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Tag: PBA Commissioner’s Cup

  • Tony Mitchell feels ‘at home’ in PBA return despite Macau loss

    Tony Mitchell feels ‘at home’ in PBA return despite Macau loss

    For Tony Mitchell, stepping back onto a Philippine Basketball Association court felt less like a comeback and more like returning to familiar ground.

     

    Mitchell made his latest PBA appearance with the Macau Black Knights in their debut outing in the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup. While the result didn’t go their way—a 102-94 loss to the Converge FiberXers at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium—the veteran forward still relished the chance to once again play in front of Filipino basketball fans.

     

    Mitchell delivered a double-double performance with 18 points and 10 rebounds, helping Macau stay within striking distance for most of the contest before Converge seized control late in the fourth quarter.

     

    A decisive 14-0 surge by the FiberXers, sparked by guard Alec Stockton, ultimately created the separation that sealed the win.

     

    Still, the game carried deeper meaning for Mitchell beyond the numbers on the scoreboard.

     

    “It was exciting, man. For me, the Philippines is home,” Mitchell said. “In reality, it really is home for me. I love the culture, I love the people.”

     

    The former NBA forward has built a unique bond with the local basketball scene through the years, one that extends far beyond his time in the professional league.

     

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    “I have people here that I call family—from PBA, Tondo,” he added.

     

    During his time away from the PBA, Mitchell remained a familiar presence in community leagues and regional tournaments across the country. He spent the past few years playing in various competitions, including the popular grassroots circuit known as Ligang Labas.

     

    Those experiences, he said, helped strengthen his connection with the Philippines and its passionate basketball culture.

     

    “Shoutout to everybody in the Ligang Labas.”

     

    Now back on the PBA stage, Mitchell hopes to help the Black Knights carve out their place in a conference stacked with established franchises and towering imports.

     

    “For me this is a lifetime experience and I’m just happy and glad to be back,” Mitchell said.

     

    As Macau continues its first campaign in the Commissioner’s Cup, Mitchell and the Black Knights will try to translate that sense of belonging into their first win in the tournament.

     

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  • Magnolia, Phoenix seek fresh start in Commissioner’s Cup; Blackwater, NLEX clash in early test

    Magnolia, Phoenix seek fresh start in Commissioner’s Cup; Blackwater, NLEX clash in early test

    Two teams looking to rewrite their recent fortunes collide when the Magnolia Hotshots and the Phoenix Fuel Masters open their campaigns in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Magnolia enters the 7:30 p.m. main game eager to bounce back after falling short of the semifinals in the Philippine Cup. The Hotshots finished sixth in the eliminations before being eliminated by the TNT Tropang 5G, 118-109, in the quarterfinals—marking a disappointing end to their first conference under head coach LA Tenorio.

     

    Meanwhile, Phoenix hopes to quickly move past a difficult All-Filipino campaign where the Fuel Masters finished 10th with a 3-8 record.

     

    Both squads will lean heavily on their imports in the early going. Magnolia is banking on the inside presence of Terrell Brown-Soares, a 6-foot-10 big man known for his rim protection and rebounding, along with a perimeter touch that has impressed in stints across Europe.

     

    The Fuel Masters counter with their own interior anchor in James Dickey, another 6-foot-10 veteran who has built a strong international résumé with stops in Germany, Israel, and Indonesia after a decorated college career at UNC Greensboro. Dickey left the Spartans as the school’s all-time leader in rebounds with 1,060 while ranking second in blocks with 222.

     

    Phoenix is also ushering in a new era with Charles Tiu making his debut as a PBA head coach. Tiu, who previously won championships in the NCAA and the Jones Cup, will look to guide a roster featuring familiar names such as Jason Perkins, Kai Ballungay, Tyler Tio, Ken Tuffin, Ricci Rivero, and Evan Nelle.

     

     

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    Also joining the team is rookie Will Gozum, the eighth overall pick in the Season 50 draft and a former cornerstone player under Tiu during their championship run with St. Benilde.

     

    Earlier in the evening, the Blackwater Bossing and the NLEX Road Warriors square off in the 5:15 p.m. curtain raiser.

     

    Blackwater will lean on high-scoring guard Sedrick Barefield, who averaged 19.2 points per game in the previous conference to finish among the league’s top scorers.

     

    Across the floor, NLEX will turn to its floor general Robert Bolick, who led the league in assists last conference while also serving as the Road Warriors’ offensive engine. Bolick has repeatedly shown his ability to take over games, including a 20-point outing that powered NLEX to a win over Blackwater in a previous meeting.

     

    Supporting Bolick are key contributors such as Kevin Alas and JB Bahio, whose balanced production has helped NLEX maintain a competitive edge in recent matchups against the Bossing.

     

    With both games marking the start of new campaigns, the opening night matchups offer four teams a chance to quickly set the tone for what promises to be a tightly contested Commissioner’s Cup.

     

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  • Jayson Castro returns for Season 50 as TNT banks on veteran leader in Commissioner’s Cup

    Jayson Castro returns for Season 50 as TNT banks on veteran leader in Commissioner’s Cup

    The TNT Tropang 5G will welcome back a familiar leader as the franchise prepares for the start of the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Veteran playmaker Jayson Castro returns for his 17th campaign in the league, marking a significant step in his comeback after a serious knee injury sidelined him for months.

     

    Castro suffered a patellar tendon tear during TNT’s semifinal clash against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in last season’s Commissioner’s Cup. The injury forced the longtime star guard to spend the past several months focused on recovery and rehabilitation, eventually missing the entire Philippine Cup.

     

    Without their veteran floor general, TNT still managed to reach the finals of that conference before falling to the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen.

     

    Now healthy enough to return, Castro resumes his role as one of the team’s most important leaders. At 39, the player known as “The Blur” remains a steady presence whose experience could prove crucial for a TNT squad leaning on guards Rey Nambatac and Jordan Heading in the backcourt rotation.

     

    Before the injury, Castro averaged 9.5 points per game during the conference and has maintained a 14.1-point career scoring average across his long tenure with TNT.

     

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    His decorated résumé includes multiple championships and individual honors, with the most recent being named the  PBA Governors’ Cup Finals MVP in 2024, adding to his reputation as one of the league’s most accomplished point guards.

     

    TNT will enter the new conference with high expectations. The team is widely viewed as an early contender after securing NBA veteran Bol Bol as its import, a move expected to strengthen the Tropang 5G’s inside presence.

     

    Meanwhile, the team will open the conference without veteran big man Poy Erram, who was placed on the injury/reserved list.

     

    As the Commissioner’s Cup begins, Castro’s return provides TNT with something that cannot easily be replaced—experience, leadership, and the steady hand of a champion guard who has spent nearly two decades guiding the franchise.

     

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  • Macau Black Knights center Ramon Cao eager for another showdown with June Mar Fajardo

    Macau Black Knights center Ramon Cao eager for another showdown with June Mar Fajardo

    The arrival of guest teams in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup brings fresh matchups for the league’s established stars, and one of the most anticipated could take place in the paint.

    Ramon Cao, the towering center of the Macau Black Knights, has already circled a potential battle with June Mar Fajardo of the San Miguel Beermen.

    For Cao, the prospect of matching up again with the league’s most decorated center is more of a challenge than a concern.

     

    “From my experience last season, I definitely want to compete against June Mar Fajardo,” Cao said in an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel’s sports program The Scorecard on Tuesday night.

     

    “He’s one of the biggest and strongest players I’ve played against, so I would love to give that a go again this season,” he added.

     

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    Cao is no stranger to the physicality of the PBA. Last season, he suited up for Hong Kong Eastern during its stint in the midseason conference, giving him firsthand experience against some of the league’s premier big men.

     

    Still, facing Fajardo presents a different kind of test. The San Miguel cornerstone has long been regarded as one of the most dominant forces in the league, having captured a record nine Most Valuable Player awards while anchoring the Beermen’s interior play.

     

    Known for his size, strength, and polished post game, Fajardo has often dictated matchups inside the paint, forcing opposing centers to match both his physicality and endurance.

     

    With the Black Knights entering the conference as one of the guest squads, Cao believes the opportunity to go up against players of Fajardo’s caliber is part of what makes the tournament appealing.

     

    If their teams eventually meet on the court, the clash between the two big men could easily become one of the conference’s most intriguing battles in the low post.

     

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  • Hamstring injury delays Calvin Abueva’s Converge debut, FiberXers await scoring boost

    Hamstring injury delays Calvin Abueva’s Converge debut, FiberXers await scoring boost

    Fans eager to see Calvin Abueva suit up for the Converge FiberXers will have to wait a little longer.

     

    Head coach Delta Pineda revealed that the fiery forward is still nursing a hamstring injury, forcing the team to keep him sidelined for at least a few more games in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association.

     

    “Maybe two or three more games. Rest na muna,” Pineda said, explaining the team’s cautious approach as Abueva continues his recovery.

     

    Abueva missed Converge’s conference opener against the Macau Black Knights, a game the FiberXers still managed to take, 102-94, to begin their campaign on a winning note.

     

    Despite the absence of one of their most explosive weapons, Converge knows the kind of offensive punch waiting once Abueva finally takes the floor.

     

    Last season, the veteran forward emerged as the league’s top scorer during his stint with the Titan Ultra, averaging an impressive 23 points per game. His scoring spree included a massive 41-point outing, the highest single-game total of his career, highlighting the kind of firepower he can bring when fully healthy.

     

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    That offensive ability is exactly what the FiberXers hope will elevate their game once Abueva returns. Known for his relentless energy and fearless attacking style, the 38-year-old could provide the scoring boost needed to push Converge to another level as the conference progresses.

     

    Pineda, however, chose to keep the mood light when discussing his veteran forward’s recovery, joking that time may finally be catching up with the longtime fan favorite.

     

    “Wala na may edad na. Akala niyo lang malakas pa, pero nangangatog na yung tuhod,” Pineda said with a chuckle.

     

    “Buti nga hindi uric acid.”

     

    The same hamstring issue also limited Abueva’s minutes during the recent PBA All-Star Game, where he only logged a brief appearance while representing the North Team.

     

    For now, Converge continues its early push in the conference while waiting for the moment Abueva can finally make his much-anticipated debut in a FiberXers uniform — a return the team hopes will ignite its offense and strengthen its bid in the tournament.

     

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  • Mikey Williams reveals why he was limited to fourth-quarter action following his PBA comeback with Converge

    Mikey Williams reveals why he was limited to fourth-quarter action following his PBA comeback with Converge

    Mikey Williams finally stepped back onto the PBA hardwood on Wednesday night—but his return came with an unusual twist.


    The two-time Finals MVP had to spend most of Converge FiberXers’ season-opening clash against the Macau Black Knights watching from the bench before he could even play a single minute in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    Williams’ long-awaited comeback was delayed by paperwork rather than basketball decisions. The guard had to wait for his Letter of Clearance (LOC) from FIBA, a document confirming that a player has fulfilled contractual obligations with previous teams, clubs, or federations.

     

    As the game unfolded, the necessary clearance had yet to arrive, forcing Williams to sit through the first three quarters despite being available to play.

     

    Though he did not explicitly mention the document, Williams confirmed that certain matters were still being settled while the game was already underway—ultimately delaying his debut for Converge.

     

    Once everything was finally cleared, he was given the green light to enter the game in the fourth quarter, marking his first appearance in the PBA in nearly three years.

     

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    “There were some things that we couldn’t control that kinda faltered me from playing in the first three quarters to help the team. But I’m glad it finally got cleared up in the fourth quarter, and they gave me the go-ahead to play. Just tried to insert myself, help the team as best as I could, in any way that I could,” Williams said.

     

    Although the 34-year-old guard struggled to find his rhythm offensively—missing all four of his field-goal attempts, he still managed to contribute in other ways. 

     

    Williams finished with two rebounds, three assists, and one steal as Converge secured the victory over Macau.

     

    For Williams, however, the night meant far more than statistics. Returning to competitive basketball and sharing the floor with teammates again was what truly mattered after such a long absence.

    “But more importantly, I missed the camaraderie with a team and being around teammates. It’s something new that we’re building here, just glad to be a part of it,” he said.

     

    Now beginning a new chapter with the FiberXers, Williams understands that adjusting to his new team will take time. Learning Converge’s system and identifying where he best fits within a roster filled with young talent will be part of the process moving forward.

     

    For the Los Angeles-born guard, the priority is patience—taking small steps as he reintegrates himself into the team and the league.

     

    “The foundation is right where it needs to be. The right guys, the right people at the helm, at the reins to get us to go. I just think it’s learning to focus in and do the little things that we need to do to get those gut-wrenching wins,” Los Angeles-born guard said.

     

    Even with limited minutes, Williams’ presence signaled the start of what could be a significant new chapter—for both the veteran guard and the young Converge franchise.

     

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  • Alec Stockton shines in crunch time as Converge narrowly defeats Macau in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Alec Stockton shines in crunch time as Converge narrowly defeats Macau in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    The new PBA season began with a dramatic finish as Alec Stockton delivered when it mattered most, powering the Converge FiberXers to a 102–94 victory over the Macau Black Knights to kick off the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.


    With the game hanging in the balance entering the final period, Stockton took control on both ends of the floor, igniting a decisive fourth quarter run that allowed Converge to pull away and spoil Macau’s debut as a guest squad in the import-laden conference.

     

    The FiberXers guard finished with 18 points, six steals, three rebounds, and three assists, highlighting an all-around effort that sparked Converge’s momentum in the closing minutes. 

     

    His energy on defense and ability to attack the basket fueled a crucial 14–2 run that finally broke open a tightly contested match.

     

    Supporting Stockton’s charge were Archie Concepcion and Justin Arana, who contributed 16 and 15 points respectively as the FiberXers found timely scoring late in the game.

     

    “I think we just wanted to buckle down on defense. We weren’t really getting much on offense. I’m just glad it worked out for us,” said Stockton after their match against the Black Knights.

     

    For much of the night, however, the game belonged to Macau. The Black Knights looked poised to steal the opener but Converge slowly chipped away.

     

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    Arana, Stockton, Concepcion, and Jonnel Policarpio combined for a steady rally that cut the deficit to just three points entering the fourth quarter, setting the stage for the late-game surge.

     

    Import Kylor Kelley sparked the decisive stretch with a putback slam before Stockton tied the contest with a quick layup. 

     

    Stockton then delivered the play that broke Macau’s resistance, weaving through three defenders for a tough layup before assisting Justine Baltazar on another basket that pushed the lead to eight with just over two minutes remaining.

     

    The game also marked the long-awaited return of Williams, the two-time Finals MVP, who made his comeback appearance but only saw action in the fourth quarter.

     

    Despite the loss, Macau had its share of bright spots. Jenning Leung paced the Black Knights with 22 points, while Phoenix Shackelford and Chongqui added 20 and 19 respectively.

     

    Still, it was Stockton who ultimately stole the spotlight, delivering the clutch performance that allowed Converge to open the conference with momentum.

     

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  • Terrafirma guard Mark Nonoy considered AWOL ahead of PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Terrafirma guard Mark Nonoy considered AWOL ahead of PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    The Terrafirma Dyip are heading into the new conference with a cloud of uncertainty surrounding one of their young guards.

     

    Team sources revealed that Mark Nonoy has not reported to practices for months and is now considered AWOL (Absent Without Official Leave) as the franchise prepares for its campaign in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    According to insiders, the 5-foot-9 playmaker has been absent from team activities since the Dyip resumed preparations in early January. His prolonged absence has also meant that he remains unavailable as Terrafirma opens its conference schedule against Titan Ultra at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    “Si Nonoy considered AWOL since January,” said a source familiar with the situation.

     

    The 25-year-old guard has reportedly been unreachable for much of that stretch, leaving the team without clarity regarding his status just days before the season tips off.

     

    Nonoy’s absence is not the only roster concern for Terrafirma. The Dyip’s 14-man lineup for the conference opener will also be without forward Louie Sangalang, who has emerged as one of the club’s most reliable big men in recent seasons.

     

    Neither the team nor the league has officially addressed Sangalang’s situation, although sources said the rugged forward is currently serving a suspension related to an unspecified violation.

     

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    Meanwhile, speculation has swirled around Nonoy’s whereabouts. Unverified posts circulating on social media appear to show the former De La Salle Green Archers and UST Growling Tigers guard playing in unsanctioned local tournaments in Iloilo during the league break.

     

    Under PBA rules, active players are prohibited from participating in so-called “ligang labas” unless they receive clearance from both the league and their mother team.

     

    Sources confirmed that Nonoy traveled to Iloilo during the holiday period, though the circumstances behind his extended absence remain unclear.

     

    There have also been whispers suggesting that frustration over delayed compensation may have played a role in his decision to stay away from the team, though neither the Dyip nor league officials have commented on the claim.

     

    “Last time ko siyang nakausap sabi niya pabalik na siya ng Manila,” said one person close to the former UAAP Rookie of the Year.

     

    In the meantime, Terrafirma has already withheld the salary of Nonoy, who still has one year remaining on his contract with the franchise.

     

    The guard was selected 10th overall by the Dyip in the Season 49 rookie draft but only joined the team after completing his prior commitment with the Iloilo United Royals in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

     

    As the Dyip begin another conference, the team now faces an unexpected storyline off the court — one involving a young guard whose absence continues to raise more questions than answers.

     

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  • Magnolia taps Nuni Omot as new import ahead of PBA Commissioner’s Cup 

    Magnolia taps Nuni Omot as new import ahead of PBA Commissioner’s Cup 

    Before the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup kicks off, the Magnolia Hotshots have made a bold move, bringing in a new import to lead their campaign.


    Nuni Omot will take over for Terrell Brown-Soares, who was released on Wednesday, giving the Hotshots fresh firepower as they aim for a strong showing in the tournament.

     

    Omot, a 6-foot-9 forward, has carved out a reputation as a globe-trotting scorer. A Baylor University product, he went undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft but saw action with the Long Island Nets in the NBA G League before venturing overseas. 

     

    His professional journey has taken him to leagues in North Macedonia, the Netherlands, Turkey, Germany, Egypt, France, China, Israel, Rwanda, and most recently Al Riyadi Beirut in Lebanon.

     

    During his time with Al Ahly in 2023, Omot earned MVP honors in the Basketball Africa League, showcasing his scoring prowess. 

     

    He continued to dominate in the West Asia Super League, averaging 21.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game for Al Riyadi. With the WASL and Lebanese league on hold due to conflicts in the Middle East, Omot is now available to make his PBA impact.

     

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    Omot’s international credentials are equally impressive. Representing South Sudan’s national basketball team, he delivered a breakout performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics, averaging 16.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. 

     

    His standout showing came against Team USA, pouring in 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting in South Sudan’s 103-86 loss.

     

    Magnolia fans will get their first glimpse of Omot on Friday, when the Hotshots face the Phoenix Fuel Masters. His scoring ability, size, and international experience could provide the boost Magnolia needs as they look to make a statement in the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    With Omot on board, Magnolia hopes to navigate the early games with confidence and secure a strong playoff position, signaling their intent to contend seriously for the Commissioner’s Cup title. 

     

    The league and fans alike will be watching closely to see if Omot can translate his international success to the PBA stage.

     

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  • PBA Commissioner’s Cup opens with Titan–Terrafirma clash, Converge faces Macau

    PBA Commissioner’s Cup opens with Titan–Terrafirma clash, Converge faces Macau

    The stage is set for the return of action as the PBA Commissioner’s Cup officially tips off on Wednesday, March 11, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.


    With teams bringing in reinforcements from overseas and retooled rosters eager to make an early statement, opening day promises a mix of unfamiliar matchups and high-powered performances. Two games will serve as the curtain-raiser for the conference, featuring established PBA teams and a guest squad looking to make an immediate impact.

     

    The opening game will see the Titan Ultra Giant Risers take on the Terrafirma Dyip.

     

    Titan Ultra, which officially took over the former NorthPort franchise last October, hopes to improve on its respectable 4–7 record in its debut conference. The Giant Risers showed flashes of promise during the Philippine Cup but ultimately fell short of a playoff berth, prompting several roster adjustments heading into the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    One of the most notable changes was the departure of Calvin Abueva, who had emerged as Titan’s top performer during the previous conference. Abueva has since been traded to the Converge FiberXers in exchange for King Caralipio, Mark Omega, and Rey Suerte.

     

    Titan also enters the tournament under the guidance of new head coach Rensy Bajar, who will rely on a mix of veterans and newcomers including Joshua Munzon, Von Pessumal, Cade Flores, CJ Austria, Mark Sangco, and Bryan Sajonia.

     

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    The Giant Risers will also lean on their import Michael Gilmore, whose presence adds a new dimension to the squad as they aim to establish themselves as a competitive force in the conference.

     

    Terrafirma, meanwhile, hopes the Commissioner’s Cup will provide a chance to reset after a challenging run in previous conferences. Known for their hardworking core and willingness to compete against bigger lineups, the Dyip will rely heavily on their import Mubashar Ali, a towering seven-footer expected to anchor both ends of the floor.

     

    The Dyip will also showcase new additions, including top rookie pick Geo Chiu and Ben Adamos, who was acquired from Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

    The evening’s marquee game will feature the Macau Black Knights going up against the Converge FiberXers.

     

    Macau enters the tournament as one of the foreign guest teams invited to compete in the Commissioner’s Cup. The squad is expected to rely heavily on American reinforcement Tony Mitchell, who brings scoring ability and experience from multiple international leagues.

     

    Originally, the Black Knights planned to alternate Mitchell with 7-foot-6 center Sam Deguara, but the towering big man has since joined a Taiwanese club in the P. LEAGUE+, leaving Mitchell as the team’s primary reinforcement.

     

    Converge, on the other hand, will bank on its energetic core and depth to counter the visiting squad. The FiberXers boast a strong lineup featuring Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar, Mikey Williams, Abueva, Alec Stockton, Schonny Winston, and Juan Gomez de Liaño.

     

    Anchoring their inside presence is seven-foot import Kylor Kelley, who is expected to form a formidable frontline alongside Arana and Baltazar.

     

    The matchup could turn into a battle of tempo—Macau relying on Mitchell’s versatility and inside scoring, while Converge attempts to push the pace and stretch the defense with its deep and athletic roster.

     

    As the Commissioner’s Cup begins, opening day could offer an early glimpse of which teams are ready to contend in what promises to be a competitive and import-driven conference.

     

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