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Category: Basketball

  • Jimmy Butler suffers season-ending ACL Injury in Warriors win over former team 

    Jimmy Butler suffers season-ending ACL Injury in Warriors win over former team 

    What was supposed to be another statement win in Golden State’s midseason surge instead turned into a sobering night that could reshape the franchise’s immediate future.

     

    Jimmy Butler’s season came to a sudden halt Monday night after the Warriors’ 135–112 victory over the Miami Heat, when the veteran wing suffered a torn right ACL — an injury that now casts uncertainty over Golden State’s direction moving forward.

     

    The moment unfolded midway through the third quarter at Chase Center. Butler rose to secure an entry pass in the lane, collided with Heat guard Davion Mitchell, and landed awkwardly as his right knee twisted beneath him. He crumpled to the floor in visible pain, remaining down for several minutes as teammates and staff gathered around in stunned silence.

     

    Even then, Butler’s trademark humor surfaced.

     

    “He was still cracking jokes over there while he was on the ground,” Warriors guard Stephen Curry said. “In true Jimmy fashion, he’s always gonna have a good time no matter what the situation is.”

    Unable to put weight on his right leg, Butler was eventually helped off the court by Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga, his arms draped over their shoulders before being placed into a wheelchair near the locker room. An MRI later confirmed the worst: a season-ending ACL tear, according to his agent Bernie Lee.

     

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    “Obviously a gut punch on every level for Jimmy and the entire group, but I firmly believe that this is a part of the journey,” Lee told ESPN in a statement. “We can’t only expect to take the good things out of it. I’ve known for over 10 years now that Jimmy is going to win a championship before he is done. My belief in that is unwavering.”

     

    The injury is especially cruel given Golden State’s recent momentum. The Warriors had won 12 of their last 16 games and were climbing the standings behind Butler’s steady play. In January, the 36-year-old was averaging 21.3 points on 53 percent shooting, and he logged 17 points in just 21 minutes against his former team before going down.

     

    Since arriving from Miami in February 2025, Butler has been a stabilizing force alongside Curry, transforming Golden State from a fringe lottery team into a legitimate postseason threat. His arrival fueled belief inside the organization that the aging core still had one more meaningful run left.

     

    That belief now faces its sternest test.

     

    Lee said the coming days will involve “functional decisions” before Butler’s focus turns fully to rehabilitation and the 2026 season.

     

    “If you know anything about Jimmy, you know exactly how he will attack this challenge,” Lee said. “Put simply, he has this.”

     

    For the Warriors, the implications extend beyond the loss of a star. Butler is owed $54.1 million this season and $56.8 million next year — the final year of his deal — and Golden State was already exploring roster reinforcements ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. Without him, the franchise must now reassess how aggressively it pushes forward during the twilight of the Curry era.

     

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  • Charles Tiu finally gets his shot as PBA head coach with Phoenix 

    Charles Tiu finally gets his shot as PBA head coach with Phoenix 

    For Charles Tiu, the head coaching job at Phoenix is less a sudden promotion and more the culmination of a journey that has quietly stretched across a decade and a half.

     

    The Fuel Masters confirmed Tuesday that Tiu has accepted the vacant head coaching post, an appointment finalized Monday evening. At 37, he finally steps into a role many in basketball circles felt was inevitable, given his extensive résumé built in the shadows of some of the sport’s most respected tacticians.

     

    “I’m just a simple guy from Xavier School, and now I get another chance to compete against the best coaches in the country and to coach some of the best players as well. That makes this opportunity truly exciting,” Tiu told Tiebreaker Times, as he became the first Xaverian to be named a PBA head coach.

     

    Tiu’s coaching roots trace back to the national team, where he cut his teeth as a deputy to Rajko Toroman with Gilas Pilipinas from 2009 to 2011. From there, he navigated the PBA landscape as an assistant under Bo Perasol at Powerade before rejoining Toroman at Barako Bull, experiences that shaped his grounding in professional basketball.

     

    While his PBA roles were largely behind the scenes, Tiu’s name steadily grew louder elsewhere. In 2018, he guided Go For Gold to the PBA D-League Foundation Cup title, a breakthrough moment that hinted at his readiness to lead. His reputation only expanded overseas, where he handled high-profile international squads.

     

    With Mighty Sports, Tiu delivered championships at the 2019 William Jones Cup and the 2020 Dubai International Basketball Championship. He later carried that success to Strong Group Athletics, steering the program to back-to-back William Jones Cup titles in 2024 and 2025 — a rare feat that further solidified his standing as a program builder.

     

     

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    His return to the PBA in 2021 saw him working under Norman Black at Meralco, followed by a lead assistant role at Converge in 2024. Yet even with years of preparation, the call to take over Phoenix still came as a surprise.

     

    “I’m happy to have the opportunity to coach in the PBA again. I never expected or imagined that I would be here at all — this was totally unplanned. I actually had quite a few vacation trips scheduled this year, which I guess we’ll have to cancel for now,” Tiu said with a laugh.

     

    Tiu replaces Willy Wilson, whose contract was not renewed after a single conference that ended with Phoenix posting a 3–8 record. The challenge awaiting him is clear: the Fuel Masters have missed the playoffs in five straight conferences, a drought the new coach is determined to end.

     

    “To be honest, the first goal is to make the playoffs. I think the team hasn’t reached the playoffs in the last five conferences, so we’ll try to break that streak,” he said.

     

    Balancing his duties as concurrent head coach of College of St. Benilde, Tiu will be joined on the Phoenix bench by TY Tang and Paolo Layug, alongside holdovers Paolo Dizon and Jon Jacinto — a mix of familiarity and fresh voices aimed at resetting the franchise.

     

    As he embarks on his first PBA head coaching assignment, Tiu was quick to acknowledge the people who shaped his path.

     

    “I’m just thankful to Boss Dennis Uy and Boss RTZ (Atty. Raymond Zorilla) for the trust, and of course to the people in my life who have guided me and taken a chance on me — the Benilde community; Boss Frank Lao of SGA; Boss Dennis Uy and Gov. Delta (Pineda) from Converge; Coach Norman Black; Caesar Wongchuking of Mighty Sports; Boss JB Baylon of Powerade; and Coach Rajko, who gave me my first break,” he shared.

     

    Now, after years of preparation across leagues and continents, Tiu finally gets his chance to put his own imprint on the PBA — with Phoenix serving as both his proving ground and his long-awaited opportunity.

     

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  • Jordan Heading shrugs off Finals MVP talk ahead of PBA Philippine Cup finals

    Jordan Heading shrugs off Finals MVP talk ahead of PBA Philippine Cup finals

    TNT Tropang Giga once again proved why it remains one of the PBA’s most formidable franchises, booking a return trip to the Philippine Cup Finals after surviving a tense 99–96 victory over the Meralco Bolts in Game 5 of their best-of-seven semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, January 14.

     

    The hard-earned win not only closed out the series but also propelled TNT to its fourth consecutive finals appearance across conferences, a remarkable run that further cements the Tropang Giga’s status as a modern-day powerhouse in the league. In a matchup defined by momentum swings, defensive grit, and clutch shot-making, TNT leaned on its composure and experience to outlast a relentless Meralco side that refused to go quietly.

     

    At the center of TNT’s latest triumph was Jordan Heading, who delivered a masterful performance when it mattered most. The Filipino-Australian guard poured in a game-high 31 points, anchoring the Tropang Giga’s offense while showcasing his ability to score from all three levels. Heading repeatedly answered Meralco’s rallies with timely baskets, steady playmaking, and confident leadership, underscoring why he has quickly become one of TNT’s most reliable offensive weapons.

     

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    Since being acquired from the Converge FiberXers in early 2025 in exchange for Mikey Williams, Heading has seamlessly embraced a larger role within the Tropang Giga system. His Game 5 outing was another reminder of how pivotal that move has been for TNT, particularly in a conference where roster depth and guard play often determine championship outcomes.

     

    As TNT prepares for the Philippine Cup Finals, Heading enters the series under considerable spotlight. In the franchise’s last two title runs, the Finals Most Valuable Player honors went to guards Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac—both of whom played instrumental roles in TNT’s championship victories in the Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup. Naturally, comparisons have followed, but Heading has made it clear that such narratives hold little weight for him.

    “Honestly, I couldn’t really care less about the Finals MVP. I think comparison is the thief of joy. If I compare myself to Jayson Castro or Rey Nambatac, I will have a lot of sleepless nights. I’m just going to be Jordan Heading and enjoy the ride,” Heading said in the pre-match press conference.

     

    With Castro sidelined for several months due to a torn patellar tendon and Nambatac only recently returning from a sprained ankle, Heading has taken on the responsibility of serving as TNT’s primary floor general. His steady presence has helped stabilize the Tropang Giga during a challenging stretch, allowing the team to maintain its championship aspirations despite key absences.

     

    For Heading, however, individual accolades remain secondary to the ultimate goal.

     

    “It’s really about the championship. That’s what on my mind. There is a reason why those Finals MVPs have been guards. I think our offense is always initiated by our lead guard. Whoever has the hot hands in games will be different. We have a lot of weapons on our team, there’s a lot of guys to cover and that’s even without Jayson. Hopefully, Roger Pogoy comes back soon as well,” he added.

     

    That depth has been a defining feature of TNT’s sustained success, with multiple players capable of stepping up on any given night. As the Tropang Giga continue their title pursuit, that balance—combined with Heading’s poise and leadership—will be crucial against a finals opponent that is still to be determined.

     

    The 2025 PBA Philippine Cup Finals are set to tip off on Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. With momentum on their side and championship pedigree to lean on, TNT will look to convert another deep playoff run into silverware, fully aware that their resilience, cohesion, and collective belief will be tested at the highest level once more.

     

     

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  • LeBron James misses NBA All-Star starter spot for first time in 22 years

    LeBron James misses NBA All-Star starter spot for first time in 22 years

    For the first time in more than two decades, LeBron James will not be starting the NBA All-Star Game.

     

    When the NBA announced its starters on Monday for next month’s All-Star showcase at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, James’ name was notably absent—marking the first time in 22 years that the four-time MVP was not selected as an All-Star starter. The development adds a new wrinkle to what is already a historic season for the league, which will debut a World vs United States mini-tournament format aimed at revitalizing the midseason event.

     

    Despite missing out on a starting spot, James’ All-Star fate is not yet sealed. The 40-year-old superstar could still be selected as a reserve, with those spots determined by a vote among NBA head coaches. Additionally, NBA commissioner Adam Silver retains the authority to name injury replacements if needed. James was not named an All-Star during his rookie season in 2003–04.

     

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    The league announced 10 starters, five from each conference, though the term “starter” carries a different meaning this year due to the revised format. Among those selected were Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City, Nikola Jokić of Denver, Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers, and rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama of San Antonio. Those players are expected to represent the World team, which will face two squads comprised of U.S.-born players.

     

    The American contingent of starters includes Stephen Curry (Golden State), Jalen Brunson (New York), Cade Cunningham (Detroit), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia), and Jaylen Brown (Boston). These players are expected to be split between two U.S. teams in a three-team, round-robin tournament scheduled for February 15. Each game will be played in a 12-minute format, with the top two teams advancing to a final, also lasting 12 minutes.

     

    James’ omission as a starter brings added attention to his evolving season. Now in his record-setting 23rd NBA campaign, James has already seen another remarkable streak come to an end. In December, his run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games scoring at least 10 points was snapped. He has also missed 17 games this season, putting his eligibility for postseason honors such as All-NBA selections in jeopardy under league participation requirements.

    James has been named to the All-NBA team 21 times in his first 22 seasons, including a second-team selection last year. His streak of 20 consecutive All-Star appearances ended last season when he declined to play due to foot and ankle injuries, though he was still selected.

     

    Meanwhile, the new generation of stars continues to embrace the moment. Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the newly announced starters, reflected on the significance of earning another All-Star nod.

     

    “It’s still as special as the first one was, honestly,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I grew up watching All-Star games as a kid, dreaming about playing in them. To be able to play in them will always have that same feeling. All the players that I looked up to, that I imitated my game after, played in those games, played on that stage. And for me to be able do so, it’s a blessing and an honor.”

     

    The NBA’s All-Star starters were determined using a weighted voting system, with fan ballots accounting for 50 percent of the total score. Votes from a 100-member media panel made up 25 percent, while current NBA players contributed the remaining 25 percent.

     

    The USA vs World concept has been discussed for years before finally becoming reality this season. League officials and the National Basketball Players Association formally unveiled the plan earlier this year as part of ongoing efforts to reinvigorate interest in the All-Star Game, which has faced criticism in recent seasons for its lack of competitiveness.

     

    With international players now among the league’s biggest stars—and often its most dominant—the new format reflects the NBA’s increasingly global identity. Whether it delivers the competitive spark the league is seeking remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the absence of LeBron James from the list of All-Star starters underscores a changing era in the NBA, even as his influence on the game remains undeniable.

     

    James’ ultimate inclusion in the All-Star festivities will be revealed when reserves are announced later this month, ensuring that, starter or not, his presence will continue to loom large over one of the league’s most anticipated annual events.

     

     

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  • PBA implements officiating measures ahead of 2025 Philippine Cup finals 

    PBA implements officiating measures ahead of 2025 Philippine Cup finals 

    The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that officiating in the Philippine Cup Finals between the San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang Giga is fair, transparent, and free from controversy.

     

    PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that league officials have taken proactive steps to address concerns surrounding refereeing. On the eve of Game 1, representatives and head coaches from both finalist teams were invited to meet with league authorities to discuss officiating protocols and ensure clarity in communication between referees and coaching staff.

     

    “Nag-board meeting kami nung Thursday, pinag-usapan namin na dalawang head coach or coaching staff pupunta sa PBA tomorrow para kausapin mga referees na ia-assign namin sa Finals para makita appreciation sa tawagan; pano tawagan, magkaroon ng kaunting liwanag mga coaches pati mga referees,” Marcial said during a press conference ahead of the Finals, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and preparation.

     

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    The PBA’s increased focus on officiating comes in the wake of a controversial call—or rather, a missed call—during Game 5 of the semifinals between TNT Tropang Giga and Meralco Bolts. In the closing seconds, referee Jeff Tantay failed to call what appeared to be a crucial foul on Calvin Oftana as CJ Cansino went for a layup, a decision that sparked debate among players, coaches, and fans alike. Following the incident, the PBA suspended Tantay indefinitely, underscoring the league’s commitment to accountability and high officiating standards.

    Commissioner Marcial stressed that the Finals—given their high stakes and nationwide audience—require referees to perform at their best. “Tulad ng sinabi ng mga players, depende sa gising. Pero sa referees kailangan talaga laging handa. Masusupinde sila o baka matanggal sila,” he added, signaling the league’s zero-tolerance policy for mistakes that could affect the outcome of championship games.

     

    In addition to pre-game briefings with coaches, the PBA is also implementing measures to monitor officiating performance closely throughout the Finals series. These steps include reviewing referee assignments, clarifying rules interpretations, and ensuring that any potential conflicts or misunderstandings are addressed before tip-off.

     

    Game 1 of the Philippine Cup Finals is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where the Beermen and Tropang Giga will battle for the first of a best-of-seven series. With the league emphasizing transparency, preparation, and accountability, both teams—and fans—can expect a clean, competitive, and professionally officiated series.

     

    As the Finals approach, the PBA’s proactive measures reflect its commitment to protecting the integrity of the game while ensuring that players, coaches, and referees operate under clear, fair, and consistent standards. For basketball fans across the Philippines, the series promises to deliver thrilling action, high-level competition, and officiating that matches the intensity of the game.

     

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  • NBA Tuesday Roundup: Warriors, Thunder, Clippers and Bucks Shine in High-Scoring Night

    NBA Tuesday Roundup: Warriors, Thunder, Clippers and Bucks Shine in High-Scoring Night

    Tuesday’s NBA slate featured a mix of thrilling finishes, dominant performances, and standout individual displays as teams across the league battled for wins. From the Milwaukee Bucks narrowly holding off the Atlanta Hawks to the Thunder’s blowout over the Cavaliers, fans were treated to another exciting night of basketball.

     

    Bucks Edge Hawks in Tight Finish

     

    The Milwaukee Bucks survived a late rally from the Atlanta Hawks to claim a 112–110 win. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 21 points, 17 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker put up 32 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists for Atlanta. The Bucks’ resilience in the fourth quarter proved just enough to secure the victory.

     

    Thunder Dominate Cavaliers

     

    Oklahoma City Thunder put on a scoring clinic, downing the Cleveland Cavaliers 136–104. Chet Holmgren starred with 28 points and 8 rebounds, spearheading the Thunder’s offense. For Cleveland, Evan Mobley contributed 16 points and 7 rebounds but couldn’t keep pace with OKC’s relentless attack.

     

    Spurs Top Jazz

     

    San Antonio Spurs outlasted the Utah Jazz, 123–110, in a high-scoring affair. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 33 points and 10 rebounds, while the Jazz’s Keyonte George countered with 30 points and 6 assists. San Antonio’s inside presence gave them the edge down the stretch.

     

    Mavericks Control Knicks

     

    The Dallas Mavericks pulled away from the New York Knicks, 114–97, behind Marcus Christie’s 26 points and 6 rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double with 22 points and 18 rebounds for New York, but Dallas’ offensive balance proved decisive.

     

    Clippers Overcome Wizards

     

    James Harden’s 36 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists led the LA Clippers to a 110–106 victory over the Washington Wizards. The Wizards’ A. Sarr countered with 28 points and 6 rebounds, but the Clippers’ experience and late-game execution carried them through.

     

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    76ers Outlast Pacers

     

    Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Indiana Pacers, 113–104. Tyrese Maxey starred with 29 points, 8 assists, and 8 steals, while the Pacers’ Andrew Nembhard led his team with 25 points. Maxey’s timely plays in the second and fourth quarters proved decisive.

     

    Suns Cruise Past Nets

     

    The Phoenix Suns defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 126–117, in a high-scoring matchup. Cameron Gillespie led the Suns with 22 points, while Michael Porter Jr. had 23 points and 6 rebounds for Brooklyn. Phoenix’s balanced scoring across all quarters helped them stay in control.

     

    Pistons Upset Celtics

     

    In a close contest, the Detroit Pistons edged the Boston Celtics, 104–103. Jaylen Brown tallied 32 points and 11 rebounds for Boston, but the Pistons’ collective effort allowed them to steal the win in a nail-biting finish. Cade Cunningham added 14 assists for Detroit, contributing to their late-game success.

     

    Warriors Roll Despite Butler Injury

     

    The Golden State Warriors overcame the Miami Heat, 135–112, even as Jimmy Butler went down with a right knee injury midway through the third quarter. Stephen Curry had 19 points and 11 assists, while Norman Powell added 21 points for Miami in the loss. The Warriors’ depth and teamwork carried them through despite the scare.

     

     

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  • June Mar Fajardo cements icon status with seventh SMC-PSA Mr. Basketball award

    June Mar Fajardo cements icon status with seventh SMC-PSA Mr. Basketball award

    In an era where greatness is often measured by fleeting peaks, June Mar Fajardo has made longevity his loudest statement.

     

    The most dominant force in Philippine basketball today will once again take center stage at the San Miguel Corporation–Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night on February 16 at the Diamond Hotel Manila, joining the country’s top volleyball stars as one of the evening’s major honorees.

     

    For Fajardo, the recognition is familiar—but no less significant. The 35-year-old San Miguel cornerstone will be honored for the seventh time, a testament to a career that continues to redefine sustained excellence in local basketball.

     

    Season 49 of the PBA served as yet another reminder of why the 6-foot-11 center remains the league’s gold standard.

     

    Fajardo etched his name deeper into the record books by securing an unprecedented ninth Most Valuable Player award, leading the Beermen to their 11th Philippine Cup championship at the expense of TNT—once again denying the Tropang Giga a coveted Grand Slam.

     

    Even as new stars emerge, Fajardo’s impact has not waned. During the most recent Philippine Cup eliminations, he posted averages of 16.5 points, 16.6 rebounds—best in the league—and 4.4 assists per game, while becoming the first local player to record three straight 20-point, 20-rebound outings.

     

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    His influence extends beyond the PBA hardwood. A Gilas Pilipinas mainstay since 2014, Fajardo remains the team’s anchor in international play. 

     

    He suited up for the national squad in the FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia and the opening window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where his steady presence helped power the Philippines to a 2–0 start.

     

    In that qualifying window, Fajardo averaged 7.5 points and 6.5 rebounds as the team’s starting center—numbers that may not scream dominance but underscore his enduring value as a stabilizing force against Asia’s best.

     

    As the PSA once again honors him, Fajardo’s career continues to stand as proof that true greatness isn’t just about peak moments—but about showing up, year after year, and still being the standard everyone else is measured against.

     

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  • June Mar Fajardo downplays talk of winning 13th PBA Best Player of the Conference award

    June Mar Fajardo downplays talk of winning 13th PBA Best Player of the Conference award

    San Miguel Beermen superstar June Mar Fajardo continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) history. The 36-year-old center’s accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable, having already claimed a record nine PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, an achievement that has earned him recognition as one of the most dominant forces in the league’s modern era.

     

    Fajardo’s brilliance has been on full display once again this Philippine Cup campaign. Leading the Beermen to yet another finals appearance, he is the clear frontrunner for the Best Player of the Conference (BPC) award, which, if secured, would mark the 13th time he has claimed the honor. Despite the accolades and the attention surrounding individual awards, Fajardo has remained characteristically humble, choosing to prioritize team success over personal milestones.

     

    “Hindi ko iniisip yan. Like I have been saying, I always think of it as, I haven’t won anything. I haven’t won a championship, I haven’t won any awards, those thoughts really drive me,” Fajardo said during a pre-match press conference, underlining his focus on the ultimate goal: leading San Miguel to another Philippine Cup title.

     

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    Statistically, Fajardo has once again proven why he is the centerpiece of the Beermen. At the conclusion of the Philippine Cup quarterfinal stage, he led the league with averages of 17.4 points, 15.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, while also topping the BPC race with 45.4 Statistical Points (SPs). These numbers highlight not just his scoring ability, but his all-around impact on both ends of the floor, from dominating the boards to facilitating offense and protecting the rim.

    “I think of it as, in this conference, I hope I win my first championship or award. It really drives me,” Fajardo added, emphasizing that his motivation comes from contributing to team success rather than personal accolades.

     

    San Miguel now sets its sights on defending its Philippine Cup crown as they prepare to face the TNT Tropang Giga in the finals. Game 1 is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, and Fajardo will be aiming to capture his 12th PBA championship in the process.

     

    As the Beermen gear up for the championship series, much of the focus will once again be on Fajardo, whose presence in the paint has been a key factor in San Miguel’s sustained dominance. TNT, however, presents a formidable challenge, boasting a deep roster and resilient playoff pedigree, ensuring that Fajardo and the Beermen will need to bring their A-game if they hope to continue their dynasty.

     

    For fans, the finals promise to showcase the full spectrum of Fajardo’s talents—from his scoring efficiency to his defensive prowess—while also testing his leadership in guiding a championship-caliber team. As the league waits to see if he can add another title to his storied career, one thing remains clear: June Mar Fajardo’s focus has always been on winning for San Miguel first, and the awards will follow.

     

     

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  • NCAA alumni PBA stars speak out on former San Beda player Janti Miller’s ‘I refuse to play in the NCAA’ remark 

    NCAA alumni PBA stars speak out on former San Beda player Janti Miller’s ‘I refuse to play in the NCAA’ remark 

    Janti Miller’s decision to walk away from San Beda — and his pointed remarks about no longer wanting to play in the NCAA — didn’t just mark the end of a collegiate chapter. It struck a nerve among those who once walked the same path and later turned it into PBA success.

     

    For a group of former NCAA standouts now thriving in the pros, Miller’s farewell message felt less like a personal choice and more like a dismissal of a league that shaped their careers. Barangay Ginebra star Scottie Thompson, Titan Ultra’s Calvin Abueva, and Rain or Shine guard Adrian Nocum were among those who openly reacted, not with anger, but with disbelief.

     

    Abueva, a former San Sebastian MVP who built his reputation on relentless energy and toughness, was blunt in his assessment.

     

    “Hindi ko alam kung ano ang isyu nya sa NCAA, pero sana maisip nya, halos lahat ng nage-excel sa PBA ngayon galing sa NCAA,” he said.

     

    Numbers, according to Abueva, back that belief. After the Philippine Cup eliminations, NCAA products dominate much of the PBA’s major statistical leaderboards, with five of eight categories topped by former players from the league. 

     

    Another San Sebastian alumnus, Blackwater’s RK Ilagan, leads the steals race at 2.5 per game, while UAAP representation among the leaders is limited to Zavier Lucero of UP, who tops the blocks category.

     

    For Abueva, the NCAA’s value has never been about flash or popularity.

     

    “‘Yun kasi ang kagandahan sa NCAA, sabi nga nila pag may pangalan ka, sa UAAP ka. Pero pag may gusto kang patunayan, sa NCAA ka. At ganun nga ang nangyayari sa NCAA, lahat gustong lumaro ng todo,” he said.

     

    “Puso at laro ang nilalabas ng mga players sa NCAA. Hindi pagwapuhan o palakihan ng allowance.”

     

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    Nocum echoed that sentiment, admitting the statement left him disappointed, especially given Miller’s ties to San Beda, the league’s most decorated program.

     

    “Syempre, nasaktan ako kasi ang tanong ko bakit ayaw n’ya sa NCAA? Ano ang meron sa UAAP at bakit mas gusto nya run, to think na nasa San Beda pa siya, ang premier team sa NCAA?” said the former Mapua standout.

     

    To Nocum, the issue went beyond leagues and labels.

     

    “Basta ako nalungkot lang ako kasi hindi naman dapat isyu ‘yung liga na lalaruan mo basta maipakita mo yung value mo na dalhin sa championship yung school na nirerepresent mo.Nakakalungkot lang kasi talaga yung statement,” added the high-flying Elasto Painters guard.

     

    Thompson, a former NCAA MVP and now one of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players, took a more measured stance, saying he’s trying to understand Miller’s side while still standing firmly behind the league that molded him.

     

    “Baka naman may rason siya. Pero kung competition ang reason nya dahil sinabi n’yang ayaw n’ya sa NCAA, siguro naman the alumni of the league can speak for themselves. Marmaing produkto ang NCAA na naging superstars sa PBA,” said the Perpetual Help product.

     

    “Dun pa lang, proud na kaming mga dating taga NC na sabihing made ang liga when it comes to producing the best athletes,” he added.

     

    As the debate continues, one thing is clear: for those who survived the grind of the NCAA and carried it into the professional ranks, the league remains less about glamour — and more about proving, night after night, that toughness still travels.

     

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  • Beau Belga staying put as Rain or Shine brings him back for 15th PBA Season 

    Beau Belga staying put as Rain or Shine brings him back for 15th PBA Season 

    In a league that never stops getting younger, Beau Belga is betting on familiarity — and Rain or Shine is welcoming it.

     

    The Elasto Painters secured a stabilizing piece on Monday after signing the 39-year-old big man to a one-year contract, ensuring that one of the franchise’s longest-tenured players will return for a 15th season in orange and red. The move comes at a critical juncture for the team, which is entering a transition period following the retirement of longtime captain Gabe Norwood at the close of the PBA Philippine Cup.

     

    Belga’s return is less about numbers and more about presence.

     

    After battling a severe case of vertigo last season, the former PCU Dolphins standout took on a limited role in the All-Filipino Conference, averaging 2.3 points and 2.5 rebounds off the bench behind younger bigs Keith Datu and Caelan Tiongson.

     

    But with Datu sidelined indefinitely due to a ruptured right patellar tendon, Belga’s value now extends beyond the box score.

     

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    His longevity with Rain or Shine is a stark contrast to his early PBA years. After brief and largely unremarkable stints with Purefoods, Burger King, and Meralco, Belga found stability when he joined the Elasto Painters in 2011 — a partnership that has since produced two championships and six Finals appearances.

     

    Even as his role has evolved, Belga remains one of the few remaining links to Rain or Shine’s most successful era, making his return a bridge between past identity and present necessity.

     

    The timing is deliberate. Rain or Shine’s Season 50 All-Filipino campaign ended earlier than expected, bowing out in the quarterfinals to Meralco despite holding a twice-to-beat advantage — a result that underscored the thin margin between contention and reset.

     

    Belga’s signing was formalized in the presence of team governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon and team manager Jireh Ibanes, with the veteran big man accompanied by his representative Danny Espiritu, signaling the organization’s commitment to continuity amid change.

     

    At 39, Belga may no longer be the bruising interior force he once was, but for Rain or Shine — navigating injuries, leadership turnover, and unmet expectations — experience still carries weight. And for at least one more season, the Elasto Painters are choosing to lean on it.

     

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