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Category: Basketball

  • PBA All-Star call-ups reshape PBA rookies, juniors showdowns

    PBA All-Star call-ups reshape PBA rookies, juniors showdowns

    What was once shaping up as a showcase of the PBA’s next wave has been significantly reworked, as All-Star selections forced multiple lineup changes across the league’s midseason exhibition games.

     

    Several young standouts initially slated to headline the Rookies/Sophomores vs. Juniors side event will now shift their attention to the main PBA All-Star Game, scheduled on March 8 in Candon, Ilocos Sur, following league rules that prioritize All-Star participation in the marquee contest.

     

    Among those affected are RJ Abarrientos of Barangay Ginebra and Juan Gomez de Liano of Converge, both of whom received strong fan support that vaulted them into starting roles for the All-Star North and South squads. Their elevation, however, meant stepping away from the developmental exhibition where they were originally expected to lead the Rookies/Sophomores team.

     

    Abarrientos will suit up for the Solid South, joining Scottie Thompson, Robert Bolick, Calvin Oftana, and June Mar Fajardo under coach Chot Reyes. On the other side, Gomez de Liano will represent the Solid North alongside Japeth Aguilar, Calvin Abueva, Stephen Holt, and CJ Perez, with coach Leo Austria at the helm.

     

    The ripple effects of the All-Star rule extended beyond the two guards.

     

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    Also removed from the Rookies/Sophomores and Juniors matchups were Stephen Holt, Justine Baltazar, Adrian Nocum, CJ Cansino, Caelan Tiongson, and Zavier Lucero. With the exception of Holt, the five were named All-Star reserves following selections made by the league’s 12 head coaches.

     

    Prior to the reshuffle, Baltazar, Cansino, and Tiongson had been voted by fans into the Rookies/Sophomores lineup, while Nocum, Holt, and Lucero were penciled in for the Juniors squad. Their promotion to the All-Star pool effectively removed several of the side event’s biggest attractions.

     

    While fans will miss seeing some of the league’s most exciting young talents clash in the developmental showcase, the changes underscore a different storyline — one that highlights how quickly this new generation is being ushered onto the league’s biggest stage.

     

    Instead of headlining side events, many of the PBA’s rising names will now share the floor with established stars, turning the All-Star weekend into a reflection not just of popularity, but of the league’s rapidly evolving hierarchy.

     

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  • Rookie Royce Mantua embraces role in San Miguel’s title run despite limited minutes

    Rookie Royce Mantua embraces role in San Miguel’s title run despite limited minutes

    From the opening tip on Sunday night, San Miguel Beer made its intentions unmistakably clear. What had the makings of a tense, hard-fought Finals showdown instead became a composed and authoritative display, as the Beermen dictated the pace from start to finish and left little doubt about the outcome. By the time the final buzzer echoed through the Mall of Asia Arena, San Miguel had once again asserted its dominance atop the PBA, dispatching TNT, 92–77, to clinch the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals in six games.

     

    It was a championship-clinching performance that reflected San Miguel’s pedigree—poised, physical, and relentless on both ends of the floor. The Beermen controlled the rebounding battle, imposed their size in the paint, and locked in defensively whenever TNT threatened to make a run. The victory not only delivered another title to the storied franchise but also reinforced its standing as the league’s gold standard in the all-Filipino conference.

     

    At the center of it all was June Mar Fajardo, the nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player whose name has long been synonymous with sustained excellence and championship success. In a performance befitting his legacy, Fajardo delivered a dominant 29-point, 23-rebound outing, anchoring San Miguel on both ends and overwhelming the Tropang Giga with his presence inside. Time and again, he provided timely baskets, secured crucial rebounds, and served as the stabilizing force whenever the game demanded composure.

     

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    Fajardo’s masterpiece earned him another historic milestone, as he was named the league’s first-ever Finals MVP—an award newly named in honor of PBA legend Ramon Fernandez. The moment carried added significance, with Fernandez himself watching courtside as the honor was bestowed on the modern-day giant who continues to define an era.

     

    While Fajardo naturally drew much of the spotlight, San Miguel’s championship run was, by all accounts, a collective effort. From the veterans who logged heavy minutes to the role players who provided energy and discipline, the Beermen thrived on depth and buy-in. Even those who saw limited action on the floor found meaningful ways to contribute, including rookie guard Royce Mantua.

    Despite struggling for consistent game time, Mantua firmly believes he played an integral role in San Miguel’s Philippine Cup triumph. The first-year player embraced his responsibilities behind the scenes, particularly during practices, helping ensure the team was prepared night after night throughout the grueling conference.

     

    “It’s very surreal. I’m very afloat. So I’m very happy to be part of this team and I’m also very proud of my teammates. They all really worked really hard to get this championship and so did I,” Mantua said in a media interaction.

     

    The numbers tell a modest story. Mantua logged just 22 total minutes across eight games in the Philippine Cup, finishing with 11 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Yet for the rookie, contribution went far beyond box-score production. He took pride in pushing his teammates during training sessions and fulfilling the role expected of him as a young player learning the ropes on a title-contending squad.

     

    “I played a big role just like helping them out during practices and all. I know I rarely played. That’s like part of my role, too, as a rookie. I’m very young and I still have a lot of potential to show throughout my future career. So, I’m looking forward to that,” he added.

     

    Selected 33rd overall in the third round of the PBA Draft, the shooting guard acknowledged that opportunities were limited on a roster stacked with seasoned veterans and established stars. Still, Mantua made it clear that the experience of being part of a championship environment—learning daily from proven winners—was invaluable and something he would not trade for anything.

     

    “Just the whole experience, just playing a game, that’s pretty much it. No holding back, just have fun pretty much. And sharing that experience that they have, I’m learning a lot,” Mantua concluded.

     

    As San Miguel celebrates yet another title in its decorated history, stories like Mantua’s underscore the culture behind the championships—one built not only on superstar performances, but also on patience, preparation, and collective sacrifice. For the Beermen, the present is defined by banners and trophies. For their young rookie, it may well be the foundation of a promising future shaped by lessons learned on basketball’s biggest stage.

     

     

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  • Tim Hardaway criticizes LeBron James’ stance on load management in modern NBA

    Tim Hardaway criticizes LeBron James’ stance on load management in modern NBA

    The National Basketball Association (NBA) has long been regarded as the gold standard of professional basketball, serving as the ultimate destination for players seeking to compete at the highest level while achieving global recognition, influence, and financial success. Over the decades, the league’s identity has been shaped by its superstars—transcendent talents whose dominance on the court elevated the NBA into a worldwide cultural phenomenon.

     

    From the 1990s through the early 2000s, the league was largely defined by an isolation-heavy brand of basketball. Teams leaned heavily on elite scorers to create offense in half-court settings, often clearing out space and allowing their stars to go to work one-on-one. Legends such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Allen Iverson, and later LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and James Harden thrived in systems that prioritized individual shot creation, physical toughness, and midrange mastery. The pace of play was slower, defensive schemes were more compact, and the paint was frequently congested, forcing scorers to absorb contact and fight through traffic on nearly every possession.

     

    In contrast, today’s NBA has undergone a dramatic stylistic transformation. The modern game is built around spacing, speed, and efficiency, with teams emphasizing three-point shooting, rapid ball movement, and transition offense. Advances in analytics have reshaped offensive philosophies, while rule changes have further encouraged perimeter play and freedom of movement. The result is a faster, more fluid, and often more explosive product—one that places a premium on conditioning, versatility, and constant motion.

     

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    However, this evolution has also sparked growing debate about player health and durability. With increased pace, more possessions, and greater physical demands placed on players across all positions, injuries and load management have become central issues in today’s NBA landscape.

     

    LeBron James, widely considered one of the most durable and long-lasting superstars in league history, recently weighed in on the discussion, offering a candid assessment of the differences between past and present eras. The four-time NBA champion urged fans to recognize that playing an 82-game season in the 1980s or 1990s is not the same as doing so in the 2020s. According to James, the modern game’s pace, spacing, and physical demands have significantly intensified, contributing to the rise in injuries and the need for strategic rest.

     

    Not everyone, however, agrees with that perspective.

     

    Miami Heat legend Tim Hardaway strongly pushed back against James’ comments during a recent appearance on the Crossover Podcast, calling out what he views as a mindset issue among today’s stars. The 59-year-old former All-Star suggested that modern players are mentally preparing themselves to miss games even before the season begins—something he claims was unthinkable during his era.

    Hardaway argued that players in previous generations approached the schedule differently, focusing on competing every night rather than planning rest days. He questioned the logic of modern training regimens and public-facing workouts if players are unwilling to push through a full season, insisting that most stars are physically capable of playing all 82 games if they truly wanted to.

     

    While Hardaway’s remarks were blunt and unapologetic, they reflect a broader generational divide that continues to shape NBA discourse. On one side are current players and medical experts who emphasize performance optimization, injury prevention, and career longevity. On the other are former players who believe durability, availability, and nightly competitiveness are fundamental responsibilities of superstardom.

     

    As the league continues to evolve, the NBA faces the complex challenge of balancing entertainment value with player welfare. The fast-paced, three-point-heavy style has helped the game grow globally and captivate new audiences, but it has also intensified scrutiny around injuries, rest policies, and the meaning of durability in the modern era.

     

    With stars, executives, and fans all weighing in, the debate over workload and longevity shows no signs of slowing down—serving as yet another reminder that the NBA, like the game itself, is constantly adapting to the times.

     

     

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  • Yeng Guiao calls out Israel Romero Fernandez for kicking Nick Demusis in Dubai Invitational

    Yeng Guiao calls out Israel Romero Fernandez for kicking Nick Demusis in Dubai Invitational

    Al Ahli Tripoli import Israel Romero Fernandez has found himself at the center of controversy after a shocking on-court incident during the Dubai International Basketball Invitational. The Cuban-Puerto Rican forward was captured on video assaulting Zamboanga Valientes’ Nick Demusis, kicking him twice following a collision during the game. The incident has sparked widespread criticism and raised serious questions about sportsmanship and disciplinary action in international basketball competitions.

     

    The incident occurred on January 28, with Romero Fernandez representing Al Ahli Tripoli, and it quickly drew the ire of the basketball community—not least Rain or Shine Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao. Guiao, known for his passionate defense of players, weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Romero Fernandez’s actions were inexcusable and should have consequences.

     

    “The Romero-Demusis incident would have been a lot more complicated if Nick was playing for Rain or Shine when the incident happened. Hindi sya matitiis ng teammates n’ya na gawin sa kanya ng opposing player ang ganun bagay,” Guiao said in a media interaction.

     

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    Guiao’s reaction is understandable given the strong bond between Demusis and his former Rain or Shine teammates. The 34-year-old guard spent three years with the Elasto Painters after being acquired from the Phoenix Fuel Masters as part of the Javee Mocon trade, forging close ties with the team and building a reputation as a reliable leader on and off the court.

    “Understandably, Rain or Shine is more invested in our relationship with Nick than the Zamboanga Valientes were, considering the time he spent with us and his closeness to his teammates. Sure glad we did not have to go through the experience with Nick. Saved us a lot of trouble, probably Romero, too,” Guiao added.

     

    The controversy has sparked further discussion in the basketball community, particularly as the East Asia Super League (EASL) prepares for its next slate of games. Guiao expressed concerns over whether Romero Fernandez should be allowed to participate in Meralco Bolts’ upcoming game against the Ryukyu Golden Kings, given his recent behavior. Many fans and observers have echoed the sentiment that such actions should not go unpunished, especially in high-level competitions where professionalism and discipline are paramount.

     

    Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Valientes have pursued formal action by filing a police complaint in Dubai, demonstrating their commitment to holding players accountable for dangerous conduct. Surprisingly, Romero Fernandez has yet to issue a statement or apology regarding the incident, a silence that has only intensified scrutiny from fans, coaches, and sports analysts alike.

     

    The fallout from the incident has reignited conversations about player conduct, league regulations, and the responsibility of imports in professional basketball. With international tournaments becoming increasingly prominent for Filipino players and teams, incidents like this highlight the importance of enforcing strict codes of conduct and ensuring the safety of all participants on the court.

     

    As basketball authorities assess the situation, attention now turns to whether Romero Fernandez will face any disciplinary measures from the leagues he participates in, and whether the Meralco Bolts will allow him to take the court in their upcoming EASL matchup. For Demusis, the focus remains on recovery and moving forward from what could have been a career-altering incident, while for the basketball community, the Romero Fernandez episode serves as a reminder of the thin line between competitive aggression and unacceptable violence in professional sports.

     

     

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  • Alperen Şengün replaces Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s spot in NBA All-Star World Team

    Alperen Şengün replaces Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s spot in NBA All-Star World Team

    Alperen Şengün’s All-Star journey took an unexpected turn this weekend, but one that perfectly fits the arc of his rise.

     

    With Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined by a strained abdominal muscle, the NBA turned to the Houston Rockets big man to help steady the World team for this season’s All-Star Game on February 15 in Inglewood, California. For Şengün, it means a second straight All-Star nod — and another historic marker for Turkish basketball.

     

    At just 22, Şengün has quietly evolved into one of the league’s most complete offensive centers. His season averages of 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists reflect more than production; they signal a player who now shapes games rather than simply finishing them. That versatility made him an ideal plug-in for the new U.S. vs. World format, where adaptability matters as much as star power.

     

    NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who selects injury replacements, tapped Şengün to fill Gilgeous-Alexander’s slot on the World roster — a move that rewards consistency over flash. It also places Şengün among rare company. 

     

    He is now just the second Turkish player to earn multiple All-Star selections, joining Mehmet Okur, who made his lone appearance in 2007.

     

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    This year’s All-Star showcase carries a different texture. Instead of a single exhibition, three teams — two representing the United States and one representing the World — will compete in a round-robin tournament. The top two will advance to the final, with each game lasting 12 minutes, mirroring the intensity of a single NBA quarter. It’s a format designed for urgency, and one that could highlight Şengün’s ability to make quick reads and impact possessions in bursts.

     

    Silver had already adjusted the roster last week by adding Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard to ensure the U.S. side met the minimum requirement of 16 players for the revamped setup. With Şengün now in the mix, the World team gains not just another scorer, but a hub — a player comfortable initiating offense, finding cutters, and carrying responsibility.

     

    For Şengün, the call-up is less about filling in and more about belonging. What began as a replacement nod now feels like confirmation: his ascent is no longer theoretical. He’s an All-Star again, not because of circumstance, but because his game demands the stage.

     

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  • Nenad Vucinic sees Jason Brickman as a key addition for Meralco ahead of their do-or-die EASL clash

    Nenad Vucinic sees Jason Brickman as a key addition for Meralco ahead of their do-or-die EASL clash

    For Meralco, the equation is brutally clear: win big or go home.

     

    With a historic East Asia Super League playoff berth on the line, the Bolts are pushing all their chips to the center of the table for a do-or-die showdown against the Ryukyu Golden Kings on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the final day of the EASL Home and Away Season 3 group stage.

     

    At the heart of Meralco’s high-stakes gamble is rookie guard Jason Brickman. The Bolts are entrusting their Season 50 first-round pick with the biggest game of their EASL campaign, banking on the newcomer’s poise and experience to steady the ship in a matchup that offers zero margin for error.

     

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    Brickman teams up with import Cady Lalanne, who was tapped to replace the injured Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, as part of a short-term reinforcement move aimed squarely at this playoff push. Both players are on loan from NLEX and will be immediately inserted into a veteran-laden rotation that includes Justin Brownlee, Ismael Romero, Sina Vahedi, CJ Cansino, Chris Banchero, Cliff Hodge, Aaron Black, Brandon Bates, Bong Quinto, and Raymond Almazan.

     

    Meralco is also hoping for a timely boost from Chris Newsome, who is working his way back from an MCL injury that sidelined him late in the Philippine Cup semifinals.

     

    Bolts consultant Nenad Vucinic has been vocal about his confidence in Brickman, describing the rookie as a key addition to the backcourt.

     

    “Jason hasn’t been practicing very long with us but one thing you get from an older rookie is the experience. He is smart, and just the overall quality of the player and he is a good leader in terms of organizing the team, makes the right decisions,” Vucinic said.

     

    Brickman, 34, starred at Long Island University in the NCAA, where he remains one of only four players in Division I history to tally 1,000 assists. He is no stranger to Philippine basketball, having previously suited up for San Miguel Alab Pilipinas and competing in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

    “Jason’s a good pick and roll player, a good passer who can shoot the ball. I think he will be a good addition for us,” Vucinic added.

     

    Head coach Luigi Trillo echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that Brickman’s age was never a deterrent during the draft process.

     

    “Jason fell in the draft to us at the seventh pick, and although we had the oldest team in the PBA at the time of the draft, when you round off our team’s age, we still chose to draft him despite his age. We had to draft Jason and take that risk because of his body of work as a pro,” Trillo said.

     

    “He is an experienced veteran, so he’s not exactly a rookie. It’s kind of like Caelan Tiongson of Rain or Shine, who fell to sixth in the draft because of his age din. He brings a lot to the table.

     

    “Hopefully, he can adjust right away and adapt to the PBA, EASLs, and BCL’s type of play. In the PBA there are a lot of the top teams that have a lot of depth in their lineup. We have to try to keep at pace and I think Jason’s decision making on the court elevates our team decision making. He makes our roster now have more depth,” he concluded.

     

    Still, Ryukyu looms as a formidable roadblock. The Golden Kings ride a four-game winning streak into the clash and already hold an 81-72 victory over Meralco from their earlier meeting in Okinawa.

     

    And for the Bolts, simply winning won’t suffice.

     

    Meralco must defeat Ryukyu by at least six points to stay alive. A win by five or fewer ends their campaign, as does a loss. A 20-point blowout, however, would dramatically alter the standings—catapulting the Bolts to the top seed in Group B and forcing Ryukyu and Taoyuan into a quotient battle for the final quarterfinal berth.

     

    Anything less would add another painful near-miss to Meralco’s long pursuit of an EASL breakthrough. On Wednesday night, the Bolts won’t just be facing an opponent—they’ll be up against the numbers, the moment, and the weight of history.

     

     

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  • “The most important is health”: LeBron James on missing Stephen Curry in Lakers’ win over Warriors

    “The most important is health”: LeBron James on missing Stephen Curry in Lakers’ win over Warriors

    The Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors renewed one of the NBA’s most defining rivalries in a blockbuster showdown at the Crypto.com Arena during the 2025–26 National Basketball Association (NBA) season on Sunday, February 8 (Philippine Standard Time).

     

    Despite playing on the road, the Lakers came away with a hard-earned 105–99 victory over the Warriors in a game that drew significant attention across the basketball world. The matchup was widely billed as another potential chapter in the storied on-court rivalry between LeBron James and Stephen Curry—two generational superstars whose battles have shaped an era of NBA basketball.

     

    However, fans inside the Crypto.com Arena were left disappointed as Curry did not suit up for the contest, missing the game due to patellofemoral pain syndrome in his right knee. As a result, the highly anticipated LeBron-versus-Curry duel never materialized, underscoring how increasingly rare such matchups have become with both icons now approaching the twilight of their illustrious careers.

     

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    LeBron James, nevertheless, delivered a composed and efficient performance, finishing with 20 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists in 35 minutes of action. The 41-year-old continued to defy age, controlling the tempo of the game and providing leadership on both ends of the floor as the Lakers executed well down the stretch to secure the win.

    Following the game, James spoke candidly about missing the opportunity to face his longtime rival but emphasized that health remains the top priority at this stage of their careers.

    “Oh, of course. The most important is health, obviously. Especially for the both of us, where we are in our career, so speedy recovery to Steph, we miss him out here,” LeBron said during his postgame media availability.

     

    Notably, this marked the second meeting between the Lakers and Warriors this season, yet fans have still not seen James and Curry share the court. James was sidelined during their first encounter earlier in the campaign due to a sciatica-related illness, adding further intrigue to when—or if—the two legends will clash again before the season ends.

     

    The victory proved significant for the Lakers’ playoff push, as it improved their record to 32–19 and solidified their position at fifth in the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Warriors dropped to 28–25 and currently sit eighth, continuing their fight to stay within the playoff picture amid injuries and lineup adjustments.

     

    As the NBA season progresses, anticipation remains high for another possible meeting between James and Curry—two players whose rivalry has delivered some of the league’s most memorable moments. Whether or not fans get another chance to see them go head-to-head, Sunday’s matchup served as a reminder of their enduring impact on the game and the importance of savoring every remaining chapter of their remarkable careers.

     

     

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  • Converge dominates PBA All-Star selections with five players 

    Converge dominates PBA All-Star selections with five players 

    Converge’s rapid transformation from expansion squad to legitimate league presence will be on full display at the PBA All-Star Game on March 8 in Candon, Ilocos Sur.

     

    The FiberXers headline the Season 50 All-Star weekend after landing a league-high five players in the Solid North vs. Solid South showcase — a clear sign of how far the franchise has come in a short span.

     

    Anchoring Converge’s strong showing are the so-called “Twin Towers” of Justin Arana and Justin Baltazar, joined by Alec Stockton, newly-acquired veteran Calvin Abueva, and rookie Juan Gomez De Liano. No other team will send more representatives to the main event.

     

    Abueva and Gomez De Liano earned starting roles for the Solid North after topping the fan vote under head coach Leo Austria, while Arana, Baltazar, and Stockton secured their spots through the coaches’ selections. 

     

    Arana and Baltazar will line up alongside Abueva and Gomez De Liano for the North, while Stockton will suit up for the Solid South coached by Chot Reyes. 

     

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    Abueva’s inclusion carries a unique twist. The 38-year-old was voted in by fans while still with Titan Ultra before being traded to Converge just last week. The FiberXers acquired him in exchange for Rey Suerte, King Caralipio, and rookie Mark Omega, adding another layer of intrigue to his All-Star appearance in new colors.

     

    Trailing Converge in All-Star representation are Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer, with four players apiece. The Gin Kings will be represented by Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, Stephen Holt, and RJ Abarrientos, while San Miguel’s contingent features June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Don Trollano, and Jericho Cruz.

     

    Aguilar, Holt, and Perez were voted as starters for the Solid North, while Thompson, Abarrientos, and Fajardo will open for the Solid South.

     

    Rain or Shine and TNT each placed three players in the event. Adrian Nocum, Caelan Tiongson, and Leonard Santillan made it for the Elasto Painters, while Calvin Oftana, Roger Pogoy, and Rey Nambatac carried TNT’s banner. Meralco and NLEX will have two All-Stars each, while Magnolia rounds out the field with Zavier Lucero.

     

    Beyond the individual honors, Converge’s All-Star dominance signals a franchise no longer content with simply competing. With five players on the league’s biggest midseason stage, the FiberXers are announcing — loudly — that they now belong among the PBA’s elite.

     

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  • Gilas Pilipinas faces Kai Sotto doubts ahead of FIBA World Cup Qualifiers window 

    Gilas Pilipinas faces Kai Sotto doubts ahead of FIBA World Cup Qualifiers window 

    Gilas Pilipinas will kick off preparations for the upcoming FIBA window on February 16, but the national team faces a major challenge: Kai Sotto is “unlikely” to join the 10-day camp, his camp confirmed via text message. The sessions are set to take place in Pasig and at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna.

     

    The absence of the 7-foot-3 center leaves a huge gap for Gilas. While the team still has plenty of talent, losing their tallest and most dominant player significantly weakens their frontcourt. As comparisons go, Gilas without Kai is like the Lakers without Luka or San Miguel Beer without June Mar Fajardo.

     

    Sotto has always been committed to the national team, but his circumstances have changed. After tearing his ACL in January 2025, he’s slowly working his way back with the Koshigaya Alphas in Japan, averaging 10 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over four games

    .

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    A minor ankle sprain, however, forced his camp to prioritize recovery over attending Gilas training.

    While he hasn’t ruled out playing in games against New Zealand (Feb. 26) and Australia (March 1), skipping camp is a big setback. 

     

    His team believes staying in Japan for focused rehabilitation gives him the best chance to return stronger.

     

    Kai Sotto has long been a symbol of hope for Philippine basketball. This pause may be disappointing, but protecting his health ensures the country will continue to have its towering presence for future FIBA windows and beyond.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee back with Ginebra for PBA 50 Commissioner’s Cup

    Justin Brownlee back with Ginebra for PBA 50 Commissioner’s Cup

    Justin Brownlee is returning as an import for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the upcoming PBA 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    According to a report on the PBA website, the 37-year-old veteran will once again suit up for the Gin Kings, one decade since he first joined the storied franchise.  

     

    Brownlee joined Barangay Ginebra to replace the injured Paul Harris during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup in July 2016.

     

    Since then, Brownlee has won six PBA championships and three Best Import of the Conference awards, twice in the Commissioner’s Cup.  

     

    PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial earlier said the mid-season conference will have no height limit for imports.  

     

    Brownlee and Ginebra look to improve on their performance from the last Commissioner’s Cup, where they lost to eventual champions, the TNT Tropang 5G in the best-of-seven finals series.

     

    Other PBA teams have also unveiled their reinforcements, mostly new faces.

     

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    According to the PBA website, the NLEX Road Warriors have tapped Cady Lalanne of Haiti while the Phoenix Fuelmasters have signed James Dickey.  

     

    The 6-foot-10 Lalanne was a second round pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2015 NBA Draft, eventually playing for the Austin Spurs in the G League.

     

    Lalanne has played in various countries like Puerto Rico, China, Italy, Turkey, Spain, South Korea, Kuwait and most recently Taiwan with the Kaohsiung Aquas. 

     

    “Cady adds much-needed size in our frontcourt in the upcoming PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup! 💪 Welcome to the PBA and the NLEX family, Cady!,” the Road Warriors wrote on their social media post welcoming Lalanne.

     

    Dickey, who is the first import of Phoenix under new head coach Charles Tiu, went undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft.

     

    The 6-foot-10 player likewise has overseas experience after competing in Hungary, Germany, Israel, France, Ukraine and Indonesia.  

     

    Dickey last played for the Pelita Jaya Basketball Club in the Indonesian Basketball League, where he was teammates with Brownlee in 2014.  

     

    The PBA 50 Commissioner’s Cup is scheduled to tip off on March 11. 

     

     

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