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Category: Basketball

  • Chot Reyes urges full belief as injury-hit TNT prepares for PBA finals

    Chot Reyes urges full belief as injury-hit TNT prepares for PBA finals

    The TNT Tropang Giga booked their place in the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup Finals after edging the Meralco Bolts, 99–96, in a gripping Game 5 of their best-of-seven semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, January 14.

     

    With the win, TNT advanced to the finals for the fourth consecutive conference, further cementing its reputation as one of the league’s enduring powerhouses.

     

    Jordan Heading spearheaded the Tropang Giga’s charge with a game-high 31 points, delivering a dominant all-around performance and once again showcasing his value as one of TNT’s most dependable offensive weapons. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser added 12 points, while Calvin Oftana chipped in 10, providing timely scoring and defensive stability in a tightly contested affair. TNT’s poise and execution in the closing minutes ultimately proved decisive against a Meralco side that refused to back down.

     

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    However, the victory came with a significant concern heading into the finals. Roger Pogoy, TNT’s top perimeter scorer and a key defensive presence, remains sidelined due to a lingering left hamstring injury. Pogoy was unable to finish Game 5 and has been ruled out for at least the opening games of the championship series.

     

    Despite the setback, head coach Chot Reyes stressed that belief and mindset will be crucial as TNT prepares for another finals appearance.

    “I feel that if we are coming into this series with less than 100 percent belief, then we have no chance. It starts from there. We have to have the belief that regardless of who’s healthy or not, we are going to come out and play our best game,” Reyes said during the pre-match press conference.

     

    “It doesn’t bother us too much. It doesn’t affect our belief whether we have Jayson Castro and Roger. They are a big, big part of our team. But in terms of our belief, it doesn’t bother us too much,” he added.

     

    TNT is no stranger to adversity on the sport’s biggest stage. Last season, the Tropang Giga faced eventual champions San Miguel in the Philippine Cup Finals without Poy Erram and still managed to put up a strong fight. Reyes acknowledged that the Beermen, should they advance, would enter the series as favorites given their experience and depth.

     

    “The problem is, even if we bring out our best game, it’s not a guarantee that we will beat a team as strong as San Miguel. In the end, that’s all we can do. All we can do is do our best. If that happens to be enough, then so be it,” Reyes concluded.

     

    With Pogoy sidelined, TNT is expected to lean more heavily on Heading, Ganuelas-Rosser, Oftana, and its supporting cast to shoulder the scoring load while maintaining defensive intensity. Reyes emphasized the need for tactical adjustments and rotation changes to offset the absence of their star guard.

     

    The Philippine Cup Finals are set to tip off on Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where TNT will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. As the Tropang Giga chase another title, their depth, resilience, and collective belief will be put to the ultimate test.

     

    TNT fans will be watching closely, hopeful for Pogoy’s return later in the series, but confident that even without him, the Tropang Giga possess the talent, experience, and leadership to compete at the highest level.

     

     

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  • CJ Perez shatters multiple PBA records in unforgettable Game 6 explosion

    CJ Perez shatters multiple PBA records in unforgettable Game 6 explosion

    In a sport where momentum is a living, breathing thing, CJ Perez didn’t just seize it—he owned it.

    The San Miguel Beer guard didn’t wait for the game to warm up. 

     

    From the moment his first shots swished through the net, Perez seemed to realize he was about to produce something special. What followed was a performance that didn’t just win a semifinal series—it rewrote the record books.

     

    On Friday, January 16, Perez turned the opening quarter into a highlight reel, delivering a historic explosion that propelled the Beermen into the PBA Philippine Cup finals with a 101-88 Game 6 victory over Barangay Ginebra at the Araneta Coliseum.

     

    A three-time scoring champion, Perez went on a scoring rampage that began with 30 points in the first quarter alone. He shot a flawless 12-of-12 in that period and finished with a career-high 41 points, becoming the main reason San Miguel is headed for a rematch with TNT in the All-Filipino finals.

     

    But it wasn’t just the volume of his scoring that stood out—it was how quickly he turned the quarter into a milestone-making moment.

     

    Perez’s blazing start produced multiple PBA records, including:

    • Most points scored in an opening quarter (local or import) 
    • Most points scored in a playoff quarter 
    • Most field goals made in a quarter without a miss 

    Those feats were confirmed by league chief statistician Fidel Mangonon.

     

    Perez’s 30-point quarter also tied him with Bong Alvarez for second-most points scored in a quarter by a local, trailing only Allan Caidic’s legendary 39-point quarter from 1991.

     

    The comparison isn’t accidental—Perez’s scoring outburst felt like a flashback to his Terrafirma days, when he produced a career-high 39 points in a single game back in 2019.

     

    “It was the same feeling. It felt like I was not going to miss. I’m so happy to have this kind of game for San Miguel,” Perez said. 

     

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    His opening sequence was an unstoppable blend of aggression and precision. Perez began with three straight layups, then stepped back and nailed three consecutive triples, including a daring four-point attempt that sailed over RJ Abarrientos’ outstretched hand and sank cleanly.

     

    The quarter ended with Perez finishing the period with a double-pump layup over Norbert Torres—capping a stretch in which he outscored the entire Ginebra lineup. San Miguel surged to a 39-15 lead, a cushion that proved too large for the Gin Kings to erase.

     

    Perez might have scored even more had foul trouble not interrupted his rhythm. He picked up his fourth foul in the third quarter and spent much of the period on the bench, but coach Leo Austria still made it clear just how much he trusted his star.

     

    “If he did not get into foul trouble, I would have played him the entire game. That is how I trust my players,” Austria said. “If they’re playing well, they will stay inside.”

     

    Even with June Mar Fajardo limited to just four points due to shoulder issues, Perez made sure the Beermen’s engine kept running. Don Trollano provided a strong supporting role with 23 points, but Perez’s night was the defining story.

     

    For Ginebra, Scottie Thompson fought hard with 24 points and nine rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to stop Perez’s unforgettable opening quarter.

     

    Now, as San Miguel prepares for a second straight finals rematch with TNT beginning Wednesday, January 21, Perez is hoping the momentum from this historic night can carry over.

     

    “We were able to breathe a little, but it will be another stressful series for sure,” Perez said.

    And if the first quarter of Game 6 is any indication, the rest of the series could be a stage for Perez to produce even more unforgettable moments.

     

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  • “I will forever treasure it”: Ramon Fernandez reacts to PBA naming Finals MVP trophy after him

    “I will forever treasure it”: Ramon Fernandez reacts to PBA naming Finals MVP trophy after him

    The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has officially renamed its prestigious Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in honor of Ramon Fernandez, the league’s all-time scoring leader and one of the most influential figures in Philippine basketball history. The announcement comes during the PBA’s milestone 50th anniversary season, adding symbolic weight to the tribute.

     

    Fernandez, who was among the pioneers when the league launched in 1975, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition. Now 72 years old, the basketball icon said the gesture is something he will “forever treasure,” reflecting on how the PBA shaped not only his career but also his life.

     

    “To have the PBA Finals MVP trophy bear my name, especially in this 50th year, the golden anniversary of the Philippine Basketball Association, is something I never imagined yet will forever treasure. This is more than a personal recognition. It is a reminder of a lifetime shaped by the league that gave me purpose, pride, and a second family,” Fernandez said in a statement.

     

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    Fernandez continued by sharing a heartfelt reflection on his journey through the PBA and how it molded him beyond the hardwood.

     

    “The PBA was my battlefield, my classroom, and my home. It was where I learned discipline, sacrifice, teamwork, humility, and the meaning of leadership under pressure. Every championship fought for, every finals series endured, every cheer, and every criticism, all of it molded the player and the man I became. I owe so much of who I am today to this league,” he added.

     

    Often hailed as the greatest PBA player of all time, Fernandez was a trailblazer whose impact continues to be felt decades after his retirement. He debuted with the iconic Toyota Comets in the league’s inaugural season and went on to win a record-setting 19 PBA championships, including a rare Grand Slam. His blend of size, skill, and versatility revolutionized the way big men played in Philippine basketball.

    His statistical dominance remains unmatched. Fernandez still holds the all-time PBA records for points (18,996), total rebounds (8,652), defensive rebounds (6,435), blocks (1,853), free throws made (3,848), and minutes played (36,624:30). He also collected four season MVP awards, two scoring titles, and five All-Star selections, with his jersey No. 19 retired by the San Miguel Beermen as a permanent tribute.

     

    The Finals MVP award, which will now bear his name, was introduced in 1996—two years after Fernandez concluded his illustrious 20-season career in 1994. The renaming bridges the historical gap between the modern era of the league and its foundational years, honoring the legacy of one of its earliest superstars.

     

    Fernandez hopes that players who receive the trophy in the years to come will embrace the values he stood for: discipline, resilience, leadership, and love for the game.

     

    “As future Finals MVPs lift this trophy, may they remember that greatness is not only measured by statistics or championships but by character, commitment, and love for the game. If this trophy inspires even one player to play harder, lead better, and honor the league that raised us, then this recognition has found its true purpose.”

     

    He ended his message with a powerful tribute to the league where he built his legacy.

     

    “The PBA gave me a lifetime of memories. To now be forever woven into its history, in this golden season, is an honor I will carry with pride until my last breath,” Fernandez concluded.

     

    The renaming of the Finals MVP trophy not only immortalizes Ramon Fernandez’s contributions but also reinforces the PBA’s commitment to celebrating its rich heritage as it moves into a new era of Philippine basketball.

     

     

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  • NBA Roundup: Bulls roll, Rockets hold off Pelicans as Monday NBA action delivers statement wins

    NBA Roundup: Bulls roll, Rockets hold off Pelicans as Monday NBA action delivers statement wins

    Monday night action across the NBA featured dominant home performances, balanced scoring efforts, and a few surprising outcomes as several teams made early statements midway through the season.

     

    Bulls overwhelm Nets with fast start in Chicago

     

    The Chicago Bulls overwhelmed the Brooklyn Nets, 124–102, behind a strong all-around showing that set the tone early. Chicago raced to a 39-point first quarter and never looked back, controlling the tempo the rest of the way.

     

    Coby White led all scorers with 24 points, while Brooklyn struggled to recover despite Nic Claxton’s 12-point effort in a lopsided loss at the United Center.

     

    Rockets fend off Pelicans behind Smith Jr.’s big night

     

    In Houston, the Rockets edged the New Orleans Pelicans, 119–110, in a tightly contested matchup that saw the hosts answer every Pelicans run.

     

    Jabari Smith Jr. delivered a breakout performance with 32 points and eight rebounds, giving Houston the edge in key moments. New Orleans leaned on Zion Williamson’s 20-point, six-rebound night, but the Pelicans couldn’t keep pace late as the Rockets pulled away in the fourth.

     

    Hornets stun Nuggets in Denver

     

    One of the night’s biggest surprises came in Denver, where the Charlotte Hornets stunned the Nuggets, 110–87.

     

    Charlotte controlled the game from start to finish, holding Denver to just 34 first-half points. Brandon Miller paced the Hornets with 23 points, while the Nuggets struggled offensively, led by Jalen Pickett’s 12 points and seven assists in a rare off night for the home side.

     

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    Avdija shines as Blazers outlast Kings

     

    In Sacramento, the Portland Trail Blazers outlasted the Kings, 117–110, in a back-and-forth contest decided by execution down the stretch.

     

    Deni Avdija filled the stat sheet with 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, powering Portland to the road win. Sacramento stayed within striking distance behind Russell Westbrook’s 23 points, seven assists, and three steals, but couldn’t close the gap late.

     

    Ayton anchors Lakers’ second-half surge vs Raptors

     

    The night wrapped up in Los Angeles, where the Lakers pulled away in the second half to beat the Toronto Raptors, 110–93.

     

    After a tight opening half, the Lakers’ defense clamped down, limiting Toronto to just 13 points in the fourth quarter. Deandre Ayton anchored the win with 25 points and 13 rebounds, while Brandon Ingram tallied 19 points, six rebounds, and seven assists for the Raptors in the loss.

     

    LeBron James scored 24 points in the win notching 51,000 career points in the process. 

     

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  • “I’m a very loyal guy”: Ja Morant reaffirms loyalty to Memphis after starring on return from injury

    “I’m a very loyal guy”: Ja Morant reaffirms loyalty to Memphis after starring on return from injury

    The Memphis Grizzlies have endured a shaky start to the 2025-26 National Basketball Association (NBA) season, posting an 18–23 record that currently places them 10th in the Western Conference standings. Injuries, inconsistent play, and growing questions about the future of star guard Ja Morant have contributed to the team’s early struggles, fueling speculation about potential trades and the direction of the franchise.

     

    However, the Grizzlies provided a glimpse of what they can be when firing on all cylinders, storming back to form with a commanding 126–109 victory over the Orlando Magic at the O2 Arena in London on Monday, January 19 (Philippine Standard Time). Central to the win was the performance of Morant, who returned to the lineup after missing six games with a right calf injury.

    The 26-year-old put up 24 points and 13 assists, demonstrating the elite skill set and leadership that made him the cornerstone of the franchise.

     

    The performance was not only a statement on the court but also a response to persistent rumors about his future in Memphis. Reports have suggested that Grizzlies management is actively listening to offers for Morant, raising questions about whether the star guard could be traded. But Morant used the victory to clarify his stance.

     

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    “I have got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be. If anybody in here knows me — I’m a very loyal guy,” Morant said after the game, reaffirming his commitment to the franchise.

     

    He also reflected on the importance of basketball in his life, describing the game as therapeutic and a platform to showcase his capabilities.

    “Just being able to play basketball — it’s very therapeutic for me. I know what I’m capable of out there on the court and I was able to show that tonight. It was big-time, walking off and representing Memphis is what it’s all about,” he added.

     

    Morant’s leadership has extended beyond his scoring and playmaking. While the season has included off-court headlines, including a clash with first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo in November that led to a one-game suspension, Morant has downplayed any notion of lingering tension. He credited Iisalo for placing the team in positions to succeed, highlighting the collaborative nature of their on-court chemistry.

     

    “That’s just credit to coach putting us in the best spots possible and then just me being Ja and wind up making the right play whether it’s passing or scoring. We got into a great rhythm early, got a big lead, after that it’s just managing,” Morant said, showing maturity in navigating team dynamics while under media scrutiny.

     

    Financially, Morant remains a significant investment for the franchise, earning $39.4 million this season. He is under contract for two more years, with salaries of $42.2 million in 2026–27 and $44.9 million in 2027–28, before becoming an unrestricted free agent in summer 2028. This makes him one of the highest-paid guards in the league and underscores Memphis’ commitment to retaining him as the face of the franchise.

     

    For the Grizzlies, Morant’s return to form could mark a turning point in an otherwise turbulent season. The team now has a chance to climb back into the Western Conference playoff picture, but much will depend on Morant’s health, consistency, and the ability of the supporting cast to complement his dynamic style of play.

     

    As trade rumors swirl and the media spotlight remains intense, Morant has chosen to let his performance speak for itself — a message to fans, teammates, and the organization alike: his loyalty to Memphis is unwavering, and his drive to win remains as strong as ever.

     

    With the Grizzlies facing critical games in the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Ja Morant — not just as a star athlete, but as the emotional and strategic leader capable of turning the team’s fortunes around.

     

     

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  • Chot Reyes confirms Roger Pogoy will miss start of PBA finals with left hamstring injury

    Chot Reyes confirms Roger Pogoy will miss start of PBA finals with left hamstring injury

    The TNT Tropang Giga punched their ticket to the 2025 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals after a thrilling 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. With the win, TNT advances to the finals for the fourth consecutive conference, solidifying their status as one of the league’s perennial powerhouses.

     

    The Tropang Giga were led by Jordan Heading, who exploded for a game-high 31 points, dominating both ends of the floor and proving once again why he is considered one of TNT’s most reliable offensive weapons. Supporting him, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Calvin Oftana contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively, providing crucial scoring depth and defensive stability in a tightly contested matchup. TNT’s ability to execute in clutch moments ultimately separated them from a resilient Meralco squad that pushed them to the limit throughout the game.

     

    Despite the celebratory mood, TNT faces a significant setback heading into the finals: the absence of Roger Pogoy, the team’s best perimeter scorer and a stalwart defender. Pogoy has yet to recover from the left hamstring injury that forced him out of Game 5 and has now been confirmed to miss at least the opening games of the finals.

     

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    Head coach Chot Reyes, speaking on Power & Play, admitted that Pogoy’s recovery timeline is uncertain and expressed caution regarding the star guard’s return.

    “It’s very unpredictable. It doesn’t look good to be very honest about it. Alam mo ‘yung hamstring muscle, hindi naman ‘yan nate-therapy. It’s just rest and recovery. I don’t see him playing at least in the first two games. I would be really surprised kung makalaro siya,” Reyes said.

     

    He added, “So we are praying mapabilis ‘yung kanyang recovery, yung healing process. But like we said, there is nothing we can do about it. Hindi yan puwedeng strengthen, hindi ‘yan puwedeng palaksin.”

     

    The 33-year-old Pogoy reinjured his hamstring in Game 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena, where he could only log 64 seconds in the first quarter before limping out, a stark reminder of the fragility of hamstring injuries in professional basketball. When healthy, Pogoy has been an integral component of TNT’s system, averaging 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over the four semifinals games he played. He also ranks among TNT’s top four free-throw shooters at 80 percent, underscoring his value in high-pressure situations.

     

    With Pogoy sidelined, TNT will likely rely even more on Heading, Ganuelas-Rosser, Oftana, and other role players to carry the offensive load and maintain defensive intensity. Coach Reyes emphasized that the team must adjust its rotations and strategy to compensate for the temporary absence of their star guard.

     

    The Philippine Cup Finals are set to tip off on Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where TNT will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. The series promises to test TNT’s depth and resilience, as they aim to capture another championship while navigating the challenge of a key player sidelined during the crucial opening games.

     

    TNT fans will be watching closely, hopeful that Pogoy can return sooner rather than later, but aware that even without him, the Tropang Giga have the talent, experience, and leadership to compete at the highest level.

     

     

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  • Troy Rosario played through painful quad injury in Ginebra’s Game 6 loss to San Miguel

    Troy Rosario played through painful quad injury in Ginebra’s Game 6 loss to San Miguel

    Defending Philippine Cup champions San Miguel Beermen punched their ticket to the PBA Finals after overpowering bitter rivals Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 101–88, in Game 6 of their best-of-seven semifinal showdown on Friday, January 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Beermen’s dominant outing closed out the series and secured their return to the championship stage, where they will aim to extend their dynasty in the league’s most prestigious conference.

     

    For Barangay Ginebra, the loss was a frustrating end to what had been a resilient playoff run. But even before tip-off, head coach Tim Cone and his squad were already facing a major setback—key forward Troy Rosario had been dealing with a painful quad injury that turned out to be far more serious than initially believed. Despite the severity of the issue, Rosario attempted to suit up and contribute in the do-or-die matchup, underscoring both his commitment and the team’s desperation for reinforcements against the powerful San Miguel frontline.

     

    After the game, Rosario revealed just how difficult the past two days had been as he tried to determine the scope of his injury while also preparing mentally for the crucial matchup.

     

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    “I have been thinking about the injury since last night because I had an MRI test at St. Luke’s. The result, though, was blurry so we didn’t see it. Earlier in the afternoon, I was in Mandaluyong to get a second MRI because we weren’t sure. When I got here, that’s the only time I found out that I tore my quads, which shot up to my groin,” Rosario said.

    The diagnosis confirmed not only a quad tear but one that affected surrounding muscle groups—an injury that would severely limit any player, let alone one tasked with defending and battling inside the paint against San Miguel’s deep frontcourt.

     

    Rosario managed to play nine minutes in the game, but the injury clearly limited him. He finished with just three points and two assists, visibly struggling with movement and unable to provide his usual energy and versatility. Even simple motions such as lateral slides or quick bursts toward the basket appeared painful.

     

    “We tried to find a way, we taped it heavily just so I can be assisted to walk properly,” he added, highlighting the extent of the physical difficulty he endured just to take the court.

     

    Without Rosario at full strength—and with other rotational challenges compounding the issue—Barangay Ginebra could not keep pace with the Beermen’s balanced attack and championship poise. As San Miguel advances to the finals seeking yet another title, Ginebra heads into the offseason with questions about roster health and what could have been had key players been available.

     

     

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  • San Miguel braces for fired-up TNT as old Finals rivalry takes center stage again

    San Miguel braces for fired-up TNT as old Finals rivalry takes center stage again

    History looms large as San Miguel Beer and TNT Tropang 5G find themselves back on a familiar collision course, with pride, payback, and unfinished business shaping the narrative of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals.

     

    Fresh off a convincing 101–88 closeout of Barangay Ginebra in Game 6 of the semifinals, the Beermen know the next challenge won’t simply be about talent or tactics. For head coach Leo Austria, the danger lies in the motivation TNT brings into yet another championship showdown.

     

    “I think they are thinking how to get back at us,” Austria said after the win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    That sense of looming retaliation is rooted in recent memory. Just a season ago, San Miguel denied TNT the Philippine Cup crown in six games, a defeat that also crushed the MVP Group flagship’s bid for a rare Grand Slam. It was a familiar wound for TNT, echoing a painful chapter from 2011 when a Petron Blaze-led San Miguel side — powered by Arwind Santos — once again spoiled the Tropang Texters’ championship dreams.

     

    Now, with both franchises once more standing at the sport’s biggest stage, the rivalry carries added emotional weight.

     

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    San Miguel earned the rematch by putting away the league’s most popular team, thanks largely to CJ Perez’s explosive 41-point outing — a career-high performance that underlined the Beermen’s ability to find firepower from unexpected places.

     

    Yet despite the momentum, Austria is far from complacent. The veteran coach is keenly aware of TNT’s championship pedigree and the confidence that comes from sustained success.

     

    “Alam naman natin how hard it is to defeat TNT, especially with their experience in the last three conferences. They were in the Finals,” he said.

     

    What gives Austria reassurance heading into the best-of-seven series, which tips off Wednesday, is the identity his team has quietly built. With June Mar Fajardo nursing shoulder concerns, the spotlight has shifted toward San Miguel’s supporting cast — and they have responded.

     

    Don Trollano, Jeron Teng, and Mo Tautua’a have all delivered timely contributions, turning depth into a defining advantage rather than a contingency plan.

     

    “That’s very important for any team. If you noticed every game namin, yung won games namin, iba’t iba ‘yung nagiging Best Player of the Game,” Austria explained.

     

    “That’s a sign na ang bench ay kailangang-kailangan. Talagang nagpe-perform sila eh, to the point na yung trust ko sa kanila, nae-enjoy nila,” he added.

     

    “It’s a sign for them to be confident and inspired sa ginagawa namin.”

     

    As the Finals stage is set once more, San Miguel prepares not just for TNT’s schemes, but for a rival fueled by memory and motivation. For fans, it’s another chapter in a rivalry defined by heartbreak, dominance, and the thin line separating revenge from repeat.

     

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  • Adam Silver eyes football-style fandom in new European league amid talks with PSG

    Adam Silver eyes football-style fandom in new European league amid talks with PSG

    NBA commissioner Adam Silver has confirmed that the league is taking concrete steps—alongside FIBA—to establish a new professional basketball league in Europe, a development that could dramatically alter the global hierarchy of the sport. The plan, long speculated but never officially acknowledged, represents one of the NBA’s most ambitious international ventures to date.

     

    Silver addressed the topic during the NBA’s showcase series in Berlin, a fitting backdrop given the city’s deep basketball roots and Germany’s current dominance on the world stage. The nation holds both the FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket titles, achievements that Silver described as emblematic of a “golden era” for German basketball. While he stopped short of offering a launch date, the decision to speak openly about the project during the Berlin events underscored the league’s renewed commitment to expanding its European footprint.

     

    The commissioner emphasized that the proposed European league wll be built with the same kind of fan intensity and cultural significance that define European football. He made clear that the NBA and FIBA are not merely hoping to create another regional competition—they intend to establish a league with the kind of intergenerational loyalty that drives some of the world’s most storied football clubs.

     

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    “We want to design this European League for success, it means that the partners who invest in this league will understand that any revenues that exceed expenses, will need to be reinvested in the enterprise and to grow the sport,” Silver said, noting that long-term sustainability—not short-term profit—will guide the league’s structure.

     

    He expanded on the cultural aspirations behind the project, pointing to the singular passion seen among European football supporters:

    “To even dream of creating this sort of relevance that these top European football clubs have, that’s something that we don’t necessarily experience in the US, the depth of the religious fervor of some of these clubs, the way that the traditions are passed down from generation to generation. It is something that I wish every American sports fan could experience,” he added.

     

    As part of the planning phase, Silver has initiated conversations with top European football organizations—many of which have diversified into multi-sport operations. Among them is French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain, which already operates a successful handball program and has explored basketball expansion in the past. According to Silver, PSG is one of several clubs evaluating the opportunity.

     

    “They are certainly one of the clubs we have had conversations with. We have enormous respect for their operating capabilities. They are obviously operating at a premier level of competition. We know that they have the know-how to operate a basketball club at the highest level, should that be of interest to them. The direct answer is yes. They are an organization we have had discussions with,” Silver continued.

     

    The commissioner also signaled an unusually broad investment strategy for the league—broader even than what is permitted within the NBA’s existing ownership rules. Although sovereign wealth funds and private equity are restricted in the NBA, the European project will adopt a more flexible model in order to accelerate growth and infrastructure development.

     

    “We are talking to families that currently invest in sports, some who have not had the tradition of investing. In addition to talking to sovereign wealth funds, there are more traditional investment funds that have had some experience investing in sports, and then some just more traditional private equity funds that see sports as an asset class,” he concluded.

     

    If executed, the league could represent a transformative moment for international basketball. It would provide a unified NBA-FIBA framework for elite European clubs, potentially reshape player development pipelines, and strengthen the NBA’s influence in one of the world’s most talent-rich regions. For fans, it could mean something even more profound: a new cross-continental competition built on the passion, heritage, and identity that define European sport.

     

     

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  • Arvin Tolentino powers all-Filipino Team Asia to statement win at KBL All-Star Weekend

    Arvin Tolentino powers all-Filipino Team Asia to statement win at KBL All-Star Weekend

    What was billed as a lighthearted midseason showcase turned into a proud declaration of Filipino presence in Korea, as Arvin Tolentino led an all-Pinoy cast to victory during the KBL All-Star Weekend in Seoul. 

     

    Wearing the colors of Team Asia, Tolentino anchored the group with authority, steering them to an 82–79 win over Team Rookie at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium. 

     

    The Seoul SK Knights import delivered a commanding all-around performance, finishing with 19 points and 14 rebounds to emerge as the game’s Most Valuable Player.

     

    Rather than treating the exhibition as mere entertainment, Team Asia played with purpose, echoing a similar result achieved by Filipino reinforcements in Japan’s B.League earlier this season. 

     

    The message was clear: Filipino imports are no sideshow in Asian basketball — they are difference-makers.

     

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    Busan KCC Egis forward William Navarro was hot in the clutch with a game-high 22 points, while also contributing five assists and four rebounds. 

     

    He was ably supported by Kevin Quiambao of Goyang Sono Skygunners and Justin Gutang of Seoul Samsung Thunders, who chipped in 14 and 10 points, respectively, to keep Team Rookie at bay.

     

    Veteran trailblazer SJ Belangel, now suiting up for Daegu KOGAS Pegasus, stuffed the stat sheet with nine points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals — a reminder of the all-around reliability that made him one of the first Filipinos to break through in the KBL.

     

    The night also marked a personal milestone for Jake Figueroa, who finally saw action in Korea just days after arriving. Playing alongside his fellow Filipinos, Figueroa made the most of his brief stint with three points, an assist, and a steal — a quiet but meaningful debut.

     

    Team Asia pulled off the win despite notable absences, with Carl Tamayo and Rhenz Abando sidelined due to undisclosed injuries. 

     

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