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Tag: PBA Governor’s Cup

Blackwater eyes 2-0 start as Magnolia searches for first win in Governors’ Cup

Momentum is on Blackwater’s side. Urgency belongs to Magnolia.

Those contrasting storylines collide Friday night when the Bossing and the Hotshots square off in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with Blackwater chasing a rare 2-0 start and Magnolia trying to avoid falling into an early hole in Group B.

Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.

Blackwater couldn’t have asked for a better conference opener.

The Bossing dismantled Rain or Shine, 131-108, not only avenging the franchise’s humiliating 56-point defeat to the Elasto Painters last March but also sending a message that this year’s squad may be built differently.

Rather than dwelling on revenge, however, head coach Pat Aquino wants his team focused on sustaining the level of basketball it displayed from opening tip to final buzzer.

“I know it’s at the back of our minds but that’s the past already,” Aquino said after the victory.

“We were aggressive from start to finish. Hopefully, this good start will continue.”

The performance was fueled by an explosive PBA debut from import Kentrell Barkley, who nearly recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists.

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TODAY!#PBA50GovsCup Game day FRIDAY – July 17 schedule at NINOY AQUINO STADIUM brought to us by @PocariSweatPH

5:15 PM
🏀 MACAU Giant Pandas vs. CONVERGE FiberXers

7:30 PM
🏀 BLACKWATER Bossing vs. MAGNOLIA Chicken Timplados Hotshots#PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/yEe8nsRH7r

— PBA (@pbaconnect) July 17, 2026

His all-around brilliance opened opportunities for the Bossing’s local core, with Sedrick Barefield pouring in 24 points, RK Ilagan adding 22, and Dalph Panopio contributing 19 in one of Blackwater’s most complete offensive performances in recent years.

Barkley wasted little time making his presence felt, exploding for 18 points in the opening quarter while knocking down all four of his attempts from beyond the arc to help the Bossing race to a double-digit lead they never surrendered.

Magnolia, meanwhile, enters the matchup looking for a quick response after letting a golden opportunity slip away in its conference opener.

The Hotshots squandered a 16-point advantage before absorbing a 98-86 defeat to Phoenix Super LPG, with BJ Johnson taking over late to finish with 34 points and 10 rebounds.

Now, Magnolia hopes import KJ Buffen can provide the spark needed to even its record.

The former Indonesian Basketball League MVP faces the difficult task of slowing down Barkley while helping the Hotshots rediscover the consistency that disappeared in the second half of their opener.

With Blackwater aiming to prove its dominant debut was no fluke and Magnolia desperate to avoid an 0-2 start, Friday’s clash offers an early measuring stick for two teams entering the Governors’ Cup with very different momentum—but equally important goals.

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July 17, 2026
Phoenix lands Gian Mamuyac as Rain or Shine ends four-year partnership

One of the PBA’s longest-running contract standoffs has finally reached its conclusion.

After weeks of uncertainty surrounding Gian Mamuyac’s future, Rain or Shine officially parted ways with the versatile guard, sending him and a Season 53 second-round pick to Phoenix in exchange for the Fuel Masters’ first-round selection in the same draft.

The trade, approved by the PBA on Thursday, closes the chapter on Mamuyac’s four-year tenure with the Elasto Painters—the franchise that selected him fifth overall in the Season 47 Rookie Draft and helped shape him into one of the league’s rising two-way guards.

Titan Management Group, which represents Mamuyac, also confirmed the transaction.

Rather than reaching a new agreement, both sides ultimately chose a fresh start after contract negotiations dragged on without a resolution heading into the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

Although Rain or Shine retained Mamuyac’s rights through the league’s automatic extension rule for expiring contracts during the season, negotiations remained at a standstill until the trade provided an exit for both parties.

Mamuyac now reunites with fellow Titan Management clients and former Ateneo standouts Tyler Tio and Kai Ballungay at Phoenix, giving the Fuel Masters another proven backcourt piece as they continue reshaping their roster.

His departure also marks the end of a productive run in Rain or Shine, where he emerged as one of the franchise’s most dependable young players alongside Adrian Nocum and Andrei Caracut.

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Ironically, Mamuyac’s final appearance in an Elasto Painters uniform came only days before the trade became official. He finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists in a 131-108 loss to Blackwater, unaware it would be his farewell game with the team.

Even then, the 6-foot-2 guard made it clear that his preference was to remain with the organization he had come to regard as home.

“Iba pa rin talaga yung maglaro para sa mga taong you consider as family. And ganyan kami sa Rain or Shine, close kami lahat diyan. Napamahal na ako sa lahat,” he said.

“I really want to stay and hopefully, may mangyari na sa negotiations.”

Instead, those words became his final public remarks as a Rain or Shine player.

Now wearing Phoenix colors, Mamuyac gets the fresh opportunity both sides ultimately needed, while the Elasto Painters move forward with additional draft capital after bringing an end to one of the offseason’s most closely watched contract disputes.

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July 17, 2026
Meralco banks on familiar face Jordon Varnado as Governors’ Cup debut awaits

A familiar face will headline Meralco’s opening act in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

After helping the Bolts compete in the Basketball Champions League Asia earlier this year, Jordon Varnado now takes center stage in the import-laden conference as Meralco opens its campaign against Phoenix Super LPG on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m., with the Bolts hoping their strategy of bringing back a proven reinforcement once again pays dividends.

Rather than gambling on an unfamiliar import, Meralco turned to a player who already understands the team’s system after Varnado played a key role during the club’s run to the quarterfinals of the Basketball Champions League Asia 2025.

The athletic forward averaged 19.7 points and 10.0 rebounds in that tournament, making him one of the Bolts’ most consistent performers against top international competition.

Now comes a different challenge as the 2026 Governors’ Cup will mark Varnado’s first taste of PBA basketball, where he immediately faces a confident Phoenix squad that already has one victory under its belt.

The Fuel Masters enter the matchup riding the momentum of an impressive 98-96 comeback victory over Magnolia, erasing a 16-point deficit behind the combined efforts of Tyler Tio, Jason Perkins, and Ricci Rivero.

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Import BJ Johnson also made an immediate impact in his conference debut, posting 34 points and 13 rebounds to lead Phoenix’s late-game rally.

Meralco, however, expects a much tougher challenge than the Phoenix team it defeated during the Commissioner’s Cup last March.

That Fuel Masters squad was severely depleted by injuries, while this version enters the contest healthier and carrying renewed confidence after its dramatic opening-day escape.

Earlier in the evening, Converge looks to build on its own winning start when it takes on Terrafirma in another Group A clash.

The FiberXers opened the conference in dominant fashion with a 105-74 demolition of Titan Ultra and now seek a second straight victory.

Terrafirma, meanwhile, remains hungry for its first win after nearly pulling off a stunning comeback against unbeaten NLEX.

After trailing by as many as 23 points, the Dyip stormed back and pushed the Road Warriors to the limit before falling just short, 101-100, in the first coaching matchup between Jimmy Alapag and Ronald Tubid.

The narrow defeat also served as an early sign that Terrafirma could be more competitive than its record suggests.

After enduring a collapse in the Commissioner’s Cup, where the Dyip lost eight of their final nine games following a promising 3-0 start, the franchise is determined to avoid another downward spiral and prove it can compete with one of the conference’s early pacesetters.

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July 15, 2026
Robert Bolick credits Jimmy Alapag for transforming NLEX into a family

NLEX’s unbeaten start to the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup isn’t just about hot shooting or impressive offensive numbers.

For Robert Bolick, the Road Warriors’ early success has been built on something much deeper—a culture that first-year head coach Jimmy Alapag has established from the moment he took over the franchise.

That winning environment continued to bear fruit on Tuesday as NLEX overwhelmed Titan Ultra, 135-100, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo to stretch its record to a league-best 3-0.

Bolick once again spearheaded the attack, finishing with 29 points on an efficient 11-of-16 shooting while adding seven rebounds and four assists as the Road Warriors remained one of the conference’s hottest teams.

While the numbers have been impressive, Bolick pointed to Alapag’s leadership as the biggest reason behind the team’s seamless start.

“Una, siyempre legend na nga sa PBA, legend pa sa Gilas, may NBA experience,” Bolick said of his head coach after the game.

“Ang laking confidence hindi lang para sa akin, kundi para sa team. Kami lang makakasabi na may NBA coach kami. Malaking bagay sa team namin ‘yan.”

According to Bolick, Alapag’s influence extends well beyond X’s and O’s.

Rather than focusing solely on basketball, the former Gilas Pilipinas captain made it a priority to strengthen the relationships inside the locker room, believing that genuine trust off the court would naturally carry over during games.

“Unang pasok ni coach, gusto niya hindi kami as a team. Family-oriented gusto niya,” Bolick shared.

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“Makikita mo naman ‘yung samahan namin. Hindi na kami as a team—we are a family. So, continue lang namin.”

That family atmosphere has also translated into confidence on the floor.

Bolick explained that every player has been encouraged to play without hesitation, allowing NLEX to become a balanced offensive team capable of hurting opponents from multiple positions.

“Binibigay lang namin ‘yung best namin every game. Si coach binibigyan niya ng kumpiyansa lahat ng players,” he said.

“Lahat kami, confident sa mga tira namin. Pag pinapasahan ko ‘yung kasama ko, alam kong kumpiyansa sila.”

The confidence has shown through three games, with NLEX opening the conference undefeated while establishing itself as one of the early contenders in the Governors’ Cup.

After navigating a demanding stretch of three games in six days, the Road Warriors will now enjoy a brief break before putting their perfect record on the line against the San Miguel Beermen on July 26.

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July 15, 2026
Jerrick Ahanmisi eager to learn from Marcio Lassiter after joining San Miguel

For most shooters in the PBA, studying Marcio Lassiter means watching game film or admiring his highlights from afar.

Jerrick Ahanmisi now gets something even better.

After years of looking up to the league’s all-time leader in three-pointers, the newest San Miguel Beermen guard now shares the same locker room with the player he considers a role model, turning admiration into a daily learning opportunity.

Ahanmisi wasted little time making an impact, scoring 16 points with four rebounds and four assists in San Miguel’s convincing 123-109 victory over guest team Macau in its PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup opener on Tuesday.

Despite the encouraging debut, the former Terrafirma guard believes his biggest gain may come away from the stat sheet.

“I’m super honored. Super blessed,” Ahanmisi said of playing alongside Lassiter.

“Because he’s the best three-point shooter in the league right now, right? It’s just something for me to keep learning on.”

Their connection as elite marksmen dates back to the PBA All-Star festivities in Candon earlier this year.

The two battled for the Three-Point Shootout crown, with Lassiter appearing headed for another title after posting 25 points before Ahanmisi caught fire in the final round, draining 30 to steal the championship and complete a double victory after winning the Obstacle Challenge.

Even after defeating his idol, Ahanmisi never hid the respect he has for the veteran sniper.

“I look up to Marcio all the time,” the 28-year-old said after that contest.

“Even before I came into the PBA, I looked up to him as a shooter, as a role model.”

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JERRICK AHANMISI CALLS LEARNING FROM MARCIO LASSITER A “BLESSING”

San Miguel Beermen guard Jerrick Ahanmisi said one of the greatest rewards of joining the franchise is the opportunity to learn from Marcio Lassiter, whom he regards as the greatest three-point shooter in PBA… pic.twitter.com/G3i1rhuX5v

— Bilyonaryo News Channel (@bncdotph) June 26, 2026

That admiration has now evolved into a mentorship following his offseason move to San Miguel.

The Beermen acquired Ahanmisi and Paolo Hernandez from Terrafirma in exchange for Juami Tiongson and Chris Miller, giving the former Adamson standout a chance to learn directly from one of the league’s greatest shooters.

“I’m just gonna keep asking how he stayed that long, how he got to that record, how he’s number one, and hopefully I can follow in his footsteps,” he said.

Still adjusting to his new surroundings, Ahanmisi admitted there’s plenty of room for improvement despite helping San Miguel open the conference with a victory.

“I think I did pretty well. But there are always things that I can improve on,” he said.

“So hopefully the next game will be a little bit better. I can be a little bit more efficient, too, in getting my own shots and learning from my teammates.”

Fortunately for Ahanmisi, Lassiter isn’t the only veteran guiding him.

Surrounded by championship winners like Chris Ross and June Mar Fajardo, the sharpshooter believes he has landed in the perfect environment to continue developing his game.

“They’re all really cool,” Ahanmisi said.

“I’m glad that I got them as my vets ’cause if I’m having trouble with anything or if I’m making mistakes, I can go up to them and ask them what’ going on or where I can be better at, and they’re really open to helping me out.”

With one impressive debut behind him and experienced mentors around him, Ahanmisi hopes the lessons he learns in San Miguel will be be just as valuable as the points he scores.

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July 15, 2026
Tirrell Brown finally cleared as Titan Ultra ends import search ahead of crucial NLEX clash

Titan Ultra’s search for stability finally has an answer. After opening the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup without an import and absorbing two lopsided defeats, the Giant Risers are set to field reinforcement, Tirrell Brown for the first time after the American officially completed the league’s mandatory height measurement last Saturday.

Brown was confirmed to be within the PBA’s 6-foot-6 import limit, clearing the final hurdle for his much-awaited debut when Titan Ultra takes on NLEX on Tuesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

His arrival comes at a critical time for a squad still looking for its first victory of the conference. Titan Ultra stumbled out of the gates with a 113-100 loss to Terrafirma in its season opener before suffering an even tougher 105-74 defeat against Converge on Sunday.

More than simply adding another scorer, Brown gives the Giant Risers the import’s presence they have been missing through the opening stretch of the tournament.

The team initially explored another route by attempting to bring in James Milton, who was available to immediately join the club. However, the plan never materialized after Milton failed to secure the required FIBA clearance despite having the rest of his documentation in order.

Brown’s own arrival had also been delayed—not because of his playing credentials—but due to paperwork. While he had already obtained his FIBA clearance upon reaching the Philippines, he still needed to complete his Immigration requirements, medical clearance and other league-related documents before becoming eligible.

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ROAD TO 3-0?

Can the NLEX Road Warriors stay unbeaten or will the Titan Ultra Giant Risers finally break through? Catch the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup clash LIVE this Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. on One Sports YouTube channel.#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/ndDocdt4Xm

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) July 14, 2026

Faced with the possibility of entering a third straight game without an import, Titan Ultra weighed its options. League officials ultimately advised management against activating Milton without FIBA clearance, noting that the sanctions from FIBA would outweigh the PBA’s penalty.

Brown’s approval ultimately saves Titan Ultra from incurring the P50,000 fine imposed on teams that compete without an import in three consecutive games under league rules.

Now officially available, the 32-year-old brings a wealth of international experience accumulated across South America, where he has built the majority of his professional career.

Brown has played for clubs in Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia and Ecuador, suiting up for Caimanes del Llano, Centenario de Venado Tuerto, GEPU San Luis, Villa San Martin, Ameghino, Asociacion Mitre Tucuman, Quilmes de Mar del Plata, Deportivo Valdivia, ABA Ancud, Toros, Colon, Tabare, 25 de Agosto, Amistad, Kinwa and Barcelona.

Before turning professional overseas, Brown suited up for Central Arkansas before finishing his collegiate career at Ouachita Baptist University.

With their reinforcement finally in uniform, Titan Ultra hopes Brown’s debut marks the beginning of a turnaround after an opening week that has left the Giant Risers searching for answers.

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July 14, 2026
LA Tenorio wants Magnolia to break a familiar cycle after opening-day loss in Governors’ Cup

For LA Tenorio, Magnolia’s opening-game defeat in the PBA Governors’ Cup was about more than just the final score. It was a reminder of a problem the Hotshots have yet to solve.

Magnolia stumbled to a 98-86 loss against the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Saturday night, wasting a promising first-half performance before fading after the break in its debut in the season-ending conference.

The setback immediately brought back memories of the team’s previous campaign, where Magnolia often found itself digging out of early deficits. Tenorio believed those experiences should have already shaped the team’s mindset entering a new tournament.

“Of course, it’s only the first game. But we have to learn from the last conference na lagi kaming naghahabol,” Tenorio said.

Instead, the Hotshots followed a familiar script. After taking a halftime lead, Magnolia lost control in the third quarter as Phoenix seized the momentum and never looked back, forcing the Hotshots into another unsuccessful comeback attempt.

Tenorio was visibly disappointed with how his team approached the second half, believing Magnolia lost its edge once the game tightened.

“Nung simula na ng laro, champion na kami. Pag sa simula lang ng laro kami magaling,” Tenorio said after the game.

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The coach also refused to pin the defeat on the early foul trouble of import KJ Buffen, who finished with 15 points.

While Buffen’s limited availability affected Magnolia’s rotation, Tenorio insisted the team should have responded better instead of becoming too dependent on its reinforcement.

“We can’t rely on our import all the time. If we need to play all-Filipino, then so be it. We fell into the trap na kanya-kanya,” said the Magnolia coach.

For Tenorio, the bigger concern was how Magnolia’s collective effort disappeared after halftime. He pointed to the team’s lack of energy and urgency, particularly at the start of the third quarter, when Phoenix wrestled control of the game.

“We were outhustled at the start of the third quarter,” Tenorio said. “I don’t know if we were affected by the foul trouble of our import, but it’s not an excuse.”

The opening loss puts added importance on Magnolia’s next assignment as the Hotshots try to avoid falling further behind in a competitive Group B that also features Barangay Ginebra, Meralco, and Rain or Shine.

Magnolia will look to regroup on Friday when it faces Blackwater at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The Bossing head into the matchup with momentum after pulling off a 131-108 upset victory over Rain or Shine, giving the Hotshots another early challenge as they search for their first win of the conference.

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July 13, 2026
Jerrick Ahanmisi sees San Miguel move as best chance yet to chase first PBA championship

Jerrick Ahanmisi has built his reputation as one of the PBA’s most dangerous scorers. Now, the challenge is no longer about proving he can put up points—it is about learning how to win championships.

The newly acquired San Miguel Beer guard believes his transfer to the league’s most decorated franchise gives him the opportunity he has long been waiting for, competing alongside players who have consistently turned talent into titles.

Ahanmisi admitted the trade initially came as a surprise after he learned about it only shortly before it became official.

“My initial reaction was shock because I only found out two days before I got traded,” Ahanmisi said.

That surprise, however, quickly turned into excitement.

“But knowing I was coming here, it was something that I’ve been wishing for and dreaming about for a long time. Now that I’m here, I’m going to take full advantage of it,” he added.

San Miguel acquired Ahanmisi and Paolo Hernandez from Terrafirma in exchange for Juami Tiongson, rookie Chris Miller, and a second-round pick in the PBA Season 52 Rookie Draft.

The move comes on the heels of Ahanmisi’s breakout Commissioner’s Cup campaign, where he emerged as one of the league’s elite offensive weapons.

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“THAT’S THE VERY FIRST THING THAT COMES UP.”

Get to know more about San Miguel Beermen Jerrick Ahanmisi, George King, and Cjay Perez as they answer top Google Searches about themselves. | via Aivan Episcope/One Sports#PBA50 #PBA50LID #OSTimeout pic.twitter.com/LtAx4Q8tOk

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) July 9, 2026

He averaged 21.3 points per game, showcasing his ability to score from deep, including the PBA’s three-point and four-point lines.

At San Miguel, Ahanmisi enters a vastly different environment because instead of being relied upon as the primary scorer every night, he joins a championship-tested roster led by June Mar Fajardo and supported by veteran standouts Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, Cjay Perez, Jericho Cruz, and Don Trollano.

For Ahanmisi, sharing the court with accomplished champions is as valuable as any role he will play on the floor.

“I’m hoping that now that I’m here, I can learn from them and ask them how I can get myself a championship as well,” he said.

With a proven roster and another title run in sight, San Miguel hopes Ahanmisi’s scoring punch will add another dimension to its offense, while the guard looks to absorb the winning culture that has defined the Beermen for years.

Ahanmisi is expected to make his official debut for San Miguel when the Beermen open their PBA Governors’ Cup campaign against the Macau Giant Pandas on July 14 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

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July 10, 2026
Ginebra turns to Riley Grigsby while Justin Brownlee focuses on recovery ahead of PBA Governors’ Cup

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel will begin another PBA Governors’ Cup campaign in unfamiliar fashion.

For the first time in years, the Gin Kings are set to open the import-laden conference without Justin Brownlee leading the charge, opting instead to prioritize the veteran’s health after a physically demanding stretch that saw him play through injuries for both club and country.

Head coach Tim Cone confirmed that 26-year-old American forward Riley Grigsby has been tapped as Ginebra’s temporary reinforcement for the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup while Brownlee works his way back to full fitness.

“He’s 26 years old and has had NBA G League experience and has come with some strong recommendations from his coaches there,” said Cone.

While Grigsby will suit up for the Kings’ opening games, his stay with the franchise is not expected to be permanent.

Cone stressed that Brownlee remains Ginebra’s primary import once he is medically cleared to return.

Brownlee, now the PBA’s only seven-time champion import, was originally expected to spearhead Ginebra’s bid for another Governors’ Cup title—a tournament the franchise has captured four times since 2016. Instead, the team chose to give its longtime cornerstone time to recover after months of playing through lingering injuries.

The decision also explains Brownlee’s absence from Gilas Pilipinas’ final game of the first round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. Without their naturalized star, the Philippines suffered a 92-49 defeat to Australia in Perth on Monday.

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OUR NEW IMPORT!

RILEY GRIGSBY

WELCOME TO GINEBRA RILEY!#NSD pic.twitter.com/mASSU1HSTK

— Barangay Ginebra (@GinebrakingsNSD) July 9, 2026

In explaining Brownlee’s absence, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas released a medical update last July 5.

“Justin Brownlee will miss the game against Australia due to hamstring strain and peroneal tendinopathy on his right leg and left knee swelling and cartilage defects,” the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas said in a statement.

Brownlee had already been dealing with a hamstring issue dating back to the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals against Phoenix. Rather than sit out, he pushed through the pain and eventually helped Ginebra defeat TNT in a seven-game Finals series to capture another championship.

With Brownlee sidelined, Ginebra once again turns to a short-term replacement—something the franchise has rarely needed over the past decade. The last notable instance came during the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup when Tony Bishop filled in while Brownlee served a FIBA-imposed suspension.

This time, the responsibility falls on Grigsby as the California-born forward arrives with a diverse basketball resume despite being only 26 years old. A full Division I scholarship athlete at Seattle University, Grigsby first gained experience in FIBA 3×3 competition before moving overseas to play for AB Contern in Luxembourg during the 2024-25 season.

He later earned an opportunity in the NBA G League, beginning the 2025-26 campaign with the Santa Cruz Warriors before finishing the season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

Listed at approximately 6-foot-5, Grigsby is expected to arrive in Manila in time for Ginebra’s conference opener against Phoenix on July 19 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

As Brownlee continues his rehabilitation, the Kings will rely on their new reinforcement to help keep the team competitive during the opening stretch of the tournament.

Barangay Ginebra is part of Group A in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup together with Phoenix, Magnolia, Rain or Shine, Meralco, Blackwater, and guest team Macau.

For now, Grigsby has one clear assignment and that is to keep Ginebra afloat until its most decorated import is ready to reclaim his place.

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July 10, 2026
Yeng Guiao questions PBA’s shift to FIBA rules despite support for Gilas

Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao believes the PBA’s transition toward FIBA rules could benefit Philippine basketball in the long run, but not without a few growing pains.

As the league continues aligning its rulebook more closely with international standards ahead of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, the veteran mentor acknowledged the intention behind the changes while pointing out several areas he believes still need refinement.

For Guiao, adapting to the new system will take time—not just for players, but for coaches, officials, and teams as a whole.

“Fiba rules are okay, but I think it may take some time for teams to get used to it,” Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said. “I still think there are PBA rules that can still improve the game. But I guess the PBA is trying to help our national team by leaning towards Fiba rules.

“But there’s no perfect system. We know that some of the PBA rules are lacking by themselves and the same can be said with Fiba rules,” added the outspoken mentor.

Rather than criticizing the league’s decision outright, Guiao recognized the PBA’s effort to better prepare Filipino players for international competition, where FIBA regulations have long been the standard.

Still, one particular change stood out for the longtime coach—the revised Challenge System.

Under the new guidelines, teams are now limited to a single coach’s challenge regardless of whether the original challenge is successful. Previously, coaches who won a challenge were rewarded with another opportunity later in the game.

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#WATCH: MORE FIBA RULES TO BE IMPLEMENTED

Continuing to support the Gilas Men program, #PBA50 Commissioner Willie Marcial revealed that the Governors’ Cup will incorporate more FIBA rules into its rulebook #ReadMore https://t.co/LWQlHdUFl6

@justinebacnis… pic.twitter.com/Bdy37hcQ9l

— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 22, 2026

Guiao believes the revised rule reduces a coach’s ability to correct crucial officiating errors, especially during tightly contested matches.

He also took issue with another limitation carried over from FIBA rules: the inability to directly challenge foul calls.

“You cannot challenge the fouls,” he said. “You can only challenge whether it would be upgraded or downgraded. So the leverage goes back to the referees. If the referees make a mistake, you cannot do anything about it. Unlike before, as a coach, you can have a remedy.”

For Guiao, the concern is less about resisting change and more about preserving coaches’ ability to seek corrections when critical mistakes occur.

As the PBA embraces a rulebook that mirrors the international game, coaches and teams are expected to adjust throughout the conference. But if Guiao’s observations are any indication, the transition could also spark continued discussions on whether every aspect of the FIBA system is the best fit for the country’s professional league.

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July 9, 2026