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Category: Basketball

  • Rey Nambatac powers depleted TNT resurgence, bags PBA Player of the Week honors

    Rey Nambatac powers depleted TNT resurgence, bags PBA Player of the Week honors

    Every championship contender eventually reaches a point where someone has to carry the load.

    For TNT Tropang 5G, that player has been Rey Nambatac.

     

    With the defending champions missing several key stars and facing an uphill climb after an inconsistent start to the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, Nambatac has emerged as the steady force keeping TNT’s title defense alive.

     

    His leadership and clutch performances were rewarded after being named the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of July 28 to August 2.

     

    “As one of the leaders of the team, kailangan ko ipakita na lumalaban pa din tayo,” said Nambatac after spearheading TNT’s back-to-back victories.

     

    The veteran guard averaged 25.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists during the week, helping the Tropang 5G improve to 3-2 in Group A after opening the conference with an uneven campaign.

    Nambatac edged out Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum and NLEX’s Schonny Winston for his second weekly citation of the PBA’s milestone 50th season.

     

    His latest recognition comes at a time when TNT has been forced to rely heavily on its remaining healthy players.

     

    The Tropang 5G continue to play without Calvin Oftana, Jayson Castro, Kelly Williams, and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, while matters became even more complicated after RR Pogoy suffered a knee injury and Jordan Heading hyperextended his shoulder during the victory over Converge.

     

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    Despite the growing injury list, Nambatac refused to let TNT lose its footing.

     

    Against the FiberXers, TNT found itself buried in an early 16-0 hole, but the veteran guard sparked the comeback before delivering the biggest shot of the night—a buzzer-beating three-pointer that lifted the Tropang 5G to a dramatic 110-107 victory. He finished with 30 points in one of the conference’s most memorable performances.

     

    Nambatac followed it up with another all-around effort against powerhouse San Miguel Beer, tallying 21 points and nine rebounds as TNT pulled off a 93-89 overtime upset.

     

    While Kim Aurin knocked down two crucial three-pointers late in the extra period, it was Nambatac’s steady production throughout the contest that once again anchored the defending champions.

     

    With TNT still waiting for several key contributors to return, Nambatac has become the stabilizing presence the team desperately needed—proving that championship aspirations can stay alive when one of its leaders is willing to shoulder the responsibility.

     

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  • Anthony Edwards brings NBA stardom to Manila for weeklong adidas fan experience 

    Anthony Edwards brings NBA stardom to Manila for weeklong adidas fan experience 

    Filipino basketball fans won’t just be watching Anthony Edwards from afar this August—they’ll get the rare opportunity to experience one of the NBA’s biggest young stars up close.

     

    The Minnesota Timberwolves standout is set to headline the “Believe That. Tour” in Manila, with adidas bringing the NBA All-Star to the Philippines for a weeklong celebration that blends basketball, fashion, and fan interaction.

     

    The centerpiece of the tour will be the Anthony Edwards Fan Fest on August 15 at Bonifacio Global City, where fans can catch the high-flying guard in person as adidas caps off several days of basketball-themed activities across Metro Manila.

     

    For adidas Philippines, bringing Edwards to the country is about rewarding one of basketball’s most passionate fan bases.

     

    “We’ve always wanted to bring Anthony Edwards to the Philippines because we know how much Filipino fans connect with his personality and the way he plays the game,” said Dave Sexton, country manager of adidas Philippines.

     

    “Ant represents a new generation of basketball athletes who are as influential off the court as they are on it. The Fan Fest is our way of celebrating that connection while also bringing together the incredible basketball community that makes the Philippines one of the most passionate basketball nations in the world,” he added.

     

    The celebration begins even before Edwards lands in Manila.

     

    From August 9 to 16, adidas 5th Avenue will transform into the “Believe That. Tour Merch Store,” featuring exclusive Manila-themed merchandise, limited-edition decals created by Filipino artist Charlie Salazar, and Anthony Edwards’ signature footwear and apparel.

     

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    The store will also showcase adidas Philippines’ two basketball SMUs for 2026—the Anthony Edwards 2 “Magpakitang Gilas” and the Believe That. 1 “Tibay ng Lahi,” both designed by Filipino creative Melvin Rodas.

     

    The festivities will continue on August 14 with the “Believe That. Challenge,” a nationwide 1-on-1 tournament organized by adidas and Foot Locker. Participants who purchase eligible Anthony Edwards signature shoes before the registration deadline will have a chance to compete for a ₱100,000 cash prize.

     

    The tournament champion will receive the trophy directly from Edwards during the Fan Fest, adding another memorable moment to the NBA star’s visit.

     

    The Fan Fest itself, taking place along BGC’s 5th Avenue and C1 Park, will be open to the public free of charge, giving Filipino fans another opportunity to interact with one of the league’s fastest-rising superstars.

     

    Edwards arrives in Manila fresh off another milestone-filled stretch in his career. The 24-year-old former No. 1 overall pick has already earned four NBA All-Star selections, two All-NBA Second Team honors, the 2026 NBA All-Star Game MVP, and an Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

     

    Now, the explosive guard adds another stop to his growing global profile—bringing his game, personality, and signature “Believe That.” brand directly to one of basketball’s most passionate countries.

     

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  • Boban Marjanović arrives as Strong Group’s towering weapon in Jones Cup three-peat bid 

    Boban Marjanović arrives as Strong Group’s towering weapon in Jones Cup three-peat bid 

    Strong Group Athletics’ pursuit of a historic William Jones Cup three-peat just got a whole lot bigger.

     

    Former NBA giant Boban Marjanović has officially arrived in the Philippines, bringing his towering 7-foot-4 frame to a Strong Group squad aiming to accomplish something no team has achieved in more than a decade.

     

    The Serbian veteran will headline Strong Group’s campaign in the 45th William Jones Cup, scheduled from August 8 to 23 at the New Taipei City Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan, where the Philippine club is chasing a third consecutive championship.

     

    If successful, Strong Group would become the first team since Iran (2009-2011) to win three straight Jones Cup titles.

     

    Marjanović’s arrival also continues the recent trend of towering international stars bringing their talents to Philippine basketball. Earlier this year, 7-foot-3 center Bol Bol suited up for TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, while Boban now takes his talents to the international stage with Strong Group.

     

    The veteran center was personally welcomed by head coach Charles Tiu, who spearheaded the effort to bring the former NBA big man to the tournament.

     

    According to veteran Filipino-based player agent Roger Jimenez, the recruitment process began when Tiu reached out in search of a marquee reinforcement capable of anchoring the team’s title defense.

     

    Jimenez then connected with Marjanović’s representative in Serbia—the same agency that also handles three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić—and negotiations quickly progressed before the Serbian agreed to join Strong Group.

     

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    Jimenez has built a reputation for bringing high-profile imports to Philippine basketball, having previously helped secure the services of current NLEX import DeQuan Jones, former San Miguel champion Chris McCullough, and former Meralco reinforcement Tony Bishop.

     

    For Filipino basketball fans, Marjanović is hardly an unfamiliar face.

     

    The veteran center twice stood in the way of Gilas Pilipinas while representing Serbia in international competition.

     

    He was part of the Serbian squad that defeated the Philippines during the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China before once again helping eliminate Gilas in the 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade.

     

    This time, however, Marjanović will be wearing Philippine colors as he helps Strong Group continue its dominance in one of Asia’s most prestigious invitational tournaments.

     

    The Serbian will join a loaded roster featuring former Gilas standouts Matthew Wright and William Navarro, Fil-Am guard Remy Martin, Puerto Rico national team veteran Isaiah Piñeiro, brothers Dave and Shaun Ildefonso, naturalized Filipino Malick Diouf, DJ Fenner, Allen Liwag, Titing Manalili, and Tajuan Agee.

     

    Strong Group opens the tournament in a challenging preliminary group alongside Chinese Taipei Blue, South Korea, and Japan, with its sights firmly set on adding another championship to its growing legacy.

     

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  • Naturalized Malick Diouf boosts Strong Group’s bid for William Jones Cup title

    Naturalized Malick Diouf boosts Strong Group’s bid for William Jones Cup title

    Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas’ pursuit of a historic third straight William Jones Cup championship has received a timely boost with the addition of newly naturalized Filipino Malick Diouf.

     

    With Angelo Koume unavailable for this year’s campaign, Strong Group turned to Diouf to reinforce its frontline as the team prepares for the 45th William Jones Cup, scheduled from August 14 to 23 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

     

    Diouf’s inclusion comes shortly after officially becoming a Filipino citizen, clearing the way for him to represent the Philippines in international competitions. His arrival adds another accomplished frontcourt player to a roster already loaded with veteran experience and international talent.

     

    The former University of the Philippines standout joins a formidable lineup headlined by Serbian center Boban Marjanović, Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Piñeiro, American Tajuan Agee, Will Navarro, and two-time NCAA Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag.


    Strong Group will also field an experienced backcourt featuring Remy Martin and Titing Manalili, while Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, and Matthew Wright round out the squad looking to keep the team’s dominance alive in Taiwan.

     

    Strong Group president Jacob Lao welcomed Diouf’s addition and acknowledged the support that made the move possible.

     

    “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, especially executive director Erika Dy, for allowing Malick to suit up for Strong Group Athletics in the William Jones Cup,” Lao said.

     

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    For head coach Charles Tiu, Diouf’s value extends well beyond filling an open roster spot.

     

    “Malick gives us even more size, versatility, and athleticism in the frontcourt. He’s a great replacement for Ange, and he raises our ceiling as a team because he can impact the game on both ends of the floor. We’re excited to have him with us,” Tiu said.

     

    Diouf arrives with an impressive résumé from his collegiate career as he played a pivotal role in leading the University of the Philippines to the UAAP Season 84 championship, earning Finals MVP honors as the Fighting Maroons ended a 36-year title drought. 

     

    A season later, he captured the UAAP Season 85 Most Valuable Player award, although UP fell short in its title defense after losing to Ateneo de Manila University in the finals.

     

    Strong Group enters this year’s tournament carrying lofty expectations after winning the last two editions of the William Jones Cup. The team has been drawn into a preliminary-round group with Chinese Taipei Blue, Korea, and Japan as it begins its quest to become the first squad to capture three consecutive William Jones Cup championships.

     

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  • Tirrell Brown powers Titan Ultra past Macau despite De’Vondre Perry’s 45-point performance

    Tirrell Brown powers Titan Ultra past Macau despite De’Vondre Perry’s 45-point performance

    Titan Ultra earned its second victory in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup on Tuesday, surviving a determined comeback from the Macau Giant Pandas for a hard-fought 132-128 triumph at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.


    The win improved the Giant Risers to a 2-5 record in Group A and provided a much-needed response after consecutive defeats, including a previous loss to Macau and another setback against San Miguel. 

     

    While Titan Ultra controlled most of the contest, the closing minutes tested the team’s composure as the Giant Pandas threatened to erase what was once a massive lead.

     

    Titan Ultra wasted no time asserting itself, building an early cushion before stretching the advantage to 66-37, its biggest lead of the night at 29 points. The Giant Risers dictated the tempo on both ends of the floor and appeared headed for a comfortable victory.

     

    Macau, however, refused to go away as the Giant Pandas chipped away at the deficit throughout the second half, eventually pulling within 124-116 with just under five minutes remaining. 

     

    The pressure intensified after Titan Ultra lost big man Mark Omega, who had to be stretchered off the court following an awkward fall early in the fourth period.

     

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    Despite the setback, Titan Ultra leaned on import Tirrell Brown II, who delivered when his team needed him most. 

     

    Brown poured in 16 of his game-high 36 points in the final quarter to prevent Macau from completing its comeback. He also finished with 10 rebounds, seven assists, and a steal in 37 minutes of action.

     

    Macau continued to threaten behind import De’Vondre Perry, whose outstanding individual performance kept his team within striking distance. Perry finished with 45 points, 14 rebounds, and one assist, trimming the gap to just seven points with 2:45 remaining.

     

    But every time the Giant Pandas appeared ready to make one final push, Brown and the Giant Risers had an answer, allowing Titan Ultra to escape with the four-point victory.

     

    “We started strong, especially in the first quarter, then what happened to us, I think we relaxed a bit in the last minute of the second quarter, which is I know Macau will come back,” Titan Ultra head coach Rensy Bajar said.

     

    Brown anchored the offense throughout the night, while Joshua Munzon provided steady support with 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists to help secure the win.

     

    “That’s what I was telling them also in the huddle. The players just stuck together, especially since the second group was playing well,” Bajar added.

     

    With the victory, Titan Ultra improved to 2-5 in the Group A standings and gained a valuable confidence boost heading into another difficult assignment.

     

    The Giant Risers now turn their attention to TNT Tropang 5G, who hold a 3-3 record and sit third in the Group A standings. The two teams are scheduled to meet on Saturday, August 6, as Titan Ultra looks to build on its breakthrough performance and continue climbing the standings.

     

     

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  • Jimmy Alapag keeps NLEX unbeaten after first coaching win over mentor Chot Reyes, TNT 

    Jimmy Alapag keeps NLEX unbeaten after first coaching win over mentor Chot Reyes, TNT 

    Jimmy Alapag has collected championships, MVP awards, and unforgettable victories throughout his basketball career.

     

    But Tuesday night offered something entirely different.

     

    For the first time since becoming a PBA head coach, Alapag found himself standing across the sideline from the man who helped shape him into one of Philippine basketball’s greatest point guards—Chot Reyes.

     

    The result was another milestone in Alapag’s remarkable coaching start.

     

    NLEX stretched its flawless record to 6-0 in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup after outlasting TNT, giving the rookie tactician perhaps his most meaningful victory yet.

     

    It wasn’t simply about extending an unbeaten streak.

     

    It was about earning a win against the coach who entrusted him with the keys to the Talk N’ Text dynasty and later shared the sidelines with him in Gilas Pilipinas.

     

    Even after the final buzzer, Alapag made it clear that admiration came before competition.

     

    “Coach Chot is somebody who I have the utmost respect for,” Alapag said after the victory.

     

    “We shared a lot of success together in the PBA with Talk N’ Text and Gilas. It’s always an honor to be able to coach against the best.”

     

    Once the ball was tipped, however, the sentimental storyline gave way to a fiercely contested battle.

     

    NLEX appeared headed for a comfortable victory after building a 17-point cushion, controlling the pace and dictating the game for long stretches.

     

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    But Reyes once again showed why he remains one of the country’s most respected coaches.

     

    Despite missing several cornerstone players, TNT steadily chipped away at the deficit, turning what looked like a runaway into a tense finish.

     

    The Road Warriors refused to crack.

     

    Timely defensive plays from Ljay Gonzales and Schonny Winston halted TNT’s comeback attempt, allowing NLEX to preserve both the win and its spotless record.

     

    Rather than celebrate his own coaching achievement, Alapag pointed to the effort of the team on the opposite bench.

     

    The Tropang 5G continue to compete without key contributors Calvin Oftana, Jayson Castro, RR Pogoy, Jordan Heading, and several other regulars, yet they nearly handed NLEX its first defeat of the conference.

     

    For Alapag, that resilience reflects the influence of the man leading TNT.

     

    “That’s the kind of coach he [Reyes] is. It’s no surprise he has TNT playing the way they are even with so many key guys down,” Alapag said.

     

    The victory further strengthens NLEX’s grip on the top spot in Group A while adding another chapter to Alapag’s dream debut season as a PBA head coach.

     

    Now carrying a perfect 6-0 record, the Road Warriors will look to keep their momentum rolling when they face Terrafirma Dyip on Friday, August 7.

     

    For one night, the apprentice earned bragging rights over the mentor.

     

    For Alapag, however, the respect that helped build his basketball journey remains unchanged.

     

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  • “My teammates make things easier for me”: DeQuan Jones credits local players for extending NLEX’s unbeaten run

    “My teammates make things easier for me”: DeQuan Jones credits local players for extending NLEX’s unbeaten run

    The NLEX Road Warriors continue to establish themselves as the team to beat in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup after extending their unbeaten run to six games with another impressive victory.

     

    The Road Warriors maintained their perfect start to the conference on Tuesday, August 4, overcoming defending champions TNT Tropang 5G, 88-83, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The victory not only preserved NLEX’s spotless record but also further strengthened their credentials as legitimate title contenders in one of the league’s most competitive conferences.

     

    Leading the way once again was import DeQuan Jones, who delivered another all-around performance with a game-high 27 points, seven rebounds, and one assist. Jones provided the offensive spark throughout the contest while also making key plays on the defensive end as NLEX held off a determined TNT side in the closing minutes.

     

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    Despite his standout display, Jones was quick to deflect the praise toward his Filipino teammates, emphasizing that NLEX’s success has been built on collective effort rather than individual brilliance.

     

    “We know and understand that the key to longevity is evening our workload,” Jones said after the game. “For me personally, my job is to give the team whatever it needs to win. When you play with Berto (Bolick), Schonny (Winston), and LJ (Gonzales), it’s tiring chasing them up and down, but they make things easier for me.”

    Jones’ comments reflected the chemistry that has developed within the NLEX squad during its remarkable start to the tournament. Rather than relying solely on their import, the Road Warriors have consistently received meaningful contributions from their local core, making them one of the deepest and most balanced teams in the conference.

     

    LJ Gonzales continued his solid run of form by contributing 11 points, while veteran floor general Robert “Berto” Bolick added 10 points and orchestrated the offense with his usual composure. Schonny Winston, JB Bahio, and Enoch Valdez each chipped in with nine points, highlighting the balanced scoring attack that has become a hallmark of coach Jimmy Alapag’s side.

     

    That offensive balance proved crucial against a TNT team that repeatedly threatened to erase NLEX’s advantage. Every time the Tropang 5G mounted a rally, another Road Warrior stepped up with a timely basket or defensive stop, underscoring the team’s growing confidence and resilience.

     

    With six consecutive victories to open the conference, NLEX has quickly become the biggest talking point of the Governors’ Cup. However, Jones insists that the team’s flawless record has not changed its approach or created unnecessary pressure within the locker room.

     

    “Honestly, the only time we are reminded of the pressure is after the game,” Jones said. “In the first talk we had with coach Jimmy Alapag, he told us to have a next-play mentality. We will take every game one at a time, we will focus and hone our craft. We know what we want to achieve. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

     

    That mindset has become a defining characteristic of the Road Warriors’ campaign. Rather than getting caught up in their unbeaten streak or outside expectations, the team has remained committed to its process, with Alapag consistently stressing discipline, defensive intensity, and unselfish basketball.

     

    As the conference progresses, maintaining that level of consistency will become increasingly important. Opposing teams will undoubtedly be eager to end NLEX’s winning run, making every game a fresh challenge for the league leaders.

     

    The Road Warriors will have another opportunity to protect their perfect record when they return to the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday, August 7, to face the Terrafirma Dyip. With momentum firmly on their side and confidence continuing to grow, NLEX will be aiming to extend its unbeaten start to seven games and further cement its status as one of the favorites to capture the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup championship.

     

     

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  • San Miguel, Converge race to stop midseason slide in Governors’ Cup rematch 

    San Miguel, Converge race to stop midseason slide in Governors’ Cup rematch 

    The second round of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup arrives with two contenders heading in the wrong direction.

     

    Not long ago, San Miguel Beer looked untouchable while Converge appeared to be the conference’s surprise team. Now, both clubs enter Wednesday’s showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum desperately searching for a reset.

     

    The rematch between the Beermen and the FiberXers has become less about revenge and more about survival in the increasingly competitive Group A race.

     

    San Miguel opened the conference by winning four of its first five games, but the league’s highest-scoring team has suddenly lost two of its last three outings.

     

    Converge’s fall has been even steeper.

     

    After racing to a perfect 3-0 start, the FiberXers have stumbled into a three-game losing streak, turning one of the conference’s hottest starts into growing uncertainty.

     

    Wednesday’s meeting offers both squads an opportunity to change the narrative.

     

    The Beermen won the first encounter, 128-122, on July 22 behind a dominant offensive display from George King and CJ Perez.

     

    King erupted for 41 points while Perez poured in 31 as San Miguel overpowered Converge in a shootout that highlighted the Beermen’s explosive attack.

     

    Much has changed since then.

     

    Converge has replaced import Jalen Hudson with former PBA reinforcement Jamaal Franklin, hoping the veteran can stabilize the FiberXers after consecutive defeats to San Miguel, TNT, and NLEX.

     

    While Franklin has shown flashes of his all-around game, he is still searching for his first victory since returning to the league.

     

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    Those losses have left Converge clinging to a Top Four spot, with Macau and Terrafirma quickly closing the gap as the playoff race tightens.

     

    San Miguel, meanwhile, is trying to rediscover the offensive firepower that fueled its blistering start.

     

    The Beermen entered last weekend averaging 120 points per game before being held to just 89 in an overtime loss to a heavily undermanned TNT squad.

     

    That defeat came shortly after NLEX also cooled off San Miguel in a 110-96 victory, exposing vulnerabilities rarely seen during the team’s early surge.

     

    Despite the recent setbacks, San Miguel remains one of the league’s most dangerous teams after victories over Macau, Terrafirma, Converge, and Titan Ultra.

     

    The challenge now is proving those performances represent who they really are.

     

    For Converge, the mission is equally straightforward.

     

    The FiberXers must rediscover the chemistry that carried them to a 3-0 start while giving Franklin the support needed to finally deliver his first win in his latest PBA stint.

     

    One team wants to prove its recent slump is merely a temporary dip.

     

    The other hopes its impressive start wasn’t an illusion.

     

    When the second-round rematch tips off, both San Miguel and Converge will be playing for more than another win—they’ll be fighting to reclaim the momentum they lost.

     

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  • “Take your medicine”: Chris Bosh warns Victor Wembanyama about blood clot risks after health scare

    “Take your medicine”: Chris Bosh warns Victor Wembanyama about blood clot risks after health scare

    San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama has quickly emerged as one of the brightest young stars in basketball and is widely viewed as a potential future face of the NBA. However, behind his meteoric rise is a serious health challenge that has required careful management and constant monitoring.

     

    The 22-year-old French superstar played a pivotal role in guiding the Spurs to the 2025-26 NBA Finals, where they fell to the New York Knicks in five games. While Wembanyama’s continued development has captivated basketball fans around the world, his journey has also been marked by a major setback after he was forced to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season due to a blood clot issue.

     

    Wembanyama appeared in 46 games during the 2024-25 campaign before being sidelined after doctors discovered deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder in February 2025. The condition, which involves the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, is commonly treated with blood-thinning medication and can present significant challenges for athletes competing in high-contact sports such as basketball.

     

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    Although Wembanyama has since returned to the court and continued his ascent as one of the league’s most dominant players, two-time NBA champion Chris Bosh offered a cautionary message based on his own experience dealing with the same medical condition.

     

    Bosh, who was forced to retire prematurely after suffering multiple blood clot episodes during his career, emphasized the importance of following medical advice and maintaining strict discipline when managing the condition.

     

    “I had an episode in January. I almost dropped dead pretty much and came back to life. I’m not joking. I had another pulmonary embolism,” Bosh said during a media interaction.

     

    “I was in the hospital for a week. But take your medicine. So, I’m taking my medicine every day, taking care of myself every day, and watching it. No symptoms came either.”

     

    The former Miami Heat star also directly addressed Wembanyama’s situation, urging the young superstar to remain vigilant and prioritize his health above all else.

    “Take your medicine. Make sure that he is staying on top of his regimen to make sure that doesn’t happen again because it only takes one more time. It happened one more time for me, it happened twice, and I couldn’t play anymore,” Bosh added.

     

    Bosh’s warning carries significant weight given his own experience. During an accomplished NBA career, he won two championships with the Miami Heat alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade and established himself as one of the league’s elite big men.

     

    However, his career was abruptly altered after he first suffered a blood clot in February 2015, forcing him to miss the remainder of the 2014-15 season. A second episode in 2016 ultimately prevented him from returning to competitive basketball, despite his attempts to make a comeback before the 2016-17 season.

     

    Bosh officially announced his retirement in 2019, ending a Hall of Fame-caliber career that included 11 All-Star selections and two NBA titles.

     

    “Yeah, you got to deal with it for the rest of your life. I thought I was past it. I am not. So, you know, it’s just making sure I stay on top of my regimen,” Bosh said.

     

    For Wembanyama, the diagnosis was an emotional moment that forced him to confront uncertainty at an early stage of his career. The Spurs star admitted that learning about his condition initially took a heavy toll on him, but he eventually shifted his mindset toward recovery and resilience.

     

    “When I first learned the news, I broke down. I didn’t know how long I was going to be out for. For a while, I allowed myself to feel totally vulnerable and defenseless,” Wembanyama said.

     

    “But then I pivoted my mind and started looking at it as a challenge. If this is my lottery ticket in life, I’m going to do everything that I can to get the most out of it.”

     

    Now regarded as one of the NBA’s premier two-way players and the reigning 2026 Defensive Player of the Year, Wembanyama continues to work closely with a specialized team of trainers, therapists, physicians, and medical experts to manage his condition and maintain his long-term health.

     

    With expectations surrounding his career continuing to grow, Wembanyama’s ability to remain healthy will be a major focus moving forward. While his talent has placed him among basketball’s brightest stars, the experiences of players like Bosh serve as a reminder that even elite athletes must prioritize their well-being to sustain success at the highest level.

     

     

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  • TNT welcomes back Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the Philippines as Tropang 5G awaits former import’s recovery

    TNT welcomes back Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the Philippines as Tropang 5G awaits former import’s recovery

    While TNT Tropang 5G continues its campaign in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup with a new import leading the charge, the franchise received another welcome boost this week—the return of one of its most beloved reinforcements.


    Former PBA Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is back in the Philippines, not yet to suit up, but to continue the next phase of his recovery from the Achilles injury that has kept him out of action since last year. 

     

    TNT shared the update through its official social media channels on Monday, giving fans a glimpse of the former NBA forward back with the team.

     

    “Welcome back, RHJ! Back in town and back in the grind as he works his way back from injury. Dahan-dahan, pero tuloy-tuloy,” TNT wrote on their Facebook post.

     

    Hollis-Jefferson continues to recover from the ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered while playing on loan for the Meralco Bolts during the East Asia Super League (EASL) Season 3.

     

    Team manager Jojo Lastimosa said the next step will be to gradually reintegrate Hollis-Jefferson into basketball activities once he settles back in with the team.

     

    “Makikita namin sa pagdating, pagbalik niya siguro mag-uumpisa na siya ng full court na mga run ng team,” Lastimosa said.

     

    While Rondae works toward full fitness, it is his older brother, Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, who has taken over the responsibility of leading TNT’s import duties. 

     

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    The Tropang 5G signed Rahlir to replace Darius Days for the season-ending conference, giving the brothers a unique connection to the franchise during different stages of the campaign.

     

    Rahlir has already begun making his presence felt. In TNT’s recent victory over the San Miguel Beermen, the veteran forward delivered 20 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists to help the Tropang 5G secure an important win.

     

    The victory improved TNT’s position to third place in Group A with a 3-2 win-loss record. The Tropang 5G now prepare for another major challenge as they take on the unbeaten NLEX Road Warriors, coached by Jimmy Alapag, on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The Hollis-Jefferson brothers have built basketball careers that have often crossed paths despite taking different routes. Rondae established himself in the NBA before becoming one of the PBA’s most dominant imports, winning multiple Best Import awards and playing a pivotal role in TNT’s championship success. 

     

    Rahlir, meanwhile, carved out his own professional journey through various international leagues before eventually receiving the opportunity to wear the same TNT jersey his younger brother wore.

     

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