a different significance.

     

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    The veteran forward had previously served as a practice player during earlier qualification windows, waiting patiently for an opportunity to earn a roster spot. This time, the opportunity arrived.

     

    “Sobrang blessed kasi I was part of the Gilas two windows na practice player and to be called up for the Final 12 ay isang malaking karangalan,” Rosario said.

     

    His promotion came at a time when many players would still be enjoying the aftermath of a championship run.

     

    Instead, Rosario quickly shifted gears.

     

    “Medyo nag-e-enjoy pa ako sa pagse-celebrate ng championship sa Ginebra,” Rosario said.

    “Pero may call eh. Kailangan kong i-postpone muna ‘yung celebration to focus sa preparation dito sa upcoming window.”

     

    The sacrifice highlights the challenge many Gilas players face—balancing club commitments with the responsibility of representing the country.

     

    Now in Brisbane, Australia, Gilas is undergoing an overseas training camp designed to help the team acclimatize before taking on two of the toughest opponents in the region. The Philippines faces New Zealand in Auckland on July 3 before traveling to Perth for a showdown against Australia on July 6.

     

    For Abarrientos and Rosario, the champagne celebrations have already been replaced by scouting reports, practices, and preparation.

     

    The championship may have been won, but another challenge has already begun.

     

     

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  • San Beda to represent Philippines in ANTA Kai Tour 3X3 exhibition in Jakarta 

    San Beda to represent Philippines in ANTA Kai Tour 3X3 exhibition in Jakarta 

    For four San Beda players, the upcoming trip to Jakarta is about more than basketball.

     

    It is a chance to carry the Philippine flag, represent one of the country’s most decorated collegiate programs, and perform under the watchful eyes of an NBA superstar many of them grew up idolizing.

     

    The Red Lions will take center stage at the ANTA KAI Tour Jakarta 2026, where they are set to face an Indonesian professional team in a 3×3 exhibition game on June 30 as part of NBA star Kyrie Irving’s Asia tour.

     

    Selected by ANTA Philippines to represent the country, San Beda formed a squad composed of veterans Jomel Puno and Zedjay Etulle alongside rookies Daniel Marcelo and Sean Aldous Torculas. Guiding the team is head coach Yuri Escueta, who has steered the Red Lions to two NCAA championships over the last three seasons.

     

    While the game itself offers valuable international exposure, the opportunity to share the stage with Irving has added another layer of excitement for the delegation.

     

    “We feel blessed to be able to represent our university, the Philippines and of course, ANTA. As a big Kyrie fan myself, having the opportunity to see Kyrie in person is an experience I am excited for,” said Escueta.

     

    The event forms part of Irving’s ANTA Asia Tour, which includes several stops across China before concluding in Indonesia.

     

    For Puno, the invitation carries personal significance. Having developed his game in Canada before joining San Beda, the two-time NCAA champion grew up watching Irving during his rise with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

     

    “San Beda has been my home and family ever since I moved out here so being able to represent and carry the name of our school in another country makes me feel proud and really excited especially with the presence of one of the greatest NBA players I grew up watching with my dad back in the Cavs era,” said Puno.

     

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    “I’ve been wearing all of Kyrie’s shoes since his first one with ANTA and could never wear any other shoe since then.”

     

    The trip also serves as a platform for San Beda’s younger players to gain valuable experience before taking on larger roles for the Red Lions in the years ahead.

     

    Etulle views the opportunity as a chance to showcase the country’s brand of basketball on an international stage.

     

    “I’m really excited to represent not just San Beda but also the Philippines. It’s an opportunity for us to showcase the Filipino style of basketball and show everyone how Filipinos compete and play the game.”

     

    Torculas echoed that excitement as he prepares for one of the most unique experiences of his basketball career.

     

    “I feel blessed and excited knowing I get the chance to represent the school and the country as well as possibly getting to meet Kyrie Irving in person,” said Torculas, who transferred from the University of the Philippines.

     

    Marcelo, who spent his formative years in Vancouver before joining San Beda, described the opportunity as something few athletes ever get to experience.

     

    “It feels amazing being able to represent San Beda and our country. These are things that not a lot of people get to experience and I’m very excited to be part of it. It’s going to be fun playing against the Indonesian team and to do it in front of Kyrie, someone I grew up watching, is surreal,” said Marcelo.

     

    For the Red Lions, the journey to Jakarta is not just another offseason commitment. It is a rare opportunity where collegiate basketball, international competition, and NBA stardom intersect on one stage.

     

     

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  • DLSU’s Topex Robinson, UST’s Haydee Ong, San Beda’s Yuri Escueta to receive CPC Coach of the Year honors 

    DLSU’s Topex Robinson, UST’s Haydee Ong, San Beda’s Yuri Escueta to receive CPC Coach of the Year honors 

    Behind every championship team is a coach who turns talent into trophies, and this year, three of collegiate basketball’s finest tacticians are set to be recognized.


    De La Salle University’s Topex Robinson, University of Santo Tomas’ Haydee Ong, and San Beda University’s Yuri Escueta will be honored as Coach of the Year at the 2026 Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Awards Night presented by Strong Group Athletics.

     

    The annual celebration, scheduled for June 29 at Discovery Suites Manila in Ortigas, Pasig, will shine the spotlight on the coaches whose leadership helped define UAAP Season 88 and NCAA Season 101.

     

    While championships are often remembered through memorable shots and standout performances, Robinson, Ong, and Escueta built their title runs through preparation, resilience, and strategic adjustments that guided their teams through the most crucial moments of the season.

     

    Robinson’s recognition comes after orchestrating one of the most satisfying redemption stories in recent UAAP history. The De La Salle Green Archers reclaimed the men’s basketball crown after overcoming a difficult path to the championship.

     

    Before reaching the Finals, La Salle had to survive a Final Four showdown against top-seeded National University despite facing a twice-to-beat disadvantage. The Green Archers then went on to defeat defending powerhouse University of the Philippines in a hard-fought three-game championship series, delivering Robinson his second UAAP title as head coach.

     

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    In the NCAA, Escueta once again demonstrated why San Beda remains the gold standard of collegiate basketball.

     

    The Red Lions strengthened their historic legacy by sweeping archrival Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the NCAA Season 101 Finals. Despite losing the services of star scorer Janti Miller in Game 2, Escueta successfully adjusted his rotation and game plan, helping San Beda secure its 24th men’s basketball championship.

     

    Meanwhile, Ong continued to build a dynasty of her own in the women’s ranks.

     

    The veteran coach guided the UST Growling Tigresses back to the summit of UAAP women’s basketball, ending National University’s reign and capturing the program’s 13th championship overall. The title also marked UST’s second crown in the last three seasons, a remarkable response after falling short against NU during Season 87 in 2024.

     

    Together, the three coaches represent different journeys to success — a redemption campaign, a dynasty sustained, and a championship reclaimed. Yet all arrived at the same destination: the top of collegiate basketball.

     

    The CPC Awards Night will bring together the brightest stars from both the UAAP and NCAA, with volleyball coaches from their respective leagues also set to receive recognition for their achievements during the past season.

     

    For Robinson, Ong, and Escueta, the honor serves as acknowledgment that championships are won not only by the players on the court but also by the leaders drawing the blueprint from the sidelines.

     

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  • Gilas hopes Brisbane stay sharpens team for World Cup qualifiers 

    Gilas hopes Brisbane stay sharpens team for World Cup qualifiers 

    For Gilas Pilipinas, the road to Auckland and Perth begins in Brisbane.

     

    Rather than heading straight into two of their toughest assignments in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, the national team is investing in something it believes could make the difference when the games matter most: preparation.

     

    The Philippines departs for Australia on Tuesday for a training camp in Brisbane, where Gilas will not only get valuable practice time but also a chance to adapt to the winter conditions and play tune-up games, including one against NBL side Brisbane Bullets.

     

    With New Zealand and Australia waiting on the other side of the trip, head coach Tim Cone sees the camp as more than just another stop on the schedule.

     

    “We know it’s going to be tough,” Cone said during Gilas’ send-off press conference on Monday. “We’ve been a team that’s pulled surprises before, and I’m not going to be surprised if we pull a surprise.”

     

    Cone emphasized that confidence starts with preparation, especially against opponents that have consistently been among the strongest teams in the region.

     

    “I think that’s really good preparation for us,” he said. “Every game for Gilas is a championship game. It’s a Game 7.”

     

    “A prepared team is a confident team. If we feel like we’re prepared and ready to go, then we’re going to be confident,” Cone added.

     

    The camp also addresses a challenge that often goes unnoticed—adjusting to a completely different environment before tip-off.

     

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    Gilas program director Alfrancis Chua pointed out that acclimatizing to Australia’s winter weather is one of the key reasons behind the early trip.

     

    “It’s winter there right now, so malaking bagay sa mga bata,” Chua said. “At least makaka-adjust na sila, ‘yung katawan nila.”

     

    The Philippines enters the third window with a 2-2 record in Group A and has already secured a place in the next phase of qualification. Still, the upcoming games offer an opportunity to build momentum and measure themselves against two teams expected to contend for top spots in the region.

     

    Gilas faces New Zealand in Auckland on July 3 before traveling to Perth to take on unbeaten Australia on July 6.

     

    For a team chasing another World Cup appearance, Brisbane represents more than a training camp—it is the starting point of a mission to prove it can compete with Oceania’s best on their own turf.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee quickly shifts focus from Ginebra title to Gilas duty 

    Justin Brownlee quickly shifts focus from Ginebra title to Gilas duty 

    For most players, winning a championship is followed by a period of rest, for Justin Brownlee, it is simply time to move on to the next responsibility.

     

    Fresh from another title-winning campaign with Barangay Ginebra, the naturalized Filipino star is already turning his attention to Gilas Pilipinas as the national team prepares for a pair of challenging road games in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The transition comes quickly. Less than a week after battling through a seven-game PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals series against TNT, Brownlee is once again preparing for meaningful basketball—this time carrying the hopes of an entire country.

     

    Yet the veteran forward insists motivation has never been an issue.

     

    “No matter how you’re feeling, you always find your energy,” said Brownlee during Gilas Pilipinas’ send-off press conference on Monday at the FilOil Centre.

     

    The timing of the call-up highlights a unique reality in Brownlee’s basketball life. He has become a central figure for both Barangay Ginebra and Gilas Pilipinas, often moving directly from one high-pressure environment to another with little time in between.

     

    Fortunately for Brownlee, the adjustment is made easier by the familiarity of the system under head coach Tim Cone, who guides both Ginebra and the national team.

     

    “We pretty much run a similar system, but there’s a lot more talent. Guys are more athletic,” said Brownlee.

     

    Still, what keeps him eager to suit up for Gilas goes beyond tactics or continuity.

     

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    While Brownlee has built a special relationship with Ginebra supporters over the years, he believes representing the Philippines brings an even greater sense of responsibility.

     

    “Playing for Ginebra is truly a blessing, truly special. And playing for the National Team is even more special because you represent the whole country,” he said.

     

    “There are already a lot of fans with Ginebra, but playing for the National Team is also a big deal.”

    Brownlee now joins a Gilas squad heading overseas for a training camp in New Zealand, where the team will play tune-up games against the Manawatu Jets and Franklin Bulls before returning to official competition.

     

    The Philippines faces New Zealand on July 3 before taking on Australia on July 6 as it wraps up its first-round campaign in the Asian Qualifiers.

     

    For Brownlee, the challenge is another opportunity to do what he has done throughout his Philippine basketball journey—answer the call whenever it comes.

     

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  • PBA moves toward FIBA alignment after rule review meeting with coaches and SBP officials

    PBA moves toward FIBA alignment after rule review meeting with coaches and SBP officials

    The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), led by commissioner Willie Marcial, has taken a significant step toward aligning its rulebook with international standards following a formal meeting with franchise coaches, team officials, and representatives from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Monday, June 22.

     

    The discussion, which Marcial confirmed with members of the media, focused on a series of proposed and upcoming adjustments intended to bring the league’s playing rules closer to those used by FIBA. Among the key topics tackled were situational foul interpretations, proper screen-setting techniques, and the potential replacement of traditional jump ball situations with a possession arrow system.

     

    The move is seen as part of a broader initiative to ensure smoother transitions for players who regularly shift between PBA duties and international commitments with Gilas Pilipinas, where FIBA rules are strictly enforced.

     

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    Gilas Pilipinas program director and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel team governor Alfrancis Chua was among those present at the meeting. He expressed support for the direction being taken by the league, noting the challenges players face when adapting between two different rule environments.

     

    “Kasi ‘yung adjustment, talagang malayo. Every time we play, pagdating sa PBA, iba ‘yung fouls dito, iba ‘yung fouls dito, iba ‘yung fouls doon,” Chua said, highlighting the inconsistencies players encounter when switching between domestic and international play.

    While the league is pushing toward greater FIBA alignment, Marcial clarified that certain distinct PBA rules will remain unchanged. These include the league’s 12-minute quarters, the implementation of the four-point line, and the six-personal foul limit for players—features that continue to distinguish the PBA from other international leagues.

     

    The discussions form part of an ongoing evaluation of league rules, with further refinements expected to be introduced in upcoming conferences. Officials emphasized that any changes will be implemented gradually, ensuring teams and players have sufficient time to adapt.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone, who also mentors Barangay Ginebra, welcomed the proposed direction, stressing the importance of adaptability among players as the national team continues to compete on the international stage.

     

    “Players are gonna have to start the conference with an open wind. You learn to adjust,” Cone said, underscoring the need for flexibility as athletes transition between domestic and FIBA-style competition.

     

    Cone’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within the national team setup, where consistency in rules is viewed as a key factor in improving the Philippines’ competitiveness in international tournaments.

     

    The Philippine men’s national basketball team is next scheduled to see action in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Gilas Pilipinas will face New Zealand on July 3 before taking on Australia on July 6, two crucial matchups that will test the team’s readiness against top-tier regional opposition.

     

    With the PBA’s ongoing reforms and Gilas’ international campaign approaching, basketball stakeholders view the alignment effort as a critical step toward strengthening the country’s overall basketball program.

     

     

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