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Category: Basketball

  • Gian Mamuyac finds rhythm as Phoenix Fuel Masters continue PBA Governors’ Cup surge 

    Gian Mamuyac finds rhythm as Phoenix Fuel Masters continue PBA Governors’ Cup surge 

    Gian Mamuyac’s adjustment period with the Phoenix Fuel Masters may still be ongoing, but his latest performance showed why the team remains confident that a bigger role is waiting for him.


    After struggling to find consistency following his trade from Rain or Shine, Mamuyac delivered his most productive outing in a Phoenix uniform, scoring 18 points and adding two rebounds in the Fuel Masters’ 102-92 victory over the Blackwater Bossing on Tuesday in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The breakout performance arrived at a crucial moment for both player and team. Through his first three games with Phoenix, Mamuyac averaged only 8.7 points, but his aggressive showing against Blackwater provided a glimpse of the offensive spark the Fuel Masters hoped to unlock when they acquired him.

     

    Still, Phoenix head coach Charles Tiu knows that one strong performance does not erase the challenges of adapting to a new system.

     

    “Kulang pa (sa adjustment sa team), but we just have practice time with him before the game and I think that mattered a bit. He still has to figure things out and I’m also trying to figure him out in terms of rotation changing game by game,” Tiu admitted.

     

    While Mamuyac continues learning Phoenix’s system, his impact is already becoming noticeable. 

    In just his fourth Governors’ Cup appearance, the former Rain or Shine forward has raised his averages to 12.00 points and 6.00 rebounds per game, showing his ability to contribute beyond scoring.

     

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    His emergence also adds another weapon to a Phoenix squad that has built momentum through balanced production. Jason Perkins remained the team’s offensive leader against Blackwater, exploding for 25 points while adding six rebounds and one assist to help secure the victory.

     

    The win further highlighted Phoenix’s unexpected climb in Group B. The Fuel Masters improved to a 4-1 record, placing them on top of the standings and establishing themselves as one of the conference’s early surprises.

     

    Phoenix’s recent success has also reflected the team’s emphasis on developing a competitive young core while maximizing the contributions of established players. In previous PBA campaigns, the Fuel Masters have relied on strong performances from players such as Perkins and emerging talents to build their identity as a resilient squad capable of competing with deeper teams.

     

    For Mamuyac and his squad, the next challenge is turning a breakthrough night into sustained production. With Phoenix aiming to maintain its position at the top of Group B, every game becomes another opportunity for him to grow more comfortable in his new environment.

     

    The Fuel Masters will face Blackwater again on August 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, giving Mamuyac another chance to prove that his latest performance was not just a one-game surge but the start of a bigger contribution to Phoenix’s campaign.

     

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  • TNT replaces Darius Days with Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson in Governors’ Cup shake-up

    TNT replaces Darius Days with Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson in Governors’ Cup shake-up

    TNT Tropang Giga have made a significant change to their roster just four games into the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup, bringing back familiar reinforcement Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson in an effort to strengthen their campaign after an inconsistent start to the conference.

     

    The Tropang Giga have opened the tournament with a 2-2 win-loss record, a performance that has shown flashes of their championship pedigree but also exposed areas that require immediate improvement. While the team managed to grind out a dramatic 110-107 comeback victory over the Converge FiberXers on Tuesday, July 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, management wasted little time in making a change at the import position.

     

    Team manager Jojo Lastimosa confirmed after the victory that the franchise has decided to replace Darius Days with Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, who has already arrived in the Philippines.

     

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    “He is already in town,” Lastimosa told reporters after the game, confirming the move that had been widely anticipated following TNT’s uneven performances in the opening stretch of the conference.

     

    Rahlir’s return gives TNT a familiar face who already understands the team’s system and the demands of playing in the PBA. The older brother of former TNT star import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Rahlir previously suited up for the Tropang Giga during the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup after stepping in as an injury replacement for his younger brother.

     

    Although his stint with TNT was relatively brief, Rahlir quickly demonstrated his versatility, defensive intensity, and willingness to embrace the team’s culture. Those qualities made him a logical choice as the organization searched for a proven replacement capable of making an immediate impact.

    The decision to part ways with Days comes after a disappointing four-game spell in which the American import struggled to meet expectations. Despite arriving with an impressive basketball résumé, Days failed to consistently provide the production TNT expected from its primary reinforcement.

     

    His most difficult outing came against Converge, where he was limited to just 10 points while shooting 10-of-19 from the field, a performance that highlighted concerns about his conditioning and mobility. Throughout TNT’s opening games, Days often looked a step behind on both ends of the floor, making it difficult for the Tropang Giga to establish their preferred pace and offensive rhythm.

     

    Head coach Chot Reyes did not mince words when discussing the reasons behind the decision.

     

    “Darius is not the Darius Days that we had a couple of years ago. He is completely overweight, out of shape and I think it shows in the game and affects the play of our locals,” Reyes said.

     

    The veteran coach emphasized that an import’s role extends beyond scoring, noting that the team’s overall execution and chemistry had suffered because Days was unable to provide the energy and consistency expected from a foreign reinforcement.

     

    With Rahlir now back in the fold, TNT hopes to inject new life into a squad looking to establish momentum in a highly competitive Governors’ Cup. His familiarity with Reyes’ system should ease the transition, allowing him to contribute immediately on both offense and defense.

     

    The timing of the move is also crucial, as the Tropang Giga face one of the conference’s biggest challenges in their next assignment against the San Miguel Beermen on Saturday, August 1, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. With Rahlir expected to be available for selection, TNT will be banking on his experience, versatility, and defensive presence to help the team build on its comeback victory over Converge and climb further up the standings.

     

    For TNT, the change represents more than simply replacing one import with another. It is an early statement that the organization remains committed to competing for another championship and is willing to make decisive moves to keep its title aspirations firmly on track.

     

     

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  • Jack Animam leads Gilas Women charge in FIBA Women’s Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament bid 

    Jack Animam leads Gilas Women charge in FIBA Women’s Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament bid 

    Gilas Pilipinas Women have assembled a 17-player training pool that blends proven veterans with promising newcomers as the national team prepares for the FIBA Women’s Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Mexico.


    Leading the group is veteran center Jack Animam, who returns to the national team after last suiting up for the Philippines in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. 


    The experienced big woman is expected to anchor a frontline that also features 6-foot Kacey Dela Rosa and 6-foot-2 Tiffany Reyes.


    Dela Rosa rejoins the 5-on-5 national program after spending the past several months competing in the 3×3 circuit, while the 15-year-old Reyes earns her first opportunity to train with the senior national team, giving the coaching staff another young prospect to develop for the future.


    The backcourt will also receive a boost from Vanessa De Jesus, who was recently signed by WKBL club Busan BNK and has been designated as the Philippines’ restricted player.


    Also returning to the national team setup are veterans Afril Bernardino, Jhazmin Joson, Louna Ozar, Kent Pastrana, Janine Pontejos, Angel Surada, Ann Pingol, Tin Cayabyab, and Monique Del Carmen, providing the squad with a solid core of international experience.


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    Three players will be looking to make strong first impressions after earning spots in the national team pool. 


    Camille Malagar, Alyssa Rodriguez, and Jaz Salon join the program for the first time, with Salon bringing overseas experience as a 5-foot-3 Fil-Australian point guard currently playing for Colorado State University Pueblo.


    Completing the training pool is another rising talent in Sophia Dignadice, whose inclusion further reflects Gilas Women’s commitment to building a roster capable of competing both now and in the years ahead.


    The Philippines faces a daunting challenge in the FIBA Women’s Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which will be held from August 17 to 23 in Guadalajara, Mexico. 


    Drawn into Group B, Gilas Women will take on host nation Mexico, Canada, and Senegal in the opening phase of the competition.


    Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the crossover semifinals, while the tournament champion will earn the lone berth to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament—the next crucial step toward securing a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.


    For Gilas Women, the tournament represents more than just another international campaign. It is an early opportunity to measure the program’s progress against world-class competition while integrating a new generation of talent alongside its established leaders, as the Philippines looks to take another significant step toward returning to the Olympic stage.


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  • San Miguel seeks quick response as dangerous Titan Ultra looks to play spoiler again

    San Miguel seeks quick response as dangerous Titan Ultra looks to play spoiler again

    San Miguel may have absorbed its first defeat of the conference, but the Beermen have little time to dwell on it.

     

    Instead, they are immediately thrown into another test as they face a dangerous Titan Ultra squad looking to keep its slim playoff hopes alive in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., with both teams entering the contest eager to erase the memory of disappointing losses that halted their momentum.

     

    For San Miguel, Sunday’s 110-96 defeat to unbeaten NLEX served as a reminder that even championship contenders can be exposed. The Beermen entered that matchup riding a three-game winning streak before the Road Warriors dictated the pace and handed them their first setback of the conference.

     

    Now sitting at 3-1, San Miguel remains firmly in the hunt for one of the coveted Top 4 spots in Group A, but another loss could further tighten an already competitive race.

     

    The Beermen will once again count on June Mar Fajardo to anchor the paint, while CJ Perez and import George King are expected to lead the offense after spearheading San Miguel’s impressive opening stretch.

     

    Across the floor, Titan Ultra is chasing a different objective.

     

    The Giant Risers appeared to have finally found their breakthrough after stunning defending champion TNT, 103-87, for their first victory of the tournament. However, that momentum quickly disappeared after surrendering 132 points in a high-scoring loss to the Macau Giant Pandas.

     

    Now carrying a 1-4 record, Titan Ultra finds itself with virtually no room for error if it hopes to remain in the playoff conversation.

     

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    Despite its inconsistent campaign, the Giant Risers have already proven they are capable of taking down elite opponents. Earlier this year, Titan Ultra shocked San Miguel with a 119-112 victory during the Commissioner’s Cup, giving the Beermen another reason to avoid overlooking the league’s newest franchise.

     

    Titan Ultra’s up-tempo style has made it one of the conference’s most unpredictable teams. When its transition game clicks, it has shown it can keep up with—and even beat—the PBA’s heavyweights. But when its defense falters, shootouts often end in heartbreak.

     

    That contrast makes Wednesday’s meeting one of the more intriguing matchups of the week.

     

    San Miguel will look to reassert itself as one of the conference favorites after its stumble against NLEX, while Titan Ultra hopes another upset can breathe life back into its campaign.

     

    With the playoff race beginning to take shape, both teams understand the importance of responding immediately. For San Miguel, it’s about proving one loss doesn’t define a contender.

     

    For Titan Ultra, it’s another chance to show it can once again shake up the standings.

     

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  • Adrian Nocum shines as Rain or Shine’s new floor leader, bags Player of the Week

    Adrian Nocum shines as Rain or Shine’s new floor leader, bags Player of the Week

    Adrian Nocum’s expanded responsibilities have quickly translated into one of the biggest individual honors of his young PBA career.

     

    The Rain or Shine guard was named the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of July 21 to 26 after playing a key role in the Elasto Painters’ turnaround following the mid-conference trade of Gian Mamuyac.

     

    Rather than looking outside the roster to fill the void left by Mamuyac, Rain or Shine entrusted more of the playmaking duties to Nocum—and the young guard has delivered.

     

    Over his last two games, Nocum averaged 15.5 points, 9.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds, emerging as both a reliable scorer and the team’s primary facilitator.

     

    His development at point guard was most evident against Barangay Ginebra, where he dished out a career-high 10 assists while adding 13 points to steer the Elasto Painters’ offense.

     

    Nocum followed that performance with another all-around effort against Phoenix Super LPG, producing 18 points and eight assists in Rain or Shine’s first game since Mamuyac’s departure.

     

    His improved decision-making has impressed head coach Yeng Guiao, who admitted the coaching staff deliberately expanded Nocum’s role as the team’s floor general.

     

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    “We actually, on purpose, try him a lot more minutes at the point,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “His decision-making is getting better, more matured, and he is also, partly, nagpapakita din siya ng leadership.”

     

    The move has paid immediate dividends.

     

    Behind Nocum’s steady play, Rain or Shine has bounced back to an even 2-2 record, joining Blackwater and Meralco in a tie for second place in Group B as the Elasto Painters continue to find their rhythm in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The weekly recognition also highlighted Nocum’s emergence as one of the conference’s early breakout performers. He earned the honor over fellow standouts Caelan Tiongson of Rain or Shine, Schonny Winston of Converge, and Juami Tiongson of Terrafirma.

     

    For Rain or Shine, Nocum’s rise has become more than just a bright spot. As the Elasto Painters adjust to life after Mamuyac, the young guard has shown he is capable of taking on a larger leadership role—one that is already producing victories and now, his first PBA Press Corps Player of the Week award.

     

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  • Austin Reaves picks himself alongside NBA legends in all-time dream starting five

    Austin Reaves picks himself alongside NBA legends in all-time dream starting five

    Austin Reaves has quickly developed into one of the NBA’s most notable young talents, transforming himself from an undrafted prospect into a key contributor for the Los Angeles Lakers and a member of the United States national basketball team.

     

    Reaves’ journey to NBA prominence has been one of perseverance and determination. After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, the former Oklahoma standout earned an opportunity with the Lakers by signing a two-way contract and eventually securing a permanent role within the organization. His rise has been particularly impressive considering the limited expectations surrounding him when he entered the league.

     

    The 28-year-old guard revealed that he turned down the possibility of being selected 42nd overall by the Detroit Pistons, choosing instead to pursue an opportunity where he believed he could maximize his development. That decision has since paid off, with Reaves becoming one of the most reliable players in Los Angeles’ rotation and a vital piece of the franchise’s future plans.

     

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    His growth was rewarded when he agreed to a four-year, $186 million maximum contract extension with the Lakers, a historic deal that made him the highest-paid undrafted player in NBA history. The contract reflected not only his production on the court but also the value the organization places on his versatility, competitiveness, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

     

    Recently, Reaves generated attention beyond his performances after sharing his all-time NBA starting five during an appearance on the popular podcast “Pardon My Take.” While discussions about the greatest lineups in basketball history often lead to debate, Reaves’ selections drew additional interest after he included himself among some of the biggest names the sport has ever produced.

     

    “All of the older people, don’t be mad at me because I’m talking personally from what I have seen and watched. Stephen Curry at the one. I have got to put myself in there, I can’t coach? Steph at the one, me at the two. It’s so much easier if I didn’t have to put myself in there because I would put Kobe Bryant at the two. We are gonna go Kobe at the three, LeBron James at the four and Shaquille O’Neal at the five,” Reaves said.

    Reaves acknowledged that leaving himself out would have made the selection easier, but his final lineup featured four players widely regarded among the greatest to ever compete in the NBA: Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Shaquille O’Neal.

     

    His decision to include Bryant carries additional significance given Reaves’ long-standing connection to the Lakers. Growing up as a fan of the franchise, Reaves admired Bryant’s mentality, work ethic, and competitive approach—qualities that have influenced many players who followed him.

     

    Bryant is widely considered one of the greatest shooting guards in basketball history, earning five NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVP awards, and an 18-time All-Star selection during his legendary career with the Lakers.

     

    At point guard, Reaves selected Stephen Curry over other all-time greats such as Magic Johnson, a choice that highlights the impact Curry has had on the modern game. The Golden State Warriors star has transformed the way basketball is played with his revolutionary shooting ability and influence on offensive strategy.

     

    Curry has won four NBA championships, two league MVP awards, and has established himself as one of the most prolific shooters in league history. Over his career, he has averaged 24.8 points and 6.3 assists per game while becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made.

     

    Reaves placed LeBron James at power forward, another selection that reflects the respect he has for a player he has shared the court with in Los Angeles. James and Reaves have spent five seasons together with the Lakers, forming a productive partnership as the franchise continues to compete for championships.

     

    Often considered one of the greatest players in basketball history, James has consistently produced elite numbers throughout his career. During his time with the Lakers, he has averaged 25.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, while leading the NBA in assists during the 2019-20 season—the same campaign in which he guided Los Angeles to its 17th NBA championship.

     

    Rounding out Reaves’ lineup is Shaquille O’Neal at center. The dominant big man played a crucial role in the Lakers’ early-2000s dynasty, winning three consecutive championships and earning three Finals MVP awards. His combination of size, strength, and skill made him one of the most unstoppable forces the league has ever seen.

     

    While all-time NBA lineups are always subjective and often spark passionate debates among fans, Reaves’ selections reflect the players who have had the biggest influence on his basketball journey. His inclusion of himself alongside legends also highlights the confidence that has helped fuel his remarkable rise from an undrafted rookie to one of the Lakers’ most important players.

     

     

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  • Robert Bolick credits Jimmy Alapag’s leadership as NLEX stays perfect at 4-0

    Robert Bolick credits Jimmy Alapag’s leadership as NLEX stays perfect at 4-0

    Jimmy Alapag’s influence on NLEX is being measured by more than just wins.

     

    Four games into his first stint as a PBA head coach, the Road Warriors remain the league’s lone unbeaten team, but for star guard Robert Bolick, the biggest change has come in the culture Alapag has built inside the locker room.

     

    Fresh off a commanding 110-96 victory over San Miguel Beer on Sunday, Bolick pointed to his rookie mentor’s humility and unwavering optimism as key reasons behind NLEX’s blazing start in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    “Kagandahan kay coach Jimmy, legend na pero napaka-humble. Grateful kami sa mga tinuturo niya,” Bolick said.

     

    The Road Warriors improved to 4-0, becoming the only undefeated team left in the conference while continuing one of the franchise’s best starts in recent memory.

     

    According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, it marks only the fourth time NLEX has opened a conference with four straight victories, matching similar runs in 2017, 2022, and 2023.

     

    The hot start has also placed Alapag in select company. Mangonon noted that the former Gilas Pilipinas captain became the first rookie PBA head coach to win his first four games since Ato Agustin guided San Miguel to a 5-0 opening in the 2010-11 Philippine Cup.

     

    While Alapag has quickly made history, Bolick continues to lead by example on the floor.

     

    Against the Beermen, the three-time PBA All-Star flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 14 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds while controlling the game’s tempo from start to finish.

     

    Rather than forcing his offense, Bolick once again embraced his role as the team’s facilitator, trusting the Road Warriors’ growing collection of scorers to carry the load.

     

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    “Meron na kaming players na kayang mag-contribute sa scoring and para sa akin, kung hindi sila mainit, tatrabahuhin ko. Pero alam kong mainit ‘yung mga kasama ko tulad ngayon, hahanap ako ng paraan para malibre sila or doon sa kung saan sila makaka-shoot na komportable,” Bolick emphasized.

     

    That unselfish approach has become one of NLEX’s biggest strengths.

     

    Import DeQuan Jones paced the balanced attack with 27 points, Schonny Winston added 24, Anthony Semerad chipped in 15, while Xyrus Torres contributed 13 as four Road Warriors scored in double figures to overwhelm San Miguel.

     

    For Bolick, however, the biggest difference isn’t reflected in the stat sheet.

     

    He believes Alapag’s calm demeanor has helped the team stay composed regardless of the situation, creating an atmosphere where confidence never fades—even when adversity strikes.

    “Napaka-positive niya. Ngayon lang ako nakakita ng coach na positive na kahit sobrang sama na ng nangyayari, positive pa rin,” the veteran guard expressed.

     

    That positivity has translated into results as NLEX continues to build momentum early in the conference.

     

    The Road Warriors now turn their attention to another major test when they put their unbeaten record on the line against the Converge FiberXers on Saturday, August 1, at the Mall of Asia Arena, with Alapag looking to extend what has already become one of the best coaching debuts in recent PBA history.

     

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  • SBP confident long Gilas stint can strengthen squad for FIBA, Asian Games campaigns

    SBP confident long Gilas stint can strengthen squad for FIBA, Asian Games campaigns

    With the second round of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers immediately followed by the 2026 Asian Games, the national team is set to spend more than a month together—a stretch Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Erika Dy believes could strengthen the squad heading into two major international competitions.


    “It’s a good development for us that the Asian Games will happen almost immediately after the (FIBA) windows,” Dy said.

     

    The extended campaign begins with Gilas assembling for training in the Philippines once the PBA Governors’ Cup pauses on Aug. 15. After more than two weeks of preparation, the team will head to South Korea for a pair of tune-up games before flying directly to Japan for the Asian Games.

     

    “We leave for Korea on September 3 because we will be playing friendlies against the Korean national team on the 4th and 6th,” said the SBP executive on the sidelines of the Hustle 5: EASL Future Champions championship game between Cebu and Macau.

     

    “Tapos on the 7th, diretso na tayo sa Asian Games.”

     

    This year’s schedule offers little downtime. Unlike previous editions where other sports opened the competition, men’s basketball will be among the first events to begin even before the official opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Japan, marking the tournament’s return to the country since Hiroshima hosted the event in 1994.

     

    “Basketball in the Asian Games will start earlier than the opening ceremony itself. So September 10 to 20 ang men’s basketball,” said Dy.

     

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    “Diretso tayo halos isang buwan or even more than a month na magkakasama yung mga players natin,” she added.

     

    Before shifting its focus to the Asian Games, Gilas faces crucial business in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. The Philippines hosts Jordan on Aug. 28 and Iran on Aug. 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena as the second round gets underway.

     

    The Nationals enter the next phase looking to recover from back-to-back losses to New Zealand and Australia in the third qualifying window earlier this month. Those defeats left Gilas tied with Syria for fifth place in Group E with a 2-4 record.

     

    Australia remains unbeaten atop the standings at 6-0, while Iran and Jordan share second place with identical 5-1 slates. New Zealand sits fourth at 4-2.

     

    The compressed schedule also leaves room for adjustments in the national team roster. Because eligibility rules differ between FIBA competitions and the Asian Games, some changes are expected, although Dy emphasized that the foundation of the squad will remain largely the same.

     

    “There might be a few changes, but the core of the team should be intact. Those who weren’t eligible in Fiba competition as a local, we can consider them to play for the Asian Games,” she said. 

     

    Maintaining that continuity could prove valuable as Gilas attempts to improve its standing in the World Cup qualifiers before turning its attention to another chance at regional success in the Asian Games, where an extended period together may become one of the team’s biggest advantages.

     

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  • Rain or Shine thriving without Leonard Santillan, but forward eager to rejoin in October 

    Rain or Shine thriving without Leonard Santillan, but forward eager to rejoin in October 

    Rain or Shine has managed to steady its campaign even without one of its key frontcourt players, giving injured forward Leonard Santillan plenty of reasons to be optimistic as he works toward an October return.


    The Elasto Painters stumbled out of the gate in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup with back-to-back losses, but they have quickly regained their footing by stringing together consecutive victories. 

     

    Their latest statement came in a convincing 110-99 victory over Barangay Ginebra, where import Aaron Fuller erupted for 37 points while Caelan Tiongson chipped in 21 to fuel the team’s resurgence.

     

    The turnaround has lifted Rain or Shine to fourth place in the Group B standings with a 2-2 win-loss record. The Elasto Painters will look to continue their climb when they face the Magnolia Hotshots on Friday, July 31, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Watching from the sidelines, Santillan has been encouraged by how Rain or Shine has responded despite missing one of its regular contributors.

     

    “Mga two months pa ito. Sana makabalik na ako agad para makatulong sa team,” Santillan said.

     

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    He has yet to make his conference debut as he continues his rehabilitation. According to Santillan, the team’s medical staff is targeting his return after the league’s scheduled break.

     

    “Ang sabi naman, October. October yung target. Sakto pagbalik sa break ng PBA,” the 6-foot-5 forward said.

     

    While eager to get back on the floor, Santillan has enjoyed seeing his teammates fill the void in the frontcourt. He singled out rookie Christian Manaytay for making the most of his opportunities while also recognizing the work being put in by Luis Villegas and veteran Beau Belga.

     

    “Masaya naman kasi ganun naman talaga yung tinatrabaho nila. Nag-e-extra work sila,” he said.

     

    “Lalo na yung rookie namin na si Christian. Sobrang sipag ng batang ‘yun. Sila Luis, Kuya Beau, sobrang sipag din. Natutuwa ako na maganda yung pinapakita ng team,” Santillan added. 

     

    Rain or Shine’s recent run has eased the pressure of Santillan’s absence, with the Elasto Painters showing improved depth and production in the frontcourt. The emergence of younger players has helped stabilize the rotation, allowing the team to stay competitive while waiting for one of its key forwards to regain full fitness.

     

    For now, Santillan remains focused on completing his recovery, with October set as the target for his return. If Rain or Shine can maintain its winning form beginning with its showdown to its upcoming matches, the Elasto Painters could receive a timely boost when the versatile forward is finally cleared to rejoin the lineup.

     

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  • San Miguel coach Leo Austria reveals angioplasty after health scare, eyes PBA return

    San Miguel coach Leo Austria reveals angioplasty after health scare, eyes PBA return

    Despite navigating the early stages of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup without longtime head coach Leo Austria on the sidelines, the San Miguel Beermen have managed to establish themselves as one of the tournament’s early contenders.

     

    The Beermen have opened their campaign with a 3-1 record, placing second in Group A after four games. Their impressive start, however, has come amid the absence of Austria, who has been recovering from a recent heart procedure that temporarily forced him away from coaching duties.

     

    Austria made his first public appearance since undergoing treatment during San Miguel’s 110-96 loss to the NLEX Road Warriors at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, July 26. Although he was not on the bench, the 68-year-old coach watched the game from the stands before speaking to members of the media about the health scare that sidelined him for the opening stretch of the conference.

     

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    The decorated mentor revealed that the issue was discovered during a routine medical examination required for the renewal of his Games and Amusements Board (GAB) coaching license.

     

    “We had a medical check-up to comply with the renewal of our GAB licenses. The results showed that there was something wrong with my ECG. A week later, we got the results, and I immediately showed them to my cardiologists, Dr. Tony Leachon and Dr. Rommel Galvez,” Austria said.

     

    His doctors subsequently recommended additional tests, including a stress test, after detecting irregularities in his initial results.

    “He told me I had to undergo a stress test to determine the condition of my heart. After the scan, they found something abnormal. To confirm everything, I had to undergo an angiogram, and that’s when they confirmed that my arteries were blocked,” Austria explained.

     

    Following the diagnosis, Austria underwent an angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure performed to restore blood flow by opening blocked coronary arteries. He was discharged from the hospital on July 9 and has since been focusing on his recovery while closely monitoring his condition.

     

    Austria admitted that he initially hoped to return to the sidelines in time for San Miguel’s season opener. However, team governor Robert Non—who previously underwent the same procedure—urged him to prioritize his health before making his comeback.

     

    “For the first game, I thought I was already going to coach. Fortunately, Boss Robert was there and told me, ‘No, no, you have to take a rest,’ because he had gone through the same angioplasty. It’s not an easy procedure. I’m very thankful to him and coach Al Chua for giving me time to recover. I’m so grateful to them,” Austria said.

     

    While Austria has remained away from the bench, the Beermen have continued to perform at a high level under the guidance of the coaching staff, collecting three victories in their first four assignments before suffering their first defeat against the Road Warriors. The team’s strong start has allowed San Miguel to remain firmly in the hunt near the top of the Group A standings despite the absence of one of the league’s most accomplished coaches.

     

    Austria, who has guided the Beermen to 11 PBA championships during his illustrious coaching career, expressed confidence that his return is only a matter of time. Although he declined to provide a definitive timetable, he believes he will be back on the sidelines once he fully adjusts to the medication prescribed following the procedure and regains full strength.

     

    “It’s only a matter of a few more games before I return to coaching. Bypass surgery is much more difficult. That’s why I’m confident I can come back. It’s just a matter of time. I just need to make sure I return at 100 percent,” Austria said.

     

    For San Miguel, Austria’s recovery remains the top priority. With the Beermen continuing to deliver positive results in his absence, the organization has afforded its veteran tactician the time and support needed to make a complete recovery before resuming his coaching responsibilities. Should the team’s early form continue, Austria could soon return to a squad well-positioned to challenge for yet another Governors’ Cup title.

     

     

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