Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Category: Basketball

  • PBA 3-point king Marcio Lassiter, defending champ Calvin Oftana headline PBA All-Star Shootout

    PBA 3-point king Marcio Lassiter, defending champ Calvin Oftana headline PBA All-Star Shootout

    The spotlight on shooting excellence will burn bright in Candon, Ilocos Sur as the PBA gathers some of the league’s deadliest perimeter threats for the Long Distance Shootout during the upcoming All-Star Weekend.

     

    Leading the stacked field are reigning Three-Point Shootout champion Calvin Oftana and San Miguel sharpshooter Marcio Lassiter, whose reputation as the most prolific three-point shooter in league history adds another layer of intrigue to the contest.

     

    Oftana enters the event with the confidence of a defending champion. The TNT forward captured the crown in the 2024 All-Star festivities in Bacolod City after outgunning Magnolia’s Paul Lee in the finals, cementing his status as one of the PBA’s most reliable marksmen.

     

    Sharing the stage with him is Lassiter, who etched his name in league history the same year by surpassing Jimmy Alapag as the PBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made. Now 38, the veteran remains a dangerous long-range threat and will look to prove that his shooting touch remains as lethal as ever.

     

    The competition, however, will be far from a two-man duel.

     

    A deep cast of shooters will try to steal the spotlight, including Rain or Shine’s Andrei Caracut, Terrafirma guard Jerrick Ahanmisi, Titan Ultra’s Joshua Munzon, Phoenix playmaker Tyler Tio, Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero, and Blackwater scorer Sedrick Barefield.

     

     

    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.

    NLEX’s Xyrus Torres, Meralco swingman CJ Cansino, Barangay Ginebra guard Ralph Cu, and Converge rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño also round out the lineup, each bringing their own shooting arsenal into one of the most anticipated side events of the weekend.

     

    Beyond the three-point spectacle, the league will also stage the Obstacle Challenge, a fast-paced contest designed to highlight speed, agility, and ball-handling among both guards and big men.

     

    Among the backcourt entries, NLEX star Robert Bolick and Barangay Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos headline the field. They will battle a competitive group that includes Gomez de Liaño, Tio, TNT’s Rey Nambatac, Ahanmisi, San Miguel’s Juami Tiongson, Titan Ultra guard Fran Yu, Rain or Shine rookie Felix Lemetti, Magnolia’s Jerom Lastimosa, Meralco veteran Anjo Caram, and rookie Dalph Panopio.

     

    The big men will have their own spotlight as San Miguel’s JM Calma returns to defend the Obstacle Challenge title he won two years ago in Bacolod.

     

    Back then playing for NorthPort, the 6-foot-6 big man topped Santi Santillan of Rain or Shine and Magnolia center James Laput in the finals to capture the crown.

     

    This time, Calma faces a deeper field that includes Laput, Barangay Ginebra veteran Japeth Aguilar, Converge center Justin Arana, Meralco’s Raymond Almazan, TNT forward Henry Galinato, NLEX’s Brandon Ramirez, Blackwater big man Abu Tratter, Terrafirma rookie Gian Chiu, Phoenix youngster Kai Balungay, Rain or Shine veteran Beau Belga, and Titan Ultra’s Damie Cuntapay.

     

    The PBA All-Star festivities are scheduled from March 6 to 8, promising three days of entertainment and skill showcases that will bring the league’s brightest talents together in Ilocos Sur.

     

    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!  

  • Deal reached between Greg Slaughter and Titan Ultra, PBA now set to approve

    Deal reached between Greg Slaughter and Titan Ultra, PBA now set to approve

    After a five-year absence, Greg Slaughter is on the verge of returning to the PBA — but his comeback hinges on a single critical step, the approval from the league.


    Slaughter and the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, the team holding his playing rights, have agreed on terms for a contract that could finally see the towering seven-footer back on the court.

     

    For Slaughter, the priority is clear, “The first order of business for Greg here is to return to the PBA and re-introduce himself to the fans while at the same time, show his value as a rare 7-0 center,” the source said.

     

    “Greg, in consultation with his wife and advisers, has agreed to receive an amount slightly lower from what he was offered at Northport three years ago,” said a source close to the negotiations.

     

    The contract is reportedly ready for signing, leaving only the PBA’s green light as the final obstacle — especially amid whispers of a ‘silent ban’ following his contentious exit from NorthPort in 2021.

     

    “Basta ang mangyayari dyan, ipapasa ng Titan Ultra yung UPC nil ani Greg sa PBA. Kapag hindi nakalaro si Greg, eh dun na siguro masasagot yung tanong at duda ng marami,” said another PBA insider.

     

    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.


    “Kasi ang illogical naman ng Titan Ultra kung may chance ka to get a 7-footer tapos hindi mo gagawin. Eh yan ang wala sa PBA ngayon. Local na big man na pwede mong itapat kay June Mar (Fajardo),” she added.

     

    Titan Ultra’s interest in Slaughter has been unwavering since meeting him on the first day of team practice last February 3. 

     

    The urgency increased when star player Calvin Abueva demanded a trade, eventually joining the Converge FiberXers, leaving Titan Ultra without a proven big man.

     

    “If hindi tutulungan ng PBA ang Titan Ultra to sign up Greg. kawawa yung bagong team kasi wala silang chance lumakas ulit. This will not bode well for the league. Kasi magiging whipping boys lang sa liga yung team,” said the source.

     

    “The rights of Greg is with Titan Ultra, Titan Ultra wants to use that asset. Tapos hindi mangyayari, unfair yun sa team,” he added.

     

    With the PBA now holding the fate of both Slaughter and Titan Ultra in its hands, the league faces a high-stakes decision. 

     

    Approve the signing, and a former giant returns. Hesitate, and the newest franchise risks starting its journey at a significant disadvantage.

     

    The league’s decision will also set a precedent for how the PBA handles player rights and comebacks, particularly for high-profile stars returning after extended absences. Observers note that approving Slaughter’s signing could signal the PBA’s willingness to support new teams in building competitive rosters

     

    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! 

  • Juan Gomez de Liaño embraces Gilas return despite tough Window 2 losses 

    Juan Gomez de Liaño embraces Gilas return despite tough Window 2 losses 

    After a four-year wait, Juan Gomez de Liaño finally found himself back in a familiar setting — wearing the Gilas Pilipinas jersey and playing in front of a roaring home crowd.

     

    The long-awaited return, however, came with a difficult reality.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas absorbed consecutive defeats against New Zealand Tall Blacks and Australia Boomers during the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    While the results were far from ideal, Gomez de Liaño chose to focus on the bigger picture — the opportunity to represent the country again.

     

    “It’s really an honor to represent the Philippines. Two tough games, but I feel like it’s a learning experience. I think we’re just going to keep moving forward and continue to work together,” he told reporters after the 93-66 loss to Australia on Sunday.

     

    “I’m still happy for the guys. We fought hard to the end, but we fell short. So, on to the next,” Gomez de Liaño said.

     

    The 26-year-old guard showed flashes of his potential in Gilas’ narrow 69-66 defeat to New Zealand last Thursday. He finished with 10 points and two assists, knocking down a pair of three-pointers that helped keep the contest within reach.

     

     

    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.

    His performance did not go unnoticed by national team head coach Tim Cone, who later described the former UP standout as a “special talent” and someone he believes can become a steady piece of the national program moving forward.

     

    Australia, however, presented a much tougher challenge in the rematch. Gomez de Liaño struggled to find his offensive rhythm and ended the game with four rebounds and two assists.

     

    “I think Australia just did a good job with their scouting report. They prepared a lot too so I give credit to them,” Gomez de Liaño said.

     

    Despite the two losses, Gilas still managed to secure passage to the next phase of the qualifiers after New Zealand defeated Guam in another group match.

     

    With a 2-2 record heading into the next stage, Gomez de Liaño and the national team will look to regroup before Window 3 in July — where they will once again square off with Australia and New Zealand in what promises to be another demanding stretch for the Filipinos.

     

    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!  

  • Gilas eyes Justin Brownlee-Bennie Boatwright tandem in Asiad title defense as Nagoya keeps passport-only rule

    Gilas eyes Justin Brownlee-Bennie Boatwright tandem in Asiad title defense as Nagoya keeps passport-only rule

    If the current guidelines remain untouched, Gilas Pilipinas may once again benefit from a crucial eligibility edge in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya.

     

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) said it has not received any official notice of changes to the competition rules, meaning the passport-only policy used in the 2023 Hangzhou Asiad is still in effect.

     

    “Kaya nga nakapaglaro si Ange (Kouame) nun,” said SBP Executive Director Erika Dy.

     

    That same provision previously allowed Justin Brownlee and Angelo Kouame to play together — a combination not permitted under FIBA rules, which limit national teams to just one naturalized player in sanctioned events.

     

    This time, the potential tandem could shift to Brownlee and Bennie Boatwright — provided Boatwright’s naturalization papers are officially signed before the September tournament.

     

    If the passport-only rule holds, both players could legally share the floor in Nagoya, giving Gilas a potent inside-out duo to defend its Asian Games crown.

     

    SBP remains cautiously optimistic but careful not to assume anything.

     

    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.

    “As of now there’s no official advice about the change in rules. Ang alam namin passport-only rule ang allowed pa rin,” said Dy.

     

    The possibility doesn’t end there. With Mike Philips and Quentin Millora-Brown already recognized as locals by FIBA, Gilas could field one of its deepest Asian Games rosters in years.

     

    “Yes, both can play in the Asian Games,” Dy added.

     

    The passport-only rule was instrumental in the Philippines ending its 61-year drought in Hangzhou, where Gilas defeated Jordan in the final after a stunning semifinal comeback against China. Whether that same regulatory window remains open in Nagoya could once again shape the team’s championship blueprint.

     

    For now, SBP waits — and prepares — under the assumption that the rule that once unlocked history may still apply.

     

    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’s 50th Anniversary takes center stage in Candon as All-Star Weekend heads north

    PBA’s 50th Anniversary takes center stage in Candon as All-Star Weekend heads north

    For a league celebrating 50 years of history, the Philippine Basketball Association is taking the celebration on the road.


    This week, the PBA’s golden anniversary celebration shifts north as Candon City plays host to the PBA All-Star Weekend, transforming the Ilocos Sur province into the country’s basketball capital for four days.

     

    A 160-member delegation, highlighted by 59 players, will leave Manila late Wednesday for the seven-hour trip, a caravan carrying five decades of professional basketball tradition to one of the league’s newest provincial stages. 

     

    It marks the first All-Star showcase since the 2024 edition in Bacolod City and comes a year after the supposed 2025 staging in Davao was scrapped due to security concerns.

     

    Commissioner Willie Marcial will spearhead the delegation, joined by league officials and participants from the North and South All-Star squads, the Rookies/Sophomores and Juniors teams, and competitors. 

     

    Members of the PBA Board led by Chairman Ricky Vargas, along with team executives, are also expected to arrive by the weekend.

     

    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.

    On the court, the North-South rivalry headlines the festivities, as Coach Leo Austria will guide the North All-Stars, whose roster includes Japeth Aguilar, Calvin Abueva, rookie Juan Gomez De Liano, CJ Perez, Stephen Holt, Justine Baltazar, Adrian Nocum, Chris Newsome, CJ Cansino, Gian Mamuyac, Justin Arana, and Don Trollano.

     

    Opposing them is the South squad under veteran coach Chot Reyes, bannered by June Mar Fajardo, RJ Abarrientos, Scottie Thompson, Calvin Oftana, Robert Bolick, Roger Pogoy, JB Bahio, Leonard Santillan, Alec Stockton, Caelan Tiongson, Rey Nambatac, and Jericho Cruz.

    While the star power promises fireworks on Sunday night, the league’s message extends beyond the scoreboard.

     

    The four-day stay will feature a motorcade and parade, school visits, tree-planting activity, meet-and-greet sessions, a court turnover ceremony, and referees’ and coaches’ clinics — underscoring the PBA’s effort to turn its anniversary celebration into a community-driven outreach.

     

    Action tips off Friday at the Candon City Arena with the Skills Event at 5:30 p.m. Sunday’s program begins at 5:30 p.m. with the Daily Fantasy Shooting Star contest before the main All-Star Game takes center stage at 7:30 p.m.

     

    After a year of uncertainty and a canceled showcase in 2025, the league has found its stage once more. As the PBA marks 50 years, it does so not just by looking back at its legacy but by bringing the celebration directly to the fans who have sustained it for generations.

     

    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! 

  • Justin Brownlee stands by Tim Cone amid Gilas criticism 

    Justin Brownlee stands by Tim Cone amid Gilas criticism 

    The noise came quickly.

     

    After Gilas Pilipinas absorbed consecutive losses to New Zealand and Australia in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, the spotlight swung hard toward one man — Tim Cone. And with it came the familiar debate: Is the triangle offense still fit for the modern international game?

     

    Justin Brownlee isn’t entertaining that conversation.

     

    For the naturalized forward who has won titles under Cone for nearly a decade with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the criticism feels premature — and misplaced.

     

    “The triangle is a little difficult to learn, but I think once you learn it, it can definitely benefit your offense, as far as getting you easy shots,” Brownlee said.

    In today’s global game, where pace-and-space principles dominate and quick-trigger threes are currency, Cone’s read-and-react system has been labeled by some as too deliberate. It demands spacing discipline, synchronized cuts, post reads, and instinctive reactions — elements that thrive on continuity.

     

    And that’s where the Gilas challenge lies.

     

    Unlike a PBA club that trains daily, the national team gathers in short windows. Chemistry must be built quickly. Timing must be rediscovered on the fly. Installing a layered system under those conditions is far different from refining it over months.

     

    “It’s kind of difficult maybe going from one offense and going to another offense to be fluent in it. But you also got to credit the other team that we played. You know, they’re really tough,” Brownlee said.

     

    Cone’s resume, however, speaks loudly. Twenty-five PBA championships. Decades of sustained success. A system that, when mastered, generates high-percentage looks without overreliance on isolation or repetitive ball screens.

     

    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.

    For Brownlee, abandoning that identity after two losses would ignore a larger picture.

     

    “We got a lot of learning experience from those two games. Of course, we didn’t get to win and things didn’t go our way. But I think the experiences we got from the window is gonna be very helpful to carry it over into the next games with Australia, the next window,” he said.

     

    “And even after that, we take those over to the next teams we’ll face.”

     

    To him, the qualifiers are not a referendum — they are a process.

     

    And while public debate often centers on X’s and O’s, Brownlee frames it around trust.

    “Obviously, over the years I’ve been playing with coach Tim, he has done an incredible job coaching the triangle. And obviously, guys from Ginebra have put a lot of time in the triangle,” he said.

     

    “At the end of the day, coach Tim is a very brilliant coach. He’s been coaching the triangle for years. It ain’t no secret why he’s the best coach in the Philippines. You know, he’s got the championships, he’s got the accolades and everything to back it up.”

     

    As the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup approaches, Brownlee has already returned to Ginebra practices — back under Cone, back within the triangle’s familiar geometry.

     

    “I didn’t start practice yet, but I did go up to practice today. I just met with the team for a little bit, watched practice for a little bit, and then I’ll be back at practice tomorrow,” he said.

     

    The debate may continue outside the locker room. Inside it, Brownlee’s stance is clear: systems can be questioned. RĂ©sumĂ©s cannot.

     

    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!  

  • Philippines offers to host postponed FIBA Asian Qualifiers amid Middle East tensions

    Philippines offers to host postponed FIBA Asian Qualifiers amid Middle East tensions

    The Philippines may once again find itself at the center of international basketball — not just as a competitor, but as a stabilizing force.


    With rising tensions in the Middle East forcing the postponement of several games in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has stepped forward with a proposal: bring the cancelled matches to Manila.

     

    SBP president Ricky Vargas revealed that he personally relayed the offer to Hagop Khajirian during halftime of the Gilas Pilipinas-Australia clash at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    “I told Hagop about it, that we can host the games here if FIBA wants it,” said Vargas, who also serves as chairman of the PBA Board.

     

    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.

    Just hours before Gilas faced Australia, the same arena staged a non-host matchup between China men’s national basketball team and Chinese Taipei men’s national basketball team — proof, Vargas implied, that the country can handle logistical demands beyond its own fixtures. China erased a late deficit to secure a 100-93 victory in front of a modest Pasay crowd.

     

    The offer comes after FIBA postponed four Window 2 games due to security concerns following escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. 

     

    The affected matchups include Iraq versus Jordan and Iran against Syria in Group C, along with Lebanon versus India and Qatar against Saudi Arabia in Group D. Except for the Saudi-Qatar game set in Riyadh, all were originally scheduled to be played in Lebanon.

     

    According to SBP executive director Erika Dy, FIBA has decided that the postponed contests will now be integrated into the third window.

     

    “So there will be more games to be played by these teams in the third window,” she said.

    For now, the ball is in FIBA’s hands. But the Philippines’ willingness to step in underscores a broader ambition — to be more than just a basketball nation obsessed with its own team. 

     

    In uncertain times, it is positioning itself as a dependable host, ready to keep the games going when circumstances elsewhere cannot.

     

    Beyond logistics, the proposal carries symbolic weight. At a time when geopolitical tensions threaten to disrupt sporting calendars, the Philippines is signaling its commitment to keeping competition alive and athletes on the court. 

     

    Should FIBA accept the offer, it would not only ease scheduling challenges but also showcase how basketball can serve as a bridge in turbulent times — with Manila once again providing the stage for the game. 

     

     

    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! 

  • Mikey Williams nears long‑awaited PBA return, logs in with Converge FiberXers

    Mikey Williams nears long‑awaited PBA return, logs in with Converge FiberXers

    After a lengthy absence, Mikey Williams is finally preparing to light up the Philippine Basketball Association once again — this time with the Converge FiberXers.

     

    Williams confirmed his return via an Instagram Story, where he revealed that he has arrived in the Philippines, is already with the FiberXers, and has taken part in recent team‑building activities. His caption summed up the moment simply but meaningfully: “It’s all God
 And just like that, it begins.”

     

    The sharpshooting guard hasn’t appeared in a PBA game since the 2023 Governors’ Cup, where he delivered a memorable performance for TNT Tropang Giga. Williams finished that series with a brilliant 38‑point outing in Game 6 of the finals and averaged 22.0 points while leading TNT to the championship, earning his second Finals MVP in the process. That came on the heels of his first Finals MVP in the 2021 Philippine Cup, when he carried TNT to its first title in six years shortly after being drafted.

     

    Across his first three seasons in the league (2021–2023), Williams established himself as one of the most electric scorers in the PBA, averaging 18.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while thrilling crowds with his shooting range and clutch instincts. 

     

    He also earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2021, led the league in scoring early in his career, and secured Mythical Team nods — achievements that cemented his status as a franchise cornerstone during his time with TNT.

     

    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.

    Off‑court dynamics, however, kept Williams away from the league for nearly two years. Contract talks with TNT stalled after the 2023 season, eventually leading to TNT terminating his contract while still retaining his rights. This impasse kept him from taking the court professionally in the PBA and led to speculation about his future — including appearances abroad such as at the Dubai International Basketball Championship in early 2025.

     

    Everything changed mid‑2025, when the PBA approved a one‑for‑one trade sending Williams’ signing rights from TNT to Converge in exchange for veteran guard Jordan Heading. With that move, the doors finally opened for Williams to sign with a new team and make his highly anticipated comeback.

     

    Now rostered alongside standout talents like Juan Gomez de Liaño, Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana, Alec Stockton, and Calvin Abueva, Williams adds a proven scorer and leader to a Converge core that has been reshaped for deeper postseason runs.

     

    For PBA fans, his return is more than a roster addition — it’s the homecoming of one of the league’s most electrifying offensive forces. After years of negotiation drama, geographical hiatus, and what‑ifs, Mikey Williams’ comeback promises to be one of the most watched storylines of the season. 

     

    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!  

  • Yeng Guiao and Rain or Shine brace for towering tests in Commissioner’s Cup opening games 

    Yeng Guiao and Rain or Shine brace for towering tests in Commissioner’s Cup opening games 

    Size will greet Rain or Shine Elasto Painters the moment the Commissioner’s Cup tips off.

     

    In a conference known for unleashing high-impact imports, Rain or Shine may have drawn the most daunting opening stretch of all in the Philippine Basketball Association 50th Season. Their first two assignments? A 7-foot-6 giant and a 7-foot-3 former NBA mainstay.

     

    The Elasto Painters begin their campaign on March 14 at the Ynares Center Montalban against guest team Macau Black Bears, which is set to parade Sam Deguara. At 7-foot-6, Deguara is poised to become the tallest player ever to suit up in the league’s 50-year history — a literal and symbolic reminder of how this midseason tournament shifts the competitive landscape.

     

    Six days later, the challenge only intensifies. Rain or Shine heads to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for a March 20 clash with TNT Tropang Giga, where 7-foot-3 Bol Bol will make his much-anticipated PBA debut. With a six-year NBA résumé from 2019 to 2025, Bol arrives not merely as a tall reinforcement but as one of the most decorated imports in the field.

     

    For a Rain or Shine squad built more on speed and grit than sheer height, the early matchups present a puzzle.

     

    “Problema talaga ‘yan,” admitted head coach Yeng Guiao when asked how his team plans to deal with towering reinforcements like Deguara and Bol.

     

    “I think we will only know how we can look for a scheme to siguro not to totally neutralize them but make them a little bit less effective when we see them play mismo. What we can do now is rely on the videos and past tapes nila, past performances. But iba pa rin ‘yung mag-adapt sila sa style ng PBA,” Guiao 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.

    The veteran tactician, known for squeezing advantages out of undermanned lineups, is approaching the challenge cautiously.

     

    “We will see how they will adapt. We will see if they have any weaknesses kung may weakness sila. We will try to do something to counter their size. Ang nakakatakot baka wala silang weakness,” Guiao added.

     

    Among the two, Bol looms as the greater concern.

     

    “Si Bol Bol, napapanood ko naman sa NBA, napapanood ko naman highlights niya. I think he will be a problem among all the imports. Ang pinakamalaking concern ko si Bol Bol. Wala pa kaming nakikitang paraan para mapigilan siya.”

     

    “He can own the paint, offense and defense. He is a human cheat code actually,” Guiao said.

     

    The Commissioner’s Cup has always been a tournament where matchups dictate destiny. For Rain or Shine, destiny arrives early — and it stands well over seven feet tall.

     

    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!  

  • Gilas Pilipinas Boys standout Kieffer Alas chooses Ateneo over US NCAA schools 

    Gilas Pilipinas Boys standout Kieffer Alas chooses Ateneo over US NCAA schools 

    From his stint at Utah Prep Academy, the 18-year-old made a choice that instantly reshaped the college basketball landscape. He is returning to the Philippines — but not to the familiar green. Instead, Alas will suit up in blue after committing to Ateneo de Manila University.

     

    The 6-foot-2 guard announced his decision through Instagram, posting a photo of himself in an Ateneo jersey with a caption, “Homecoming.”

     

    Alongside it was a reflective message, “A big lesson I learned this year is that a person’s capacity for growth is directly linked to how much truth they can face about themselves without running away.”

     

    Behind the announcement was a decision shaped not just by opportunity, but by connection. Alas revealed he chose Ateneo over other UAAP programs and several NCAA Division II schools largely because of one figure, Tab Baldwin. 

     

    “Coach Tab visited me multiple times here in the US, and I could tell he was really interested in me. They laid out their plan for me, what I could do in the future, and how they saw me as a big part of their program,” Alas said.

     

    Throughout his year abroad, Baldwin consistently kept the communication on him, maintaining communication and reinforcing the idea that development is as much about character as it is about skill.

     

    “That was the main thing for me — the management and especially Coach Tab putting in the effort just to visit me here multiple times,” the 18-year-old guard 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.

    For the youngest member of the well-known Alas family, growth has never been in short supply. Before heading overseas, Alas starred for De La Salle Santiago Zobel School and carried the fight for Gilas Pilipinas Boys. 

     

    In the FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship, he averaged 15.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, earning a spot on the All-Star Five and steering the Philippines to a berth in the Under-17 World Cup. 

     

    An injury later denied him the chance to play on that global stage, a setback that became fuel rather than frustration.

     

    His Grade 11 campaign with the Junior Archers turned into a redemption tour, sharpening his versatility as a two-way guard capable of scoring, rebounding, and facilitating. Now, that skill set arrives at a program hungry to restore its standard.

     

    Ateneo is in the midst of retooling after finishing sixth (6-8) in UAAP Season 88, extending a semifinals drought that has lingered uncomfortably to the Blue Eagles. 

     

    The Katipunan-based team has already added players like Davaoeño Rene Baterbonia and Cebuano Jelomar Rota.

     

    For a player who has already faced the sting of injury, the grind of overseas competition, and the pressure of national expectations, choosing Ateneo is less about switching colors and more about embracing a new chapter.

     

    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! Â