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Category: Basketball

  • Korea ends Gilas Women’s World Cup bid despite Kacey Dela Rosa’s breakout performance

    Korea ends Gilas Women’s World Cup bid despite Kacey Dela Rosa’s breakout performance

    The Philippines’ bid to reach the global stage fell short after Gilas Pilipinas Women ran into a red-hot South Korea women’s national basketball team squad that dominated from beyond the arc, claiming a 105–74 victory at the Astroballe in Lyon-Villeurbanne.


    With a ticket to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin on the line, the Koreans relied on relentless perimeter shooting to take control early and never looked back. 

     

    Despite the loss, Kacey Dela Rosa delivered a standout performance for the Philippines.

     

    The multiple-time UAAP MVP finished with 26 points on an efficient 10-of-13 shooting clip, while also collecting nine rebounds and three blocks.

     

    It marked her best showing yet in a FIBA-sanctioned game, providing a bright spot for the national team in an otherwise difficult outing.

     

    However, South Korea drained 19 three-pointers in the contest, turning what began as a competitive matchup into a showcase of long-range accuracy.

     

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    The victory secured South Korea’s passage to the World Cup with a 3–1 record in Tournament D. Host nation France women’s national basketball team also advanced after improving to 3–0 and was set to face Nigeria women’s national basketball team as of publishing time.

     

    Aside from Dela Rosa’s offensive burst, Janine Pontejos was the only other Gilas player to reach double digits, contributing 13 points. 

     

    Kent Pastrana finished with eight points on 2-of-11 shooting, while Sumayah Sugapong added six points and Afril Bernardino struggled from the field, scoring two points.

     

    Philippines have 74 points with team effort as Dela Rosa delivered 26, whil Pontejos 13, Pastrana 8, Berberabe 7, Sugapong 6, Ozar 4, Dignadice 4, Heyn 2, Surada 2, and Bernardino 2. With Quarterscores, 28-17, 55-33, 80-50, 105-74.

     

    While the result ended the Philippines’ World Cup hopes, Dela Rosa’s performance not only showcased her scoring ability but also her leadership on the court. She consistently looked to create opportunities for her teammates, crashing the boards, contesting shots, and orchestrating plays even under relentless pressure from the Koreans. 

     

    Her poise and confidence highlighted the emerging talent within the program, suggesting that Gilas Pilipinas Women’s future on the international stage remains promising despite the setback.

     

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  • Phoenix stays perfect; NLEX rallies past Magnolia to remain unbeaten

    Phoenix stays perfect; NLEX rallies past Magnolia to remain unbeaten

    Two teams continued their early surge in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday as the Phoenix Fuel Masters and NLEX Road Warriors remained spotless following contrasting victories at the Ynares Center II in Montalban.

     

    Phoenix delivered the more dominant showing of the night, dismantling the Titan Ultra, 109-76, to stretch its winning start under coach Charles Tiu to two games.

     

    Unlike their tense opening win over Magnolia Hotshots just two days earlier, the Fuel Masters wasted little time asserting control. Phoenix raced to a 33-17 advantage in the opening period and never allowed Titan Ultra to seriously threaten afterward.

     

    The win also marked the franchise’s first 2-0 start in five years, dating back to the 2021-22 Governors’ Cup when former import Paul Harris powered the team.

     

    Phoenix once again relied on a balanced attack. Ricci Rivero led the charge with 18 points and nine rebounds, while also adding four assists and two steals.

     

    Import James Dickey III nearly produced a monster double-double with 17 points and 17 rebounds to go with six assists, four steals, and four blocks.

     

    Ken Tuffin added 17 points highlighted by three triples, while Evan Nelle contributed 14 points and eight assists.

     

    Bench contributions from Bryan Santos, who scored 13 points, helped Phoenix maintain control throughout the second half.

     

    Titan Ultra briefly showed signs of life in the third quarter, trimming the gap to 69-62 after a basket from Michael Gilmore with just over two minutes remaining in the period.

     

    But Phoenix quickly restored order. Kai Ballungay and Santos sparked a key response before Nelle buried a four-pointer early in the fourth to ignite a decisive 16-2 run that stretched the lead to 89-66 and effectively sealed the rout.

     

    Gilmore finished with 27 points and 29 rebounds for Titan Ultra but struggled with 10 turnovers.

     

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    Later in the evening, NLEX produced a late surge of its own, completing a comeback to beat Magnolia, 112-105.

     

    The Road Warriors once again leaned on clutch execution down the stretch. After delivering the game-winning shot in their previous win against Blackwater Bossing, Robert Bolick turned playmaker this time.

     

    Bolick found Deschon Winston in the corner for a three-pointer that pushed the lead to 111-103 with 47.3 seconds left, effectively putting the game out of reach.

     

    Seven Road Warriors finished in double figures in a balanced offensive display.

     

    Import Cady Lalanne led the way with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks, while Bolick, Winston, and JB Bahio added 14 points each, while rookie playmaker LJ Gonzales earned Player of the Game honors after tallying 13 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

     

    Kevin Alas also scored 13 points, including a key four-pointer midway through the fourth that helped create breathing room for NLEX.

     

    Magnolia, meanwhile, dropped to 0-2 despite a strong offensive showing as import Nuni Omot led the Hotshots with 32 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Jerom Lastimosa added 23 points on efficient shooting, while Rome Dela Rosa and Zav Lucero chipped in 17 and 16 points, respectively.

     

    Magnolia appeared in control earlier after building a 56-43 lead late in the second quarter but struggled to contain NLEX’s surge in the second half.

     

    Both Phoenix and NLEX now share the early lead in the standings with identical 2-0 records alongside Terrafirma Dyip.

     

    Magnolia will try to avoid a deeper hole when it faces Blackwater next Sunday, while NLEX braces for a marquee matchup against the TNT Tropang 5G.

     

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  • Charles Tiu happy with rookie’s Will Gozum’s progress in Phoenix blowout win over Titan Ultra

    Charles Tiu happy with rookie’s Will Gozum’s progress in Phoenix blowout win over Titan Ultra

    The Phoenix Fuel Masters continued their impressive start to the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup campaign, improving to a perfect record after securing a dominant 109–76 victory over the Titan Ultra Giant Risers on Sunday, March 16 at the Ynares Center.

     

    Phoenix showcased a balanced offensive performance and suffocating defense to pull away comfortably, maintaining control of the game from the second quarter onward. The Fuel Masters’ depth was on full display as multiple players stepped up to contribute, allowing the team to maintain its momentum and energy throughout the contest.

     

    Among those who capitalized on the opportunity was rookie forward Will Gozum, who delivered a productive stint off the bench. In 14 minutes of action, Gozum tallied seven points, two assists, and one rebound, providing a spark for the Fuel Masters during a key stretch of the game. The performance was particularly notable considering that Gozum did not see the floor in Phoenix’s opening victory over the Magnolia Hotshots earlier in the tournament.

     

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    With the team already boasting a competitive rotation on the wings, opportunities have been limited for the rookie. However, circumstances opened the door in this matchup after veteran forward Jason Perkins was dealing with Achilles discomfort, prompting head coach Charles Tiu to give Gozum a chance to prove himself.

    Following the game, Tiu explained the decision during the postgame press conference while also acknowledging the challenges Gozum faces in carving out consistent minutes in a crowded lineup.

     

    “With Perkins being questionable, sabi ko sige, we will give him a chance. I told Will from the start, it’s tough kasi here in the PBA, he is playing the wings, and I got guys like Ricci Rivero, Kenneth Tuffin. Even si Kai Ballungay, he plays in the wings. So it’s going to be tough for him to get that minutes,” Tiu said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    The Phoenix coach also noted that Gozum’s development has been gradual since joining the squad, pointing out that the rookie initially needed time to adjust to the pace and demands of the professional game. Despite the early challenges, Tiu expressed satisfaction with the progress he has seen from the young forward in recent weeks.

     

    “Lately, he has been better. Nung unang dating niya sa team to be honest, he really looks rusty, and he really looks out of it. But still he is trying to pick up. I’m happy he was able to contribute and score a little bit today. This guy works hard and kami, we want to give everybody a chance here to play,” he added.

     

    While Gozum’s role moving forward remains uncertain, his performance against the Titan Ultra Giant Risers provided a glimpse of the potential depth Phoenix possesses this conference. For a team looking to maintain its strong start in the Commissioner’s Cup, contributions from players throughout the roster could prove vital as the competition intensifies in the coming weeks.

     

    With two convincing wins to open their campaign, the Fuel Masters will look to sustain their momentum and continue building chemistry as they navigate the early stages of the tournament. If the team’s depth continues to produce performances like Sunday’s outing, Phoenix could emerge as one of the early contenders in the conference.

     

     

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  • Macau coach clarifies the absence of Sam Deguara from Black Knights’ PBA roster

    Macau coach clarifies the absence of Sam Deguara from Black Knights’ PBA roster

    When the Macau Black Bears announced their entry into the PBA as a guest team, Filipino basketball fans immediately imagined one towering possibility — the arrival of 7-foot-6 center Sam Deguara.


    The Maltese giant has become a familiar presence in Asian basketball over the years, and many expected him to anchor the team when it rebranded as the Macau Black Knights for the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup. But when the team finally unveiled its roster, Deguara’s name was nowhere to be found.

     

    Macau head coach Garrett Kelly addressed the speculation during halftime of the Terrafirma-Titan matchup, explaining that Deguara’s absence had less to do with team plans and more with the realities of professional basketball.

     

    “Sam’s been with us, we love Sam. He’s part of our family. He’s been with us for almost two years now, off and on. But, at the end of the day, professional basketball players are independent contractors. And they gotta go where their money is.” he said.

     

    Instead of joining the Black Knights in the PBA, the towering center opted to continue his career in Taiwan, where he currently plays in the P.League+.

     

    Kelly said the decision was one he fully understands, especially considering the short window most athletes have to maximize their careers.

     

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    “Their career is a short span of their life. If you’re lucky, ten years. If you’re really lucky, more than ten years. But in reality, it’s as long as your body holds up. And Sam obviously has one of the largest bodies on earth for a basketball player. He keeps himself in phenomenal shape, and he’s a great teammate and a great person,” the Black Knights head coach said.

     

    Still, the door remains open. Kelly revealed that he maintains regular communication with the Maltese center and would welcome him back should the opportunity arise during the conference.

     

    “We wish him the best. I keep in touch with him. I talk to him once a week. If and when we have an opportunity for him, we’d love to have him back. So we’ll just have to wait and see,” said Kelly.

     

    For now, Deguara continues to make an impact in Taiwan. Through his first three games in the P.League+, the 34-year-old big man is averaging 16.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists — numbers that highlight why he remains a sought-after presence across Asian leagues.

     

    Over the years, Deguara has built a unique basketball journey throughout the region. Since arriving in Asia in 2017, the towering center has suited up for teams in Thailand, Macau, Hong Kong, Japan, and even the Philippines with Alab Pilipinas-San Miguel in the now-defunct ASEAN Basketball League.

     

    While fans may have hoped to see his massive frame dominating the paint in the PBA once again, his career path continues to take him across Asia — proving that in professional basketball, opportunity often dictates the next destination.

     

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  • Mikey Williams focuses on Converge, not TNT reunion

    Mikey Williams focuses on Converge, not TNT reunion

    Mikey Williams marked his long-awaited return to the PBA by suiting up for the Converge FiberXers, helping his new team rally past the Macau Black Knights, 102-94, in the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup opener at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Despite limited minutes in his first game in nearly three years, Williams made his presence felt. Entering in the fourth quarter, he contributed three key assists as Converge closed the game with a decisive 14-0 run to seal the victory.

     

    The former Finals MVP, who won multiple championships with TNT Tropang 5G, is aware that fans are already buzzing about a potential showdown against his old team. Yet, Williams remains grounded and focused on the immediate challenge.

     

    “I’m not really focused on that right now,” he said when asked about facing TNT. “We have a game in front of us on Saturday, so we’re just taking everything one game at a time.”

     

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    Instead of looking ahead to potential storybook reunions, Williams’ priority is finding his rhythm with Converge, a team he joined just days before the season opener. He praised the existing core, which includes guards Alec Stockton and Juan Gomez de Liaño, big men Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar, and import Kylor Kelley.

     

    “They already have a great foundation from the guards to the bigs,” he said. “I’m just trying to assert myself where I see fit.”

     

    For Williams, the return to the PBA was more than just another game—it was a personal milestone. “Time after time, not being able to do what I love to do—that’s the hardest thing to deal with,” he reflected. “So I was just happy to touch the floor again.”

     

    As the FiberXers prepare for their next outing, Williams’ measured approach signals a veteran mindset: one game at a time, building chemistry, and letting future matchups unfold naturally.

     

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  • Tony Mitchell feels ‘at home’ in PBA return despite Macau loss

    Tony Mitchell feels ‘at home’ in PBA return despite Macau loss

    For Tony Mitchell, stepping back onto a Philippine Basketball Association court felt less like a comeback and more like returning to familiar ground.

     

    Mitchell made his latest PBA appearance with the Macau Black Knights in their debut outing in the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup. While the result didn’t go their way—a 102-94 loss to the Converge FiberXers at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium—the veteran forward still relished the chance to once again play in front of Filipino basketball fans.

     

    Mitchell delivered a double-double performance with 18 points and 10 rebounds, helping Macau stay within striking distance for most of the contest before Converge seized control late in the fourth quarter.

     

    A decisive 14-0 surge by the FiberXers, sparked by guard Alec Stockton, ultimately created the separation that sealed the win.

     

    Still, the game carried deeper meaning for Mitchell beyond the numbers on the scoreboard.

     

    “It was exciting, man. For me, the Philippines is home,” Mitchell said. “In reality, it really is home for me. I love the culture, I love the people.”

     

    The former NBA forward has built a unique bond with the local basketball scene through the years, one that extends far beyond his time in the professional league.

     

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    “I have people here that I call family—from PBA, Tondo,” he added.

     

    During his time away from the PBA, Mitchell remained a familiar presence in community leagues and regional tournaments across the country. He spent the past few years playing in various competitions, including the popular grassroots circuit known as Ligang Labas.

     

    Those experiences, he said, helped strengthen his connection with the Philippines and its passionate basketball culture.

     

    “Shoutout to everybody in the Ligang Labas.”

     

    Now back on the PBA stage, Mitchell hopes to help the Black Knights carve out their place in a conference stacked with established franchises and towering imports.

     

    “For me this is a lifetime experience and I’m just happy and glad to be back,” Mitchell said.

     

    As Macau continues its first campaign in the Commissioner’s Cup, Mitchell and the Black Knights will try to translate that sense of belonging into their first win in the tournament.

     

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  • Magnolia, Phoenix seek fresh start in Commissioner’s Cup; Blackwater, NLEX clash in early test

    Magnolia, Phoenix seek fresh start in Commissioner’s Cup; Blackwater, NLEX clash in early test

    Two teams looking to rewrite their recent fortunes collide when the Magnolia Hotshots and the Phoenix Fuel Masters open their campaigns in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Magnolia enters the 7:30 p.m. main game eager to bounce back after falling short of the semifinals in the Philippine Cup. The Hotshots finished sixth in the eliminations before being eliminated by the TNT Tropang 5G, 118-109, in the quarterfinals—marking a disappointing end to their first conference under head coach LA Tenorio.

     

    Meanwhile, Phoenix hopes to quickly move past a difficult All-Filipino campaign where the Fuel Masters finished 10th with a 3-8 record.

     

    Both squads will lean heavily on their imports in the early going. Magnolia is banking on the inside presence of Terrell Brown-Soares, a 6-foot-10 big man known for his rim protection and rebounding, along with a perimeter touch that has impressed in stints across Europe.

     

    The Fuel Masters counter with their own interior anchor in James Dickey, another 6-foot-10 veteran who has built a strong international résumé with stops in Germany, Israel, and Indonesia after a decorated college career at UNC Greensboro. Dickey left the Spartans as the school’s all-time leader in rebounds with 1,060 while ranking second in blocks with 222.

     

    Phoenix is also ushering in a new era with Charles Tiu making his debut as a PBA head coach. Tiu, who previously won championships in the NCAA and the Jones Cup, will look to guide a roster featuring familiar names such as Jason Perkins, Kai Ballungay, Tyler Tio, Ken Tuffin, Ricci Rivero, and Evan Nelle.

     

     

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    Also joining the team is rookie Will Gozum, the eighth overall pick in the Season 50 draft and a former cornerstone player under Tiu during their championship run with St. Benilde.

     

    Earlier in the evening, the Blackwater Bossing and the NLEX Road Warriors square off in the 5:15 p.m. curtain raiser.

     

    Blackwater will lean on high-scoring guard Sedrick Barefield, who averaged 19.2 points per game in the previous conference to finish among the league’s top scorers.

     

    Across the floor, NLEX will turn to its floor general Robert Bolick, who led the league in assists last conference while also serving as the Road Warriors’ offensive engine. Bolick has repeatedly shown his ability to take over games, including a 20-point outing that powered NLEX to a win over Blackwater in a previous meeting.

     

    Supporting Bolick are key contributors such as Kevin Alas and JB Bahio, whose balanced production has helped NLEX maintain a competitive edge in recent matchups against the Bossing.

     

    With both games marking the start of new campaigns, the opening night matchups offer four teams a chance to quickly set the tone for what promises to be a tightly contested Commissioner’s Cup.

     

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  • Gilas Women fall to Germany, remain winless in World Cup qualifiers

    Gilas Women fall to Germany, remain winless in World Cup qualifiers

    The Philippines women’s national basketball team suffered its second straight setback in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament after falling to Germany women’s national basketball team, 113-80, in Group A action.

     

    Germany took control early and maintained its offensive rhythm throughout the contest, putting the Filipinas on the defensive for most of the game. The European squad steadily built separation behind its balanced attack, eventually pulling away to secure the convincing victory.

     

    Despite the loss, several Gilas players turned in notable performances on offense. Sumayah Sugapong led the Philippines with 21 points, continuing to provide scoring for the national team.

     

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    Gilas women mainstay Afril Bernardino added 13 points, while playmaker Janine Pontejos contributed 11 markers to round out the double-digit scorers for Gilas.

     

    The defeat dropped the Philippines to a 0-2 record in Group A as the team continues its bid to compete against some of the world’s strongest basketball programs.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas Women will now turn their focus to their next assignment against Nigeria women’s national basketball team on Saturday at 9 p.m. Philippine time, hoping to bounce back and keep their qualifying hopes alive.

     

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  • Jordan Clarkson drops season-high 27 in return to Utah as Knicks defeat Jazz

    Jordan Clarkson drops season-high 27 in return to Utah as Knicks defeat Jazz

    For the first time since leaving the team that helped shape one of the most memorable stretches of his career, Jordan Clarkson returned to the familiar floor of the Delta Center—but this time wearing a different jersey.


    Clarkson delivered a performance reminiscent of his best nights in Utah, pouring in a season-high 27 points to help the New York Knicks defeat the Utah Jazz 134–117.

     

    The 33-year-old guard spent five and a half seasons with the Jazz from 2019 to 2025, becoming a beloved figure among the Utah faithful with his scoring bursts and energetic play. 

     

    When he was introduced during Wednesday’s game, the crowd welcomed him with a loud ovation that nearly brought him to tears.

     

    “It was amazing just being back here, being back in Utah. Feeling the love this city, this organization, and everybody just showed me love and accepted me when I got here. I still feel the love now. I mean, I tried to hold in my tears. It was amazing,” Clarkson said.

     

    On the court, Clarkson showed why fans still hold him in such high regard. He shot an efficient 10-of-15 from the field, providing a scoring spark that helped New York maintain control throughout the contest.

     

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    While Clarkson starred against his former squad, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 28 points and OG Anunoby added 22. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed a balanced effort with 21 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists as New York knocked down 17 three-pointers and shot 52 percent from the field.

     

    Clarkson’s offensive burst came at an important time for the Knicks, especially with the backcourt struggling to find consistent production, including a quiet outing from Mikal Bridges. 

     

    His ability to create points helped stabilize the offense as the team looked to bounce back from recent losses to the Clippers and Lakers.

     

    The matchup also marked the start of what appears to be a favorable stretch for New York, with seven consecutive opponents entering the schedule carrying losing records and a combined winning percentage of just 31 percent.

     

    Utah, meanwhile, received strong efforts from its core players. Brice Sensabaugh led the Jazz with 29 points, while Ace Bailey added 21. Keyonte George chipped in 14 points and five assists before leaving midway through the third quarter with a right hamstring injury.

     

    Beyond the numbers, Clarkson’s return served as a reminder of the deep connection he built with the Utah community. Even after being waived during the offseason, the warm reception showed how his time with the Jazz left a lasting impression on both the franchise and its fans.

     

    Next up, Clarkson and the Knicks will play at Indiana, while the Jazz continue their schedule with a road game at Portland. 

     

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  • Jayson Castro returns for Season 50 as TNT banks on veteran leader in Commissioner’s Cup

    Jayson Castro returns for Season 50 as TNT banks on veteran leader in Commissioner’s Cup

    The TNT Tropang 5G will welcome back a familiar leader as the franchise prepares for the start of the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Veteran playmaker Jayson Castro returns for his 17th campaign in the league, marking a significant step in his comeback after a serious knee injury sidelined him for months.

     

    Castro suffered a patellar tendon tear during TNT’s semifinal clash against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in last season’s Commissioner’s Cup. The injury forced the longtime star guard to spend the past several months focused on recovery and rehabilitation, eventually missing the entire Philippine Cup.

     

    Without their veteran floor general, TNT still managed to reach the finals of that conference before falling to the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen.

     

    Now healthy enough to return, Castro resumes his role as one of the team’s most important leaders. At 39, the player known as “The Blur” remains a steady presence whose experience could prove crucial for a TNT squad leaning on guards Rey Nambatac and Jordan Heading in the backcourt rotation.

     

    Before the injury, Castro averaged 9.5 points per game during the conference and has maintained a 14.1-point career scoring average across his long tenure with TNT.

     

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    His decorated résumé includes multiple championships and individual honors, with the most recent being named the  PBA Governors’ Cup Finals MVP in 2024, adding to his reputation as one of the league’s most accomplished point guards.

     

    TNT will enter the new conference with high expectations. The team is widely viewed as an early contender after securing NBA veteran Bol Bol as its import, a move expected to strengthen the Tropang 5G’s inside presence.

     

    Meanwhile, the team will open the conference without veteran big man Poy Erram, who was placed on the injury/reserved list.

     

    As the Commissioner’s Cup begins, Castro’s return provides TNT with something that cannot easily be replaced—experience, leadership, and the steady hand of a champion guard who has spent nearly two decades guiding the franchise.

     

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