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Tag: Gilas Pilipinas

  • SBP submits initial Gilas pool for 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya

    SBP submits initial Gilas pool for 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has taken the first step toward assembling Gilas Pilipinas’ roster for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, submitting an initial list of candidates for the men’s basketball competition as the national team begins preparations for its title defense.

     

    SBP executive director Erika Dy confirmed that the federation has already forwarded a preliminary pool of players to the Asian Games organizing committee. However, she stressed that the list remains subject to changes, with the final 12-man lineup that will represent the Philippines under head coach Tim Cone still yet to be determined.

     

    “There was already a short list that was submitted. But it’s not yet the final list because, just like in the Southeast Asian Games, there can still be changes in the end,” Dy said during her appearance at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday, July 28.

     

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    The initial submission reportedly includes more than 30 players, with the core members of the current Gilas Pilipinas program included in the pool. According to Dy, the list reflects the federation’s commitment to maintaining continuity while also keeping its options open as the coaching staff evaluates player availability, form, and team needs leading up to the continental competition.

     

    Despite having a strong group of candidates, Gilas Pilipinas will be forced to deal with the absence of some key contributors due to scheduling conflicts. Dy confirmed that Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu are unlikely to be available for the Asian Games after both players are committed to their respective teams in the Japan B.League.

    The two Filipino standouts are scheduled to participate in the B.League Manila Games showcase on September 9 and 10, a commitment that overlaps with the Asian Games calendar.

     

    “Out of that 30-plus, the mainstays of Gilas are there. I think it’s safe to say that Dwight and AJ won’t be available because they are playing in the B.League Manila Games. So there’s a schedule conflict with the Asian Games,” Dy explained.

     

    Ramos and Edu have been important pieces of the national team setup in recent years. Ramos has emerged as one of Gilas’ most reliable perimeter players, providing scoring, defense, and leadership, while Edu has been a key presence in the frontcourt because of his athleticism and defensive ability. Their potential absence means Cone and his staff may have to explore different combinations heading into the tournament.

     

    Still, the SBP remains confident that the Philippines will have a competitive roster capable of challenging for another championship. The core of the national team program that delivered success in recent international competitions remains intact, giving Gilas a strong foundation heading into Nagoya.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas enters the 2026 Asian Games as the defending men’s basketball champion after ending a historic 61-year drought in the previous edition held in Hangzhou, China.

     

    The Philippines captured the gold medal in 2023 with a memorable 70-60 victory over Jordan in the finals, a win that marked the country’s first Asian Games basketball title since 1962. Led by a combination of veteran leadership, young talent, and strong team chemistry, Gilas produced one of the most significant moments in Philippine basketball history.

     

    With the pressure of defending its crown, Gilas Pilipinas will now begin the process of finalizing its roster while navigating player availability and international commitments. The SBP is expected to continue monitoring candidates before Cone and his coaching staff make the final decisions on the players who will carry the Philippine flag in Nagoya.

     

    As preparations continue, the national team will look to build on the momentum of its Asian Games triumph and prove once again that the Philippines remains one of the strongest basketball nations in the region.

     

     

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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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  • Gilas Pilipinas falls in FIBA rankings, eyes August window for rebound 

    Gilas Pilipinas falls in FIBA rankings, eyes August window for rebound 

    The cost of a difficult July has now been reflected in the latest FIBA Men’s World Rankings.

    After enduring a winless campaign in the third window of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas slipped three spots to No. 39 in the updated global rankings.

     

    The drop came after the Filipinos suffered consecutive defeats against two of Oceania’s powerhouses, first falling 106-102 in overtime to New Zealand before absorbing a 92-49 setback against Australia.

     

    Despite the slide, the Philippines remains among Asia’s higher-ranked nations, sitting seventh in the continental standings.

     

    Australia continues to lead the Asian zone after staying at No. 7 in the world, although the Boomers also slipped one place despite victories over Guam and Gilas during the qualifying window.

     

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    The Philippines, meanwhile, avoided a steeper decline compared to some of the biggest movers in the latest rankings. Kuwait experienced one of the sharpest drops, falling from No. 109 to No. 118, while South Africa slipped from No. 110 to No. 119.

     

    With the rankings now updated, Gilas quickly shifts its attention to the next opportunity to regain lost ground.

     

    The national team returns to action during the fourth qualifying window in August, where it will host Jordan on Aug. 28 before facing Iran two days later.

     

    Strong performances in those two crucial home games would not only boost the Philippines’ World Cup qualifying campaign but also give Gilas a chance to climb back up the FIBA rankings after its July setback.

     

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  • Gilas Boys U21 climb to joint lead after capturing FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League Stop 3 

    Gilas Boys U21 climb to joint lead after capturing FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League Stop 3 

    The race for the top spot in the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League U21 Asia-2 has tightened, and Gilas Pilipinas has firmly placed itself in the championship conversation.


    Behind another unbeaten run, the Philippine men’s team captured the Stop 3 title in Malaysia on Wednesday, defeating Japan, 19-14, in the championship game to vault into a share of first place in the conference standings.

     

    The victory rewarded Gilas with another 80 points, allowing the Filipinos to draw level with Belarus at the top of the standings with 240 points apiece. New Zealand remained close behind with 230 points, while Japan slipped to fourth with 220.

     

    The title run highlighted the team’s consistency throughout the day as the Filipinos never dropped a game en route to the crown.

     

    Gilas first outlasted New Zealand, 21-16, before cruising past Singapore, 22-14, to secure the top seed entering the final.

     

    Against Japan, the Philippines wasted little time taking control as the trio of Cabs Cabonilas, Koji Buenaflor, and Earl Medina fueled an early surge that stretched the lead to 18-10, leaving Japan with little room for a comeback before Gilas eventually sealed the 19-14 victory.

     

    Cabonilas once again led the offense with seven points, while Buenaflor added six. Medina provided the finishing touches by knocking down two long-range shots to finish with five points, while Jhuniel dela Rama contributed one point.

     

    Cabonilas proved to be the catalyst throughout the tournament after returning to the lineup following his absence in Stop 2.

     

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    He erupted for 11 points in the opening victory over New Zealand before pouring in 10 more against Singapore, helping set the tone for the Philippines’ dominant campaign. Dela Rama and Medina also chipped in six points each in the win over Singapore.

     

    The championship not only boosted Gilas’ confidence but also significantly strengthened its position in the overall standings heading into the remaining stops of the competition.

     

    Meanwhile, the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s U21 team was unable to replicate the men’s success but still salvaged a victory during pool play.

     

    The Filipinas opened their campaign with a 21-7 defeat to Japan before bouncing back with a 15-11 triumph over Singapore behind the efforts of Elaine Patio, Kristan Yumul, Alyssa Rodriguez, and Marga Villanueva.

     

    Despite the split results, the women’s squad finished fourth in Stop 3 and remained fifth in the conference standings with 170 points.

     

    With momentum now on their side, the Gilas Boys will look to build on their championship performance when the tournament resumes after a one-day break.

     

    In Stop 4 on Friday, the Philippines will face New Zealand and Malaysia in the men’s pool stage, while the women’s team takes on Japan and host Malaysia as both squads continue their pursuit of valuable points in the race for the overall conference title.

     

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  • Gilas Boys settle for runner-up finish after thriller against Belarus in FIBA 3×3 Nations League opener 

    Gilas Boys settle for runner-up finish after thriller against Belarus in FIBA 3×3 Nations League opener 

    Gilas Pilipinas Boys came within a single basket of opening the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League – Asia 2 Conference with a championship, but Belarus denied the Filipinos in a dramatic title game on Monday at Hextar World Empire City in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

     

    After putting together an unbeaten run through the group stage, the young Filipinos saw their impressive start end in a razor-thin 20-19 defeat, settling for a runner-up finish in Stop 1 of the six-leg competition.

     

    The loss came against a Belarus squad that has returned to international youth 3×3 action after FIBA allowed Belarus and Russia to compete exclusively in youth events held in China and Malaysia, following restrictions on their participation in European competitions.

     

    Belarus also completed a sweep of the opening stop after its women’s team edged Japan, 19-17, in an overtime thriller to capture the girls’ title.

     

    The boys’ championship match remained deadlocked at 15-all before Belarus found its breakthrough.

     

    Aleksei Baldin knocked down consecutive baskets to spark a decisive 3-0 run, turning a tied contest into an 18-15 advantage with just over a minute left.

     

    Gilas refused to fold.

     

    Earl Medina buried a clutch two-pointer to breathe life into the Philippine comeback, trimming the deficit to one possession. But Belarus answered immediately as David-Masenhe Mukete converted an and-one play to push the lead back to three.

     

    Still, the Filipinos kept fighting until the final horn.

     

    Medina and Jedric Daa scored in the closing seconds to make it a one-point game, but the comeback bid fell just short as time expired.

     

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    Medina paced Gilas Pilipinas with seven points in the final, while Cabs Cabonilas and Koji Buenaflor added five points each.

     

    Mukete finished with eight points to lead Belarus, with Arseni Viarzhbitski contributing six.

     

    The Philippines earned its place in the championship game after an impressive showing in pool play.

     

    Buenaflor erupted for nine points as Gilas defeated New Zealand, 22-17, before he and Cabonilas combined for 14 points in a convincing 21-14 victory over host Malaysia to book a finals berth.

     

    While the boys came within one point of the title, the Gilas Pilipinas Girls endured a difficult start to their campaign.

     

    The Philippine squad of Alyssa Rodriguez, Elaine Patio, Kristan Yumul, and Marga Villanueva dropped its opening game to Japan, 21-10, before falling to Malaysia, 20-11, to finish winless in Stop 1.

     

    Both Philippine teams, however, will have little time to dwell on the results as the Nations League resumes immediately on Tuesday for Stop 2.

     

    The Gilas Boys will look to build on their strong opening performance when they face Japan and Malaysia, while the Gilas Girls aim to bounce back against New Zealand and Malaysia as the race for an outright berth in the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup continues.

     

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  • Kiefer Ravena retires from Gilas Pilipinas after long international career

    Kiefer Ravena retires from Gilas Pilipinas after long international career

    Veteran guard Kiefer Ravena has officially closed the chapter on his international basketball career, announcing that his time representing the Philippine men’s national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, has come to an end.

     

    After more than a decade of wearing the national colors at various levels, Ravena said he is ready to step aside and make way for the next generation of Filipino players. The 32-year-old guard reflected on his journey with the national team, describing his experience as a memorable and rewarding chapter of his career.

     

    “I’m done with my career with the national team. It has been fun,” Ravena said to the media while attending Alex Eala’s “Play Mind Games” meet-and-greet event at Nike Fort in Taguig on Monday, July 13.

     

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    Ravena’s Gilas Pilipinas journey began long before he became a fixture in the senior national team. He first represented the country at the youth level in 2009 with the Philippine men’s national Under-17 basketball team, beginning a long association with international basketball that would see him compete in major tournaments across different age groups and formats.

     

    Over the years, Ravena became one of the most recognizable figures in Philippine basketball, known for his leadership, competitiveness, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. He eventually made the transition to the senior national team, becoming a key contributor in Gilas Pilipinas’ campaigns in international competitions.

     

    His final appearance for the national team came during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which was hosted by the Philippines. Ravena played five games in the tournament, averaging 2.6 points and 1.8 assists per game as part of the Gilas squad that competed against some of the world’s top basketball nations.

     

    However, following the transition from former head coach Chot Reyes to current mentor Tim Cone, Ravena found himself outside the national team rotation. Despite calls from some supporters for his return due to his experience and familiarity with international basketball, the veteran guard acknowledged that the program had moved in a different direction.

     

    Ravena accepted the decision and expressed his understanding that the national team is focused on developing a new generation of players who can carry Philippine basketball forward.

    “A lot of people said na hindi pa kailangan, pero nag-retire na nga. That’s the direction that they are going, so for me, there’s no problem with that,” he added.

     

    Although he has made his decision public, Ravena clarified that he has not formally communicated his retirement from Gilas Pilipinas to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). For the veteran guard, his decision was personal and did not require an official announcement beyond sharing his intentions.

     

    “I don’t think I have to do that. I don’t think I have to tell anybody at this point of my career, where I am,” Ravena continued.

     

    While his national team career has ended, Ravena’s professional basketball journey continues. The former NLEX Road Warriors standout recently signed with the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the Japan B. League, opening a new chapter as he focuses on extending his club career overseas.

     

    Ravena said he remains fully supportive of Gilas Pilipinas and believes the country’s future remains bright with the emergence of younger players who will take on the responsibility of representing the Philippines on the international stage.

     

    “I’m very happy that I was able to have that opportunity. I’m just in full support for the national team and the next generation of athletes who will represent the Philippines. It’s not that I wasn’t able to represent the country in my career. I have done it in the past. Walang kulang, no regrets, and just full of love. Pro career, and pro family,” he concluded.

     

    During his time with Gilas Pilipinas, Ravena collected numerous achievements and became one of the country’s most decorated national team players. He was part of five Southeast Asian Games gold medal-winning campaigns from 2011 to 2019, helping the Philippines maintain its dominance in regional basketball.

     

    Beyond his medal haul, Ravena’s impact on the national program extended beyond statistics. He served as a veteran presence in the locker room, offering leadership to younger teammates while representing the competitive spirit associated with Philippine basketball.

     

    As he moves forward with his professional career in Japan, Ravena leaves Gilas Pilipinas with a legacy built on commitment, consistency, and pride in representing the country. Though his national team chapter has ended, his influence on Philippine basketball is expected to continue as he enters the next phase of his career.

     

     

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  • Mike Phillips set for reported Japan move after abrupt San Juan exit  

    Mike Phillips set for reported Japan move after abrupt San Juan exit  

    One of the biggest names expected to headline the PBA Season 51 Rookie Draft may no longer hear his name called.

     

    Mike Phillips, widely regarded as one of the most coveted prospects in this year’s class, is reportedly headed overseas after agreeing to a lucrative three-year contract with a team in Japan’s B.League, a move that could dramatically alter the complexion of the upcoming draft.

     

    The development not only signals a major career decision for the former De La Salle standout but also leaves the San Juan Knights scrambling to recover from the unexpected departure of one of their cornerstone players in the middle of a strong MPBL campaign.

     

    San Juan team manager Jun Usman confirmed that Phillips has already parted ways with the club, expressing disappointment over how the separation unfolded.

     

    “Sadly, he left us. What’s unfair is he didn’t even have the balls to talk to us. It was only his brother Ben who informed us of his sudden departure,” said Usman.

     

    According to San Juan, Phillips’ contract included an opt-out clause that allowed him to pursue overseas opportunities. Sources added that his reported B.League deal includes a seven-figure monthly salary along with benefits such as a fully furnished condominium, a dedicated service vehicle, and business-class travel.

     

    While the Knights acknowledged Phillips exercised a provision in his contract, Usman lamented that the organization was caught off guard by the timing and manner of his exit.

     

    “It was so unprofessional of him,” he said. “At nakakalungkot lang na nangyari ito at a time na mismong si Sen eh may pinagdadaanan.”

     

    “Sobrang unfair lang nito sa amin kasi binigla na kami, parang iniwan kami sa ere. Pano kami ngayon,” Usman, whose team owns an impressive record of 14 wins and 1 loss, added.

     

    San Juan officials also revealed that communication with Phillips became difficult following his recent stint with Gilas Pilipinas during the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Australia.

     

    Under B.League regulations, his appearance for the Philippine national team qualifies him for Asian Quota eligibility, making him an attractive target for clubs in Japan’s top division.

     

    Usman said the organization repeatedly attempted to reach Phillips before eventually receiving confirmation of his decision through his brother.

     

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    “Wala, hindi na siya sumasagot sa amin. Ilang tawag at text na ang ginagawa namin, until recently, yung kapatid pa n’ya na si Ben ang nagsabi sa amin na they are terminating their contract [under the opt-out clause],” he said.

     

    Phillips has been one of the MPBL’s most productive big men this season, averaging 8.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game while anchoring one of the league’s top teams.

     

    His impact was perhaps most evident in San Juan’s statement victory over defending champion Abra Solid North Weavers last May, when he played a key role in a crucial 66-58 triumph that strengthened the Knights’ title aspirations.

     

    Despite expressing frustration over the circumstances, Usman acknowledged that Phillips leaves a significant void on the roster.

     

    “Malaking bagay talaga sa amin si Mike pero ano pa ba ang magagawa namin,” said Usman. “Pero para sa amin, sana man lang nagpaalam ng maayos. Nagkaroon man lang sana kami ng chance na makahirit for him to stay.”

     

    The San Juan executive also maintained that the organization fulfilled its commitments to the high-flying forward, noting that Phillips received his compensation on time through the support of the team’s financial backers.

     

    Should the reported B.League move push through, Phillips would forgo the PBA Rookie Draft altogether and instead continue his rapid rise on the international stage, marking another high-profile Filipino talent choosing an overseas opportunity before beginning a professional career in the PBA.

     

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  • Juan Gomez de Liano stays grounded despite earning bigger Gilas role 

    Juan Gomez de Liano stays grounded despite earning bigger Gilas role 

    Juan Gomez de Liano may have emerged as one of the biggest revelations for Gilas Pilipinas in the latest FIBA window, but the rookie guard isn’t ready to assume anything.

     

    Fresh from turning heads in the national team’s hard-fought battles against New Zealand and Australia, Gomez de Liano returned to PBA action with Converge on Sunday carrying newfound confidence—but also the same mindset that earned him his opportunity in the first place.

     

    The 24-year-old guard was back in uniform as the FiberXers cruised to a 105-74 victory over Titan Ultra at the Ynares Center in Montalban, days after making what many considered a breakthrough performance in a Gilas jersey.

     

    Against New Zealand, Gomez de Liano delivered under pressure, knocking down two clutch three-pointers that nearly helped the Philippines steal a road victory.

     

    His first triple forced overtime, while his second gave Gilas a chance to complete the upset before the Tall Blacks eventually escaped with a double-overtime win.

     

    The performance quickly sparked conversations about whether Gomez de Liano had secured a permanent place in Tim Cone’s rotation moving forward.

     

    The Converge rookie believes he made a strong case, but knows the decision ultimately rests with the coaching staff.

     

    “Performance-wise, I hope so,” Gomez de Liano said.

     

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    Rather than looking too far ahead, the former UP standout insisted his focus remains on controlling what he can every time he receives a national team call-up.

     

    “Those things are pretty much out of my control,” said the PBA rookie. “If I said it’s out of my control, If I get a call up, I’ll just do my thing and show up and just be there for the guys.

    “It’s out of my control, but you know, I can’t say I’ll screw the spot. So, I’ll just stay calm,” added Gomez de Liano.

     

    The challenge for Gilas only becomes tougher from here.

     

    The Philippines advanced to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers with a 2-4 record and now finds itself fifth in Group E behind Australia, New Zealand, Iran, and Jordan.

     

    With only three qualifying windows remaining, every game has taken on added significance.

     

    Gilas will face Jordan and Iran at home in late August before taking on Syria later in the qualifying campaign, with each of the three Middle Eastern teams scheduled to meet the Philippines twice.

    For Gomez de Liano, the path to the World Cup leaves little room for error.

     

    “I feel like must win games for us,” Gomez de Liano said. “I don’t think we can afford to lose, you know, those Middle Eastern teams. They know how to play basketball the right way.”

     

    His recent performance may have strengthened his case for a larger role, but Gomez de Liano knows the bigger objective extends beyond individual recognition.

     

    As Gilas enters the most critical stretch of its World Cup campaign, the young guard hopes to turn one impressive qualifying window into a lasting role in the national team’s pursuit of a place on basketball’s biggest stage.

     

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  • Cebu set to host first-ever FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in the Philippines

    Cebu set to host first-ever FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in the Philippines

    The road to one of the biggest events in Asian women’s basketball officially began to unfold as the Philippines unveiled the branding for the 2027 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, signaling the country’s readiness to host the continental showcase for the first time.


    The launch ceremony in Cebu City introduced the tournament’s official logo and identity ahead of the competition, which will run from July 10 to 18, 2027, at the city’s newly opened arena.

     

    The event brought together key figures in Philippine basketball and government, including Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Ricky Vargas, Executive Director Erika Dy, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio, and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr., underscoring the significance of the tournament for the country.

     

    For FIBA Asia President Dr. K. Govindaraj, the Philippines provides the perfect stage for the continent’s premier women’s basketball competition.

     

    “The FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027 provides a platform for the fans in the Philippines to witness the best of women’s basketball right in their own country and for the global fans to experience the passion for the sport in the Philippines,” FIBA Asia President Dr. K. Govindaraj said.

     

    The newly unveiled tournament logo blends FIBA’s visual identity with Cebu’s heritage, incorporating the city’s official colors, seal, and traditional Filipino weaving patterns around the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup trophy design first introduced last year.

     

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    According to FIBA Executive Director-Asia Hagop Khajirian, the tournament remains among the federation’s most prestigious competitions and continues to play a key role in raising the standard of women’s basketball across the region.

     

    “The FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027 is another step towards consolidating the gains made in the last few years both in terms of excellence in competition and enhancement of women’s basketball,” Khajirian said.

     

    For the SBP, hosting the tournament is both a privilege and a reflection of the country’s reputation as one of basketball’s strongest markets.

     

    “Bringing one of Asia’s premier basketball events to the Philippines reflects the confidence that FIBA has in our ability to organize world-class competitions and in the passion of Filipino basketball fans,” Vargas said.

     

    Beyond staging a successful international event, the federation also sees the tournament as a milestone for the continued rise of Gilas Pilipinas Women, who will have the rare opportunity to compete against Asia’s elite on home soil.

     

    The national team heads into the hosting duties with growing momentum. Gilas Pilipinas Women currently sits 30th in the latest FIBA world rankings, buoyed by its historic victory over Colombia in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments last March.

     

    With the tournament now less than a year away, the unveiling of its branding marks the first official step toward welcoming Asia’s top women’s basketball nations to Cebu, where the Philippines hopes to showcase not only its passion for the sport but also the continued progress of its women’s national program.

     

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  • Ginebra begins search for temporary import as Justin Brownlee recovers from injuries 

    Ginebra begins search for temporary import as Justin Brownlee recovers from injuries 

    For the first time in nearly a decade, Barangay Ginebra is preparing to begin a PBA Governors’ Cup campaign without Justin Brownlee leading the way.


    The Gin Kings have officially started looking for a temporary replacement for their longtime resident import after Brownlee was sidelined by multiple injuries sustained during Ginebra’s Commissioner’s Cup title run and Gilas Pilipinas’ recent stint in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The search is already underway.

     

    Head coach Tim Cone revealed in an exclusive interview before departing for the United States on Wednesday that he will spend part of his trip to the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas scouting for an import who can fill Brownlee’s spot while the naturalized Filipino works his way back to full health.

     

    “To scout for an import,” he said.

     

    The timing leaves Ginebra with little room to spare.

     

    The defending Commissioner’s Cup champions open their PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup campaign against Phoenix on July 19, giving Cone just over a week to identify and secure a reinforcement capable of helping the team stay competitive until Brownlee returns.

     

    Finding an import has rarely been a concern for Ginebra over the past nine years.

     

    Since first arriving in the Philippines during the 2016 Governors’ Cup, Brownlee has become one of the most accomplished and beloved imports in PBA history. 

     

    Although he entered the league without NBA experience after going undrafted in 2011, he brought an impressive résumé that included standout stints in the NBA G League, Summer League, and a successful collegiate career at St. John’s University.

     

    What followed was one of the most remarkable import tenures the league has ever seen.

     

    Brownlee guided Ginebra to seven PBA championships, collected four Best Import awards, and authored countless iconic moments that cemented his place as the face of the franchise’s “Never Say Die” identity.

     

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    His durability also became one of his defining traits, making 

    his current absence all the more unfamiliar for both the organization and its fans.

    Brownlee continued to play through injuries during the Commissioner’s Cup Finals before suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in the third window of the World Cup qualifiers. 

     

    He helped push New Zealand to double overtime despite nursing a hamstring issue before eventually sitting out the national team’s game against Australia after being diagnosed with multiple ailments, including a hamstring strain, right

     peroneal tendinopathy, and swelling and cartilage defects in his left knee.

    Those injuries have forced Ginebra to temporarily turn the page and search for another import, even if only for the opening stretch of the conference.

     

    Fortunately for the Gin Kings, Cone has built a reputation for identifying players who fit both his system and the team’s culture. While replacing Brownlee’s production, leadership, and championship pedigree is an enormous challenge, Ginebra hopes its next reinforcement can keep the team afloat until its longtime cornerstone is healthy enough to return.

     

    Whoever ultimately earns the call will inherit one of the toughest assignments in the PBA—not simply replacing an import, but filling the shoes of a player who has defined Ginebra basketball for nearly a decade.

     

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