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Category: Basketball

  • Justin Brownlee injury watch looms over Barangay Ginebra as semifinal match with Rain or Shine begins 

    Justin Brownlee injury watch looms over Barangay Ginebra as semifinal match with Rain or Shine begins 

    As Barangay Ginebra shifts its focus toward the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, the storyline surrounding the Gin Kings is the condition of Justin Brownlee.


    The resident import suffered a hamstring injury during Ginebra’s quarterfinal victory over Phoenix Super LPG last Friday, creating immediate concern ahead of a crucial semifinal showdown against Rain or Shine.

     

    Despite the scare, Brownlee remains optimistic that he will be available when the series opens Wednesday at Ynares Center Antipolo.

     

    The injury happened in the third quarter after Brownlee attacked the basket and appeared to tweak his right leg on the play. 

     

    He was later forced to exit the game, but not before helping steer Ginebra toward another postseason breakthrough.

     

    “I just got a little tweak on that play driving to the rim. Hopefully, it ain’t too bad but just felt a little something. Good thing we were up big. Got to give a lot of credit to the team,” Brownlee said.

     

    Even with limited minutes after the injury, Brownlee still posted 24 points, five rebounds, and five assists — numbers that once again highlighted how central he remains to Ginebra’s offense and composure in pressure situations.

     

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    Head coach Tim Cone said the team continues to closely monitor Brownlee’s recovery, though early signs have reportedly been encouraging. 

     

    Ginebra understands that its championship hopes largely depend on the health of the league’s longtime import, especially against a Rain or Shine squad entering the semifinals with confidence.


    Brownlee himself acknowledged the challenge waiting ahead.

     

    “We’ve seen what Rain or Shine did to them. It’s a very tough game,” he said.

     

    The 6-foot-7 import believes the Elasto Painters’ pace and energy create a completely different kind of playoff test.

     

    “Their style of play is very difficult to handle. So it’s gonna be difficult for us, but we’re up for the challenge,” the 38-years-old import said. 

     

    Ginebra defeated Rain or Shine during the eliminations, but Brownlee expects that result to fuel the Elasto Painters even more in the semifinals.

     

    “We know we beat them in the eliminations, so we know they want to get some get-back for that. But we’re ready for the challenge and we just expect a hard, tough series,” he said.

     

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  • TNT faces different Meralco test as Bol Bol, Tropang 5G chase return to Finals 

    TNT faces different Meralco test as Bol Bol, Tropang 5G chase return to Finals 

    For TNT, the semifinals are starting to feel familiar. The Tropang 5G are back in the Final Four for yet another conference, once again carrying championship expectations and once again staring at Meralco on the other side of the bracket.

     

    But while TNT enters the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals as the defending champion and slight favorite, the feeling around the matchup is far from comfortable.

     

    Not after the way Meralco has evolved into one of the league’s most complete and disciplined teams.

     

    Not after the Bolts handed TNT one of its most convincing losses of the eliminations.

     

    And definitely not after the way Meralco survived its own playoff war just to get here.

     

    “Obviously, they are deserving to make the finals and they are hard to beat in a seven-game series,” acknowledged Meralco coach Luigi Trillo. “But with the way we are playing we deserve to be there, too.”

     

    That confidence did not come out of nowhere.

     

    Meralco had to grind through a tense quarterfinal series against Magnolia, eventually escaping with a 105-102 overtime win in the knockout game to punch its ticket back to the semifinals.

     

    The Bolts leaned on composure, physicality, and timely execution — the same formula they hope can finally crack TNT in a long playoff series.

     

    Across the floor stands a TNT squad that also had to survive adversity.

     

    The Tropang 5G dropped their first quarterfinal meeting against NLEX before regrouping behind Bol Manute Bol and their veteran core to complete the comeback and keep their title defense alive.

     

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    Now, the challenge becomes even steeper.

     

    TNT coach Chot Reyes admitted this version of Meralco looks far tougher than the team they disposed of in five games during the Philippine Cup semifinals last conference.

     

    “That’s a complete team. They’re playing at a very high level. If you remember in our elimination round game tinambakan kami ng Meralco, right?” Reyes said.

     

    Back in April, Meralco stunned TNT with a 110-106 victory after leading by as many as 20 points — a game that exposed just how dangerous the Bolts can be when they dictate the pace and physicality.

     

    For Reyes, that game remains an important reminder entering the series.

     

    “They have so many offensive weapons that it’s incumbent upon us to, number one, defend well and rebound. They’re also one of the more physical teams in the league and you see how teams are playing Bol,” he added.

     

    “So, we have to be able to cope with that and play through that.”

     

    That may ultimately decide the series.

     

    Because while Bol continues to draw attention as TNT’s towering centerpiece, Meralco’s ability to crowd him, pressure the locals, and turn games into physical battles could once again test the composure of the defending champions.

     

    And this time, the Bolts are no longer simply hoping to compete with TNT. They fully believe they belong beside them.

     

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  • Titan Ultra Giants dismiss ‘farm team’ label, embrace long-term PBA rebuild 

    Titan Ultra Giants dismiss ‘farm team’ label, embrace long-term PBA rebuild 

    The Titan Ultra Giants endured a difficult and frustrating campaign in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, closing out the elimination round with just two victories against 10 defeats to finish second from the bottom of the standings.

     

    Despite the disappointing record, the organization insists that its long-term vision remains firmly intact. In recent weeks, the franchise has become the subject of intense scrutiny amid speculation surrounding a possible trade involving leading scorer Joshua Munzon. The rumors reignited criticism labeling the team as a so-called “farm team,” a tag often attached to struggling franchises perceived to be developing talent for more established organizations.

     

    Newly appointed team manager Jessica Arsolon, however, strongly pushed back against those claims, emphasizing that the Ultra Giants are committed to a deliberate rebuilding process centered on sustainable growth rather than quick-fix decisions. According to Arsolon, the organization is taking inspiration from the blueprint established by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, one of the PBA’s most respected and consistently competitive franchises over the past decade.

     

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    Under veteran head coach Yeng Guiao and with the backing of co-owners Terry Que and Raymond Yu, Rain or Shine built its roster patiently through the draft and smart player development, resulting in two PBA championships and six Finals appearances. It is a model Arsolon believes the Ultra Giants can realistically emulate in the years ahead.

     

    “Navigating a league dominated by sister-team setups requires a strategic model for growth. The Rain or Shine prototype has proven highly effective over the last decade, and that is the standard we are aiming for,” Arsolon said in a media interaction.

     

    With that philosophy in mind, Titan Ultra’s front office has shifted its attention toward the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft, a process the organization views as a pivotal step in building a competitive core. The franchise currently possesses one first-round selection and four second-round picks in the upcoming draft, while also holding another first-round pick in Season 52.

    The Ultra Giants further strengthened their future draft capital through previous transactions, including the acquisition of the Converge FiberXers’ Season 52 first-round selection and Season 51 second-round pick as part of the trade involving Dave Ildefonso.

     

    For Arsolon, those assets represent more than just future flexibility — they symbolize the beginning of the franchise’s true rebuild.

     

    “People need to understand that this is only our second conference. We are still establishing our competitive foothold, but I’m confident that this franchise has a brilliant future, and that foundation begins with the upcoming draft.

     

    “Through this draft, we will finally have the opportunity to acquire the specific pieces we need to truly compete – players who can step in and grow alongside our system. It’s important to remember that the majority of our current roster were inherited from the previous NorthPort team,” he added.

     

    The team manager also addressed the recent departure of veteran forward Calvin Abueva, whose exit generated significant discussion among fans and league observers. Arsolon clarified that the decision to part ways with Abueva was not rooted in organizational conflict, but rather in the player’s own desire to move elsewhere.

     

    “We never had any internal issues with these players. However, in Calvin’s case, he actively requested a trade. Rather than forcing a disgruntled player to stay and disrupting team chemistry, we honored his request. Trading Calvin was not part of our overarching strategy, it was an incidental adjustment,” Arsolon continued.

     

    As for Munzon, the franchise remains publicly committed to retaining one of its premier offensive weapons despite persistent trade speculation. While no formal announcement has been made regarding his future, the organization’s leadership appears determined to dispel the notion that the Ultra Giants are merely a transitional stop for elite talent.

     

    Instead, the franchise is positioning itself as a team willing to endure short-term struggles in exchange for long-term stability and competitiveness. With a growing stockpile of draft assets, a renewed emphasis on player development, and a management group committed to establishing a clear identity, Titan Ultra hope the difficult lessons from the Commissioner’s Cup campaign will ultimately serve as the foundation for a brighter future in the PBA.

     

     

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  • Gilas Pilipinas faces even tougher Australia men’s national basketball team test with new additions joining Boomers

    Gilas Pilipinas faces even tougher Australia men’s national basketball team test with new additions joining Boomers

    Just when Gilas Pilipinas thought the challenge against Australia could not get any steeper, the Boomers added another star to the equation.

     

    And not just any star.

     

    Australia is set to unleash Bryce Cotton for the first time during the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers — giving the already-loaded Boomers roster one of the most accomplished players in National Basketball League history.

     

    Cotton is expected to make his long-awaited debut for the Australians on July 3 against Guam before potentially facing Gilas three days later at the RAC Arena.

     

    For the Philippines, the timing could hardly be tougher.

     

    Australia already dominated Gilas, 93-66, during the previous qualifying window last March at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Now, the world No. 6 Boomers are adding a player widely viewed as one of the greatest imports — and eventually naturalized players — the NBL has ever seen.

     

     

    The 33-year-old Cotton officially became eligible to represent Australia after securing his citizenship late in 2025, with Basketball Australia formally confirming his inclusion in the national team setup earlier this week.

     

    For Cotton, the call-up represents more than simply another basketball milestone.

     

    “Representing the Australian men’s national basketball team for the first time is something I don’t take lightly,” the six-foot guard said in a statement posted on the National Basketball League official website.

     

    “Coming from where I come from, this opportunity means a lot to me and my family. Australia has embraced me from day one, and I’m grateful for the chance to wear the green and gold alongside a great group of guys,” he added.

     

    “I’m excited, motivated, and ready to give everything I have for the country.”

     

    Cotton enters the national team carrying a résumé few players in Australian basketball can rival.

     

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    The former Providence College standout is already a three-time NBL champion and six-time league MVP — achievements that cemented his place as arguably the modern face of the league.

     

    Even at 33, he remains one of the most explosive scorers in the region.

     

    Fresh off the 2025-26 season with the Adelaide 36ers, Cotton averaged 25.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 7.6 assists, once again proving why opposing defenses continue to revolve around slowing him down.

     

    Now, those scoring bursts and shot-creation abilities become another problem Gilas must prepare for.

     

    Beyond the talent itself, Cotton’s arrival also highlights Australia’s growing depth entering the road toward the 2027 World Cup.

     

    The Boomers are no longer relying solely on NBA-caliber names and established international veterans.

     

    They are now supplementing that core with dominant NBL stars who already understand the physicality, pace, and demands of FIBA basketball.

     

    For Gilas, the July showdown in Perth suddenly carries an even larger challenge.

     

    Australia was already one of the world’s deepest basketball programs.

     

    With Cotton now officially in the fold, the Boomers may have just become even more dangerous.

     

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  • Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters reignite heated rivalry in PBA semis 

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters reignite heated rivalry in PBA semis 

    For years, playoff meetings between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have rarely been simple basketball series.

     

    They usually turn into wars of endurance.

     

    Loose balls become scrums. Possessions become physical battles. Momentum swings often feel emotional rather than tactical.

     

    Now, after several years apart in the postseason, the rivalry finally returns to center stage.

     

    Ginebra and Rain or Shine are set to clash in a highly anticipated best-of-seven semifinal showdown in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, beginning Wednesday night at the Ynares Center.

     

    It marks their first playoff meeting since the 2020 Philippine Cup and their first semifinal collision since 2018 — a reminder of just how long both franchises have traveled separate paths before arriving back at the same crossroads.

     

    For Ginebra, this latest semifinal appearance feels almost routine at this point.

     

    The Gin Kings are now heading into their eighth straight Final Four appearance, further cementing the consistency of the Tim Cone era.

     

    But this particular journey hardly looked smooth early on.

     

    Ginebra stumbled to a 2-2 start that briefly raised questions about chemistry and rhythm before the team gradually transformed into one of the league’s hottest squads.

     

    By the end of eliminations, the Gin Kings had won seven of their last eight games to secure a 9-3 record and the No. 2 seed.

     

    That momentum carried straight into the quarterfinals.

     

    Armed with a twice-to-beat advantage, Ginebra dismantled the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 112-81, in a game that barely stayed competitive beyond halftime.

     

    Justin Brownlee once again orchestrated the attack with 24 points before exiting in the third quarter because of a hamstring issue — a development that now hovers over the series as perhaps its biggest uncertainty.

     

    While Ginebra arrives carrying playoff pedigree, Rain or Shine enters with something slightly different: unfinished business.

     

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    The Elasto Painters spent most of the conference looking like the league’s most dangerous surprise.

     

    Behind their relentless pace and deep rotation, Rain or Shine opened the tournament with a franchise-best 7-0 start and briefly looked untouchable atop the standings.

     

    Though the team cooled off late and dropped three of its final five elimination games, the bigger statement came when the playoffs finally arrived.

     

    Matched against the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen, Rain or Shine faced a familiar postseason nightmare.

     

    Instead of folding, however, the Elasto Painters delivered one of the franchise’s biggest playoff wins in years.

     

    Andrei Caracut exploded for a conference-high 29 points, while imports Jaylen Johnson and Caelan Tiongson added 23 each to eliminate San Miguel and finally end years of playoff frustration against the Beermen.

     

    The breakthrough carried historical weight.

     

    It marked Rain or Shine’s first postseason series victory over San Miguel since the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup — the same conference where the Elasto Painters eventually captured the championship.

     

    Now, another opportunity sits in front of them.

     

    Rain or Shine is back in the semifinals for the fifth time in the last six conferences and is chasing its first Finals appearance since that memorable 2016 title run.

     

    On paper, the matchup feels balanced.

     

    Ginebra owns the experience, championship pedigree, and perhaps the biggest playoff star in Brownlee.

     

    Rain or Shine counters with youth, speed, depth, and the hunger of a team trying to complete its long climb back into championship contention.

     

    But history suggests this series may ultimately come down to something else entirely. When Ginebra and Rain or Shine meet in the playoffs, talent usually matters.

     

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  • NBA round up: Victor Wembanyama powers San Antonio Spurs past Oklahoma City Thunder in double-OT West Finals thriller

    NBA round up: Victor Wembanyama powers San Antonio Spurs past Oklahoma City Thunder in double-OT West Finals thriller

    The Western Conference Finals opened with everything expected from two rising NBA stars. In the end, it was the San Antonio Spurs who emerged victorious, grinding out a thrilling 122-115 double-overtime win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the series.


    The victory gave San Antonio an early 1-0 advantage while also stealing home-court control from a Thunder squad that had been dominant throughout the postseason.

     

    At the center of the Spurs’ statement win was none other than Victor Wembanyama, who delivered one of the most dominant playoff performances of his young career.

     

    The 7-foot-4 player overwhelmed Oklahoma City on both ends of the floor, finishing with 41 points, 24 rebounds, and three blocks while repeatedly rescuing the Spurs during crucial stretches late in the game.

     

    Whether it was controlling the paint, extending possessions with offensive rebounds, or knocking down key baskets in overtime, Wembanyama looked every bit like the franchise centerpiece San Antonio envisioned.

     

    But despite Wembanyama’s brilliance, the Thunder never stopped fighting. Alex Caruso stepped up with one of the biggest offensive performances of his postseason career, pouring in 31 points while bringing energy and toughness throughout the night. 

     

    Known primarily for his defense and hustle, Caruso became Oklahoma City’s emotional spark as the Thunder searched for answers against San Antonio’s size and execution late in the contest.

     

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    Every time the Spurs threatened to pull away, Oklahoma City responded. The game remained tight from regulation all the way through the first overtime period, with both teams trading crucial baskets and defensive stops in what quickly became a playoff classic.

     

    The Thunder had opportunities to close out the game on their home floor, but San Antonio consistently answered behind Wembanyama’s composure and timely execution from its supporting cast.

     

    By the second overtime, the Spurs finally began to create separation. San Antonio tightened its defense and capitalized on key possessions as Oklahoma City started to run out of answers against Wembanyama’s relentless interior presence.

     

    The loss was a frustrating finish for the Thunder after a resilient effort, especially considering how hard they battled to match San Antonio possession for possession for nearly the entire night.

     

    For the Spurs, the win reinforced why they have become one of the league’s most dangerous playoff teams. Their ability to survive a hostile road environment and execute under pressure immediately shifted momentum in the series.

     

    For Oklahoma City, the focus now turns toward regrouping before Game 2 and finding ways to slow down Wembanyama, whose impact completely changed the flow of the opener.

     

    With the conference finals already producing a double-overtime thriller in its very first game, the battle between the Spurs and Thunder appears headed toward a long and highly competitive series.

     

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  • Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas begins new era for Gilas Pilipinas Women after Pat Aquino exit 

    Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas begins new era for Gilas Pilipinas Women after Pat Aquino exit 

    A major reset is quietly unfolding inside the Gilas Pilipinas Women program.

     

    For years, the national team’s rise had been closely tied to the leadership of Pat Aquino — the longtime architect behind some of the country’s biggest breakthroughs in women’s basketball.

     

    Now, with Aquino officially out as head coach, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas appears determined to steer the program toward a completely new direction ahead of a packed international calendar that includes the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in August and the Asian Games in September.

     

    Speaking to reporters on Monday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, SBP Head of Communications Carlo Pamintuan revealed that the federation has already reached an agreement with Aquino’s replacement — though the official announcement is still pending the completion of contract formalities.

     

    “Two things: first, I want to officially say that Gilas Pilipinas Women has already agreed with its upcoming head coach. It’s a name that I cannot announce yet because we’re still finalizing the details of the contract,” Pamintuan said.

     

    “But a lot of the terms have already been agreed upon, and it will be announced, I think in the next two days after everything is signed. So we’re just waiting for the formality before we get to announce it.”

     

    What the SBP has already made clear, however, is the type of direction it wants to pursue.

    Instead of staying local, the federation intentionally leaned toward a foreign coach — a move heavily influenced by conversations with Tom Hovasse, the former Japan men’s and women’s national team mentor who famously guided Japan to a silver medal finish in the 2020 Summer Olympics women’s basketball tournament.

     

    According to Pamintuan, Hovasse was never officially considered for the role itself.

     

    Rather, the decorated coach served as a resource person during the search process as SBP attempted to study the blueprint behind Japan’s sustained success in women’s basketball.

     

    “In terms of Gilas Pilipinas Women, the SBP had a conversation with former Japan Women’s and Men’s head coach Tom Hovasse. But it was never in an interview capacity. He never applied for the job. He was not considered for the job, but his input as a reference was valued by the Federation,” Pamintuan shared.

     

    “We all know that Japan has a really strong women’s program. Currently, I believe they’re number three in Asia, including Australia, China, and Japan. And we want to emulate the same success as Japan. We’ve seen their results so that is why the search for Gilas Pilipinas Women Head Coach skewed towards that direction.” 

     

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    “So again, we really thank Coach Tom Hovasse for his input. We value everything that he shared with us. But the SBP wants to clarify that he did not apply for the job. He never interviewed for the job. We just were able to talk to him as a reference in terms of helping us find the best candidate we need in this specific time.”

     

    The changes within the program extend beyond the senior team.

     

    In another key development, Bacon Austria has been appointed program director for Gilas Women, adding another experienced Ateneo figure into the national team structure.

     

    Austria recently guided the Ateneo Blue Eagles to a breakthrough Final Four appearance in the UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball tournament, finishing with an impressive 11-3 record.

    Meanwhile, veteran tactician Sandy Arespacochaga will take over the Gilas Youth Women program, replacing former head coach Julie Amos.

     

    For Arespacochaga, the appointment marks a return to familiar territory after previously serving within the national team setup during his earlier stint with Gilas Youth in 2019.

     

    “I think you have already kind of seen it, but Gilas Pilipinas Youth Women will be led by coach Sandy Arespacochaga. He has been running the practices with the team and they’re already deep in their preparations for their SEABA competitions this June,” Pamintuan said.

     

    The youth squad is currently preparing for the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers set from June 2 to 6 in Bacolod.

     

    Taken together, the moves signal something larger than a simple coaching change.

     

    After years of gradual progress under Aquino, SBP now appears intent on reshaping the entire Gilas Women structure — from the senior squad down to the youth pipeline — in hopes of building a program capable of consistently competing with Asia’s elite.

     

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  • SBP begins new era with Sandy Arespacochaga taking charge of Gilas Women Youth

    SBP begins new era with Sandy Arespacochaga taking charge of Gilas Women Youth

    The rebuilding of the women’s basketball program under Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is beginning to take clearer shape, and the federation’s latest move signals a stronger focus on long-term development rather than quick fixes.


    At the center of that direction is Sandy Arespacochaga, who has officially been appointed as the new head coach of Gilas Pilipinas Women Youth.

     

    The veteran tactician now takes charge of the national girls squad preparing for the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers set from June 2 to 6 in Bacolod.

     

    Rather than simply filling a coaching vacancy, SBP’s decision appears rooted in building continuity within the national program. 

     

    Arespacochaga brings years of experience from different levels of Philippine basketball, from collegiate success with the Ateneo Blue Eagles to professional experience as an assistant coach with NLEX Road Warriors and TNT Tropang 5G, where he has remained part of the coaching staff since 2019.

     

    He also carries international experience after previously handling Batang Gilas in the FIBA Under-19 World Cup, giving him familiarity with youth development and international competition.

     

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    Preparations for the regional qualifiers are already underway. Earlier, tournament officials and delegates conducted inspections of the competition venues in Bacolod, including the STI West Negros University Gymnasium and the Bacolod City Multi-Purpose Center and Skate Park (MICES Gym), which will serve as the practice facility.

     

    The inspections focused on ensuring the venues meet international standards, particularly in playing conditions, athlete accommodations, and spectator readiness.

     

    While the youth program begins its transition under Arespacochaga, SBP is also expected to announce the new head coach for the senior Gilas Pilipinas Women squad within the next few days.

     

    According to SBP head of communications Carlo Pamintuan, the federation is already in the final stages of discussions. He explained that several terms have already been agreed upon. 

     

    At the same time, Pamintuan clarified speculation involving former Japan women’s national team coach Tom Hovasse.

     

    “SBP had a conversation with former Japan coach Tom Hovasse but never in an interview setting and he never applied. He was not considered, but his input as a reference was valued,” said Pamintuan.

     

    The federation, however, openly acknowledged that Japan’s sustained success in women’s basketball has become one of the benchmarks they hope to follow.

     

    “Japan has a strong women’s program. They’re no. 3 in Asia and we want to emulate the same success as Japan had. We’ve seen their results and the search queued towards that direction,” he said.

     

    For SBP, the recent coaching changes appear less about immediate results and more about creating a system capable of competing consistently in Asia, starting from the youth ranks all the way to the senior national team.

     

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  • TNT Tropang 5G finding perfect timing as Bol Bol and locals click ahead of semifinal showdown 

    TNT Tropang 5G finding perfect timing as Bol Bol and locals click ahead of semifinal showdown 

    As TNT Tropang 5G prepares for its semifinal battle against the Meralco Bolts, the timing of the team’s growing chemistry could not have come at a better moment.


    For weeks, much of the attention has naturally centered on Bol Bol — the towering 7-foot-3 import with NBA pedigree capable of taking over games offensively at any moment. But heading into the playoffs, TNT’s biggest development may not be Bol’s scoring at all. It’s the way the Tropang 5G have evolved around him.

     

    Instead of relying solely on their import to carry the offense, TNT has gradually become more balanced, with local stars finding rhythm and confidence as Bol continues to draw defensive attention.

     

    That shift was evident in TNT’s playoff performances leading into the semifinals, where the locals flourished alongside their import. Veteran guard Jayson Castro finished with 14 points, eight assists, and four rebounds in Game 1, while RR Pogoy and Calvin Oftana also became reliable scoring outlets around Bol’s presence.

     

    Castro believes the biggest change has been Bol’s willingness to trust his teammates.

    “I give credit to Bol because he realized we need to play as a team and, at the same time, he has to share the ball,” Castro said.

     

    For TNT, that adjustment has transformed the offense into something far less predictable. Defenses may still focus heavily on Bol, but doing so now leaves opportunities for the rest of the roster to capitalize.

     

    “The locals also stepped up, which I think was big in supporting Bol,” he said.

     

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    The veteran playmaker feels the team is finally discovering its identity after an inconsistent elimination round.

     

    “I think we’re getting the team chemistry at the perfect time in these last few games,” he said. “In the eliminations, we may have lost a lot, but our game is coming together here in the playoffs.”

     

    That cohesion will immediately be tested against a Meralco side that already proved capable of handling TNT once this conference. The Bolts defeated the Tropang 5G, 110-106, during the eliminations after building a lead that reached 20 points.

     

    For head coach Chot Reyes, that previous meeting serves as a warning entering the semifinal series.

     

    “If you remember, in our elimination round game, Meralco beat us. They have so many offensive weapons that it’s incumbent upon us to, number one, defend well and rebound,” said the veteran mentor.

     

    “And they’re also one of the more physical teams in the league. And you see how teams are playing Bol,” he added.

     

    That physical approach is exactly why TNT’s improved offensive balance could become the deciding factor in the series. Bol’s scoring remains a constant threat, but his ability to involve teammates may ultimately determine how far the Tropang 5G can go.

     

    “The attention is almost always on Bol, so he’s been involving us in the offense. He can score anytime, but he’s sacrificed a lot to find us and make us threats as well,” he said.

     

    Now, with the semifinals set to begin Wednesday, TNT enters the series believing its most dangerous version may finally be taking shape — one where Bol Bol no longer has to do everything alone.

     

    “We have to be able to cope with that and play through that. Very well coached. We all know the quality of the coaching staff,” said Reyes.

     

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  • June Mar Fajardo cites import changes as key factor behind San Miguel playoff exit 

    June Mar Fajardo cites import changes as key factor behind San Miguel playoff exit 

    The San Miguel Beermen saw their Season 50 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup campaign come to an unexpectedly early conclusion after suffering a 104-113 defeat to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the quarterfinals at the Ynares Center on Friday, May 15.

     

    The loss marked a disappointing finish for one of the league’s most decorated franchises, as the Beermen once again fell short of their usual championship standards despite flashes of strong performances throughout the conference. The defeat also highlighted the challenges of roster instability, particularly in the import position, which ultimately disrupted the team’s rhythm heading into the playoffs.

     

    San Miguel cornerstone and record eight-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo addressed the team’s early exit following the match, acknowledging that frequent changes in imports significantly affected their chemistry and overall consistency during the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

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    “Siguro. Nakakaapekto rin ‘yun sa amin, sa chemistry namin. Pero gano’n talaga, hindi maiiwasan ‘yun. Nakakalungkot man, pahinga na lang muna. Bawi na lang next conference,” Fajardo said in a media interaction.

     

    San Miguel’s import situation proved to be one of the defining storylines of their campaign. The Beermen initially opened the conference with Marcus Lee as their reinforcement, but he was limited to just three games before the team opted for a change.

    He was replaced by Justin Patton, who immediately made an impact by helping San Miguel secure back-to-back victories against the Macau Black Bears and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. However, the momentum was halted following a 116-112 defeat to Rain or Shine, a game that would ultimately mark Patton’s final appearance for the franchise.

     

    Patton’s abrupt exit came after he failed to report for the team’s subsequent matchup against the Magnolia Hotshots, a situation that contributed to another costly defeat and further disrupted San Miguel’s continuity. In response, the Beermen brought back Bennie Boatwright, whose familiarity with the system immediately provided stability and offensive firepower.

     

    Boatwright’s return sparked a strong late surge for San Miguel, as he powered the team to four wins in their final five elimination-round games, helping them secure a playoff berth despite the earlier turbulence. His scoring and spacing ability once again proved vital, but the constant adjustments across the conference left the Beermen searching for cohesion at a critical stage of the season.

     

    Against Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals, San Miguel showed stretches of competitiveness but were ultimately unable to contain the Elasto Painters’ balanced attack down the stretch. The loss ended their title bid earlier than expected, reinforcing concerns about consistency and roster stability heading into future conferences.

     

    Despite the setback, Fajardo remained composed in defeat, offering credit to their opponents while emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the game.

     

    “Wala, talo talaga. Congratulations sa Rain or Shine, ang ganda nu’ng conference nila. And kami naman, gusto man naming manalo, gano’n talaga ang basketball. Hindi naman natin makukuha lahat ng panalo eh. Titingnan na lang namin ‘yung three conferences, two out of three, so not bad na ‘yun. Bounce back kami next conference,” he concluded.

     

    While the early exit is a rare stumble for the Beermen, the franchise will look to regroup and stabilize its roster ahead of the next conference, with hopes of returning to its championship-contending form in the highly competitive PBA landscape.

     

     

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