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Category: Basketball

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drops 30 as OKC ties series against Spurs in Game 2 of Western Conference Finals

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drops 30 as OKC ties series against Spurs in Game 2 of Western Conference Finals

    The Western Conference Finals shifted momentum as the Oklahoma City Thunder responded in strong fashion, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 122-113 in Game 2 to even the series at 1-1.


    After dropping the opener, the Thunder turned to their floor general, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered in classic fashion. 

     

    He controlled the pace from start to finish, finishing with 30 points and nine assists while repeatedly breaking down San Antonio’s defense in key stretches. 

     

    His ability to generate offense both for himself and teammates proved decisive as Oklahoma City built separation in the second half.

     

    San Antonio, however, had its own star pushing the limits of the series.

     

    Victor Wembanyama delivered a dominant all-around performance with 21 points, 17 rebounds, and six assists, anchoring the Spurs on both ends of the floor and keeping them within striking distance for much of the night. 

     

    Despite his presence in the paint and playmaking impact, the Spurs were unable to fully contain Oklahoma City’s perimeter attack down the stretch.

     

    The game opened with both teams trading early blows, as Oklahoma City tried to establish tempo through transition while San Antonio slowed possessions to maximize Wembanyama’s touches inside. 

     

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    The first quarter remained tight, with neither side able to build more than a small cushion as defensive rotations held firm.

     

    By the second quarter, the Thunder began to find rhythm from the perimeter, spacing the floor better and forcing the Spurs’ defense to stretch beyond the paint. 

     

    That adjustment allowed Oklahoma City to generate cleaner driving lanes, setting up easier finishes and free throw opportunities that gradually tilted momentum.

     

    San Antonio answered with a composed stretch before halftime, leaning heavily on Wembanyama’s versatility as he facilitated offense from the high post and controlled the glass. 

    However, missed outside shots limited the Spurs’ ability to fully capitalize on stops, keeping the deficit manageable but persistent.

     

    In the final quarter, Oklahoma City’s depth and pace proved to be the difference. The Thunder’s bench provided timely scoring bursts and defensive stops that disrupted San Antonio’s late-game rhythm, while Gilgeous-Alexander continued to dictate tempo and close possessions efficiently to secure the 122-113 victory and tie the series heading into Game 3.

     

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  • Scottie Thompson remains questionable for Game 2 after scary head hit in Ginebra loss 

    Scottie Thompson remains questionable for Game 2 after scary head hit in Ginebra loss 

    Barangay Ginebra may have lost Game 1 to Rain or Shine, but the bigger concern heading into Friday now revolves around Scottie Thompson’s condition.

     

    The Gin Kings star remains under close observation after suffering a scary hit to the head late in Ginebra’s 115-111 defeat to the Elasto Painters in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    Thompson was later seen leaving the venue with an ice pack wrapped around his head, immediately raising concerns about his availability moving forward in the series.

     

    As of now, no official update has been released regarding the severity of the injury, with the seven-time champion expected to be monitored closely ahead of the crucial Game 2 showdown at the Mall of Asia Arena.

    The frightening moment happened with 31.6 seconds left after Thompson absorbed an accidental hit from Jhonard Clarito’s heel while diving for a loose ball.

     

    Despite the painful collision, Thompson stayed in the game and even nearly sparked a dramatic Ginebra comeback.

     

    Moments after the incident, the former league MVP buried a booming four-pointer under heavy pressure to trim Rain or Shine’s lead to just two, sending the crowd into a frenzy and briefly reviving hopes of another trademark Ginebra escape.

     

    But the Elasto Painters held firm.

     

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    Clarito answered with two pressure free throws before Rain or Shine’s defense shut down Ginebra’s final possession to secure the series-opening win.

     

    While the result already placed the Gin Kings in an early hole, Thompson’s uncertain status could become an even bigger storyline entering Game 2.

     

    Beyond his production, the 32-year-old remains one of the emotional anchors of the franchise, especially in physical playoff battles like this one.

     

    He still finished with 17 points and seven rebounds despite the injury, helping Ginebra build an early fourth-quarter lead before Rain or Shine mounted its comeback.

     

    The incident also reignited conversations among fans regarding player safety and whether stricter concussion measures should be implemented during high-intensity postseason games.

     

    For now, though, Ginebra’s immediate focus centers on Thompson’s recovery.

     

    With Rain or Shine already holding momentum and a 1-0 series lead, the Gin Kings can hardly afford to lose one of their toughest and most experienced playoff performers heading into Game 2.

     

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  • Jordan Heading breaks out of slump as TNT outlast Meralco in Game 1 

    Jordan Heading breaks out of slump as TNT outlast Meralco in Game 1 

    In TNT’s hard-fought PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Game 1, 94-89 win over the Meralco Bolts, Jordan Heading emerged as one of the defining difference-makers off the bench.

     

    Heading flipped the script on a conference-long slump by contributing 16 points while also supplying the kind of defensive effort with two rebounds and one steal. 

     

    His breakout came at a crucial moment — not as a lone scoring burst, but as part of a broader TNT adjustment that leaned on balance and timing alongside the towering presence of the team’s import, Bol Bol.

     

    With Meralco tightening its defense on Calvin Oftana and forcing possessions into more difficult looks, TNT needed another local to steady the offense and Heading was there to answer.

     

    “He’s been struggling with his shot, and his offense the whole conference, but we’ve been very happy with the way he’s been playing defense,” said head coach Chot Reyes.

     

    “He’s putting in the effort there and we talk about it in our team, there are many ways to impact the game not just offensively. Today he had some key defensive stops that he’s been doing the whole conference. When his offense is clicking as well that’s a big plus for us,” the veteran coach added.

     

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    What made Heading’s performance more valuable was its timing. His contributions helped stabilize TNT’s attack whenever Meralco threatened to turn defensive pressure into momentum, allowing the Tropang 5G to maintain control in a game that tightened late before they eventually closed it out.

     

    TNT’s structure in the semifinals opener wasn’t built on one dominant run alone. Instead, it was a collection of responses.

     

    “All five of us are making really big-time plays and just doing what we need to do, and go to Bol down the stretch, and he’s gonna deliver,” Heading said.

     

    Heading’s emergence became the release valve that kept the offense from stalling completely during key stretches.

     

    “They did a great job defending Calvin and we all knew how good (Chris) Newsome is on defense,” coach Reyes said.

     

    “So, it was important that we have another guy stepping up and normally that’s either Ray (Pogoy), Jayson (Castro) and tonight, Jordan (Heading). When we get that scorer, it really helps our offense. It really helps the flow of our game,” he added. 

     

    Beyond scoring, Heading emphasized that his role in the series extends into areas that often go unnoticed, particularly on the defensive end, where TNT’s identity against Meralco has historically been defined.

     

    “They’re really good at executing off the ball so we have to do a better job on the defensive end,” Heading said.

     

    In a playoff game decided by small margins, Heading’s two-way contribution became one of those subtle but decisive edges, helping TNT survive Meralco’s push and seize a 1-0 lead in the series.

     

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  • TNT escapes Meralco in tight finish to open semifinals with Game 1 win 

    TNT escapes Meralco in tight finish to open semifinals with Game 1 win 

    TNT Tropang 5G’s slow and uneven run through the elimination round suddenly feels like a distant memory. What once looked like a team still searching for rhythm is now beginning to resemble the version head coach Chot Reyes envisioned from the start.


    That transformation was on full display Wednesday night at the Ynares Center Antipolo, where TNT leaned on the performance of Bol Bol and the local core to escape Meralco, 94-89, and seize Game 1 of their PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series.

     

    For much of the conference, TNT struggled to build continuity despite carrying arguably the most talented import in the tournament. Injuries repeatedly disrupted the Tropang 5G’s rotations, preventing the defending champions from establishing consistency during their up-and-down 6-6 elimination campaign.

     

    But in the semifinals, TNT is finally beginning to look whole. Bol Bol delivered another dominant outing, by anchoring both ends of the floor with 37 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and six blocks.

     

    After Meralco threatened to erase TNT’s cushion in the closing minute, the towering import responded with a tough layup with 56.3 seconds remaining — a basket that ultimately sealed the five-point victory and silenced the Bolts’ final rally.

     

    The Tropang 5G appeared to take control after unleashing a decisive 14-2 run midway through the fourth quarter, turning a tense contest into what briefly looked like a comfortable finish. Meralco, however, refused to fold and mounted one last push behind its relentless energy and hustle plays.

     

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    Roger Pogoy provided the much-needed offensive support with 21 points, nine rebounds, and two assists, while Jordan Heading, one of the key players sidelined at various points in the eliminations — added 16 points and two rebounds. Calvin Oftana also imposed his presence with a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double.

     

    Their contributions underscored what Reyes believes is finally changing for TNT.

     

    “We didn’t have a fully healthy Roger Pogoy, Jordan missed a couple of games, we missed Brandon [Ganuelas-Rosser] for a couple of games, so we couldn’t put out the lineup we wanted on a consistent basis,” Reyes said.

     

    “Fortunately, as the eliminations wound down, we got Roger back 100 percent, and what you’re seeing now are the combinations that we wanted,” he added.

     

    While TNT showcased its growing chemistry, Meralco proved it remains more than capable of turning the series into a grind.

     

    Marvin Jones paced the Bolts with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Kier Quinto continued his efficient play with 17 points on an impressive 6-of-9 shooting clip. CJ Cansino and Chris Newsome chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively, keeping Meralco within striking distance until the final seconds.

     

    But beyond the numbers, Reyes emphasized that TNT’s victory came from matching Meralco’s trademark intensity.

     

    “The foundation of our game plan is to not allow Meralco to outwork us and to win the efforts stats, so diving for the loose ball, extra effort, deflection, setting good screens,” TNT head coach Reyes said.

     

    TNT now carries both momentum and confidence heading into Game 2 on Friday, May 22, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

     

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  • Rain or Shine turns chaos into confidence, steals Game 1 from Ginebra 

    Rain or Shine turns chaos into confidence, steals Game 1 from Ginebra 

    Rain or Shine did not beat Barangay Ginebra by trying to outshine the league’s brightest stars.

     

    Instead, the Elasto Painters beat them by surviving every punch, embracing every messy moment, and refusing to blink when the game started tilting toward chaos.

     

    That was exactly the kind of battle coach Yeng Guiao wanted.

     

    Against a Ginebra squad loaded with firepower, backed by a roaring crowd, and anchored by Justin Brownlee and several Gilas Pilipinas standouts, Rain or Shine found a way to turn a tense fourth quarter into a statement-opening win in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

     

    The Elasto Painters escaped with a gritty 115-111 victory Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, stealing Game 1 of the best-of-seven series and immediately shifting pressure to the heavily favored Gin Kings.

     

    For Guiao, the result perfectly reflected the identity his team has embraced all conference long.

     

    “I’m really proud of the guys because what we do is show up and compete. Show up and compete,” he said after the game.

     

    Rain or Shine spent most of the night clawing its way through momentum swings against a Ginebra side that looked poised to pull away after building a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.

     

    But unlike many teams that have folded against the Kings in big playoff moments, the Elasto Painters stayed composed and slowly dragged the game back into their preferred kind of fight — frantic, physical, unpredictable.

     

    Adrian Nocum delivered the biggest swing of the night after drawing a foul on Brownlee and calmly knocking down two free throws for a 108-107 lead with 1:56 remaining.

     

    From there, Rain or Shine leaned on hustle plays and defensive grit.

     

    Jhonard Clarito and Gian Mamuyac delivered timely baskets to stretch the advantage before Clarito iced the game with two more free throws in the final 16.1 seconds.

     

    Still, Ginebra nearly escaped.

     

    Scottie Thompson, despite playing through a visibly swollen forehead, buried a booming four-pointer to cut the deficit to two and ignite the crowd one final time.

     

    But Rain or Shine answered with one last defensive stand, forcing RJ Abarrientos into a difficult final possession that never materialized into a clean look from deep.

     

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    For a team that entered the series carrying the underdog label, the Elasto Painters looked completely comfortable in the pressure.

     

    “To play a team like Ginebra, [with a] GOAT import, GOAT coach, half of the Gilas team, the probable Best Player of the Conference in their team,” Guiao said, referring to Brownlee, coach Tim Cone and RJ Abarrientos.

     

    “And who are we? We just told the team to just put up a fight and see how far we can go. At least, we were able to get Game 1. We got lucky once, let’s see how many times we can get lucky. Let’s see.”

     

    But this no longer feels like simple luck.

     

    Rain or Shine has now beaten San Miguel Beer and drawn first blood against Ginebra in consecutive playoff rounds — two franchises that have long represented the league’s measuring stick in big games.

     

    Import Jaylen Johnson once again provided stability, while Clarito’s energy and Mamuyac’s timely contributions highlighted the depth that continues to fuel the Elasto Painters’ playoff run.

     

    More importantly, Rain or Shine once again showed it can stay mentally steady against teams loaded with stars.

     

    Game 2 now shifts to the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, where the Elasto Painters expect an even tougher response from Ginebra.

     

    But after surviving one of the league’s biggest playoff stages, Rain or Shine suddenly looks far more dangerous than just another underdog story.

     

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  • Four senators throw their support behind Bennie Boatwright’s Philippine naturalization process 

    Four senators throw their support behind Bennie Boatwright’s Philippine naturalization process 

    The Philippine naturalization bid of Bennie Boatwright has gained significant momentum after receiving formal backing from key lawmakers, marking another important step in his potential eligibility to represent the Philippines in major international competitions.

     

    The San Miguel Beermen standout forward is currently undergoing the naturalization process, which was recently boosted by the co-sponsorship of four Philippine senators during plenary discussions held on Tuesday, May 19. Senators Francis Pangilinan, Jinggoy Estrada, Pia Cayetano, and Bong Go voiced their support for House Bill 6639, which seeks to grant Philippine citizenship to Boatwright. A parallel measure, House Bill 6644, also includes Filipino-American wrestler Matthew James Ramos in its proposed naturalization provisions.

     

    Boatwright was present during the Senate session, underscoring his personal commitment to completing the process as he eyes potential eligibility in time for future international tournaments, including the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. His attendance was seen as a strong signal of intent, reflecting both his desire to represent the country and the seriousness with which lawmakers are treating his application.

     

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    Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights chair Francis Pangilinan, who presided over the hearing, emphasized the broader sporting significance of Boatwright’s naturalization, framing it as a boost not only for Philippine basketball but for the country’s international sporting ambitions.

     

    “By embracing the Philippines and choosing to stand with Filipino athletes, Bennie Boatwright strengthens not only our basketball program but also our hopes of excelling on the international stage, defending our Asian Games title, and one day returning to the Olympics,” Pangilinan said.

    Senator Jinggoy Estrada echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of strengthening national teams across multiple sports disciplines.

     

    “As a staunch advocate of basketball and sports in general, this representation has been continuously supporting measures that will improve the conditions of Filipino athletes and to make them globally competitive, dahil sama-sama tayong nangangarap na makita ang Philippine sports, basketball man o wrestling, na umangat sa buong mundo,” Estrada added.

     

    The naturalization journey of Boatwright began in 2024 when former Senator Sonny Angara filed Senate Bill No. 2646 during the 19th Congress, formally proposing the granting of Philippine citizenship. However, progress was temporarily slowed after Boatwright suffered an Achilles injury in August 2024, which sidelined him for an extended period and delayed the momentum of the application.

     

    On the court, Boatwright made an immediate and lasting impact during his stint in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, where he joined San Miguel as a mid-conference import. His presence proved transformative, helping power the Beermen to a championship run marked by consistent scoring, versatility, and leadership in high-pressure situations.

     

    He averaged 30.3 points, 12 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game during the conference, culminating in a pivotal role in San Miguel’s 104–102 title-clinching victory over the Magnolia Hotshots in Game 6 of the finals held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on February 14. His performance solidified his reputation as one of the most productive imports in recent PBA history.

     

    While Boatwright’s potential inclusion in the national program is widely seen as a major boost for future campaigns, immediate participation with Gilas Pilipinas remains uncertain. The national team is expected to rely on established naturalized player Justin Brownlee for its upcoming assignments, including the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for November.

     

    Despite the timeline, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas continues to pursue the completion of Boatwright’s citizenship process, viewing him as a valuable long-term addition to the national team pool as the Philippines looks to strengthen its competitiveness on the global stage.

     

     

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  • Andrei Caracut nabs PBA Player of the Week after powering Rain or Shine past SMB 

    Andrei Caracut nabs PBA Player of the Week after powering Rain or Shine past SMB 

    Andrei Caracut was often viewed as another reliable piece in Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ deep rotation.

     

    Against San Miguel Beermen, he became the closer.

     

    With Rain or Shine trying to protect its lead against the defending Philippine Cup champions in a pressure-packed quarterfinal showdown, it was Caracut who stepped forward and delivered the shots that finally broke the Beermen’s resistance.

     

    The former La Salle standout exploded for 29 points built around six three-pointers and a rare four-point play, powering the Elasto Painters to a statement 113-104 victory at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    More importantly, the win finally pushed Rain or Shine back into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals after falling short in the previous Philippine Cup.

     

    And when San Miguel began threatening another trademark comeback after erasing much of a 12-point deficit, Caracut answered every challenge.

    The 28-year-old poured in 12 points in the fourth quarter alone, repeatedly halting the Beermen’s momentum and restoring control whenever the game started tilting dangerously close.

     

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    BUFFED UP DREI

    Andrei Caracut bags home the PBA Press Corps’ Player of the Week for May 13 to 16 following his breakout game in the quarterfinals against the San Miguel Beermen after hitting 29 points, six rebounds, and five assists to enter the semifinals. #PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/FIjS0qF75O

    — One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) May 19, 2026

    That performance ultimately earned Caracut the unanimous selection as the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for May 13 to 16.

     

    He edged out fellow semifinal heroes including RR Pogoy and Calvin Oftana of TNT Tropang 5G, as well as Chris Newsome of Meralco Bolts.

     

    But for Caracut, the outburst was less about individual brilliance and more about matching the effort of the teammates around him.

     

    “Inspired lang ako kasi syempre yung nagtatrabaho yung mga teammates ko, nakikita ko sila kung paano sila magtrabaho. Nakaka-inspire na ipanalo ‘yung game,” Caracut said.

     

    The timing of his breakout could not have been bigger for Rain or Shine.

    For much of the conference, the Elasto Painters built their identity around depth, pace, and collective effort rather than relying on a single star. Against a powerhouse like San Miguel, however, they needed someone willing to take over late.

     

    Caracut answered that call — and in the process, delivered one of the biggest playoff performances of his career.


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  • NBA Round up: New York Knicks stun Cavaliers in overtime thriller to grab Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals 

    NBA Round up: New York Knicks stun Cavaliers in overtime thriller to grab Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals 

    The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 115-104, in a thrilling overtime match to open the Eastern Conference Finals, turning a near-collapse into one of the franchise’s biggest playoff comebacks in recent years.

     

    Inside a roaring Madison Square Garden, the Knicks erased a 22-point second-half deficit and overwhelmed Cleveland late behind another masterclass from Jalen Brunson, who delivered 38 points, six assists, and three steals in the Game 1 victory.

     

    The result immediately added a historic twist to the NBA postseason. For the first time in league history, both Game 1 matchups of the Eastern and Western Conference Finals went into overtime in the same year.

     

    For much of the night, however, it looked like the Cavaliers were headed toward stealing home-court advantage.

     

    Donovan Mitchell controlled the pace early and sparked Cleveland’s dominance with 29 points and six steals, helping the Cavaliers build a commanding lead through aggressive defense and fast-break execution.

     

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    Knicks struggled to find rhythm offensively in the first half as Cleveland repeatedly disrupted passing lanes and forced turnovers. But the Knicks slowly regained control once Brunson began attacking more aggressively in the second half.

     

    What started as isolated scoring bursts eventually became a complete momentum shift. The Knicks chipped away at the lead while the atmosphere inside Madison Square Garden grew louder with every defensive stop. By the closing minutes of regulation, Cleveland’s once-comfortable advantage had disappeared completely.

     

    The Knicks carried that momentum into overtime and never looked back. The squad dominated the extra period with tougher defense while Cleveland struggled to recover after letting the game slip away late in regulation.

     

    Another important development for New York came through the return of OG Anunoby, who rejoined the lineup after missing time due to a hamstring injury. His defensive presence helped stabilize the Knicks against Cleveland’s explosive backcourt attack.

     

    Still, the Cavaliers showed throughout the first three quarters that they are fully capable of controlling stretches against New York. That may ultimately be what makes the ending more painful heading into Game 2.

     

    Blowing a 22-point lead on the road in the conference finals can quickly change the emotional tone of a series, especially against a team growing increasingly confident behind Brunson’s leadership.

     

    For the Knicks, though, the comeback served as another reminder of what has defined their postseason run. As long as Brunson is orchestrating the offense, New York believes no deficit is too large and no playoff moment is too overwhelming.

     

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  • SBP turns to Japanese league champion Burke Toews to lead Gilas Women’s next era 

    SBP turns to Japanese league champion Burke Toews to lead Gilas Women’s next era 

    For the first time in more than a decade, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is handing the future of Gilas Pilipinas Women to a completely new voice.

     

    And it is a voice shaped far away from Philippine basketball.

     

    After months of quietly searching overseas for the right fit, the SBP officially named Burke Toews as the new head coach of the national women’s team, signaling the federation’s intent to push the program toward a more international direction.

     

    Toews arrives with a résumé built in Japan — one of Asia’s strongest basketball systems — where he spent the last decade establishing himself as one of the winningest coaches in the women’s professional game.

     

    The Canadian mentor recently wrapped up a highly successful run with the Fujitsu Red Wave, steering the club to back-to-back league championships in 2024 and 2025 while also capturing consecutive All-Japan titles.

     

    More importantly, his success was not built overnight.

     

    Across 10 seasons with Fujitsu, Toews transformed the Red Wave into a consistent title contender, leading the team to five finals appearances while earning three Coach of the Year awards along the way.

     

    Long before that, he also guided the Hyogo Storks to a JBL2 championship in 2013.

    Now, the challenge becomes entirely different.

     

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    Toews takes over a Gilas Women program entering a transition period after the end of the long tenure of Pat Aquino, who spent 12 years helping elevate the national team into a respected force in Southeast Asia.

     

    Under Aquino, Gilas Women produced some of the biggest milestones in program history, including a breakthrough appearance in the Women’s World Cup qualifiers in France and multiple strong finishes in regional competitions.

     

    But with Aquino now moving to the PBA as head coach of Blackwater Bossing, the federation chose to reset the direction of the program rather than simply continue the old system.

     

    According to the SBP, Toews emerged as the choice after an extensive global search involving more than a dozen applicants from different countries.

     

    The hiring also reflects the federation’s growing admiration for Japan’s basketball development model — a system known for discipline, player movement, and long-term continuity.

     

    Now, the responsibility of translating that success to the Philippine setup belongs to Toews.

     

    And with Gilas Women already coming off some of the biggest breakthroughs in its history, expectations may arrive much faster than the usual rebuilding process.

     

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  • Dallas Mavericks part ways with Jason Kidd after five seasons 

    Dallas Mavericks part ways with Jason Kidd after five seasons 

    The Dallas Mavericks have officially parted ways with head coach Jason Kidd after five seasons, confirming the decision in a social media statement released early Wednesday morning (May 20, Philippine Standard Time). The franchise described the move as a mutual separation, closing a chapter that included both playoff breakthroughs and lingering inconsistency.

     

    In an official statement, team president Masai Ujiri paid tribute to Kidd’s contributions both as a former championship-winning player and as the coach who helped guide Dallas back to the NBA’s biggest stage in recent years.

     

    “Jason has had a meaningful impact on the Dallas Mavericks, both as a Hall of Fame player and as the head coach who helped lead this franchise back to the NBA Finals. We are thankful for Jason’s leadership, his professionalism and his commitment to the team. In my short time here, I have developed an enormous amount of respect for what he has built. He will always be an important part of the Mavericks family,” Ujiri said.

     

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    Kidd’s tenure in Dallas began in the 2021–22 season, when he took over head coaching duties following the departure of Rick Carlisle, who left to lead the Indiana Pacers. Over five seasons at the helm, Kidd compiled a regular-season record of 205–205, reflecting both the highs and lows of a team in transition, while also posting a 22–18 record in the playoffs.

    His tenure featured notable postseason success, including a run to the 2022 Western Conference Finals and a return to the NBA Finals in 2024, marking Dallas’ most competitive stretches since its 2011 championship era. Despite those achievements, the Mavericks were unable to consistently sustain elite-level performance across full seasons.

     

    Interestingly, Kidd had recently signed a contract extension that still had four years remaining and was valued at over $40 million. However, the financial commitment ultimately did not prevent the organization from making a decisive shift in direction as front-office leadership opted for a restructuring of the coaching staff.

     

    “As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team. We have high expectations for this franchise and a responsibility to build a basketball organization capable of sustained championship contention. We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve,” Ujiri added.

     

    Reports also indicate that Kidd had expressed interest in taking on a broader leadership role within the organization, including a potential path toward president of basketball operations following the dismissal of general manager Nico Harrison in November. However, sources suggest the Mavericks ultimately decided to pursue a different direction for their long-term leadership structure.

     

    A former superstar point guard widely regarded as one of the greatest in NBA history, Kidd leaves behind a decorated legacy both on and off the court. As a player, he captured an NBA championship with Dallas in 2011, earned Rookie of the Year honors in 1995, led the league in assists five times, and was selected to 10 All-Star Games. His career achievements earned him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018, with a second recognition in 2025 as part of the legendary “Redeem Team” Olympic roster.

     

    With Kidd’s departure now official, the Mavericks enter a pivotal offseason, tasked with identifying a new head coach capable of maximizing their current core while pushing the franchise back into consistent championship contention in an increasingly competitive Western Conference landscape.

     

     

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