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Category: Basketball

  • Under coach Tim Cone’s system, Mike Phillips ready for bigger Gilas Pilipinas role 

    Under coach Tim Cone’s system, Mike Phillips ready for bigger Gilas Pilipinas role 

    Mike Phillips has waited a long time for this moment. Three years after first answering the call to represent the country in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games under then-head coach Chot Reyes, he is once again wearing the national colors—this time as part of the Gilas Pilipinas squad under coach Tim Cone.

     

    Named as one of the Final 12 for Window 3 of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Phillips is set to join the national team in crucial road games.

     

    For Phillips, however, the excitement of representing the country has never faded.

     

    “Sobrang saya ko at ang tagal namin itong hinintay, kasi SBP has been working so hard. Ma’am Erika Dy has been working so hard for so many years. Sobrang saya ko na nakasama ako sa Final 12 at excited akong maglaro para sa bayan,” he said.

     

    The call-up becomes even more meaningful with two familiar faces joining him on the roster. Former De La Salle teammates Justine Baltazar and Kevin Quiambao will also suit up for Gilas, creating what Phillips described as a special reunion years in the making.

     

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    “Super excited, Kevin is my boy and si Balti, siya yung captain ko nung first year ko sa La Salle. Full-circle talaga. We have the Animo pride,” the former De La Salle University standout said.

     

    For a player known for his relentless motor and physical style of play, the latest Gilas opportunity also serves as a chance to showcase how much his game has evolved since his UAAP days. 

     

    From becoming one of the country’s most versatile frontcourt players to earning recognition on the international stage, Phillips believes he is a more complete player than when he first joined the national team setup.

     

    His inclusion comes at a pivotal stage of the Philippines’ World Cup qualifying campaign. Gilas continues its quest for a place in the 2027 FIBA World Cup. The upcoming window is expected to provide a crucial test of the team’s depth and progress under Cone.

     

    Joining Phillips in the Final 12 are RJ Abarrientos, Justine Baltazar, Justin Brownlee, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Troy Rosario, Carl Tamayo, and Scottie Thompson, as Gilas prepares for another important chapter in its World Cup journey.

     

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  • Calvin Oftana chooses recovery over Gilas duty after injury-plagued stretch

    Calvin Oftana chooses recovery over Gilas duty after injury-plagued stretch

    Calvin Oftana kept showing up.

     

    Whether it was for TNT or Gilas Pilipinas, the veteran forward rarely stepped away from the court despite carrying injuries that gradually became harder to ignore.

     

    Now, after another demanding campaign ended with TNT falling short in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Oftana has decided it is finally time to stop playing through pain.

     

    The TNT star confirmed that he will miss Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers as he undergoes a minor foot procedure and begins a much-needed recovery period.

     

    “Wala. Pahinga muna ako,” Oftana said shortly after TNT’s 88-76 loss to Barangay Ginebra in Game 7 on Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    The decision marks a rare break for one of Philippine basketball’s busiest players.

     

    Behind the scenes, Oftana had been battling a troublesome foot injury for quite some time, an issue that affected him throughout the recently concluded Finals series. At the same time, he was also dealing with a recurring calf problem while juggling commitments between club and country.

    The physical toll eventually caught up with him.

     

    Yet even with those concerns, Oftana still chose to suit up for the championship-deciding game.

    He logged 31 minutes in Game 7, finishing with five points, three rebounds, three assists, and a steal as TNT attempted to defend its title. But with his body far from full strength, the challenge proved difficult against a Ginebra squad that eventually pulled away.

     

    For Oftana, playing was never guaranteed.

     

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    “Sabi ko nga sa mga kasama ko, dasal muna ako; kung bigyan ako ng sign ni Lord na maglaro kahit may iniinda, maglalaro ako sa Game Seven,” he said.

     

    “‘Yun nga, napanaginipan ko tumatakbo ako, sabi ko baka yun yung sign,” he added with a chuckle, trying to be an image of optimism.

     

    “Pero, mahirap maglaro nang may iniinda. Ayaw naman natin nun. But hats off to Ginebra.”

     

    The former NCAA MVP admitted that stepping away now is less about basketball and more about preserving his health for the long run.

     

    Instead of joining Gilas in the upcoming international window, Oftana plans to focus on rehabilitation and recovery. The timeline means he could also miss the opening portion of the next PBA conference.

     

    After years of answering every call, the 30-year-old believes rest has become a necessity rather than an option.

     

    “Mami-miss ko ‘yung first quarter ng next conference. Kailangan na magpahinga siguro dahil sa sobra na rin sa laro,” he said.

     

    “Pero hindi naman rason ‘yun. Dapat maging healthy. Gusto ko lang maging healthy sa next conference.”

     

    For a player known for his durability and willingness to play through adversity, that goal may be the most important one yet.

     

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  • PNP eyes possible anti-hazing charges as Ateneo drowning probe nears completion 

    PNP eyes possible anti-hazing charges as Ateneo drowning probe nears completion 

    The investigation into the deaths of Ateneo basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili has entered a new phase, with authorities now openly considering whether the case could result in charges under the Anti-Hazing Law.

     

    More than a week after the tragic drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, the focus of the probe is expanding beyond reconstructing what happened on June 8. Investigators are now examining whether elements of the activity itself may have crossed legal boundaries.

     

    Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. revealed on Thursday that the possibility of filing Anti-Hazing Law charges remains on the table as authorities continue piecing together testimonies from players, coaches, staff members, and school officials.

     

    “There’s a possibility that probably there can be an indictment for violation of the Anti-Hazing Law,” Nartatez said.

     

    “That’s why we are investigating. Ang hazing naman, not necessarily physical contact or what — pagka merong emotional, ‘yun, puwede rin.”

     

    The statement signals a significant development in a case that has already prompted widespread calls for accountability from both the Ateneo community and the public.

     

    Over the past several days, current and former members of the Blue Eagles program have appeared before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) at Camp Crame to provide their accounts of the events surrounding the fatal incident.

     

    Among those who have cooperated with investigators are former Ateneo standouts Mike Nieto, Geo Chiu, and Dom Escobar, along with current players Kieffer Alas, Ian Espinosa, Andrew Bongo, and Shawn Tuano. Assistant coach Sandro Soriano also appeared before investigators on Thursday.

     

    The list of witnesses is expected to grow, with former head coach Tab Baldwin scheduled to provide his statement as authorities continue collecting information from everyone involved in the training camp.

     

    According to Nartatez, investigators are now in the process of comparing testimonies and identifying consistencies and discrepancies among the statements submitted.

     

    “When I checked and nagbigay ng briefing nung Director ng CIDG and the rest of the investigators, ‘di pa nakukumpleto yung group because may mga personal din silang mga trabaho or ginagawa—some are abroad, kaya ‘di pa nakukumpleto,” Nartatez said. “But soon, makukumpleto din sila, including their testimonies, kasi cooperative naman sila. They should cooperate.

     

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    “Basically, pare-parehas lang naman yung sinasabi nila, and, of course, even the minute details ay makikita natin. That’s why we are comparing it to one another — dapat yun maging consistent kasi siyempre, merong student, merong player, merong part of the school, merong yung coach, merong yung staff. So, kukumpletuhin natin, so about eighty percent confirmed.”

     

    As investigators move closer to completing their fact-finding efforts, attention is also shifting toward possible institutional accountability.

     

    Nartatez disclosed that authorities have observed circumstances that could indicate shortcomings within the university’s system of supervision and oversight, although he stopped short of identifying specific individuals or offices that may be held responsible.

     

    The PNP chief likewise confirmed that investigators will soon seek formal statements from the families of Baterbonia and Adili as part of the continuing inquiry.

     

    While no charges have been filed at this stage, authorities believe the investigation is steadily moving toward that point.

     

    “We are leading to that. ‘Di pa natin masasabi, but we are leading to that,” Nartatez said.

     

    “Kailangan pa ng investigation — ‘yan din naman ang sasabihin ng Director. ‘Di pa natin masabi kung with definite numbers, kung sino, at saka anong case.”

     

    With testimonies still being gathered and multiple investigations underway, the case remains far from closed. But for the first time since the tragedy, authorities have publicly acknowledged that potential criminal liability—including possible violations of the Anti-Hazing Law—is now part of the conversation.

     

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  • John Abis caps memorable rookie campaign with Ginebra championship 

    John Abis caps memorable rookie campaign with Ginebra championship 

    John Abis may have played a limited role during Barangay Ginebra’s championship run, but the rookie forward is savoring every moment of a title experience he waited years to achieve.

     

    Fresh off helping the Gin Kings capture the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup crown, Abis admitted he is still trying to process what it means to become a champion in his first conference in the professional ranks.


    “Di ko alam kung anong mararamdaman ko o anong sasabihin ko. Basta thank you Lord lang eh kasi naramdaman ko to, naranasan ko to na mag-champion dito pa sa PBA,” said Abis.

     

    Ginebra secured the championship after defeating TNT Tropang 5G in a do-or-die Finals showdown, ending a three-year title drought and snapping a string of frustrations in import-laden conferences.

     

    For Abis, the achievement carried added significance. The former University of Perpetual Help Dalta Altas standout had previously fallen short of winning championships during his younger playing days, making his first taste of success even more memorable.

     

    “Sobrang lucky ko kasi nakaramdam talaga ako ng champion and first ko pa, then rookie year ko pa,” he said.

     

    The 23rd overall pick in the 2025 PBA Draft was not among Ginebra’s primary scorers, but he provided valuable minutes throughout the conference and Finals whenever called upon by coach Tim Cone.

     

    Abis finished the Commissioner’s Cup with averages of 2.40 points and 1.70 rebounds per game, while earning praise for his hustle plays, defensive effort, and energy off the bench.

     

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    The 6-foot-3 forward maintained that his focus remains on contributing to the team in whatever role is needed.

     

    “Gusto ko lang makatulong sa team. Always ready lang kapag tinawag ni coach,” said Abis.

     

    The rookie also acknowledged the role of Ginebra’s passionate fan base in the team’s championship campaign. The Never Say Die faithful packed arenas throughout the Finals and provided the support that helped fuel the Gin Kings’ title charge.

     

    “Sa suporta ng NSD, walang makakatalo sa suporta ng NSD dito. Talagang solid silang sumuporta sa amin. Nagpapasalamat talaga kami sobra kasi grabe yung support nila. Grabe yung atmosphere ng NSD,” he said.

     

    As Ginebra begins preparations for the upcoming Governors’ Cup, Abis vowed to continue bringing the same intensity and work ethic that helped him earn a championship ring in his rookie season.

     

    “Same pa rin. Doon pa rin yung hustle ko. Di mawawala yan. Number one yun. Bibigay ko lang yung best ko. One hundred percent best,” he said.

     

    For a player drafted outside the first two rounds and still carving out his place in the league, the first chapter of Abis’ professional career could hardly have gone better. He arrived as a rookie looking for an opportunity. He finished his first conference as a PBA champion. 

     

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  • “They don’t deserve it”: Jalen Brunson fires back at critics during Knicks’ championship parade

    “They don’t deserve it”: Jalen Brunson fires back at critics during Knicks’ championship parade

    The long-awaited championship dream has finally become reality for the New York Knicks.

     

    After more than five decades of heartbreak, near misses, and unfulfilled expectations, the Knicks ended a 53-year NBA title drought by defeating the San Antonio Spurs, 94-90, in Game 5 of the NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on Sunday, June 14 (Philippine Standard Time). The victory secured a commanding 4-1 series triumph and delivered New York’s first NBA championship since 1973, marking a historic moment for one of the league’s most iconic franchises.

     

    The championship capped off a remarkable postseason run that will be remembered as one of the greatest in franchise history. Throughout the playoffs, the Knicks showcased resilience, grit, and an unwavering belief that ultimately carried them to basketball’s biggest prize.

     

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    At the center of the historic triumph was superstar guard Jalen Brunson, who delivered a performance for the ages on the game’s grandest stage. Facing a hostile crowd and a determined Spurs team desperate to extend the series, Brunson erupted for 45 points while adding three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. His relentless scoring attack and steady leadership sparked New York’s comeback from a daunting 16-point deficit, helping the Knicks seize momentum and close out the championship-clinching victory.

     

    Brunson’s heroics were not limited to Game 5. The All-Star guard consistently elevated his play throughout the Finals, serving as the driving force behind New York’s success. His outstanding performances earned him NBA Finals Most Valuable Player honors, cementing his legacy among the franchise’s all-time greats and further strengthening his status as the face of a new era of Knicks basketball.

    The celebration continued days later as New York City erupted in jubilation. More than a million fans lined the streets around City Hall in the early hours of Friday, June 19 (Philippine Standard Time), creating a sea of blue and orange as players, coaches, and team officials paraded through Manhattan with the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

     

    The championship parade served as a tribute not only to the team’s remarkable season but also to generations of Knicks fans who had waited decades to witness another title. Chants echoed throughout the city as supporters celebrated a championship many believed might never come.

    Addressing the massive crowd during the festivities, Brunson took a moment to respond to the critics who had questioned his ability to lead a team to an NBA championship.

     

    “There’s a lot of people that have a lot of negative stuff to say. There’s a lot of people who have a lot of opinions. But when you prove them wrong, you really don’t have to say s**t to them. They don’t deserve it,” Brunson said.

     

    His remarks were met with thunderous applause from the thousands gathered at City Hall, many of whom viewed Brunson’s journey as symbolic of the team’s own rise from years of doubt and disappointment to ultimate success.

     

    The parade also drew a star-studded crowd, highlighting the cultural significance of the Knicks’ championship victory. Among the notable figures in attendance were New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee, actors Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, and Mariska Hargitay, as well as television host Jon Stewart. Grammy Award-winning singer Alicia Keys added to the celebratory atmosphere with a special performance that energized the packed gathering.

     

    For a franchise that had endured more than half a century without a title, the championship represented far more than a single season’s accomplishment. It was the culmination of decades of loyalty from one of the NBA’s most passionate fan bases and the beginning of a new chapter in Knicks history.

     

    As confetti filled the air and the championship trophy was proudly displayed before the adoring crowd, the message was clear: after 53 long years, the New York Knicks were finally NBA champions once again.

     

     

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  • Blackwater bets on proven winner as Kentrell Barkley brings championship pedigree to PBA 

    Blackwater bets on proven winner as Kentrell Barkley brings championship pedigree to PBA 

    Blackwater is not taking a chance on an unknown name for the upcoming PBA Governors’ Cup.

    Instead, the Bossing are bringing in a player whose passport is stamped with championships, MVP trophies, and scoring exploits from leagues across Asia.

     

    Kentrell Barkley will be Blackwater’s import for the season-ending conference, adding another chapter to a basketball journey that has already taken him through multiple countries and several championship runs.

     

    For the Bossing, the move is about more than adding talent. It is about bringing in a player who has consistently found ways to impact winning wherever he has played.

     

    Coach Pat Aquino confirmed that the 29-year-old reinforcement is expected to arrive next week, giving him ample time to familiarize himself with the team before the Governors’ Cup opens on July 10.

     

    Standing 6-foot-5, Barkley fits comfortably within the PBA’s import height limit while bringing a résumé that few incoming reinforcements can match.

     

    His most recent success came in Indonesia, where he established himself as one of the league’s premier players. He captured the IBL Most Valuable Player award in 2024 and earned a spot on the league’s Mythical Team. This season, he further showcased his versatility by finishing as the league’s top rebounder while suiting up for Kesatria Bengawan Solo.

     

    But Indonesia is only one stop in a career built across the region.

     

    After going undrafted in the NBA and spending a season with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the G League, Barkley took his game overseas and quickly made a name for himself.

     

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    His impact was immediate in Taiwan, where he helped Taiwan Beer win a championship and earned the league’s Best Foreign Player award in 2020.

     

    He added another title to his collection in 2023 with the Saigon Heat in the Vietnam Basketball Association, where he completed a dominant campaign by winning both the league MVP and Finals MVP honors.

     

    That same year, Barkley also proved he could fill up the scoreboard at will, finishing as the scoring champion of the ASEAN Basketball League Invitational Tournament while representing the Singapore Slingers.

     

    Now, the next challenge awaits in the PBA.

     

    For Blackwater, the arrival of Barkley represents a chance to inject experience, production, and a winning mentality into a team looking to make noise in the Governors’ Cup. For Barkley, it is an opportunity to test his game in one of Asia’s most passionate basketball environments.

     

    The Bossing are hoping that the latest stop in Barkley’s well-traveled career will bring the same results he has delivered nearly everywhere else — victories, accolades, and perhaps another championship chase.

     

     

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  • Bennie Boatwright moves closer to Gilas Pilipinas role after Senate approves naturalization bill 

    Bennie Boatwright moves closer to Gilas Pilipinas role after Senate approves naturalization bill 

    The Senate approved on third and final reading the bills seeking the naturalization of Boatwright and wrestler Matthew Ramos, opening another important chapter in the Filipino-American basketball prospect’s journey toward becoming eligible to represent Gilas Pilipinas.


    With a 13-0 vote, the Senate gave the green light to House Bill Nos. 6639 and 6644, moving Boatwright one step closer to completing the process of becoming a naturalized Filipino citizen.

     

    The development could have a major impact on the future of Philippine basketball, as Boatwright has been identified as a potential successor to longtime naturalized player Justin Brownlee.

     

    Once finalized, Boatwright could become part of Gilas Pilipinas’ plans not only for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, but also for FIBA-sanctioned competitions as the country continues its push toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

     

    Boatwright’s naturalization journey faced unexpected delays after his bill became caught in the middle of a Senate leadership standoff.

     

    Several measures, including the naturalization applications for Boatwright and Ramos, were left pending as the Senate dealt with an internal impasse.

     

    The situation changed after a few senators shifted blocs, prompting President Bongbong Marcos to call a special session before the opening of the Third Regular Session on July 27.

     

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    During that session, lawmakers were finally able to address the stalled measures, including the bills that could pave the way for Boatwright’s Gilas eligibility.

     

    Although Boatwright and Ramos were not physically present during the special session, the Senate approved their measures in absentia after acknowledging their efforts throughout the process.

     

    Senator Migz Zubiri highlighted the athletes’ commitment despite the previous delays.

     

    “I would just like to put on record, they were here three days straight in the last, before we ended the session. I think they’re back to training, so I think it’s okay we elect them in absentia, because they deserve it Mr. President,” Senator Zubiri said.

     

    The amendment was carried out under newly elected Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian after Alan Peter Cayetano stepped aside following Senator Joel Villanueva’s move to Gatchalian’s bloc.

     

    Senator Francis Pangilinan, who sponsored the naturalization measures, welcomed the approval and recognized the patience Boatwright and Ramos showed while waiting for the legislative process to move forward.

     

    For the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Boatwright represents a potential long-term addition to the national team pool.

     

    The former PBA import brings a unique skill set as a versatile big man who can stretch the floor, create scoring opportunities, and defend multiple positions.

     

    If the naturalization process is completed and all requirements are fulfilled, Boatwright would join Brownlee and Ange Kouame as foreign-born players eligible to wear the Gilas Pilipinas jersey.

     

    With Brownlee already established as one of the country’s most important international players, Boatwright’s potential arrival gives Gilas another weapon as it prepares for future global competitions and the ambitious goal of reaching the 2028 Olympic stage.

     

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  • George King makes PBA comeback with San Miguel Beermen for Season 50 Governors’ Cup 

    George King makes PBA comeback with San Miguel Beermen for Season 50 Governors’ Cup 

    George King’s journey after leaving the PBA took him across different basketball landscapes.

    From Lebanon and Egypt to Iraq, Taiwan, and most recently Germany with Gladiators Trier, the former Blackwater standout continued building his career overseas. Now, after nearly a year away from Philippine basketball, King is coming back with a new challenge waiting for him.


    The San Miguel Beermen have secured King as their import for the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, hoping the explosive scorer can provide the offensive spark needed to revive their championship push.

     

    The move comes after a disappointing Commissioner’s Cup campaign for the Beermen. San Miguel went through three different imports—Marcus Lee, Justin Patton, and Bennie Boatwright, but struggled to find the consistency needed for a deep playoff run.

     

    The Beermen ended the eliminations as the sixth seed with a 7-5 record before falling to Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals, ending their pursuit of a grand slam season.

     

    Now, San Miguel is looking for a fresh start in the Governors’ Cup, a conference where the franchise has not lifted the championship trophy in 11 years.

     

    King enters the team with a reputation already established. During his first PBA stint with Blackwater, he quickly became one of the league’s most dangerous imports. King wasted no time making an impression.

     

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    King soon became Blackwater’s offensive engine, using his size, and scoring ability to create problems for opposing defenses. In the 2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, he averaged 34.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in 10 outings.

     

    His ability to score from inside and outside made him one of the toughest players to contain, especially when the game slowed down and teams relied on their imports to create offense.

     

    The scoring outburst highlighted the type of offensive force San Miguel is adding to its roster—a player capable of changing the direction of a game almost single-handedly.

     

    With San Miguel’s deep local lineup surrounding him, the challenge will be different. The Beermen are not simply looking for a scorer; they are hoping King can become the final piece of a championship puzzle.

     

    For King, the return represents another opportunity to prove himself in the league where he first made his name.

     

    For San Miguel, it is a chance to bring in an import who already understands the intensity, style, and pressure of the PBA.

     

    As the Governors’ Cup approaches, all eyes will be on whether George King can turn his second PBA chapter into a championship story.

     

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  • Game 7 draws record crowd as Ginebra-TNT finals sets new MOA Arena attendance mark 

    Game 7 draws record crowd as Ginebra-TNT finals sets new MOA Arena attendance mark 

    Before a champion could be crowned, Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals had already secured a place in league history.

     

    The championship showdown between Barangay Ginebra and TNT attracted 24,617 spectators at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, establishing a new all-time PBA attendance record for the venue and underscoring the enduring appeal of one of the league’s biggest rivalries.

     

    The figure eclipsed the previous mark of 23,616, which was set during Game 7 of the 2015-16 Philippine Cup Finals between San Miguel Beer and Alaska.

     

    That contest has long been remembered as the “Beer-acle,” the night San Miguel completed a stunning comeback from a 0-3 series deficit to capture the championship.

     

    A decade later, another winner-take-all battle delivered a historic crowd of its own.

     

    Long before the opening tip, thousands of fans streamed into the Pasay arena, turning the championship decider into one of the most anticipated PBA games in recent memory. 

     

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    The matchup featured two of the league’s most recognizable franchises, with Ginebra chasing another title and TNT looking to defend its crown.

     

    The record turnout reflected more than just the stakes of a Game 7.

     

    It highlighted the continued drawing power of Philippine basketball, particularly when the league’s biggest teams meet on the grandest stage. Fans packed nearly every available seat inside the arena, creating an atmosphere worthy of a championship finale.

     

    While the final result would determine who lifted the trophy, the crowd itself had already become part of the story.

     

    By breaking a record that had survived for nearly ten years, the Ginebra-TNT title decider added another memorable chapter to the PBA’s long history of blockbuster Finals matchups and reaffirmed that, when everything is on the line, fans will always show up for the biggest games.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee claims historic seventh PBA Title as Ginebra completes redemption against TNT 

    Justin Brownlee claims historic seventh PBA Title as Ginebra completes redemption against TNT 

    For years, Justin Brownlee’s greatness in the PBA has been measured by championships. On Wednesday night, he added another chapter to a legacy that may never be matched.


    With Barangay Ginebra defeating TNT Tropang 5G, 88-76, in the winner-take-all Game 7 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Brownlee secured his seventh championship since his first PBA title in the league in 2016—a feat that officially places him alone atop the list of the most successful imports in PBA history.

     

    TNT had been the one opponent that managed to crack Ginebra’s championship armor in recent years, denying the Gin Kings multiple opportunities to add to their collection. This time, however, Brownlee and his squad refused to let history repeat itself.

     

    The victory also ended a two-year title drought for Ginebra, restoring the franchise to familiar territory at the top of the league.

     

    A decade after first stepping onto a PBA court, Brownlee continues to redefine longevity and excellence.

     

    “If you told me 10 years ago that I’d still be playing, and for a championship, I probably would not believe you. But I’ve been blessed to play for a great team and great coaches,” Brownlee said.

    The championship completed another remarkable conference for the 38-year-old, who also captured the Best Import award.

     

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    In doing so, he surpassed Alaska legend Sean Chambers, whose six championships under coach Tim Cone stood as the benchmark for imported players for decades.

     

    When Ginebra found itself under pressure late in the Finals, its longtime import delivered some of the most explosive performances of his career.

     

    Facing a crucial Game 5, Brownlee erupted for a career-high 54 points to push the Gin Kings within a win of the championship. He followed it with another scoring masterpiece in Game 6, pouring in 52 points. Despite his efforts, TNT survived and forced a deciding seventh game.

     

    The burden that had rested on Brownlee’s shoulders throughout the series finally eased in the finale.

     

    Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos rediscovered their form at the perfect time, allowing Brownlee to focus on leading rather than carrying the team. He finished Game 7 with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists as Ginebra pulled away in the second half to secure the title.

     

    “As an import in this league, there are times when you need to take over a game. I think there is a balance where sometimes I try to get other guys involved. But there were moments when I felt like I needed to be what an import is,” he said.

     

    For Brownlee, the championship became more emotional as the reality of the achievement settled in.

     

    “It means everything. Ten years ago, I’d never thought I’d be playing at 38 years old and win championships. But these fans give me the energy to play for them, play for my family,” Brownlee said after being announced as the Player of the Game in their do-or-die Finals match.

     

    The latest title only strengthened the belief of Tim Cone, the winningest coach in league history, that Brownlee’s place among the all-time greats is already secure.

     

    “I don’t think there’s any doubt. In my mind, he is the GOAT,” said Cone.

     

    “It’s hard to argue with the numbers he’s putting up, especially in this era where players are bigger and stronger. Imports can’t dominate like they used to, and the defense has become more sophisticated,” Cone added.

     

    As the celebrations continue, Brownlee’s attention will soon shift from club glory to national duty, with Gilas Pilipinas preparing for the next window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in July.

     

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