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Tag: 2026 Asian Games

  • Sedrick Barefield dreams of Gilas call-up after making Asian Games shortlist

    Sedrick Barefield dreams of Gilas call-up after making Asian Games shortlist

    Blackwater Bossing guard Sedrick Barefield admitted that representing the Philippines on the international stage would be a dream come true after being included in the initial pool of players being considered for the men’s national basketball team for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

     

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) recently announced the first list of candidates for Gilas Pilipinas, with Barefield among the 30 players named as part of the preliminary pool. The versatile guard, however, revealed that he only learned about his inclusion after SBP executive director Erika Dy mentioned his name during her appearance at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday, July 28.

     

    Barefield welcomed the development, saying the chance to represent the country in a major international competition would be a significant milestone in his career.

     

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    “I’m hoping that it’s a possibility. It will be a dream come true, just to go out there and compete with those guys representing the country. It would mean the world, it would mean everything. That’s high-level basketball that you always want to be a part of, that you dream of being a part of,” Barefield told reporters.

     

    The 29-year-old guard has been one of the most consistent performers for the Blackwater Bossing since joining the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), using his versatility, shooting ability, and playmaking skills to make an impact on both ends of the floor.

     

    Although Barefield has Filipino heritage, he is currently unable to suit up as a local player for Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA-sanctioned competitions because of eligibility requirements. However, the 2026 Asian Games follow different rules, with athletes only required to hold a Philippine passport to be eligible to compete.

    That distinction opens the door for Barefield to potentially make his national team debut in Nagoya, giving him the opportunity to share the court with some of the country’s top basketball talents while representing the Philippines on one of Asia’s biggest sporting stages.

     

    Barefield’s basketball journey has taken him across different levels and countries, building a résumé that includes experiences in some of the world’s competitive basketball leagues. Born to a Filipino mother and American father, he developed his game in California before making the jump toward professional basketball.

     

    After completing high school in California, Barefield declared for the 2019 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft but went undrafted. Despite missing out on being selected, he earned an opportunity to showcase his talent by signing with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the NBA Summer League.

     

    He later continued his development with the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder’s NBA G League affiliate, gaining valuable experience against high-level competition.

     

    Since then, Barefield has built a reputation as a well-traveled professional, playing in various leagues across the globe. His career has included stints in Lithuania, Greece, Taiwan, and Guinea before eventually making his way to the PBA, where he has become one of Blackwater’s key contributors.

     

    His international experience and ability to adapt to different basketball systems could make him an attractive option for the national team setup as SBP continues evaluating players ahead of the Asian Games.

     

    While his inclusion in the initial pool does not guarantee a spot on the final roster, Barefield remains hopeful that he will get the opportunity to wear the Philippine colors and compete alongside Gilas Pilipinas.

     

    For a player who has spent years chasing opportunities around the world, a place on the national team would represent another defining chapter in his basketball journey—one that allows him to give back by representing the country on the international stage.

     

     

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  • Pilipinas Sepak Takraw eyes bigger breakthrough as King’s Cup serves as final test for 2026 Asian Games

    Pilipinas Sepak Takraw eyes bigger breakthrough as King’s Cup serves as final test for 2026 Asian Games

    Pilipinas Sepak Takraw is no longer content with simply reaching the podium. After collecting bronze medals in consecutive major international competitions, the national team is now preparing for the next step—turning years of steady progress into an even stronger medal campaign at the 2026 Asian Games.


    Before heading to Japan, however, the Filipinos face one final proving ground as the King’s Cup World Championship in Thailand has become a crucial stop for the national squad, offering not only another opportunity to compete against the world’s elite but also a chance to fine-tune every aspect of its game before Asia’s biggest sporting event.

     

    The Philippines enters the tournament carrying momentum from its recent international successes. At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, the country achieved a historic milestone by winning two bronze medals, signaling the program’s emergence as a legitimate force in the region.

     

    That breakthrough carried over into the following year’s Southeast Asian Games, where both the men’s and women’s teams once again secured bronze medals.

     

    The men’s team featured a core group composed of John Deryck Diego, Emmanuel Escote, Vince Alyson Torno, Jason Huerte, Ronsited Gabayeron, and Marc Kian Jake Palma, players who have helped elevate the Philippines’ standing in the sport.

     

    For veteran Jason Huerte, the King’s Cup is more than another international tournament—it is an opportunity to identify the team’s remaining weaknesses before competing on an even bigger stage.

     

    “Meron kaming chance na makita at masubukan ulit ‘yung program,” Huerte said about their upcoming tourney. “Refinement kami kung ano ‘yung kakulangan nung last na magiging tournament, preparation for Asian Games.”

     

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    Head coach Grendel Ilogon echoed the importance of the competition, emphasizing that every match in Thailand will serve as preparation for what lies ahead.

     

    “Malaking bagay ‘yung laro namin sa King’s Cup kasi kumbaga tune up fight,” coach Grendel Ilogon added.

     

    Unlike many traditional team sports, sepak takraw demands a unique combination of athleticism, coordination, and precision. Often described as a blend of volleyball and soccer, the sport requires players to execute acrobatic kicks and rapid exchanges without using their hands.

     

    Behind the national team’s recent rise is a long-term development program that continues to prioritize athlete growth over short-term results.

     

    Previously, Pilipinas Sepak Takraw Association Inc. (PSTAI) president Karen Tanchanco-Caballero believes the program is steadily moving in the right direction, with a balanced roster capable of competing against Asia’s best.

     

    “This is sports—anything can happen. But we’re going to Japan not just as participants, but as true medal contenders,” said Caballero.

     

    She also highlighted the blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent within the national pool.

    “We have the veterans who provide stability and experience, while the younger players bring the firepower,” she said.

     

    The federation’s vision extends beyond the senior national team. This November, the Philippines will host the Under-19 Asian Sepak Takraw Championship in Manila, another step toward strengthening the country’s talent pipeline and exposing young athletes to high-level international competition.

     

    With the King’s Cup serving as its final measuring stick before the Asian Games, Pilipinas Sepak Takraw is entering the next phase of its journey with higher expectations.

     

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  • SIBOL crushes Mongolia to move closer to Asian Games ESports berth 

    SIBOL crushes Mongolia to move closer to Asian Games ESports berth 

    The finish line is now clearly in sight for SIBOL.

     

    After spending the opening days of the Honor of Kings Asian Games Qualifiers dismantling opponents with ruthless efficiency, the Philippine national team finds itself just one victory away from booking a ticket to the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

     

    SIBOL continued its unbeaten run on Tuesday at the Petaling Jaya Marriott Hotel, sweeping Mongolia, 2-0, in another commanding display that reinforced its status as one of the strongest teams in the regional qualifiers.

     

    The victory followed an equally dominant opening-day sweep of Pakistan, allowing the Filipinos to improve to 2-0 in Group A and remain level with Indonesia atop the standings. Both squads have yet to drop a single game in the tournament.

     

    With qualification now firmly within reach, head coach Gerald Gelacio welcomed the result but stressed that the job remains unfinished.

     

    “This second win is good for us. If we win our next match, we will surely get our spot in the main event of the Asian Games in Nagoya,” said Gelacio.

     

    “Focused pa rin ngayon ang team kasi di pa naman totally tapos ang qualifiers. About sa gameplay naman natin, nalalaro naman natin onstage yung mga pinapractice namin sa scrims.”

     

    The Philippines wasted no time asserting its superiority against Mongolia.

     

    Toplaner Chammy Paul Nazarrea ignited the attack early, accounting for five kills as SIBOL stormed to a 7-0 advantage in the opening five minutes of Game 1.

     

    Jungler Justine Ritchie Valencia Tan followed with a triple strike moments later, helping the Filipinos secure an Ace and tighten their grip on the match.

     

    Although Mongolia briefly responded with two consecutive kills, the resistance proved short-lived.

     

    SIBOL regrouped, launched a decisive push along the top lane midway through the seventh minute, and quickly closed out the opener in under eight minutes.

     

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    If Game 1 showcased the team’s explosive start, Game 2 highlighted its ability to maintain relentless pressure.

     

    Midlaner Dragon Hart Dajao took center stage, producing a double strike just over two minutes into the game to help establish an early economic advantage.

     

    Dajao then delivered one of the defining moments of the match in a fifth-minute clash, exploding for a triple strike that resulted in a dominant 4-for-1 exchange and ballooned the Philippines’ lead to 10,000 gold.

     

    With Mongolia unable to recover, SIBOL completed another clinical finish, wrapping up the game in just six minutes and securing its second straight sweep of the tournament.

     

    The performance further underscored the team’s preparation and chemistry, with the Filipinos consistently translating their practice sessions into dominant on-stage execution.

     

    Now standing one win away from qualification, SIBOL will attempt to complete its mission on June 17 when it faces third-running Uzbekistan.

     

    A victory would not only preserve its unbeaten record but also officially send the Philippines to the Asian Games stage in Nagoya.

     

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  • Gilas eyes Justin Brownlee-Bennie Boatwright tandem in Asiad title defense as Nagoya keeps passport-only rule

    Gilas eyes Justin Brownlee-Bennie Boatwright tandem in Asiad title defense as Nagoya keeps passport-only rule

    If the current guidelines remain untouched, Gilas Pilipinas may once again benefit from a crucial eligibility edge in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya.

     

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) said it has not received any official notice of changes to the competition rules, meaning the passport-only policy used in the 2023 Hangzhou Asiad is still in effect.

     

    “Kaya nga nakapaglaro si Ange (Kouame) nun,” said SBP Executive Director Erika Dy.

     

    That same provision previously allowed Justin Brownlee and Angelo Kouame to play together — a combination not permitted under FIBA rules, which limit national teams to just one naturalized player in sanctioned events.

     

    This time, the potential tandem could shift to Brownlee and Bennie Boatwright — provided Boatwright’s naturalization papers are officially signed before the September tournament.

     

    If the passport-only rule holds, both players could legally share the floor in Nagoya, giving Gilas a potent inside-out duo to defend its Asian Games crown.

     

    SBP remains cautiously optimistic but careful not to assume anything.

     

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    “As of now there’s no official advice about the change in rules. Ang alam namin passport-only rule ang allowed pa rin,” said Dy.

     

    The possibility doesn’t end there. With Mike Philips and Quentin Millora-Brown already recognized as locals by FIBA, Gilas could field one of its deepest Asian Games rosters in years.

     

    “Yes, both can play in the Asian Games,” Dy added.

     

    The passport-only rule was instrumental in the Philippines ending its 61-year drought in Hangzhou, where Gilas defeated Jordan in the final after a stunning semifinal comeback against China. Whether that same regulatory window remains open in Nagoya could once again shape the team’s championship blueprint.

     

    For now, SBP waits — and prepares — under the assumption that the rule that once unlocked history may still apply.

     

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