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Tag: PBA Commissioner’s Cup

  • Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters reignite heated rivalry in PBA semis 

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters reignite heated rivalry in PBA semis 

    For years, playoff meetings between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have rarely been simple basketball series.

     

    They usually turn into wars of endurance.

     

    Loose balls become scrums. Possessions become physical battles. Momentum swings often feel emotional rather than tactical.

     

    Now, after several years apart in the postseason, the rivalry finally returns to center stage.

     

    Ginebra and Rain or Shine are set to clash in a highly anticipated best-of-seven semifinal showdown in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, beginning Wednesday night at the Ynares Center.

     

    It marks their first playoff meeting since the 2020 Philippine Cup and their first semifinal collision since 2018 — a reminder of just how long both franchises have traveled separate paths before arriving back at the same crossroads.

     

    For Ginebra, this latest semifinal appearance feels almost routine at this point.

     

    The Gin Kings are now heading into their eighth straight Final Four appearance, further cementing the consistency of the Tim Cone era.

     

    But this particular journey hardly looked smooth early on.

     

    Ginebra stumbled to a 2-2 start that briefly raised questions about chemistry and rhythm before the team gradually transformed into one of the league’s hottest squads.

     

    By the end of eliminations, the Gin Kings had won seven of their last eight games to secure a 9-3 record and the No. 2 seed.

     

    That momentum carried straight into the quarterfinals.

     

    Armed with a twice-to-beat advantage, Ginebra dismantled the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 112-81, in a game that barely stayed competitive beyond halftime.

     

    Justin Brownlee once again orchestrated the attack with 24 points before exiting in the third quarter because of a hamstring issue — a development that now hovers over the series as perhaps its biggest uncertainty.

     

    While Ginebra arrives carrying playoff pedigree, Rain or Shine enters with something slightly different: unfinished business.

     

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    The Elasto Painters spent most of the conference looking like the league’s most dangerous surprise.

     

    Behind their relentless pace and deep rotation, Rain or Shine opened the tournament with a franchise-best 7-0 start and briefly looked untouchable atop the standings.

     

    Though the team cooled off late and dropped three of its final five elimination games, the bigger statement came when the playoffs finally arrived.

     

    Matched against the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen, Rain or Shine faced a familiar postseason nightmare.

     

    Instead of folding, however, the Elasto Painters delivered one of the franchise’s biggest playoff wins in years.

     

    Andrei Caracut exploded for a conference-high 29 points, while imports Jaylen Johnson and Caelan Tiongson added 23 each to eliminate San Miguel and finally end years of playoff frustration against the Beermen.

     

    The breakthrough carried historical weight.

     

    It marked Rain or Shine’s first postseason series victory over San Miguel since the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup — the same conference where the Elasto Painters eventually captured the championship.

     

    Now, another opportunity sits in front of them.

     

    Rain or Shine is back in the semifinals for the fifth time in the last six conferences and is chasing its first Finals appearance since that memorable 2016 title run.

     

    On paper, the matchup feels balanced.

     

    Ginebra owns the experience, championship pedigree, and perhaps the biggest playoff star in Brownlee.

     

    Rain or Shine counters with youth, speed, depth, and the hunger of a team trying to complete its long climb back into championship contention.

     

    But history suggests this series may ultimately come down to something else entirely. When Ginebra and Rain or Shine meet in the playoffs, talent usually matters.

     

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  • From the UAAP to the PBA, the Laput siblings stay connected as each other’s biggest fans

    From the UAAP to the PBA, the Laput siblings stay connected as each other’s biggest fans

    In a season where victories and defeats crossed different courts, the Laput siblings found their own winning moment far beyond the scoreboard. For James Laput, every update from the UAAP carried more weight than any stat line in the PBA.


    Watching his younger sister Shevana Laput lead the De La Salle University Lady Spikers to a flawless UAAP Season 88 campaign and a second collegiate title, James saw not just a champion but the realization of years of expectation, pressure, and persistence finally turning into gold.

     

    For the Magnolia Hotshots big man, the achievement went beyond La Salle’s storied legacy. It became personal validation of Shevana’s journey as an athlete who carried both talent and responsibility on her shoulders.

     

    “All I can say is that she lived up to expectations, and I think she should be called the ‘doe’ because she’s the definition of elite,” he said.

     

    James knows what it means to fall short of a dream season. His own run with La Salle in Season 82 ended in disappointment after a concussion disrupted what was supposed to be a defining campaign. 

     

    That unfinished chapter has followed him into his professional career with the Magnolia Hotshots, where a championship still remains out of reach.

     

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    But while his own journey continues to search for a breakthrough, Shevana’s rise has become a source of perspective rather than pressure.

     

    “She’s proven it time and time and time and time again. She’s just well-deserving of this title and this (Finals MVP) award. It’s just a bonus for her, but it’s huge for the entire Lasallian community,” he said.

     

    Carrying the responsibility of leadership this season, Shevana entered UAAP Season 88 under heavier expectations, but delivered a campaign that defined composure under pressure.

     

    Even in the middle of Magnolia’s own PBA quarterfinal battle against the Meralco Bolts at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, family support remained constant. Despite James and Magnolia falling short in their playoff clash, Shevana was present courtside—turning the tables on roles, this time cheering for her brother from the stands.

     

    James may still be chasing his defining championship moment in the PBA, but in watching Shevana lift hers twice over with La Salle, he has already experienced a different kind of victory—one measured not in trophies, but in pride that runs in the family.

     

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  • Tim Cone, Yeng Guiao rivalry adds another chapter as Ginebra and Rain or Shine collide anew 

    Tim Cone, Yeng Guiao rivalry adds another chapter as Ginebra and Rain or Shine collide anew 

    For decades, the PBA has evolved through different stars, dynasties, and eras. But somehow, Tim Cone and Yeng Guiao have remained constant.

     

    Now, more than 30 years since both first stepped into the league, the two coaching legends are once again standing on opposite sides of a playoff series — this time with a trip to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals hanging in the balance.

     

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Rain or Shine may headline the matchup on paper, but behind the teams stands a far deeper story: two of the most influential basketball minds the league has ever seen preparing to test philosophies that have shaped generations of Philippine basketball.

     

    One built dynasties through precision, discipline, and structure. The other forged his legacy weaponizing pressure, emotion, and relentless chaos. And somehow, both approaches kept winning for decades.

     

    That contrast is exactly why their rivalry continues to endure.

     

    “I just know how hard it is to go up against Yeng Guiao. His teams play the game extremely hard and extremely fast,” Cone admitted after Ginebra dismantled Phoenix, 112-81, to book its semifinal seat.

     

    The respect between the two runs deep because few coaches truly understand what the other has survived through.

     

    Cone arrived in the PBA in 1989 and almost immediately established himself as one of the league’s brightest tacticians. Guiao followed a year later, bringing with him the fiery personality and edge that would eventually define his coaching career.

     

    From there, their paths repeatedly crossed through changing generations of players and franchises.

     

    Cone collected championships through powerhouse systems, highlighted by Alaska’s legendary 1996 Grand Slam and San Mig Coffee’s historic repeat in 2014.

     

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    Meanwhile, Guiao became the league’s ultimate culture-builder — the coach who consistently convinced overlooked teams they could punch above their weight. He steered Red Bull to multiple championships in the early 2000s before later delivering Rain or Shine its breakthrough title in 2012.

     

    Perhaps most impressively, Guiao’s 2016 Commissioner’s Cup title with the Elasto Painters remains the last championship won by a team outside the SMC and MVP groups — a reminder of how dangerous his teams become when underestimated.

     

    Cone understands that better than most.

     

    “Coach Yeng is so experienced in all these things. Sometimes, I feel I have a little edge on that time, but not with coach Yeng. We came in the league at the same time and we’ve been coaching the same amount of years. He’s been through it all,” Cone added.

     

    This latest collision arrives with Ginebra carrying momentum after crushing Rain or Shine during the elimination round. But Cone knows playoff basketball erases old results quickly — especially against a Guiao-coached squad.

     

    “You don’t put too much salt in that game and you just have to let it go. Like I said, we know the kind of team that they present so that’s what we’re gonna be ready for, not our last game,” he insisted.

     

    Because if there is one lesson their rivalry has repeatedly taught the league over the years, it is this:

     

    No lead, reputation, or previous result ever feels safe once Cone and Guiao begin matching moves from opposite benches again.

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA, and Alex Eala’s Strasbourg Open (May 18 – 24)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA, and Alex Eala’s Strasbourg Open (May 18 – 24)

    A packed week of action awaits sports fans as multiple leagues and tournaments take center stage from May 18 to 24, 2026. From the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals battles and high-stakes NBA Conference Finals clashes, to tennis action featuring Alex Eala in the Round of 32, the schedule is loaded with must-watch games across basketball and tennis. With playoff pressure rising in both the NBA and PBA, every matchup could shape championship paths.

     

    Tennis – Strasbourg Open 

     

    Round of 32 – May 18, 2026 (Monday)

    *6:50 PM — Alex Eala vs Oleksandra Oliynykova

     

    PBA Commissioner’s Cup (Best-of-Seven Series)

     

    📍 Ynares Center, Antipolo

    Wednesday, May 20

    5:15 PM — Meralco Bolts vs TNT Tropang 5G
    7:30 PM — Barangay Ginebra San Miguel vs Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

     

    📍 SM Mall of Asia Arena

    Friday, May 22

    5:15 PM — Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
    7:30 PM — TNT Tropang 5G vs Meralco Bolts

     

    Sunday, May 24

    5:15 PM — TNT Tropang 5G vs Meralco Bolts
    7:30 PM — Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

     

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    NBA 2025–26 – Conference Finals

     

    West Conference Finals

     

    📍 May 19, 2026 (Tuesday)
    8:30 AM – San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder

     

    📍 May 21, 2026 (Thursday)
    8:30 AM – San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder

     

    📍 May 23, 2026 (Saturday)
    8:00 AM – Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs

     

    East Conference Finals

     

    📍 May 20, 2026 (Wednesday)
    8:00 AM – Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks

     

    📍 May 22, 2026 (Friday)
    8:00 AM – Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks

     

    📍 May 24, 2026 (Sunday)
    8:00 AM –  New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers

     

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  • Calvin Oftana reveals TNT’s honest talk with Bol Bol sparked playoff turnaround 

    Calvin Oftana reveals TNT’s honest talk with Bol Bol sparked playoff turnaround 

    For most teams, playoff preparation usually revolves around scouting reports, film sessions, and tactical adjustments.

     

    For TNT Tropang 5G, it began with something far less comfortable — honesty.

     

    According to Calvin Oftana, TNT temporarily set basketball aside before its do-or-die clash against NLEX Road Warriors and instead confronted the issues that had quietly followed the defending champions throughout the conference.

     

    “Nag-usap kami as a team,” Oftana revealed after TNT’s 118-112 quarterfinal victory Saturday night at the Ynares Center.

     

    “Walang viewing, wala lahat. Instead na mag-viewing kami, nag-open forum kami kung anong problema sa amin internally.”

     

    The conversation became especially important because it did not exclude import Bol Bol — the player around whom much of TNT’s system now revolves.

     

    Rather than tiptoeing around frustrations, the Tropang 5G veterans addressed everything directly with the former NBA big man.

     

    “In-open up namin kung ano ‘yung problema namin kay Bol, ano ‘yung pananaw niya sa team, kung gusto niya ba kami sa team or gusto ba namin siya sa team, mga ganung bagay,” Oftana shared.

     

    For Oftana, what mattered most was how receptive Bol turned out to be.

     

    “Siyempre, you need to open up yourself naman sa kanya; ang maganda kay Bol, in-accept niya as a brother. Doon kami nagkasundo lahat.”

     

    The discussion eventually centered on one recurring theme: trust.

     

    TNT’s local core — led by Oftana, Roger Pogoy, and Jayson Castro — wanted Bol to rely more on the players around him instead of carrying the offense alone.

     

    “Sinabi lang namin na, ‘Bol, kailangan mo ipasa rin minsan.’”

     

    “Sinabihan talaga namin! Kasi sabi nga ni Coach (Chot Reyes), ‘You need to trust these locals,’” Oftana added with a laugh.

     

    The timing of the breakthrough proved perfect.

     

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    After struggling to establish chemistry during the elimination round, TNT suddenly looked far more connected in the playoffs. Bol still delivered monster numbers with 35 points and 13 rebounds in the knockout win, but the locals thrived alongside him instead of simply orbiting around his talent.

     

    Pogoy finished with 21 points, Oftana added 20 markers of his own, while Castro continued stabilizing the offense with veteran poise.

     

    More than the statistics, however, Oftana believes TNT finally discovered the balance it had been searching for all conference long.

     

    “We started rough sa conference na ‘to and right now, we’re looking good in our own way, na nakukuha na namin ‘yung rhythm namin with Bol. And Bol is looking pretty good surrounded by us,” he said.

     

    Oftana admitted the team also feels motivated to maximize what may be a short-lived partnership with one of the most talented imports to ever enter the league.

     

    “Siyempre motivated kami; siyempre ayaw naming umalis agad si Bol na ganito lang. And kami rin naman.”

     

    Now heading into the semifinals against Meralco Bolts, TNT suddenly appears more dangerous not because its stars changed individually, but because the defending champions finally started functioning like one complete unit.

     

    “It’s up to us na mga locals na to help him up, para makayod namin ‘tong semifinals to the Finals,” Oftana said. 

     

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  • Jerom Lastimosa earns respect from Chris Newsome despite Magnolia Hotshots exit 

    Jerom Lastimosa earns respect from Chris Newsome despite Magnolia Hotshots exit 

    For Magnolia Hotshots, Saturday night ended in heartbreak. For Jerom Lastimosa, it may have marked the arrival of a future franchise leader.

     

    Magnolia bowed out of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals after a painful 105-102 overtime defeat to the Meralco Bolts, but even in defeat, Lastimosa walked away with something just as valuable, the respect of veterans who know what it takes to survive in the league’s biggest moments.

     

    The young guard carried the Hotshots for most of the night, pouring in 28 points alongside four rebounds and two assists while fearlessly attacking a Meralco squad loaded with playoff experience. Every time Magnolia needed a basket, Lastimosa seemed ready to answer, refusing to let the game slip away quietly.

     

    What stood out wasn’t just the scoring, but the responsibility he willingly embraced. In a tense playoff atmosphere, the ball repeatedly found its way to his hands, and he welcomed the pressure instead of shying away from it.

     

    Even opposing star Chris Newsome couldn’t help but admire the performance unfolding in front of him.

     

    “The sky’s the limit for him. He shows that he’s capable of doing things in crunch time, which is commendable to him, because he’s willing to put that on his shoulders at such a young age,” Newsome said. 

     

    Newsome finished with 18 points and five assists of his own to help send Meralco into the semifinals, but his appreciation for Lastimosa’s growth runs deeper than one playoff duel. 

     

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    The two were teammates during the 32nd Cambodia SEA Games in 2023 under Gilas Pilipinas, where Newsome first saw signs that the former Adamson standout could thrive at the professional level.

     

    “He was part of the SEA games team before and we were teammates. I knew from that moment and when he was in Adamson that he was going to be a tough kid in the league and he’s proving that every night out,” the 35-year-old guard said. 

     

    That toughness showed late in regulation and overtime as Lastimosa traded big plays with veteran forward Bong Quinto. But as the minutes piled up, fatigue slowly crept in. 

     

    With 23.5 seconds left, he split a pair of free throws that could have tied the contest, opening the door for Meralco to finally escape. The missed opportunity will likely linger, but so will the lesson. For players expected to become stars, playoff scars are often part of the process.

     

    Under coach LA Tenorio, Lastimosa has steadily earned trust in crucial situations, and against Meralco, he showed he can handle both the spotlight and the burden that comes with it. 

     

    Newsome believes this performance will eventually fuel Lastimosa’s rise even more.

     

    “For now, I’m glad that we got the one-up on him on this one, but I know he’s gonna be hungry whenever we do get that matchup again, and it’s only gonna make him a better competitor down the road,” the Ateneo de Manila product said. 

     

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  • Robert Bolick powers ahead in PBA Best Player race as NLEX finishes with first seed in PBA Commissioner’s Cup 

    Robert Bolick powers ahead in PBA Best Player race as NLEX finishes with first seed in PBA Commissioner’s Cup 

    For years, the PBA’s biggest individual awards have largely revolved around familiar names and decorated superstars.

     

    This conference, however, Robert Bolick is forcing the conversation in a different direction.

     

    The NLEX guard has emerged as the frontrunner for the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Best Player of the Conference award after the elimination round, spearheading both the Road Warriors’ rise to the top seed and what could become the finest individual conference of his career.

     

    Bolick finished the eliminations atop the statistical points race with 41.9 SPs, putting him ahead of a stacked field led by perennial winner June Mar Fajardo, explosive rookie RJ Abarrientos, breakout forward Ricci Rivero, and Magnolia’s versatile big man Zavier Lucero.

     

    The numbers behind Bolick’s campaign have been difficult to ignore.

     

    The NLEX star averaged 20.5 points, 8.8 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game while orchestrating the Road Warriors’ league-best 10-2 finish entering the playoffs. More importantly, he transformed NLEX from a dangerous dark horse into the conference’s top-ranked squad.

     

    Bolick’s assist average also led the entire league, highlighting the balance between his scoring aggression and floor leadership throughout the eliminations.

     

    Behind him sits perhaps the most dominant player of the PBA’s modern era. San Miguel cornerstone June Mar Fajardo remains firmly in the hunt with 39.5 SPs as the 13-time BPC winner once again anchored the Beermen with averages of 16.8 points, 14.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per outing.

     

    Even amid San Miguel’s turbulent start and import adjustments, Fajardo continued delivering the steady production that has defined his dynasty.

     

    Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos has rapidly evolved from rookie sensation into legitimate BPC contender.

     

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    The explosive guard ranked third with 37.5 SPs after leading the conference in scoring at 21.5 points per game while also contributing 5.1 assists and 3.6 rebounds. Abarrientos played a massive role in Ginebra’s late elimination surge, helping the Gin Kings secure the No. 2 seed entering the quarterfinals.

     

    Phoenix’s Ricci Rivero placed fourth in the race with 34.9 SPs, continuing his breakout conference under head coach Charles Tiu. Long known for his versatility and athleticism, Rivero elevated his offensive game this conference with averages of 20.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals.

     

    Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero completed the top five with 33.5 SPs after emerging as one of the league’s premier two-way forwards. Aside from averaging 15.8 points and 8.7 rebounds, Lucero also led the league in blocks with 1.9 per game while anchoring Magnolia’s defensive identity.

     

    The rest of the top 10 features a mix of veterans and rising stars who each left their imprint on the eliminations.

     

    Terrafirma’s Jerrick Ahanmisi ranked sixth with 32.8 SPs, followed by Ginebra veteran Scottie Thompson at 32.2. San Miguel’s Cjay Perez placed eighth with 31.6, while NLEX wing Schonny Winston continued his breakout season with 31.1 SPs.

     

    Meralco sophomore CJ Cansino rounded out the top 10 with 29.9 SPs after another productive all-around conference.

     

    With the playoffs now underway, the BPC race remains far from settled. But entering the most important stretch of the conference, Bolick has already accomplished something significant — he has positioned himself at the center of a race once dominated almost exclusively by established PBA royalty.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao embraces underdog tag as Rain or Shine braces for dangerous San Miguel showdown 

    Yeng Guiao embraces underdog tag as Rain or Shine braces for dangerous San Miguel showdown 

    Rain or Shine spent most of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations proving it belonged among the league’s elite. Yet even after securing the No. 3 seed and a twice-to-beat advantage, the Elasto Painters still enter the playoffs carrying a familiar label — underdogs.

     

    And for head coach Yeng Guiao, that is perfectly fine.

     

    Standing in Rain or Shine’s path is a San Miguel side that may have finished lower in the standings but still carries the weight of championship pedigree, star power, and playoff experience. The Beermen, after all, remain the reigning Philippine Cup champions and appear to have rediscovered their rhythm at the right time.

     

    Instead of resisting the narrative, Guiao is leaning into it.

     

    “We embrace the thought that we’re still considered the underdogs vs. SMB,” he said. “That’s been our whole identity ever since. We come to compete on Friday without doubt and hesitation that we have what it takes to win and get to the next level.”

     

    Rain or Shine earned its twice-to-beat incentive the hard way.

     

    Powered by its relentless pace and transition-heavy attack, the Elasto Painters stormed to a 9-3 record during the eliminations, including a statement 116-112 victory over San Miguel last April 8. At one point, Rain or Shine looked unstoppable, opening the conference with seven straight wins behind its aggressive, high-energy system.

     

    But Guiao knows the version of San Miguel awaiting them in the playoffs is no longer the same team they faced weeks ago.

     

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    When the two squads first met, the Beermen were still trying to stabilize their import situation with Justin Patton. Since then, San Miguel has turned back to Bennie Boatwright — the same reinforcement who helped deliver a championship last season — and the results have immediately followed.

     

    Boatwright’s arrival brought renewed offensive firepower and familiarity to the Beermen setup, helping San Miguel regain momentum heading into the postseason.

     

    “We know it’s going to be tougher than our first meeting. Boatwright brings more scoring and chemistry to their team than Patton did when we first played them,” Guiao admitted.

     

    That adjustment has transformed San Miguel back into a team capable of overwhelming opponents with experience, shot-making, and championship composure — qualities that make them a dangerous lower-seeded playoff team despite Rain or Shine’s advantage.

     

    Still, the Elasto Painters believe their style gives them a real chance to challenge the Beermen.

     

    Rain or Shine’s speed, depth, and willingness to push the pace have troubled even the league’s top contenders all conference long. And with two opportunities to secure a semifinal berth, Guiao hopes his squad can capitalize immediately rather than extend the series further against a seasoned powerhouse.

     

    “We have two chances to get lucky against them. We hope we can deliver in our first attempt,” he said.

     

    Now comes the real test for Rain or Shine — proving its breakthrough elimination run can survive the unforgiving pressure of playoff basketball against one of the PBA’s most battle-tested dynasties.

     

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  • Mark Barroca bags PBA Press Corps Player of the Week as Magnolia peaks at perfect time 

    Mark Barroca bags PBA Press Corps Player of the Week as Magnolia peaks at perfect time 

    At a time when younger stars continue to dominate the spotlight in the PBA, Mark Barroca quietly reminded everyone why Magnolia still leans on him in the biggest moments.

     

    The veteran playmaker orchestrated the Hotshots’ strong closing push in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup eliminations, earning PBA Press Corps Player of the Week honors for the period of May 5 to 10 after helping Magnolia secure crucial wins entering the playoffs.

     

    Barroca averaged 11.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds during the stretch, but his influence went far beyond numbers.

     

    With Magnolia fighting to solidify its postseason position, the longtime floor general once again became the stabilizing force behind the team’s offense — controlling tempo, organizing sets, and putting teammates in ideal scoring positions.

     

    His biggest performance came in Magnolia’s statement 106-94 victory over defending champion TNT Tropang 5G, where Barroca finished with 15 points and 12 assists in a masterful display of floor leadership.

     

    More importantly, he played a central role in unlocking import Clint Chapman, who erupted for 42 points as the Hotshots overwhelmed TNT offensively.

     

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    Still, Barroca refused to place the spotlight on himself.

     

     

    “Lahat kami, hindi lang ako. May game plan kami. Marami kaming schemes kasi TNT talented team, bawat player may scheme kami. Kailangan naming mag-focus talaga,” said Barroca.

     

    The former Far Eastern University standout followed up that performance with eight points and three assists in Magnolia’s elimination-round finale against the Meralco Bolts, helping the Hotshots complete a strong finish heading into the quarterfinals.

     

    For Magnolia, Barroca’s resurgence could not have come at a better time.

     

    While the conference has featured explosive individual campaigns from stars across the league, the Hotshots have leaned heavily on chemistry, discipline, and veteran composure — qualities Barroca has embodied throughout his career.

     

    The weekly honor also highlighted just how competitive the race had become late in the eliminations, with Barroca edging out fellow standouts such as Robert Bolick of NLEX Road Warriors, Zavier Lucero of Magnolia, Jericho Cruz of San Miguel Beermen, and Christian Manaytay of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

     

    As Magnolia heads into another playoff run, Barroca may no longer be the flashiest name in the conference — but once again, he has proven he remains one of its most dependable engines.

     

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  • Robert Bolick says Cady Lalanne is the quiet force behind NLEX’s rise 

    Robert Bolick says Cady Lalanne is the quiet force behind NLEX’s rise 

    While much of the spotlight this conference has fallen on explosive imports like Bol Bol, Justin Brownlee, and Bennie Boatwright, Robert Bolick believes the most important import in the league might actually be the one making the least noise.

     

    For Bolick, Cady Lalanne has become far more than just NLEX’s reinforcement — he has quietly become the emotional anchor behind the Road Warriors’ breakthrough run in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    With NLEX Road Warriors finishing atop the standings and now sitting one win away from the semifinals, Bolick made it clear that Lalanne’s impact stretches well beyond the stat sheet.

     

    “Tiwala kami sa import namin,” Bolick said. “Ang galing ng import namin.”

     

    The numbers alone already paint an elite picture.

     

    Lalanne averaged 26.0 points, 15.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks during the eliminations — ranking among the conference leaders in nearly every major category. Yet for Bolick, the bigger difference lies in the kind of presence Lalanne brings every single day.

     

    “Napaka-positive. Parang minsan, hindi mo ramdam sa loob pero ang laki ng impact niya sa amin as a team. Pinapagaling niya kaming lahat. Bihirang bihira yung import na walang ka-toyo toyo,” he added.

     

    Bolick even believes Lalanne’s demeanor may have roots in his brief connection with the legendary San Antonio Spurs organization.

     

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    Drafted 55th overall by San Antonio in 2015, Lalanne spent time with the Austin Spurs in the G League early in his professional career. Though his stint there was short, Bolick feels the culture left a lasting mark.

     

    “Siguro totoo talaga yung sinasabi sa Spurs organization. Nakikita mo kung paano siya as a player. Siyempre, tayong mga Pilipino, nagtatanong ako agad, kumusta ba si Kawhi (Leonard), mga ganun. May mga kuwentong ganun, ano ba yung ginagawa niya (Lalanne). Nakikita mo agad,” said Bolick.

     

    What stands out most for the star guard is Lalanne’s willingness to sacrifice.

     

    Despite being one of the most productive imports in the league, the Haitian big man has consistently deferred to Bolick and the local core offensively, never complaining even during long stretches without touches.

     

    “Kahit sampung possession, hindi nakakatanggap, walang wala kang maririnig. Mag-mimiss ka, siya pa magsasabi na tira mo lang, re-rebound ako. Ang sarap ng ganun,” he said.

     

    “Talagang yung voice niya sa locker room, talagang mabigat.”

     

    As NLEX continues its push toward a deep playoff run, Bolick hopes the attention surrounding the Road Warriors eventually widens beyond himself.

     

    “Tingin ng tao, ako lang lagi pero hindi totoo yun. Isa siya sa mga pinaka-importante sa team,” Bolick said.

     

    And for a franchise long searching for postseason relevance, Lalanne may indeed be the steady force that finally changed everything.

     

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