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Category: Basketball

  • Converge braces for guest team Macau in Commissioner’s Cup opener

    Converge braces for guest team Macau in Commissioner’s Cup opener

    The Philippine Basketball Association ushers in its Commissioner’s Cup on March 11 with an unusual headliner: guest team Macau Black Bears stepping into the PBA spotlight against a revamped Converge FiberXers at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The Black Bears and the FiberXers collide at 7:30 p.m. in the second game of the traditional opening doubleheader, but intrigue will already be brewing hours earlier.

     

    At 5 p.m., six-foot-nine rookie Geo Chiu makes his much-anticipated PBA debut as Terrafirma squares off with Titan Ultra, now under new head coach Rensy Bajar. For Chiu, it’s more than just a first game — it’s a test of how quickly he can translate his size and promise into impact at the professional level. For Titan, the coaching change signals a reset after a turbulent stretch, and the opener offers an immediate chance to set a new tone.

     

    Still, it is Macau’s arrival that reshapes the conference narrative.

     

    As a guest participant, the Black Bears expand the field to 13 teams, injecting a regional flavor into a competition traditionally dominated by local franchises. The club is reportedly preparing to alternate between 7-foot-6 Sam Deguara and former NBA player Tony Mitchell as imports — a combination that blends overwhelming size with high-level professional experience. That strategy alone hints at flexibility and ambition, suggesting Macau is not entering merely to compete, but to contend.

     

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    Waiting for them is a Converge side that didn’t just tweak its roster — it transformed it.

    The FiberXers made a statement by acquiring Calvin Abueva from Titan, and they’re not just getting energy and edge. 

     

    Abueva finished last conference as the league’s scoring leader, a reminder that his relentless motor now comes with consistent offensive production. Add Jonnel Policarpio from NLEX and Kurt Reyson from Meralco to the mix, and Converge suddenly boasts a deeper, more versatile rotation on both ends.

     

    Inside, the team tapped 7-footer Kylor Kelley from the NBA G-League to anchor the paint, giving them legitimate rim protection to pair with their revamped perimeter attack.

     

    But perhaps the biggest key remains Juan Gomez de Liano.

     

    Fresh off a breakout Philippine Cup, Gomez de Liano led the league in triple-doubles, highlighted by a 32-point explosion against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel that underscored his ability to take over big games. He capped the conference by steering Converge to the quarterfinals while averaging 19 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game — numbers that placed him firmly among the league’s rising stars.

     

    With Abueva’s scoring punch and Gomez de Liano’s all-around brilliance, the FiberXers enter the Commissioner’s Cup with legitimate momentum and heightened expectations.

     

    Beyond the marquee names, the conference itself carries added weight. The Commissioner’s Cup, traditionally featuring imports without height restrictions, often shifts the league’s competitive balance. Teams built around speed and spacing must now adjust to towering reinforcements and new tactical wrinkles.

     

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  • Kai Sotto to continue NBA dream amid Gilas Pilipinas duties 

    Kai Sotto to continue NBA dream amid Gilas Pilipinas duties 

    “It was never about money with Kai.”

     

    That firm declaration from Ricky Vargas cuts straight to the heart of the conversation surrounding Kai Sotto — a towering talent standing at a pivotal fork in his young career.

     

    At just 23 years old, Sotto has already logged 50 appearances for the Philippine national team, including 20 games at the senior level. For a player still carving out his professional path overseas, that résumé speaks volumes about commitment. Every tournament, every window, every call-up — he has answered. But timing, as always, complicates loyalty.

     

    Now suiting up for Koshigaya Alphas in Japan’s B.League, Sotto has been productive, averaging 11.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across eight games this season. Still, his comeback from the ACL injury he suffered a year ago remains a careful process, a recovery that forced him to miss Window 2 of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers — not because he chose club over country, but because his body simply wasn’t ready.

     

    Window 3, however, presents a different kind of dilemma, where the obstacle is no longer health but opportunity.

     

    Despite going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, Sotto has not abandoned his NBA aspirations, and two possible routes now sit in front of him. One is immediate and high-risk: auditioning in the NBA Summer League beginning July 6 — a schedule that overlaps with the July 3 and 6 FIBA window. 

     

    The other is longer but potentially steadier: enrolling in an NCAA Division I program, taking advantage of evolving amateurism rules that now allow players to compete in college as long as they have not signed an NBA contract.

     

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    The landscape has shifted in recent years, with former G League and European pros returning to the NCAA ranks, proving that the collegiate path is no longer reserved strictly for teenagers fresh out of high school. It has become a viable reset button — and perhaps even a launchpad.

     

    Sotto, of course, has never followed a conventional script. In 2020, he bypassed college entirely to join G League Ignite. From there, he took his game global — stints in Australia’s NBL with Adelaide, in Japan with Hiroshima and Yokohama, and now with Koshigaya. He even suited up for Orlando’s Summer League squad in 2023, each stop another attempt to inch closer to the NBA door.

     

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas understands what’s at stake. If Sotto chooses the NCAA route after the B.League season, Gilas Pilipinas could be without him from November through March, an absence that would sting for a national program still building continuity toward major international competitions.

     

    Yet Vargas remains measured — and supportive.

     

    “Depende sa outcome sa pagsali niya sa eskwelahan. His plans are still towards going to the NBA. Pero kailangan natin siya. It’s hard to fault him because it’s not about the money; he wants to play (in the NBA),” said Vargas.

     

    “Playing for the country and sacrificing your dreams is notable. Going for your dream and representing the country is also notable. Both are correct.”

     

    In the end, Sotto’s situation is not a question of loyalty but a test of balance — between ambition and responsibility, between present duty and future promise. For a 7-foot-3 center who has already carried both expectation and flag, the next move may define not just his career, but how Philippine basketball navigates the intersection of global dreams and national pride.

     

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  • Boomers feel the love in Manila as rivalry turns the page

    Boomers feel the love in Manila as rivalry turns the page

    Eight years removed from one of the darkest chapters in international basketball, Australia’s return to Manila felt less like a grudge match and more like a long-awaited reset.

     

    When the Boomers stepped onto the floor at the Mall of Asia Arena for their latest clash with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers, the reception was loud, passionate — and ultimately respectful. The ghosts of 2018 were still part of the narrative, but they no longer defined it.

     

    The last time Australia and the Philippines figured in a game that reverberated around the world, it was for all the wrong reasons. The infamous bench-clearing brawl during the 2019 World Cup qualifiers at the Philippine Arena resulted in 13 ejections and an 89-53 default victory for the Boomers — a flashpoint that became one of the most controversial moments in FIBA history.

    This time, the story was different.

     

    “It was a terrific atmosphere like there was a good FIBA regional game,” said Boomers coach John Peter Rillie after Australia’s commanding 93-67 victory.

     

    “Thank you to the Manila community for coming out and supporting the game the way we did.”

    The jeers came — as expected in a packed Filipino arena — but they were part of the theater, not hostility. After the final buzzer, applause followed. For the visiting Boomers, it signaled something bigger than a 27-point win: it was closure.

     

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    “Thanks for the hospitality. It’s a great atmosphere and all the guys enjoyed it. It was really fun to play in,” said guard Elijah Pepper, who poured in 28 points highlighted by five triples.

     

    “Thank you for the hospitality that we received here in the Philippines. It’s been a terrific couple of days for our group,” Rillie added. “And I’m happy my team play well as we did.”

     

    Only two players from the 2018 incident suited up this time — June Mar Fajardo and Nick Kay. Fajardo logged limited minutes, finishing with two points and a rebound, while Kay anchored Australia’s starting unit with eight points, eight boards, and an assist.

     

    Their presence served as a quiet reminder of how much has changed. What was once a rivalry inflamed by tension has matured into a competitive but composed matchup.

     

    Australia dictated the tempo from the opening tip, stretching the lead behind crisp ball movement and second-half outside shooting. Gilas absorbed its second straight loss in the window, but the larger takeaway extended beyond the scoreboard.

     

    The evening proved that while history can’t be erased, it can be reframed.

     

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  • Public hearing set in Senate for Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization

    Public hearing set in Senate for Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization

    The wheels of Philippine basketball diplomacy are turning. Just two days after Gilas Pilipinas suffered a lopsided loss to Australia men’s national basketball team in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, the spotlight has shifted from the court to the halls of government. 

     

    The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights is set to hold its first public hearing on the naturalization of Bennie Boatwright, a move that could make the former San Miguel import eligible to suit up for the national team in international competitions.

     

    The hearing, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. under the leadership of committee chair Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, marks the official start of the Senate’s deliberation on the controversial but potentially transformative move. 

     

    Boatwright’s naturalization was already approved on second reading in the House of Representatives last December under House Bill No. 6639, clearing a major legislative hurdle.

     

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    Supporters argue that Boatwright’s inclusion could give Gilas Pilipinas a much-needed boost after a tough showing against Australia, where the team struggled to match the physicality and depth of the visitors. 

     

    His experience in the Philippine Basketball Association, particularly with the San Miguel Beermen, has made him a standout candidate to elevate the national squad’s competitiveness.

     

    Critics, however, have raised questions about the timing and implications of the naturalization process. Some lawmakers emphasize that the Senate hearing will carefully weigh both legal and sporting considerations, including Boatwright’s commitment to representing the Philippines beyond mere participation.

     

    If approved, Boatwright could join Gilas Pilipinas for upcoming FIBA competitions and regional tournaments, adding a versatile forward capable of stretching the floor and contributing on both ends. 

     

    For fans, the process represents more than bureaucracy — it’s a tangible step toward closing the gap with elite Asian basketball programs.

     

    With the hearing underway, all eyes will be on how quickly the Senate can act, as the national team prepares for a packed schedule of qualifiers and friendlies. 

     

    For a squad still seeking answers after a humbling defeat, Boatwright’s naturalization could be the spark that turns frustration into renewed hope.

     

     

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  • James Harden goes 7-1 with Cavaliers despite playing through fractured thumb

    James Harden goes 7-1 with Cavaliers despite playing through fractured thumb

    James Harden has made an immediate impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers, going 7-1 in games since his arrival from the Los Angeles Clippers. 

     

    Traded in a deal that sent Darius Garland to Los Angeles, the former MVP, Harden has quickly become the linchpin of the Cavaliers’ offense, blending scoring, playmaking, and leadership into a team that now looks poised for a deep playoff run.

     

    Despite a fractured right thumb that sidelined him for two games, Harden returned with a dominant performance, scoring 22 points, hitting four of seven three-pointers, and adding nine rebounds and eight assists in a 106-102 win over the Brooklyn Nets. 

     

    “The Beard” continues to average 24.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game, proving that neither injury nor age has diminished his elite skills.

     

    Harden’s arrival has also improved Cleveland’s spacing and offensive efficiency, providing better shot quality and quick reads thanks to the Cavaliers’ system. 

     

    Beyond individual stats, Harden’s addition brings championship ambition to Cleveland. While the 36-year-old veteran has collected accolades throughout his career, a title remains elusive — and his early success with the Cavaliers shows he’s serious about changing that narrative.

     

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    Integrating Harden with Cleveland’s core, including players like Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell, will be key to sustaining success. 

     

    His playmaking and experience allow the Cavs’ younger players to thrive in high-pressure situations, providing a balance between veteran leadership and youthful energy.

     

    Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will need to manage Harden’s minutes carefully to avoid aggravating his thumb injury. 

     

    If he can maintain his health, Harden’s presence could transform Cleveland into a legitimate Eastern Conference contender, with the team’s trajectory now heavily tied to how well “The Beard” can lead and elevate those around him.

     

    It is expected that Harden will continue to have a major impact in the upcoming games. On March 4, the Cavaliers faced the Detroit Pistons, offering another chance for the star guard to assert his dominance and further integrate with his new teammates.

     

    With the season still in its early stages, the spotlight will be on Harden to sustain his performance, provide clutch playmaking, and inspire confidence in a roster eager to prove itself in the Eastern Conference. How he handles the upcoming schedule could very well define Cleveland’s playoff outlook.

     

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  • Juan Gomez de Liaño says Converge is hungry to shake off underdog tag in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Juan Gomez de Liaño says Converge is hungry to shake off underdog tag in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Even with high-profile additions, Converge enters the PBA Commissioner’s Cup with a chip on its shoulder.

     

    Juan Gomez de Liaño is candid about the FiberXers’ position as the league heads into the mid-season conference. 

     

    While the team has bolstered its lineup with veteran Calvin Abueva, former road warrior Jonnel Policarpio and Javee Mocon, and potentially Mikey Williams, Gomez de Liaño emphasizes that on-paper talent does not automatically translate to postseason success.

     

    “I’d say we’re coming in still as underdogs because we haven’t proven anything yet in the league. We haven’t gone past the quarterfinals,” Gomez de Liaño said, highlighting the team’s unfinished business despite last season’s quarterfinals berth.

     

    Converge will rely on its newly strengthened frontcourt, Abueva joining Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana — and the addition of import Kylor Kelley to finally break through the first-round barrier. The anticipated arrival of Williams could also provide the perimeter scoring and experience needed in clutch moments.

     

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    Gomez de Liaño also said, “I feel like now with the right pieces and the tools, I think we really have a chance to go past the first round especially, you know, with Calvin coming in. We also got Mikey Williams and the import as well.” 

     

    The PBA Commissioner’s Cup kicks off on March 11, with Converge facing the guest team Macau Black Bears. For Gomez de Liaño and his teammates, the focus is clear and that is to prove the team can go further than ever before.

     

    Chemistry remains the ultimate test for Converge. Integrating newcomers like Abueva, Policarpio, and potentially Mikey Williams into a cohesive unit will be critical if the team wants to move beyond the early playoff rounds. 

     

    Gomez de Liaño acknowledges that skill alone isn’t enough — the team must learn to operate seamlessly under pressure and develop trust across all positions.

     

    Beyond individual talent, Converge’s mindset is under scrutiny. The team aims to shed its underdog label, and that starts with approaching each game as a statement. 

     

    Every matchup in the Commissioner’s Cup is an opportunity to showcase growth, and for Converge, the stakes are as much about establishing identity as they are about winning.

     

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  • All PBA teams locked in with imports for Commissioner’s Cup

    All PBA teams locked in with imports for Commissioner’s Cup

    With less than a month before the PBA Commissioner’s Cup tips off, the league’s import landscape is officially complete, promising plenty of size and star power for the mid-season conference.

     

    Leading the arrivals is Marcus Lee, who joins the San Miguel Beermen to reinforce a squad chasing back-to-back championships. At 6-foot-11, Lee brings collegiate experience from University of Kentucky and University of California, as well as an extensive overseas career after going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft.

     

    Kylor Kelley is set to patrol the paint for Converge FiberXers after a stint with the South Bay Lakers. The 7-foot center is expected to anchor Converge’s defense while providing key rim protection.

     

    Guest team Macau Black Bears also solidified its lineup with towering presences, signing 7-foot-6 Sam Deguara and 6-foot-7 veteran Tony Mitchell. League rules allow only one import on the court at a time, with the other serving as backup. 

     

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    Other notable reinforcements include former NBA player Bol Bol for TNT Tropang Giga, Terrell Brown-Soares for Magnolia Hotshots, Daniel Ochefu for Blackwater Bossing, Israel Romero for Meralco Bolts, Jaylen Johnson for Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, James Dickey for Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, Cady Lalanne for NLEX Road Warriors, and longtime Ginebra reinforcement Justin Brownlee.

     

    Finally, Michael Gilmore completes the Titan Ultra Giant Risers’ import roster, making this season’s mid-season conference one of the tallest in recent memory.

     

    With all teams fully equipped, the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, set to begin on March 11, promises high-flying action and a showcase of talent both local and imported. 

     

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  • Justin Brownlee sees lessons amid Gilas Pilipinas’ setbacks in harder second window of FIBA Qualifiers 

    Justin Brownlee sees lessons amid Gilas Pilipinas’ setbacks in harder second window of FIBA Qualifiers 

    After Gilas Pilipinas suffered back-to-back defeats to New Zealand and Australia in Window 2 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Justin Brownlee opted to reflect rather than dwell on frustration. The Philippines now sits at an even 2-2 record, carrying their first-round results into the second phase.

     

    Coming off a flawless Window 1 with commanding wins over Guam, the setbacks against the Tall Blacks and Boomers reminded the team of the challenge of competing against basketball’s elite.

     

    “I think this window, it definitely gave us a lot of experience in playing teams like New Zealand and Australia. They give you that high level,” Brownlee said after Sunday’s 66-93 loss to Australia at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. “These two are some of the best teams worldwide.”

     

    Gilas kept pace in the first half, with Brownlee and Quentin Millora-Brown combining to keep the hosts within five points at halftime, 33-38. 

     

    The second half, however, exposed the depth and talent of the Boomers. Led by Elijah Pepper, Tanner Krebs, and the returning Mitch Creek, Australia surged ahead, building a 17-point advantage that Gilas could not overcome. 

     

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    For the 37-year-old forward, these contests are not only a test of his own game but a vital experience for Gilas’ younger core, which includes Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu, and Millora-Brown.

     

    “I appreciate the experience, just like for sure the whole team did, and the coaching staff and the whole program. They appreciate the experience. Hopefully, we just have to get better from this,” Brownlee said.

     

    Individually, Brownlee rebounded from a quiet four-point outing against New Zealand, leading Gilas with 20 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and a steal against the Boomers. 

     

    Yet he emphasized that personal performance is secondary to team objectives. His focus remains on guiding Gilas to wins in upcoming rematches against both New Zealand and Australia in Window 3.

     

    “It always feels good to get back into the rhythm, but unfortunately, the main goal tonight was to win. Whether I am in rhythm or not, the main goal is just to try to get the win,” Brownlee shared. 

    “Obviously, as a player, you want to try to get into rhythm and get going for your team. We just have to regroup and just come out better next time.” 

     

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  • Jericho Cruz quiet as Guam men’s national basketball team stays winless in FIBA qualifiers 

    Jericho Cruz quiet as Guam men’s national basketball team stays winless in FIBA qualifiers 

    Jericho Cruz’s journey in Guam’s qualification campaign has taken a sharp turn—from offensive focal point to a quiet presence—as Guam absorbed a heavy 99-67 defeat to the New Zealand men’s national basketball team on Sunday at the University of Guam Fieldhouse.

     

    After delivering strong scoring performances earlier in the tournament, Cruz barely saw the floor this time, logging only two minutes and 55 seconds and finishing with a single rebound. The loss kept Guam winless through four games in Group A and pushed the team to the brink of elimination from the first round.

     

    The contrast was striking considering Cruz’s earlier impact in the qualifiers. In the opening window, the veteran wing emerged as one of Guam’s primary scoring options, dropping 27 points in their first meeting against Gilas Pilipinas and following it up with 17 in their second encounter—games that, despite Guam’s losses, showcased his ability to carry the offense.

     

    Against New Zealand, however, the spotlight shifted elsewhere. Forward Jack Andrew powered the Tall Blacks with 20 points and nine rebounds, helping control the tempo early before the game widened into a one-sided result.

     

    Guam also struggled in its earlier home assignment in the second window, falling 93-80 to the Australia men’s national basketball team. 

     

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    Cruz played a larger role in that contest, seeing 22 minutes of action and contributing nine points, two assists, and a steal—numbers that reflected his usual involvement in Guam’s rotation.

     

    Throughout his tenure with the national squad, Cruz has consistently produced across competitions. During Guam’s run in the FIBA Asia Cup, the former San Miguel Beermen standout averaged 16 points per game, reinforcing his reputation as one of the program’s most reliable scorers. Overall, he continues to post steady all-around numbers of 13 points, three rebounds, and three assists per game for Guam.

     

    Still, Guam’s offensive inconsistency and defensive struggles have overshadowed individual efforts. Even contributions from players like Fil-Am guard Isaiah Africano, who chipped in two points and two rebounds against New Zealand, were not enough to keep pace.

     

    With their campaign hanging by a thread, Guam now faces a daunting finish to the first round with back-to-back road games in July against Australia and New Zealand. For Cruz, the final window presents not only a chance for redemption—but also an opportunity to reassert the scoring presence that once kept Guam competitive early in the qualifiers.

     

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  • Quentin Millora-Brown excited to team up with former UAAP rival Mike Phillips for Gilas Pilipinas

    Quentin Millora-Brown excited to team up with former UAAP rival Mike Phillips for Gilas Pilipinas

    What was once a fierce collegiate rivalry may soon become a key partnership for the Philippine national team.

     

    After battling each other in the trenches of the UAAP, Quentin Millora-Brown is now embracing the possibility of sharing the floor with former adversary Mike Phillips as Gilas Pilipinas continues to reshape its identity heading into the next window of international competition.

     

    Millora-Brown anchored the interior for the University of the Philippines during UAAP Season 87, while Phillips served as the defensive engine for De La Salle University. Their matchup became one of the defining frontcourt duels of the season, culminating in a championship run for the Fighting Maroons.

     

    Now, their paths are aligning under a different flag.

     

    Phillips recently received clearance from FIBA to suit up as a local player for Gilas, opening the door for a potential reunion—this time as teammates—when the Philippines returns for Window 3 against familiar opponents New Zealand men’s national basketball team and Australia men’s national basketball team.

     

    For Millora-Brown, the transition from rivalry to brotherhood feels natural.

     

    “His energy is amazing. I think he’ll bring great effort to us — really strong defensive energy, a hard roller, and a great screener. There’s a lot to look forward to,” Millora-Brown told reporters after Sunday’s 66-93 loss to the Boomers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    While the spotlight has largely focused on Gilas’ recent setbacks, the 6-foot-9 big man is quietly building consistency in his role. Across four international appearances, Millora-Brown has averaged 8.3 points on an efficient 61.9-percent shooting clip while pulling down eight rebounds per game—numbers that reflect his growing comfort in the system.

     

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    Still, he believes his impact goes beyond scoring.

     

    “I still need to feel the system. In the last three games, I’ve started figuring out where I fit, where I can score. Defensively, that’s always about energy, effort, and giving 100 percent,” Millora-Brown shared.

     

    “For me, it’s also about helping our guys — finding ways to get Justin open, get him comfortable, and give our other shooters confidence. We never really found a confident flow throughout the game; they were taking us out of our spots more than we wanted.”

     

    That mindset underscores a broader shift within Gilas Pilipinas, where roles are evolving and chemistry remains a work in progress. With established contributors like Justin Brownlee, Dwight Ramos, and CJ Perez carrying significant responsibilities, the arrival of Phillips could inject additional defensive intensity and rebounding presence.

     

    Despite back-to-back losses in Window 2, the Philippines has already secured passage to the next round of qualifiers, giving the team valuable time to recalibrate. For Millora-Brown, the focus now shifts toward physicality, execution, and turning lessons into results when Gilas faces the same opponents again.

     

    “Just breaking their physicality, getting downhill with our guards, relieving pressure, and finding ways to get passes down the elbow,” he said.

     

    “That’s what we need to do to win in the next games.”

     

    If Phillips officially joins the rotation, Gilas may soon feature a frontcourt built not on rivalry—but on reinforcement.

     

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