Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Category: Basketball

  • Bam Adebayo drops 83, passes Kobe Bryant in historic NBA scoring night

    Bam Adebayo drops 83, passes Kobe Bryant in historic NBA scoring night

    For Bam Adebayo, Tuesday night felt like something straight out of a dream

     

    The Miami Heat star delivered one of the most astonishing scoring explosions the league has ever seen, pouring in 83 points in a dominant showing against the Washington Wizards.

     

    From the opening minutes, it was clear Adebayo was in a different rhythm. He erupted for 31 points in the first quarter alone, setting the tone for a performance that quickly turned historic as the night unfolded.

     

    By the time the final buzzer sounded, Adebayo had carved his name into the record books with the second-highest scoring game in NBA history, trailing only the legendary 100-point masterpiece by Wilt Chamberlain.

     

    In doing so, Adebayo also surpassed the iconic 81-point performance posted by Kobe Bryant in 2006 — a moment that carried special meaning for the Heat big man, who grew up idolizing the late Los Angeles Lakers superstar.

     

    Speaking after the game, Adebayo admitted the magnitude of the moment hadn’t fully sunk in yet.

     

    “To me, it’s wondering what he would say seeing somebody score 83. Obviously, you’ve seen 60, 70, but to be at 83 and pass him— in my mind it’s like, ‘What would he say to me?’ I’ve always wanted to have a conversation with him, but he’d probably say, ‘Do it again,’ ” Adebayo said.

     

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    “It’s just a surreal moment being in the company of somebody you idolized growing up.”

     

    Bryant’s 81-point game had stood as the highest-scoring performance in the modern NBA era for nearly two decades, a mark that seemed untouchable for many players.

     

    Yet on this night, Adebayo pushed beyond it.

     

    As the magnitude of the achievement became clear, the Heat star reflected on the surreal company he now shares in the league’s history books.

     

    “This is a special moment. It’s Wilt, me, and Kobe —which sounds crazy,” Adebayo said.

     

    And for one unforgettable night, Adebayo didn’t just have the game of his life — he joined one of the most exclusive clubs basketball has ever known.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • Dwight Ramos leads Levanga Hokkaido sweep of Kiefer Ravena’s Yokohama as B.League playoff race heats up

    Dwight Ramos leads Levanga Hokkaido sweep of Kiefer Ravena’s Yokohama as B.League playoff race heats up

    Dwight Ramos and Levanga Hokkaido strengthened their postseason push after completing a weekend sweep of Kiefer Ravena and the Yokohama B-Corsairs in the B.League.

     

    Ramos delivered a steady all-around effort on Sunday, finishing with 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals in 24 minutes as Levanga cruised to a 92-72 victory at Yokohama Arena.

     

    The win completed a two-game set dominated by Hokkaido, which also escaped with a narrow 100-98 victory the night before.

     

    Ramos was particularly instrumental in the opener, scoring 16 points while adding three assists, a steal and a block in a matchup that featured a head-to-head duel with Ravena, who poured in 19 markers despite the loss.

     

    The pair are key figures for Philippines men’s national basketball team, and their clash added extra intrigue to the weekend series.

     

    The back-to-back victories were crucial for Levanga, which had struggled in recent weeks before regaining momentum.

     

    With the sweep, Hokkaido improved to 29-12 and moved into a three-way tie for second place in the Eastern Conference alongside the Alvark Tokyo and the Chiba Jets.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Other Gilas-linked players also made contributions in Sunday’s slate.

     

    AJ Edu helped the Gunma Crane Thunders secure a convincing 92-68 victory over the Kyoto Hannaryz at Openhouse Arena Ota.

     

    Edu finished with six points, five rebounds, four assists and a block as Gunma improved to 25-16.

     

    Meanwhile, Quentin Millora-Brown chipped in five points and three rebounds to help the Chiba Jets roll past Ray Parks Jr. and the Osaka Evessa, 94-78, at Ookini Arena Maishima.

     

    Parks paced Osaka with 20 points, but the defeat dropped the club to 15-26.

     

    Kai Sotto also found himself on the losing end as the Koshigaya Alphas absorbed a heavy 99-65 loss to the Hiroshima Dragonflies.

     

    Recently back from an ACL injury and fresh off joining the league’s 1,000-point club, Sotto logged eight points and four rebounds in 25 minutes.

     

    Another Filipino prospect, Francis Lopez, also endured a tough outing after the Nagoya Fighting Eagles fell 91-69 to the San-En NeoPhoenix.

     

    The former University of the Philippines standout tallied five points, five rebounds, four steals and two blocks, though Nagoya slipped to 15-26.

     

    With the B.League regular season entering its crucial stretch, Filipino players continue to play key roles across several teams — none more impactful over the weekend than Ramos, whose performance helped Levanga keep its playoff hopes firmly on track.

     

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • Magnolia taps Nuni Omot as new import ahead of PBA Commissioner’s Cup 

    Magnolia taps Nuni Omot as new import ahead of PBA Commissioner’s Cup 

    Before the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup kicks off, the Magnolia Hotshots have made a bold move, bringing in a new import to lead their campaign.


    Nuni Omot will take over for Terrell Brown-Soares, who was released on Wednesday, giving the Hotshots fresh firepower as they aim for a strong showing in the tournament.

     

    Omot, a 6-foot-9 forward, has carved out a reputation as a globe-trotting scorer. A Baylor University product, he went undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft but saw action with the Long Island Nets in the NBA G League before venturing overseas. 

     

    His professional journey has taken him to leagues in North Macedonia, the Netherlands, Turkey, Germany, Egypt, France, China, Israel, Rwanda, and most recently Al Riyadi Beirut in Lebanon.

     

    During his time with Al Ahly in 2023, Omot earned MVP honors in the Basketball Africa League, showcasing his scoring prowess. 

     

    He continued to dominate in the West Asia Super League, averaging 21.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game for Al Riyadi. With the WASL and Lebanese league on hold due to conflicts in the Middle East, Omot is now available to make his PBA impact.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Omot’s international credentials are equally impressive. Representing South Sudan’s national basketball team, he delivered a breakout performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics, averaging 16.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. 

     

    His standout showing came against Team USA, pouring in 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting in South Sudan’s 103-86 loss.

     

    Magnolia fans will get their first glimpse of Omot on Friday, when the Hotshots face the Phoenix Fuel Masters. His scoring ability, size, and international experience could provide the boost Magnolia needs as they look to make a statement in the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    With Omot on board, Magnolia hopes to navigate the early games with confidence and secure a strong playoff position, signaling their intent to contend seriously for the Commissioner’s Cup title. 

     

    The league and fans alike will be watching closely to see if Omot can translate his international success to the PBA stage.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans! 

  • PBA Commissioner’s Cup opens with Titan–Terrafirma clash, Converge faces Macau

    PBA Commissioner’s Cup opens with Titan–Terrafirma clash, Converge faces Macau

    The stage is set for the return of action as the PBA Commissioner’s Cup officially tips off on Wednesday, March 11, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.


    With teams bringing in reinforcements from overseas and retooled rosters eager to make an early statement, opening day promises a mix of unfamiliar matchups and high-powered performances. Two games will serve as the curtain-raiser for the conference, featuring established PBA teams and a guest squad looking to make an immediate impact.

     

    The opening game will see the Titan Ultra Giant Risers take on the Terrafirma Dyip.

     

    Titan Ultra, which officially took over the former NorthPort franchise last October, hopes to improve on its respectable 4–7 record in its debut conference. The Giant Risers showed flashes of promise during the Philippine Cup but ultimately fell short of a playoff berth, prompting several roster adjustments heading into the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    One of the most notable changes was the departure of Calvin Abueva, who had emerged as Titan’s top performer during the previous conference. Abueva has since been traded to the Converge FiberXers in exchange for King Caralipio, Mark Omega, and Rey Suerte.

     

    Titan also enters the tournament under the guidance of new head coach Rensy Bajar, who will rely on a mix of veterans and newcomers including Joshua Munzon, Von Pessumal, Cade Flores, CJ Austria, Mark Sangco, and Bryan Sajonia.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    The Giant Risers will also lean on their import Michael Gilmore, whose presence adds a new dimension to the squad as they aim to establish themselves as a competitive force in the conference.

     

    Terrafirma, meanwhile, hopes the Commissioner’s Cup will provide a chance to reset after a challenging run in previous conferences. Known for their hardworking core and willingness to compete against bigger lineups, the Dyip will rely heavily on their import Mubashar Ali, a towering seven-footer expected to anchor both ends of the floor.

     

    The Dyip will also showcase new additions, including top rookie pick Geo Chiu and Ben Adamos, who was acquired from Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

    The evening’s marquee game will feature the Macau Black Knights going up against the Converge FiberXers.

     

    Macau enters the tournament as one of the foreign guest teams invited to compete in the Commissioner’s Cup. The squad is expected to rely heavily on American reinforcement Tony Mitchell, who brings scoring ability and experience from multiple international leagues.

     

    Originally, the Black Knights planned to alternate Mitchell with 7-foot-6 center Sam Deguara, but the towering big man has since joined a Taiwanese club in the P. LEAGUE+, leaving Mitchell as the team’s primary reinforcement.

     

    Converge, on the other hand, will bank on its energetic core and depth to counter the visiting squad. The FiberXers boast a strong lineup featuring Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar, Mikey Williams, Abueva, Alec Stockton, Schonny Winston, and Juan Gomez de Liaño.

     

    Anchoring their inside presence is seven-foot import Kylor Kelley, who is expected to form a formidable frontline alongside Arana and Baltazar.

     

    The matchup could turn into a battle of tempo—Macau relying on Mitchell’s versatility and inside scoring, while Converge attempts to push the pace and stretch the defense with its deep and athletic roster.

     

    As the Commissioner’s Cup begins, opening day could offer an early glimpse of which teams are ready to contend in what promises to be a competitive and import-driven conference.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans! 

  • Nick Demusis’ wife disputes apology claim, says Romero never made amends after Dubai incident

    Nick Demusis’ wife disputes apology claim, says Romero never made amends after Dubai incident

    The fallout from the Dubai altercation involving Nick Demusis and former Meralco import Ismael Romero took another turn on Monday after the Fil-American player’s camp disputed claims that the issue had already been settled.

     

    Demusis’ wife, Rizza Diaz, broke her silence through a lengthy social media post, insisting that Romero never apologized to her husband — contradicting earlier remarks from Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo.

     

    The clarification came a day after reports surfaced that Meralco had decided to move on from Romero as its import for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    “I am making this statement to provide clarification after Trillo declared in a radio show that Romero already apologized to Demusis in Dubai and that the information was unreported in the media,” Diaz wrote.

     

    “This is not the case,” she added.

     

    According to Diaz, the only interaction between Romero and Demusis happened inside a Dubai police headquarters after the Zamboanga Valientes guard filed a complaint stemming from the incident.

     

    During that meeting, Demusis sought both an apology and compensation for medical expenses as well as the games he missed while recovering from the injuries he sustained.

     

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Diaz claimed that while a verbal settlement had been discussed, Romero failed to follow through.

     

    She said a face-to-face meeting was scheduled later that night at a hotel in Dubai, but Romero allegedly left the country for Manila before it could happen. 

     

    Another attempt to arrange a meeting in the Philippines with the help of Meralco officials also fell through after Romero departed again, this time for Puerto Rico.

     

    “It was clear deception on his part and [he] left us hanging,” Diaz said.

     

    “When Romero left the Philippines, we just took it as it was: we saw it coming. However, I believe it would be an injustice to claim that Romero has already apologized to my husband.”

     

    Until recently, the Meralco organization had largely remained silent regarding the controversy surrounding its former import.

     

    The only public comment addressing the situation came from Trillo during an appearance on the Power & Play podcast hosted by Noli Eala, where he suggested that Romero had already expressed remorse.

     

    That claim, Diaz said, was the reason she felt compelled to speak up.

     

    “This is me speaking up this one time to set the record straight,” Diaz wrote.

     

    “This is me protecting my husband. This is me speaking the truth on his behalf, and that’s all we can do.”

     

    The situation gained renewed attention after Meralco officially replaced Romero with Marvin Jones as the team’s reinforcement for the Commissioner’s Cup, closing one chapter of the controversy while leaving questions about the unresolved dispute lingering.

     

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • Stefanie Berberabe back in Gilas Women lineup for FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 

    Stefanie Berberabe back in Gilas Women lineup for FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 

    After sitting out last year’s Southeast Asian Games due to eligibility rules, Stefanie Berberabe is back in the fold for Gilas Pilipinas Women. 


    The 25-year-old Tagaytay ‘Tol Patriots standout leads a 12-player squad unveiled for the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in France, bringing a mix of experience and continuity to a team preparing for a tough international stretch.

     

    Berberabe’s return marks a boost for the Filipinas, who will rely on a core of holdovers from the 2025 SEA Games gold-medal-winning squad, including Kacey Dela Rosa, Afril Bernardino, and seven others. 

     

    Joining them are veterans Kent Pastrana and Sumayah Sugapong, returning after representing the country in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. 

     

    Other familiar names like Janine Pontejos, Louna Ozar, Angel Surada, Sophia Dignadice, Saray Heyn, Ann Pingol, and Trina Guytingco round out the roster, ensuring a blend of youth and experience.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Gilas Women face a challenging schedule, opening against reigning Olympic silver medalist France, ranked No. 3 in the world, at 3:30 a.m. Philippine time on Thursday, March 12. 

     

    The team then takes on Germany, Nigeria, South Korea, and Colombia across a grueling six-day period, testing their endurance and skill against some of the world’s elite squads.

     

    For Berberabe, the qualifiers represent more than a chance to compete—it’s an opportunity to prove her value on the global stage after missing the SEA Games. 

     

    Her experience, defensive versatility, and scoring ability will be key assets as the Filipinas seek to secure a berth in the FIBA Women’s World Cup.

     

    The team also hopes to use the tournament as a platform to inspire young Filipino basketball players, showcasing that dedication and perseverance can open doors to international opportunities. 

     

    With a balanced mix of veteran leadership and rising stars, Gilas Women will look to punch above their weight, aiming to leave a mark on a stage dominated by basketball powerhouses. 

     

    The upcoming matches in France are expected to be a true test of their cohesion, resilience, and determination.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans! 

  • Willie Miller confident Mikey Williams will regain form with Converge despite slow start

    Willie Miller confident Mikey Williams will regain form with Converge despite slow start

    Patience will be key for Converge as it integrates Mikey Williams into its backcourt rotation for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    Deputy coach Willie Miller admitted that the Filipino-American guard is still working his way back into peak condition, but he remains confident that the former TNT star will rediscover the form that once made him one of the league’s most feared scorers.

     

    Williams only recently returned to the Philippines after spending time in the United States, and while he has already joined the FiberXers in practice, Miller said there are still a few adjustments needed before the explosive guard reaches full rhythm.

     

    “Yung shooting niya andun pa rin. Hindi pa rin nawala,” noted the two-time MVP.

     

    “Tingin ko yung timing lang talaga ang kulang pa sa kanya.”

     

    Miller, who is responsible for overseeing Converge’s guards, made it clear that getting Williams back into game-ready shape is now part of his responsibilities with the team.

     

    “Sa mga guard ako ang assigned. Sa big men, si DI (Danny Ildefonso) diyan,” said the former Letran standout, referring to fellow assistant coach Danny Ildefonso.

     

    “Ikukundisyon natin yan,” he added.

     

    Williams arrived in the country last week and wasted little time reconnecting with his new squad, attending practice just a day or two after landing.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    The prolific guard joined Converge through a blockbuster trade last year that sent Jordan Heading to TNT, ending Williams’ previous chapter with the Tropang Giga where he played a major role in winning two PBA championships.

     

    Although he has been away from competitive basketball in the league, Miller shared that Williams stayed active while in the US.

     

    “Nagpapa-kundisyon naman siya sa US. Madalas din daw siyang maglaro sa mga pick up games. Minsan may mga former NBA players pa siyang nakakalaro,” Miller shared.

     

    “Pero siyempre, iba pa rin talaga yung competitive games.”

     

    Beyond Williams’ individual preparation, Converge also faces another challenge — blending a roster packed with talent.

     

    The FiberXers feature a star-studded lineup that includes Williams, Juan Gomez De Liano, Alec Stockton, Kurt Reyson, MJ Garcia, Archie Concepcion, Calvin Abueva, Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana, and Jonnel Policarpio, along with towering 7-foot import Kylor Kelley.

     

    For Miller, the key will be building chemistry so the team can maximize its depth without sacrificing offensive flow.

     

    “Sabi nga ni Gov (coach Delta Pineda) good problem yan. In time, pag nakuha na yung chemistry ng team, tingin ko hindi naman yan magiging problema,” he said.

     

    Miller pointed out that powerhouse teams like San Miguel Beer, TNT, and Barangay Ginebra have managed to succeed despite having multiple stars sharing the floor.

     

    If the FiberXers can find that same balance, Converge may soon become one of the most dangerous teams in the conference.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • Macau Black Knights open PBA campaign without Sam Deguara as giant center heads to Taiwan

    Macau Black Knights open PBA campaign without Sam Deguara as giant center heads to Taiwan

    A towering presence expected to headline the Macau Black Knights’ campaign in the upcoming Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup will no longer be part of the team’s plans.


    When the Black Knights revealed their roster on their official social media page ahead of the conference, one name stood out for its absence—Sam Deguara, the 7-foot-6 center who had been anticipated to anchor the visiting squad.

     

    The Macau franchise, previously known as the Black Bears, is among the foreign guest teams set to compete in the mid-season tournament. 

     

    But instead of battling inside the paint in the Philippines, Deguara appears to have taken his talents elsewhere.

     

    Reports indicate the towering big man has signed with Yankey Ark in Taiwan’s P. LEAGUE+, with the deal believed to have been finalized as early as the first week of February. 

     

    The move was later confirmed by head coach Garret Kelly in response to a fan inquiry online about the center’s whereabouts.

     

    For teams preparing for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Deguara’s absence means one less towering matchup in the paint.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Instead, Macau will rely heavily on its other reinforcement, Tony Mitchell, who had originally been expected to share import duties with Deguara. 

     

    The plan was for the two to rotate throughout the tournament—a setup allowed for guest teams since the league began inviting foreign squads.

     

    With Deguara now out of the picture, Mitchell could shoulder the import responsibilities alone unless the Black Knights decide to bring in another reinforcement. So far, the team has not announced whether a replacement is on the way.

     

    Despite shifting teams, Deguara wasted no time making an impact in Taiwan. He debuted for Yankey Ark over the weekend, producing 20 points and 12 rebounds to help secure a victory.

     

    Back in Manila, the focus now shifts to Macau’s opening assignment in the PBA conference. The Black Knights will headline opening day on March 11, facing the Converge FiberXers in the 7:30 p.m. game at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Whether Mitchell alone will be enough to carry the visiting team remains to be seen—but one thing is certain, the Commissioner’s Cup will unfold without one of the tallest players expected to take part. 

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans! 

  • Calvin Oftana cautions against high expectations for TNT import Bol Bol

    Calvin Oftana cautions against high expectations for TNT import Bol Bol

    The arrival of Bol Bol has instantly made TNT one of the most talked-about teams ahead of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    But for Tropang Giga forward Calvin Oftana, the presence of the 7-foot-3 former NBA big man doesn’t automatically translate to a championship repeat.

     

    Speaking on the sidelines of the PBA All-Star Weekend, Oftana stressed that reputation alone won’t decide the outcome of games once the conference begins.

     

    “Hindi naman porke ganito yung import ninyo, ganun ang import ninyo,” said Oftana.

     

    “Pagdating naman kasi sa laro iba na yung mindset nun. Lahat gustong manalo.”

     

    The Gilas Pilipinas forward admitted he has yet to spend much time on the court with Bol as he was busy with national team duties during the recent FIBA World Cup qualifiers before turning his attention to rehabilitating an ankle injury.

     

    Because of that, Oftana said he hasn’t been able to fully gauge where the towering reinforcement currently stands in terms of conditioning.

     

    “So far OK naman siya pero sabi nga nila wala raw sa kundisyon,” he said.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Fortunately for TNT, the team still has time to build chemistry before opening its campaign. The Tropang Giga are scheduled to play their first game of the conference on March 20 against Rain or Shine.

     

    Despite the attention surrounding Bol’s arrival, Oftana shared that the South Sudanese-American has kept a low-key presence within the team.

     

    “Approachable naman siya, pero mahinhin,” said the former NCAA MVP from San Beda.

     

    “Pero ganun naman ang mga import. Dati si Rondae (Hollis-Jefferson) ganun din naman. Pero kalaunan nung naglalaro na kami, nakukuha na namin yung loob niya. And napapatawa na siya ng mga kasama ko.”

     

    Even as TNT prepares to defend its crown, Oftana believes the road to another title will be far from easy.

     

    He pointed to several contenders who could stand in the way of the Tropang Giga’s bid, including powerhouse teams San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra, along with guest squad Macau Black Bears.

     

    “Maraming quality imports na dumating ngayon this conference,” Oftana admitted.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • Marvin Jones in as Meralco parts ways with Ismael Romero for PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Marvin Jones in as Meralco parts ways with Ismael Romero for PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    The Meralco Bolts are heading into the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup with a new reinforcement, opting to bring in veteran big man Marvin Jones as their import.

     

    The decision effectively ends the team’s plans to field Ismael Romero in the midseason tournament, which opens on March 11. The move also clarified why Meralco’s import slot remained vacant when the league released its official team lineups last Friday.

     

    Initially, Romero was expected to continue his partnership with the Bolts after previously suiting up for the club during the 2025–26 campaign in the East Asia Super League. His familiarity with the system made him an early choice for the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    However, circumstances changed following an incident during the Dubai International Basketball Championship earlier this year. While playing for Al Ahli Tripoli against the Zamboanga Valientes, Romero drew controversy after kicking former PBA winger Nick Demusis.

     

    Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo confirmed the team’s decision during the radio program Power & Play.

     

    “We just felt it was time for him and for us not to line him up this conference,” said Trillo.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Instead, the Bolts are banking on Jones’ size and defensive presence as they prepare for the grueling midseason tournament. Standing at 7 feet, the Chicago-born center is known for his rim protection and international experience.

     

    Jones recently captured the FIBA Europe Cup title with Spanish club Bilbao Basket, helping the team defeat Greece’s PAOK mateco in the championship round. 

     

    Meralco believes Jones’ defensive ability will complement a core group led by Chris Newsome, Bong Quinto, and rising guard CJ Cansino as the team looks to make a strong push in the conference.

     

    The Bolts will open their campaign in the Commissioner’s Cup on March 18 against the Converge FiberXers at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

     

    For Meralco, the arrival of Jones signals a reset heading into the new conference — one that emphasizes defensive presence and veteran stability as the team chases another deep playoff run in PBA Season 50.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!