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Category: Basketball

  • Tim Cone, Yeng Guiao rivalry adds another chapter as Ginebra and Rain or Shine collide anew 

    Tim Cone, Yeng Guiao rivalry adds another chapter as Ginebra and Rain or Shine collide anew 

    For decades, the PBA has evolved through different stars, dynasties, and eras. But somehow, Tim Cone and Yeng Guiao have remained constant.

     

    Now, more than 30 years since both first stepped into the league, the two coaching legends are once again standing on opposite sides of a playoff series — this time with a trip to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals hanging in the balance.

     

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Rain or Shine may headline the matchup on paper, but behind the teams stands a far deeper story: two of the most influential basketball minds the league has ever seen preparing to test philosophies that have shaped generations of Philippine basketball.

     

    One built dynasties through precision, discipline, and structure. The other forged his legacy weaponizing pressure, emotion, and relentless chaos. And somehow, both approaches kept winning for decades.

     

    That contrast is exactly why their rivalry continues to endure.

     

    “I just know how hard it is to go up against Yeng Guiao. His teams play the game extremely hard and extremely fast,” Cone admitted after Ginebra dismantled Phoenix, 112-81, to book its semifinal seat.

     

    The respect between the two runs deep because few coaches truly understand what the other has survived through.

     

    Cone arrived in the PBA in 1989 and almost immediately established himself as one of the league’s brightest tacticians. Guiao followed a year later, bringing with him the fiery personality and edge that would eventually define his coaching career.

     

    From there, their paths repeatedly crossed through changing generations of players and franchises.

     

    Cone collected championships through powerhouse systems, highlighted by Alaska’s legendary 1996 Grand Slam and San Mig Coffee’s historic repeat in 2014.

     

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    Meanwhile, Guiao became the league’s ultimate culture-builder — the coach who consistently convinced overlooked teams they could punch above their weight. He steered Red Bull to multiple championships in the early 2000s before later delivering Rain or Shine its breakthrough title in 2012.

     

    Perhaps most impressively, Guiao’s 2016 Commissioner’s Cup title with the Elasto Painters remains the last championship won by a team outside the SMC and MVP groups — a reminder of how dangerous his teams become when underestimated.

     

    Cone understands that better than most.

     

    “Coach Yeng is so experienced in all these things. Sometimes, I feel I have a little edge on that time, but not with coach Yeng. We came in the league at the same time and we’ve been coaching the same amount of years. He’s been through it all,” Cone added.

     

    This latest collision arrives with Ginebra carrying momentum after crushing Rain or Shine during the elimination round. But Cone knows playoff basketball erases old results quickly — especially against a Guiao-coached squad.

     

    “You don’t put too much salt in that game and you just have to let it go. Like I said, we know the kind of team that they present so that’s what we’re gonna be ready for, not our last game,” he insisted.

     

    Because if there is one lesson their rivalry has repeatedly taught the league over the years, it is this:

     

    No lead, reputation, or previous result ever feels safe once Cone and Guiao begin matching moves from opposite benches again.

     

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  • NBA round up: Cleveland Cavaliers crush Detroit Pistons in Game 7 to reach Eastern Finals for the first time since 2018

    NBA round up: Cleveland Cavaliers crush Detroit Pistons in Game 7 to reach Eastern Finals for the first time since 2018

    Cleveland Cavaliers delivered their most complete performance of the 2026 playoffs, overwhelming the No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons 125–94 in Game 7 at Little Caesars Arena to win the series 4–3 and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.


    It was a statement closeout from Cleveland, who not only survived a seven-game match but finished it with authority, outscoring Detroit across all four quarters and turning a tight series into a decisive blowout when it mattered most.

     

    From the opening minutes, Cleveland played like a team determined to erase doubt. Donovan Mitchell set the tone immediately, drilling a deep first-quarter buzzer-beater that pushed the Cavaliers ahead by nine. That shot effectively flipped the momentum for the entire night, as Detroit never regained control.

     

    Mitchell finished with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists, orchestrating the offense while attacking mismatches and controlling pace in transition. His leadership in a pressure-filled Game 7 marked his first career trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.

     

    The Cavaliers’ supporting cast delivered one of its strongest collective performances of the postseason. Jarrett Allen dominated inside with 23 points, finishing efficiently around the rim and protecting the paint. Sam Merrill matched him with 23 points of his own, while Evan Mobley added 21 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring both ends with a second-chance finish.

     

    The Detroit Pistons entered the series as the No. 1 seed but struggled to match Cleveland’s execution in elimination settings. In Game 7, Cade Cunningham fought to generate offense but was contained to 13 points on 5-of-16 shooting with 3 turnovers, often forced into tough drives against Cleveland’s interior defense.

     

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    Rookie guard Daniss Jenkins provided a bright spot with 17 points, while Cunningham tried to keep Detroit within reach early. 

     

    However, Cleveland’s defensive pressure and transition execution steadily broke the Pistons down as the game wore on.

     

    The Cavaliers’ Game 7 dominance was the culmination of a series defined by swings in momentum. Detroit’s top seeding came from their consistency throughout the regular season and their strong home court performances, but Cleveland’s adjustments over the last three games proved decisive.

     

    After splitting the first two games, the series turned into a back-and-forth battle. Detroit used physical defense and half-court control in Game 3 to regain momentum, but Cleveland responded in Game 4 and Game 5 with improved ball movement and more aggressive perimeter shooting.

     

    Game 6 saw Detroit force a Game 7 behind Cunningham’s leadership and their interior defense, but Cleveland’s experience in pressure situations ultimately showed in the finale. Their spacing improved, turnovers dropped, and Mitchell dictated tempo from start to finish.

     

    The 125–94 win sends Cleveland to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018, marking a major milestone in the post-LeBron era. It is also their clearest signal yet that they are capable of contending for a return to the NBA Finals.

     

    Cleveland now shifts focus to a high-stakes matchup with the New York Knicks. Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals is set for Tuesday.

     

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  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins back-to-back NBA MVP awards in dominant fashion 

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins back-to-back NBA MVP awards in dominant fashion 

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder has officially been crowned the National Basketball Association (NBA) Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the second consecutive season, further cementing his status as one of the league’s premier superstars, as announced in the early hours of Monday, May 18 (Philippine Standard Time).

     

    The 27-year-old guard dominated the voting in emphatic fashion, securing 83 of the 100 available first-place votes. He finished with a commanding 939 total points, comfortably ahead of two-time MVP Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets, who placed second with 834 points. Rising phenom Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs finished third with 569 points, while Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers and Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons rounded out the top five in a highly competitive ballot.

     

    Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP triumph caps off another outstanding regular season in which he elevated both his scoring volume and overall efficiency while continuing to serve as the undisputed leader of Oklahoma City’s offense. Across 68 appearances, he averaged 31.1 points on an elite 55.3 percent shooting clip, alongside 6.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game—numbers that underline both his scoring versatility and his growing playmaking responsibility.

     

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    Beyond raw production, Gilgeous-Alexander also distinguished himself in the most critical moments of games. He led the entire NBA with 175 clutch points—defined as points scored in games within five points during the final five minutes of regulation or overtime—while also earning the league’s Clutch Player of the Year award, reinforcing his reputation as one of the NBA’s most dependable late-game performers.

    Speaking after receiving the prestigious honor, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the importance of both personal discipline and team chemistry in his continued rise.

     

    “Hard work, not being satisfied, the guys in the room having my back. Those guys go to war for me every night, but not only on the court but off the court. We have so much fun together. The NBA at times can seem like a business and a job but these guys really make it seem just fun and what it was like when I picked up basketball at a young age,” Gilgeous-Alexander said on winning the award.

     

    His back-to-back MVP achievement places him among an exclusive group of active players with multiple MVP trophies, alongside elite company such as Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Stephen Curry. Historically, only a select few players in league history have managed consecutive MVP wins, including legends such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

     

    The honor also places Gilgeous-Alexander in rare historical territory. He becomes only the fifth active player to win MVP in consecutive seasons and one of just a handful of players in the past four decades to secure multiple MVP awards before turning 28—an achievement that underscores both his early dominance and sustained excellence.

     

    Even more striking is his scoring consistency. Gilgeous-Alexander has now averaged at least 30 points per game in four consecutive seasons, a feat achieved only once before in NBA history by Jordan, further highlighting the elite company he continues to join as his career progresses.

     

    This marks the fourth straight season in which he has finished inside the top five of MVP voting, reflecting a remarkable level of consistency at the highest stage of the sport. With his combination of scoring efficiency, clutch performance, and leadership, Gilgeous-Alexander’s latest MVP award not only validates his individual brilliance but also signals the continued rise of Oklahoma City as a powerhouse in the Western Conference.

     

     

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  • Calvin Oftana reveals TNT’s honest talk with Bol Bol sparked playoff turnaround 

    Calvin Oftana reveals TNT’s honest talk with Bol Bol sparked playoff turnaround 

    For most teams, playoff preparation usually revolves around scouting reports, film sessions, and tactical adjustments.

     

    For TNT Tropang 5G, it began with something far less comfortable — honesty.

     

    According to Calvin Oftana, TNT temporarily set basketball aside before its do-or-die clash against NLEX Road Warriors and instead confronted the issues that had quietly followed the defending champions throughout the conference.

     

    “Nag-usap kami as a team,” Oftana revealed after TNT’s 118-112 quarterfinal victory Saturday night at the Ynares Center.

     

    “Walang viewing, wala lahat. Instead na mag-viewing kami, nag-open forum kami kung anong problema sa amin internally.”

     

    The conversation became especially important because it did not exclude import Bol Bol — the player around whom much of TNT’s system now revolves.

     

    Rather than tiptoeing around frustrations, the Tropang 5G veterans addressed everything directly with the former NBA big man.

     

    “In-open up namin kung ano ‘yung problema namin kay Bol, ano ‘yung pananaw niya sa team, kung gusto niya ba kami sa team or gusto ba namin siya sa team, mga ganung bagay,” Oftana shared.

     

    For Oftana, what mattered most was how receptive Bol turned out to be.

     

    “Siyempre, you need to open up yourself naman sa kanya; ang maganda kay Bol, in-accept niya as a brother. Doon kami nagkasundo lahat.”

     

    The discussion eventually centered on one recurring theme: trust.

     

    TNT’s local core — led by Oftana, Roger Pogoy, and Jayson Castro — wanted Bol to rely more on the players around him instead of carrying the offense alone.

     

    “Sinabi lang namin na, ‘Bol, kailangan mo ipasa rin minsan.’”

     

    “Sinabihan talaga namin! Kasi sabi nga ni Coach (Chot Reyes), ‘You need to trust these locals,’” Oftana added with a laugh.

     

    The timing of the breakthrough proved perfect.

     

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    After struggling to establish chemistry during the elimination round, TNT suddenly looked far more connected in the playoffs. Bol still delivered monster numbers with 35 points and 13 rebounds in the knockout win, but the locals thrived alongside him instead of simply orbiting around his talent.

     

    Pogoy finished with 21 points, Oftana added 20 markers of his own, while Castro continued stabilizing the offense with veteran poise.

     

    More than the statistics, however, Oftana believes TNT finally discovered the balance it had been searching for all conference long.

     

    “We started rough sa conference na ‘to and right now, we’re looking good in our own way, na nakukuha na namin ‘yung rhythm namin with Bol. And Bol is looking pretty good surrounded by us,” he said.

     

    Oftana admitted the team also feels motivated to maximize what may be a short-lived partnership with one of the most talented imports to ever enter the league.

     

    “Siyempre motivated kami; siyempre ayaw naming umalis agad si Bol na ganito lang. And kami rin naman.”

     

    Now heading into the semifinals against Meralco Bolts, TNT suddenly appears more dangerous not because its stars changed individually, but because the defending champions finally started functioning like one complete unit.

     

    “It’s up to us na mga locals na to help him up, para makayod namin ‘tong semifinals to the Finals,” Oftana said. 

     

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  • Jerom Lastimosa earns respect from Chris Newsome despite Magnolia Hotshots exit 

    Jerom Lastimosa earns respect from Chris Newsome despite Magnolia Hotshots exit 

    For Magnolia Hotshots, Saturday night ended in heartbreak. For Jerom Lastimosa, it may have marked the arrival of a future franchise leader.

     

    Magnolia bowed out of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals after a painful 105-102 overtime defeat to the Meralco Bolts, but even in defeat, Lastimosa walked away with something just as valuable, the respect of veterans who know what it takes to survive in the league’s biggest moments.

     

    The young guard carried the Hotshots for most of the night, pouring in 28 points alongside four rebounds and two assists while fearlessly attacking a Meralco squad loaded with playoff experience. Every time Magnolia needed a basket, Lastimosa seemed ready to answer, refusing to let the game slip away quietly.

     

    What stood out wasn’t just the scoring, but the responsibility he willingly embraced. In a tense playoff atmosphere, the ball repeatedly found its way to his hands, and he welcomed the pressure instead of shying away from it.

     

    Even opposing star Chris Newsome couldn’t help but admire the performance unfolding in front of him.

     

    “The sky’s the limit for him. He shows that he’s capable of doing things in crunch time, which is commendable to him, because he’s willing to put that on his shoulders at such a young age,” Newsome said. 

     

    Newsome finished with 18 points and five assists of his own to help send Meralco into the semifinals, but his appreciation for Lastimosa’s growth runs deeper than one playoff duel. 

     

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    The two were teammates during the 32nd Cambodia SEA Games in 2023 under Gilas Pilipinas, where Newsome first saw signs that the former Adamson standout could thrive at the professional level.

     

    “He was part of the SEA games team before and we were teammates. I knew from that moment and when he was in Adamson that he was going to be a tough kid in the league and he’s proving that every night out,” the 35-year-old guard said. 

     

    That toughness showed late in regulation and overtime as Lastimosa traded big plays with veteran forward Bong Quinto. But as the minutes piled up, fatigue slowly crept in. 

     

    With 23.5 seconds left, he split a pair of free throws that could have tied the contest, opening the door for Meralco to finally escape. The missed opportunity will likely linger, but so will the lesson. For players expected to become stars, playoff scars are often part of the process.

     

    Under coach LA Tenorio, Lastimosa has steadily earned trust in crucial situations, and against Meralco, he showed he can handle both the spotlight and the burden that comes with it. 

     

    Newsome believes this performance will eventually fuel Lastimosa’s rise even more.

     

    “For now, I’m glad that we got the one-up on him on this one, but I know he’s gonna be hungry whenever we do get that matchup again, and it’s only gonna make him a better competitor down the road,” the Ateneo de Manila product said. 

     

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  • “I was outcoached by Chot”: Jong Uichico reflects on NLEX’s PBA elimination

    “I was outcoached by Chot”: Jong Uichico reflects on NLEX’s PBA elimination

    The NLEX Road Warriors saw their promising 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup campaign come to a heartbreaking end on Saturday, May 16, after absorbing a 118-112 defeat to defending champions TNT Tropang Giga in the quarterfinals at the Ynares Center.

     

    Entering the playoffs armed with a coveted twice-to-beat advantage, the Road Warriors appeared to hold the upper hand against a TNT side loaded with championship pedigree and veteran firepower. However, the Tropang Giga once again leaned on the brilliance of import Bol Bol, who delivered another dominant performance with 35 points and 13 rebounds to propel TNT into the semifinal round.

     

    Despite the disappointing exit, NLEX head coach Jong Uichico acknowledged that his young squad simply ran into a more experienced and battle-tested opponent. The veteran tactician admitted that TNT’s depth, versatility, and tactical adjustments ultimately overwhelmed the Road Warriors throughout the decisive contest.

     

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    “I mean, ang admin weapon against us. Ang daming napupuntahan ng Talk ‘N Text talaga. I was outcoached by Chot Reyes trying to find those mismatches. We had no solution. Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, Rey Nambatac – lahat may counter,” Uichico said during the postgame press conference.

     

    TNT’s balanced attack repeatedly punished NLEX on both ends of the floor. Aside from Bol’s inside dominance, the Tropang Giga received crucial contributions from Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, and Rey Nambatac, whose timely scoring and defensive pressure prevented the Road Warriors from sustaining momentum.

     

    NLEX managed to threaten late in the game after trimming what was once a nearly 20-point deficit, but TNT’s composure and execution down the stretch proved decisive.

     

    “That’s why ganoon. Lamang by almost 20, humabol lang nung huli pero wala na ‘yun. Kami naman, I think we scored enough to win the game, but if the score is that way, hindi kami mananalo,” Uichico added.

    A major factor in the Road Warriors’ defeat was the subdued outing from franchise star Robert Bolick. After carrying NLEX throughout the elimination round and emerging as one of the conference’s premier performers, Bolick struggled to impose himself offensively in the do-or-die matchup, finishing with just 16 points.

     

    The output marked only a slight improvement from his 15-point effort in the first quarterfinal encounter, where foul trouble severely hampered his rhythm and playing time. Throughout the series, TNT’s defensive schemes focused heavily on limiting Bolick’s opportunities, forcing him to expend significant energy on both offense and defense.

     

    Uichico admitted the physically demanding series eventually took a toll on his star guard, who had been tasked with carrying a massive workload for the Road Warriors all conference long.

     

    “Siyempre, well, in the first game, na-foul out siya. Na-foul trouble siya and it limited his minutes. But nagiging double ‘yung trabaho niya because he has to score and defend also at the same time. Doon kami nagkaproblema. Medyo nagkayod siya sa series na ito,” Uichico continued.

     

    While the loss denied NLEX a breakthrough semifinal appearance, the conference still represented another encouraging step forward for the franchise. The Road Warriors consistently established themselves among the league’s top contenders during the elimination phase, securing top-two finishes in both the Philippine Cup and Commissioner’s Cup group stages.

     

    For Uichico, the challenge now is translating strong eliminations performances into deeper playoff runs. The longtime coach emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency and continuing to build the team’s confidence and chemistry moving forward.

     

    “There’s always something positive to look at. If we can remain consistent this way, sooner or later, makaka-advance din kami sa semis. If we are consistent in the top four, so that means there’s something. We are getting stronger, or we are doing something correct. Hopefully, if we are consistent in the top four, then makakaahon kami sa ganitong sitwasyon,” he concluded.

     

    Although their Commissioner’s Cup journey ended earlier than hoped, the Road Warriors once again demonstrated that they are steadily evolving into one of the PBA’s most competitive squads. With Bolick continuing to emerge as one of the league’s elite guards and a core gaining valuable postseason experience, NLEX remains optimistic that future conferences could finally yield the deep playoff breakthrough the franchise has long been chasing.

     

     

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  • Bol Bol leads tight Best Import race after the elimination-round campaign 

    Bol Bol leads tight Best Import race after the elimination-round campaign 

    In a conference loaded with proven reinforcements and former award winners, one towering figure managed to separate himself from the rest.


    Bol Bol has emerged as the frontrunner for the Best Import award in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after producing one of the most dominant elimination-round performances by an import this season.

     

    The 7-foot-3 reinforcement of the TNT Tropang 5G finished atop the statistical race with 59.4 statistical points, fueled by league-leading numbers in both scoring and shot-blocking.

     

    Bol averaged a conference-best 38.2 points per game while also anchoring TNT defensively with 4.3 blocks per contest. 

     

    He added 14.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per outing as the Tropang 5G managed to secure a playoff berth despite ending the eliminations in eighth place.

     

    Beyond the numbers, Bol became one of the conference’s biggest attractions, with fans regularly filling arenas to watch the six-year NBA veteran whose combination of size, skill, and mobility made him one of the most difficult matchups in the league.

     

    The son of late NBA legend Manute Bol consistently delivered highlight-reel performances throughout the conference, helping keep TNT competitive even against higher-seeded teams.

     

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    Meanwhile, Bennie Boatwright of the San Miguel Beermen sits second in the standings with 53.4 statistical points after averaging 32.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.

     

    Cady Lalanne powered the NLEX Road Warriors to the top seed while ranking third overall with 50.6 statistical points behind averages of 26.0 points, 15.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.3 blocks.

     

    Three-time Best Import Justin Brownlee also remained firmly in contention for another award run. The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel reinforcement ranked fourth with 50.3 statistical points after averaging 30.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals.

     

    Rounding out the top five was Jayson Johnson of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, who posted 47.8 statistical points while averaging 23.6 points, 14.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks to help Rain or Shine secure the third seed.

     

    Also completing the top 10 in the Best Import race were Robert Upshaw of Blackwater (47.2 SP), Jonathan Williams of Phoenix (46.7 SP), Clint Chapman of Magnolia (45.8 SP), Mubashar Ali of Terrafirma (42.7 SP), and Marvin Jones of Meralco (42.2 SP).

     

    Bol and TNT now shift their focus to the playoffs, where they are set to face the top-seeded NLEX Road Warriors once again on Saturday at the Ynares Center at 7:30 p.m. 

     

    With the Best Import race tightening and TNT fighting for survival, Bol’s dominance will again be central to the Tropang 5G’s postseason hopes.

     

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  • “He outlasted me”: DeMarcus Cousins reflects on LeBron James’ legendary career and durability 

    “He outlasted me”: DeMarcus Cousins reflects on LeBron James’ legendary career and durability 

    The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025–26 National Basketball Association (NBA) campaign came to a disappointing end after the team were swept 4–0 by reigning champions Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals, closing out a postseason run that fell well short of championship expectations.

     

    The early playoff exit has once again intensified speculation surrounding the future of Lakers superstar LeBron James, who is now 41 years old and firmly in the twilight of a career widely regarded as one of the greatest in NBA history. With his current contract situation and retirement timeline still uncertain, questions continue to swirl about how much longer the league’s all-time leading scorer will remain active.

     

    James himself has acknowledged that no final decision has been made regarding his future beyond the current season, leaving the door open for multiple possibilities as he weighs the next chapter of his career. While the Los Angeles Lakers organization has yet to publicly indicate any changes, the uncertainty has naturally sparked debate across the basketball world about whether the veteran forward will return for another season or consider retirement.

     

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    Adding to the conversation, former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins offered a bold and highly optimistic assessment of James’ longevity, suggesting that the veteran could still have significant playing years ahead of him if he chooses to continue competing at the highest level.

    “I think he has got another 10 years left. I can’t do that now. For a guy who I grew up watching as a kid, he outlasted me. I was a part of his camps as a young kid – it will be a sad day. I’m a guy that appreciates LeBron James,” Cousins said in a media interaction.

     

    Cousins, who entered the NBA in 2010 and last played in 2022 with the Denver Nuggets, reflected on his admiration for James’ longevity, discipline, and influence on younger generations of players. Despite having already stepped away from the league himself, the 35-year-old emphasized that James’ impact extends far beyond statistics and championships.

     

    “I know a lot of people hate him, I’m a guy that appreciates his legacy and what he has done for the game and young athletes. Creating a blueprint on how to carry yourself on and off the court, how to take care of your body and be the ultimate professional. I appreciate everything he has brought to the game,” he added.

     

    Cousins also highlighted James’ role as a standard-bearer for professionalism and longevity in modern basketball, pointing to the forward’s meticulous approach to fitness and recovery as a major factor behind his unprecedented career span.

     

    Beyond the speculation and opinions, Cousins made it clear that he believes James’ eventual departure from the game will be a significant moment for the sport as a whole, given his generational impact on and off the court.

     

    “Whenever he decides to make it his last, I hope he gets the flowers he deserves,” he concluded.

    As the offseason begins, attention now turns to both the Lakers’ roster direction and LeBron James’ personal decision, which remains one of the most closely watched storylines in professional basketball heading into the next NBA season.

     

     

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  • Allen Durham encourages Meralco Bolts ahead of do-or-die Game 2 vs Magnolia 

    Allen Durham encourages Meralco Bolts ahead of do-or-die Game 2 vs Magnolia 

    As the Meralco Bolts brace for a crucial follow-up clash against the Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals, familiar figure Allen Durham provided both presence and perspective from the sidelines.


    The three-time Best Import returned to support his former squad after Meralco stumbled in Game 1, watching closely as the Bolts failed to clinch an outright semifinal spot and instead allowed Magnolia to force a deciding rubber match.

     

    Despite the setback, Durham kept his message simple and steady for the team still trying to rediscover its rhythm in a high-pressure series.

     

    “They just got to keep playing. We’ve been in this position before,” he said.

     

    One of the Bolts’ main struggles in Game 1 came from import Marvin Jones, who endured a difficult shooting night. He finished with 16 points and six rebounds but struggled from the floor, going just 3-of-15 from field goal attempts as Meralco failed to close out the game.

     

    Even so, Durham defended his fellow import’s effort and impact beyond the stat sheet.

     

    “I think he played pretty good. He just missed shots that he normally makes. He had a couple bunnies but if those bunnies fall, it’ll be a completely different game,” Durham said.

     

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    For Meralco, the challenge now shifts from disappointment to adjustment, with Game 2 shaping up as a defining moment in their season.

     

    Durham’s courtside appearance at the Ynares Center came as a morale boost for Meralco, even as the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots managed to extend the series and keep their own semifinal hopes alive.

     

    Durham’s long-standing bond with the franchise remains one of the defining storylines of Meralco’s recent history. 

     

    Over multiple stints with the Bolts, he served as the centerpiece of their playoff runs, guiding the team to several Governors’ Cup Finals appearances and earning three Best Import awards while becoming one of the most productive imports in the league.

     

    Following the game, Durham also reflected on life after his 2024 PBA retirement, sharing how he has transitioned into a quieter but still basketball-connected lifestyle back in the United States.

     

    “It’s good. I’m doing a little bit of coaching back home, a little bit of business, and most of all just chilling with my kids,” said Durham.

     

    Even away from the league, Durham continues to stay close to the game through mentoring young players while balancing family time and business ventures.

     

    The Meralco Bolts are now set for a high-stakes rematch against Magnolia on Saturday at the Ynares Center, where a semifinal ticket will hang in the balance.

     

    In their previous meeting in Game 1 of the quarterfinal series, Meralco showed flashes of control early but struggled to sustain their defensive intensity in the closing stretches, allowing Magnolia to capitalize on key possessions down the stretch and seize momentum heading into the deciding game. 

     

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  • Robert Bolick powers ahead in PBA Best Player race as NLEX finishes with first seed in PBA Commissioner’s Cup 

    Robert Bolick powers ahead in PBA Best Player race as NLEX finishes with first seed in PBA Commissioner’s Cup 

    For years, the PBA’s biggest individual awards have largely revolved around familiar names and decorated superstars.

     

    This conference, however, Robert Bolick is forcing the conversation in a different direction.

     

    The NLEX guard has emerged as the frontrunner for the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Best Player of the Conference award after the elimination round, spearheading both the Road Warriors’ rise to the top seed and what could become the finest individual conference of his career.

     

    Bolick finished the eliminations atop the statistical points race with 41.9 SPs, putting him ahead of a stacked field led by perennial winner June Mar Fajardo, explosive rookie RJ Abarrientos, breakout forward Ricci Rivero, and Magnolia’s versatile big man Zavier Lucero.

     

    The numbers behind Bolick’s campaign have been difficult to ignore.

     

    The NLEX star averaged 20.5 points, 8.8 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game while orchestrating the Road Warriors’ league-best 10-2 finish entering the playoffs. More importantly, he transformed NLEX from a dangerous dark horse into the conference’s top-ranked squad.

     

    Bolick’s assist average also led the entire league, highlighting the balance between his scoring aggression and floor leadership throughout the eliminations.

     

    Behind him sits perhaps the most dominant player of the PBA’s modern era. San Miguel cornerstone June Mar Fajardo remains firmly in the hunt with 39.5 SPs as the 13-time BPC winner once again anchored the Beermen with averages of 16.8 points, 14.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per outing.

     

    Even amid San Miguel’s turbulent start and import adjustments, Fajardo continued delivering the steady production that has defined his dynasty.

     

    Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos has rapidly evolved from rookie sensation into legitimate BPC contender.

     

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    The explosive guard ranked third with 37.5 SPs after leading the conference in scoring at 21.5 points per game while also contributing 5.1 assists and 3.6 rebounds. Abarrientos played a massive role in Ginebra’s late elimination surge, helping the Gin Kings secure the No. 2 seed entering the quarterfinals.

     

    Phoenix’s Ricci Rivero placed fourth in the race with 34.9 SPs, continuing his breakout conference under head coach Charles Tiu. Long known for his versatility and athleticism, Rivero elevated his offensive game this conference with averages of 20.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals.

     

    Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero completed the top five with 33.5 SPs after emerging as one of the league’s premier two-way forwards. Aside from averaging 15.8 points and 8.7 rebounds, Lucero also led the league in blocks with 1.9 per game while anchoring Magnolia’s defensive identity.

     

    The rest of the top 10 features a mix of veterans and rising stars who each left their imprint on the eliminations.

     

    Terrafirma’s Jerrick Ahanmisi ranked sixth with 32.8 SPs, followed by Ginebra veteran Scottie Thompson at 32.2. San Miguel’s Cjay Perez placed eighth with 31.6, while NLEX wing Schonny Winston continued his breakout season with 31.1 SPs.

     

    Meralco sophomore CJ Cansino rounded out the top 10 with 29.9 SPs after another productive all-around conference.

     

    With the playoffs now underway, the BPC race remains far from settled. But entering the most important stretch of the conference, Bolick has already accomplished something significant — he has positioned himself at the center of a race once dominated almost exclusively by established PBA royalty.

     

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