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Tag: PBA Governor’s Cup

  • John Amores returns to PBA after signing with Titan Ultra ahead of PBA Governors’ Cup 

    John Amores returns to PBA after signing with Titan Ultra ahead of PBA Governors’ Cup 

    Nearly two years after his basketball career came to a standstill, John Amores is getting another opportunity in the PBA.


    The controversial guard officially returned to the league after signing with Titan Ultra just days before the team’s debut in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup against Terrafirma on Friday, marking his first appearance since his professional license was revoked following a shooting incident in Laguna.

     

    Amores signed his new contract in the presence of his representative, Danny Espiritu, completing a comeback that once seemed unlikely after the PBA suspended him and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) stripped him of his professional license.

     

    Titan Ultra, which acquired the former NorthPort franchise, retained Amores’ playing rights during the ownership transition, paving the way for his eventual return once he secured clearance to play.

    Welcoming him back, the franchise announced his signing on social media.

     

    “A NEW CHAPTER STARTS NOW. Welcome back to the PBA, John Amores,” the team posted on social media.

     

    The signing came shortly after Amores shared a video of himself at the Games and Amusement Board on Wednesday, appearing to confirm that he had regained the license necessary to resume his professional career.

     

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    Earlier reports had already linked the shooting guard to a possible comeback after he attended tryouts with the Giant Risers before ultimately landing with Titan Ultra.

     

    His return follows a turbulent stretch that began with the Laguna shooting incident, in which both Amores and his brother were later released after posting bail.

     

    The PBA subsequently handed Amores an indefinite suspension without pay in October 2024, citing “conduct detrimental to the league,” while his GAB license was revoked as criminal charges were filed.

     

    However, the Laguna case was only the latest chapter in a career repeatedly overshadowed by controversy.

     

    Amores first made national headlines in 2022 while playing for the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, when he was indefinitely banned by the NCAA after punching multiple College of Saint Benilde players during a game.

     

    Despite that incident, NorthPort selected him with the 51st overall pick in the 2023 PBA Draft, believing in his potential on the court.

     

    Amores rewarded that faith with a productive rookie campaign, earning a two-year contract extension from the Batang Pier before his career was once again interrupted by the Laguna shooting case.

     

    Now under Titan Ultra following its acquisition of the NorthPort franchise, Amores has been handed another chance to rebuild both his basketball career and his reputation. His return reunites him with former NorthPort teammates Fran Yu, Joshua Munzon, and Cade Flores, giving him a familiar core as he prepares to suit up once again in the PBA. 

     

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  • Rain or Shine heads into Governors’ Cup with confidence after rout of Macau Giant Pandas 

    Rain or Shine heads into Governors’ Cup with confidence after rout of Macau Giant Pandas 

    Rain or Shine enters the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup with momentum on its side after ending its preseason preparations on a high note.


    The Elasto Painters put together an explosive offensive performance on Tuesday, overwhelming the undermanned Macau Giant Pandas, 139-98, in their final tune-up game at Acropolis Gym in Quezon City.


    The victory allowed Rain or Shine to split its two preseason outings after falling to Converge in its first exhibition game last week, giving head coach Yeng Guiao a more encouraging glimpse of where his squad stands just days before the conference opens.


    One of the bright spots was Caelan Tiongson, who knocked down a pair of three-pointers during a decisive run that helped Rain or Shine quickly create separation and maintain control for the rest of the contest.


    While the scoreline was convincing, Guiao believes the preseason results are less important than helping the team regain its rhythm after a lengthy break and integrating returning import Aaron Fuller back into the system.


    “Isa [na talo] sa Converge, natalo kami pero okay naman. I think it’s part of the adjustment period after a long break and getting used to our import Aaron. Converge played a really good game against us.


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    Sa Macau, mukhang hindi pa sila kumpleto at mukhang hindi pa sila nakakapag-practice ng husto. They just got together. But at least, it’s a good way to get out of our regular practice routine and play games,” said Guiao.


    The veteran coach acknowledged that Macau was far from full strength, but he still welcomed the opportunity to face a different opponent before the start of the new conference, using the game as another step in fine-tuning his team’s chemistry.


    Despite missing several players, the Giant Pandas still featured notable contributors led by import De’Vondre Perry, Damian Chong Qui, Ramon Cao, and Kobey Lam.


    Macau head coach Marcus Elliot said the squad remains a work in progress, with the organization still awaiting the arrival and signing of additional players before its official campaign begins.


    Rain or Shine, meanwhile, now shifts its focus to the games that matter. The Elasto Painters open their Governors’ Cup campaign on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, hoping the encouraging finish to their preseason translates into a strong start in the season-ending conference.


    The Giant Pandas won’t have to wait long for another test either, as the guest team opens its own Governors’ Cup schedule against NLEX on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.


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  • Sedrick Barefield keeps eyes on Blackwater’s reset amid trade speculation 

    Sedrick Barefield keeps eyes on Blackwater’s reset amid trade speculation 

    For Sedrick Barefield, the start of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup represents more than another conference—it is another opportunity to help Blackwater move forward after a disappointing finish, regardless of the offseason speculation surrounding his future.


    While his name has surfaced in trade discussions over the past few months, the Fil-Am guard has made it clear that his attention remains on the only thing he can influence: preparing the Bossing for a fresh campaign.

     

    “I’m pretty locked in. There’s a lot of rumors and a lot of things going around, and I’m just trying to stay focused on what I can control, which is going on the court and being there for my teammates,” Barefield said.

     

    The trade chatter has persisted throughout the offseason, with Barfield’s agent previously revealing that several PBA teams have expressed interest in acquiring the high-scoring guard. 

     

    Despite the interest, no deal has materialized. Barefield remains with the Bossing after signing a contract extension that allows Blackwater to retain his rights while evaluating possible trade scenarios.

     

    As long as he stays in Blackwater, the 2024 No. 2 overall pick is expected to remain a key piece of the team’s offense after a breakout Commissioner’s Cup campaign.

     

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    The Fil-Am guard averaged 21.1 points while also contributing 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.

     

    His individual production, however, wasn’t enough to lift Blackwater into contention.

     

    The Bossing finished with a 2-10 record, missing the playoffs for the ninth straight conference, leaving the franchise still searching for a turnaround after another difficult campaign.

     

    Now, Blackwater hopes the arrival of a new import can help change its fortunes as the team brought in Kentrell Barkley, who impressed during his stint with Kesatria Bengawan Solo in the Indonesian Basketball League, to reinforce the roster heading into the Governors’ Cup.

    Barefield has liked what he has seen during their early time together.

     

    “He’s easy to play with. He likes to play the right way and the smart way. He can score the ball and rebound. He’s multi-dimensional, so he’s been phenomenal so far.”

     

    As Blackwater prepares for its season opener against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Saturday, July 11, at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal, Barefield’s focus remains unchanged. 

     

    Trade rumors may continue to circulate, but the guard is placing his energy on helping the Bossing translate individual talent into the team success that has long eluded the franchise.

     

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  • Ginebra set to open Governors’ Cup without Scottie Thompson 

    Ginebra set to open Governors’ Cup without Scottie Thompson 

    Barangay Ginebra’s bid for back-to-back championships will begin with a different challenge—finding ways to win without one of the team’s most indispensable players.

     

    Already preparing to navigate the early part of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup without resident import Justin Brownlee, the Gin Kings will also be missing Scottie Thompson after the star guard was ordered to undergo an extended recovery from a hamstring injury sustained during the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

     

    The setback leaves Ginebra without two of the biggest reasons behind its recent championship run, forcing the defending champions to rely on the depth of their local roster while both veterans work their way back to full health.

     

    According to head coach Tim Cone, Thompson’s rehabilitation timeline has already been determined by the team’s medical staff.

     

    “Doctor (George) Canlas has ordered for him to have a 6-8 weeks of rest,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

     

    “So we’ll probably miss him for the first few weeks of the conference.”

     

    The injury had already affected Thompson beyond the PBA season.

     

    The reigning Commissioner’s Cup Finals MVP was originally included in Gilas Pilipinas’ roster for the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers before eventually withdrawing because of the lingering hamstring issue. His absence opened the door for Converge rookie Juan Gomez de Liano to earn a spot on the national team.

     

    Cone revealed that Thompson’s condition steadily worsened as the championship series against TNT Tropang 5G progressed.

     

    “Scottie has a really, really bad hamstring that got worse as the series went on,” recalled Cone. “And after Game 7, it was really quite bad.”

     

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    Thompson’s absence comes at the same time Brownlee is also recovering from multiple injuries suffered during the Finals and his stint with Gilas Pilipinas.

     

    The veteran import has been diagnosed with a hamstring strain, right peroneal tendinopathy, along with swelling and cartilage defects in his left knee. Despite nursing those injuries, Brownlee still suited up for the national team against New Zealand, helping push the Tall Blacks to a double-overtime contest before eventually sitting out the Philippines’ game against Australia to begin his recovery.

     

    While Brownlee’s return remains uncertain because of the number of injuries he is managing, Cone believes Thompson’s trademark determination could help shorten his absence once he is medically cleared.

     

    “But you know, Scottie, he’s a warrior and if he’s gonna find a way back, he’s gonna find a way back,” said Cone. “But we’re gonna really miss him.”

     

    With the Governors’ Cup fast approaching, Ginebra now faces the task of defending its title without two of its biggest stars available from the opening tip. For a team accustomed to leaning on Brownlee’s leadership and Thompson’s relentless all-around play, the early weeks of the conference will test just how deep the Gin Kings truly are.

     

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  • Ricci Rivero faces bigger role as Phoenix banks on growth in PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup 

    Ricci Rivero faces bigger role as Phoenix banks on growth in PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup 

    After falling short in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters are determined to make a stronger push in the upcoming Governors’ Cup, which officially tips off on July 10.


    One of the team’s key players, Phoenix guard Ricci Rivero, enters the season-ending conference carrying bigger expectations after showing flashes of becoming one of the league’s premier local scorers.

     

    His performance in the Commissioner’s Cup drew praise from Fuel Masters head coach Charles Tiu, who believes Rivero is beginning to embrace a larger responsibility within the team’s system.

    “Ricci’s been getting there. He knows the role I have for him and what I expect of him so I’m hoping he’ll be up for the challenge,” Tiu said.

     

    Rivero carried much of Phoenix’s offensive workload throughout the previous conference, delivering timely scoring performances whenever the team needed a lift.

     

    “Obviously, I want him to be a bit more consistent. That’s a challenge for him if he really wants to be considered as a star of this league, he has to be that on both ends,” he added.

     

    Unfortunately, Rivero’s campaign was cut short after suffering a finger injury, forcing him to miss the latter stages of the import-laden tournament.

     

    “He’s shown flashes of what he can be but he also showed areas where he’s just okay but hopefully, he shows that he can be consistent.”

     

    For Tiu, consistency remains the final piece for Rivero to elevate his game to another level.

     

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    Rivero is expected to spearhead Phoenix’s backcourt once again alongside Tyler Tio, while former NBA veteran BJ Johnson takes over as the Fuel Masters’ import for the Governors’ Cup.

     

    Another boost for the Fuel Masters is the return of veteran big man Justin Chua, who rejoins Phoenix after spending the past several seasons with TNT Tropang 5G. Chua’s familiarity with the Phoenix system gives the Fuel Masters another experienced presence as they aim to make a deeper run in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup. 

     

    The upcoming conference presents a fresh opportunity for Rivero to build on what was arguably his most productive stretch in the PBA. 

     

    During the Commissioner’s Cup, the former UAAP standout emerged as one of Phoenix’s most reliable local options and even erupted for a career-high 40 points in one game, the highest scoring performance by a Filipino player during the conference. 

     

    That offensive explosion showed Rivero’s ability to take over games and gave Phoenix another dependable weapon alongside its veterans.

     

    Beyond the scoring numbers, Rivero also made his presence felt in the Best Player of the Conference race, finishing among the leading local performers in the statistical standings despite missing games because of injury. 

     

    His all-around contributions on offense and defense have reinforced the coaching staff’s confidence that he can become one of the franchise’s cornerstone players if he sustains that level of play throughout an entire conference.

     

    As the Governors’ Cup approaches, Phoenix hopes greater continuity and improved health will translate into better results after its Commissioner’s Cup campaign ended earlier than expected.

     

    With Johnson expected to anchor the import duties, Chua’s expected defense and rebounding and the backcourt tandem of Rivero and Tyler Tio leading the locals, the Fuel Masters believe they have enough firepower to compete for a deeper playoff run in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

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  • PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup imports: Veterans, newcomers set to headline title chase 

    PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup imports: Veterans, newcomers set to headline title chase 

    The countdown to the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup has entered its final stretch, and with every team now unveiling its reinforcement, the race for the season-ending championship is beginning to take shape.

     

    When the conference opens on July 10 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, all 13 participating teams—including guest club Macau Giant Pandas—will parade imports who comply with the league’s 6-foot-6 height limit. The field features a familiar blend of proven PBA stars, former NBA players, and first-time reinforcements looking to make an immediate impact.

     

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel


    Leading the returning cast is Justin Brownlee, whose résumé in the league remains unmatched among active imports. The four-time PBA Best Import returns after steering the Gin Kings to the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup championship, where they outlasted TNT Tropang 5G in a grueling seven-game Finals series. Brownlee also powered Ginebra to its most recent Governors’ Cup title in 2022, earning his second Best Import award during that campaign.

     

    TNT Tropang 5G

     

    Defending Governors’ Cup champion TNT enters the tournament with a different reinforcement as Rondae Hollis-Jefferson continues his recovery. The Tropang 5G have turned to former NBA forward Darius Days, who was originally slated to play for TNT in the 2024 Governors’ Cup before Hollis-Jefferson decided to return. Since then, Days has helped the Illawarra Hawks capture a National Basketball League championship in Australia.

     

    Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

     

    Rain or Shine is banking on continuity by bringing back Aaron Fuller, who guided the Elasto Painters to the semifinals of last season’s Governors’ Cup before eventually bowing to TNT. Fuller returns after his latest stint in Mexico.

     

    NLEX Road Warriors

     

    NLEX will also keep a familiar face in DeQuan Jones, who rejoins the Road Warriors under new head coach Jimmy Alapag. The former Orlando Magic forward first suited up for NLEX midway through last season as Myke Henry’s replacement and now returns to a squad that topped the elimination round of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup before its playoff run ended in the quarterfinals against TNT.

     

    Converge FiberXers

     

    Converge welcomes back one of the league’s most explosive scorers in Jalen Hudson. Returning to the PBA for the first time in three years, Hudson previously played for TNT in the 2023 Governors’ Cup, highlighted by a spectacular 56-point, 12-rebound, four-assist performance against his current team.

     

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    Magnolia Hotshots

     

    Magnolia has signed American forward KJ Buffen, who played collegiate basketball at the University of Alabama at Birmingham before building a professional career in Finland, New Zealand, and most recently Indonesia with RANS PIK.

     

    Blackwater Bossing

     

    Blackwater reinforced its roster with Kentrell Barkley, an accomplished import who arrives after winning the Most Valuable Player award in both the Indonesian Basketball League and the Vietnam Basketball Association. Barkley has also captured championships in Vietnam and Taiwan and now joins the Bossing under interim coach Pat Aquino.

     

    Meralco Bolts

     

    Meralco will finally get a full conference with Jordon Varnado, who is already familiar with the Bolts after helping the team reach the quarterfinals of the 2025 Basketball Champions League Asia.

     

    San Miguel Beermen

     

    San Miguel acquired George King after his release from Blackwater, bringing back one of the most prolific scorers to have played in the PBA. During last season’s Governors’ Cup, King erupted for a career-high 64 points for the Bossing before continuing his overseas career with stops in Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Taiwan, and Germany.

     

    Terrafirma Dyip

     

    Terrafirma introduces Justin Strings, a Sacramento State product who has played professionally in Canada, Germany, Argentina, and Uruguay.

     

    Phoenix Fuel Masters

     

    Phoenix turns to former NBA swingman BJ Johnson, who previously suited up for the Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks before most recently playing for Lokomotiv Kuban in Russia’s VTB United League.

     

    Titan Ultra Giant Risers

     

    Expansion club Titan Ultra Giant Risers has entrusted its campaign to Tirrell Brown, whose professional career has taken him across Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay.

     

    Macau Giant Pandas

     

    Guest team Macau Giant Pandas, formerly known as the Black Knights, will be reinforced by De’Vondre Perry. The Temple University product heads to the PBA after competing in Belgium, the Dominican Republic, and Germany, where he last played for SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt.

     

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  • Rondae Hollis-Jefferson eyes September return as TNT plans long-awaited reunion 

    Rondae Hollis-Jefferson eyes September return as TNT plans long-awaited reunion 

    For the first time since suffering one of the biggest setbacks of his professional career, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson can finally see the finish line.

     

    The former PBA Best Import has taken another major step in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, raising hopes that his return to TNT Tropang 5G could happen before the end of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup.

     

    In a recent update shared by TNT on social media, Hollis-Jefferson revealed that his rehabilitation has reached a significant milestone nearly five months after undergoing surgery.

     

    “I’m at almost five months post-surgery, I’m moving a lot better, I’m able to run, jump and start to do on court stuff,” he said.

     

    “I will say, around this five-month mark is where things start to ramp up where we do more work, pool workouts and a lot of strengthening.”

     

    Although the explosive forward is back running and working on basketball movements, he emphasized that there is still no fixed timetable for his comeback.

     

    “I can’t give y’all an exact date but we’re looking at somewhere between September and October.”

     

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    The update marks a welcome development for TNT, which has patiently waited for one of the franchise’s most successful imports to regain full health.

     

    Hollis-Jefferson suffered the devastating Achilles injury in December while suiting up for the Meralco Bolts in the East Asia Super League, abruptly ending another strong campaign just months after helping TNT capture another PBA championship.

     

    Rather than rushing his recovery, the Tropang 5G have opted for a cautious approach, prioritizing the long-term health of the former NBA veteran.

     

    With Hollis-Jefferson still completing his rehabilitation, TNT will begin its Governors’ Cup campaign with former NBA forward Darius Days serving as its reinforcement.

     

    The season-ending conference opens on July 10, though the Tropang 5G will make their first appearance on July 19 when they face guest team Macau at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    If recovery continues according to plan, however, TNT’s biggest mid-conference addition may not come through a new signing—but through the return of the import who has become synonymous with the franchise’s recent championship success.

     

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  • Jimmy Alapag reunites with trusted ally Jamike Jarin as NLEX coaching staff takes shape 

    Jimmy Alapag reunites with trusted ally Jamike Jarin as NLEX coaching staff takes shape 

    Jimmy Alapag is wasting little time surrounding himself with familiar faces as he begins a new chapter with NLEX, tapping longtime coaching associate Jamike Jarin to join his staff for the upcoming PBA season.


    Among the Road Warriors’ coaching group, Jarin stands out as the lone addition personally selected by the newly appointed head coach, highlighting the trust and chemistry the two have developed through years of working together.

     

    Their partnership dates back to their successful stint with TNT, where Jarin served as an assistant coach from 2010 to 2013 while Alapag starred as the team’s floor general. 

     

    The connection continued at Meralco after Jarin joined Norman Black’s coaching staff, with both sharing the bench during Alapag’s final season as a professional player in 2015.

     

    Now, that long-standing relationship will continue at NLEX as Alapag assembles a staff he believes can help establish the culture he wants with the Road Warriors.

     

    Jarin is no stranger to head coaching responsibilities. He most recently handled Phoenix Super LPG before Charles Tiu took over the franchise last year. 

     

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    Prior to that, he also coached the Phoenix Fuel Masters before stepping away ahead of the PBA Season 50. The veteran mentor likewise built his résumé as a former national youth coach.

     

    His arrival adds another experienced voice to an already established NLEX coaching staff that includes Borgie Hermida, Emman Monfort, Melo Lim, Anton Escolin, Jorge Sison, Woody Co, and veteran Adonis Tierra. 

     

    Aside from Jarin’s appointment, the rest of the Road Warriors’ coaching lineup remains unchanged.

     

    Fans got an early glimpse of the revamped coaching staff on Tuesday when both Alapag and Jarin were seen together on the sidelines during NLEX’s tuneup game against Blackwater at the Epsilon Chi Center inside the University of the Philippines grounds.

     

    The appointment also marks Jarin’s return to the MVP Group after a nine-year absence, bringing him back to an organization where he previously enjoyed some of the most significant chapters of his coaching career.

     

    Alapag, 48, was officially named NLEX’s new head coach on Monday night, and his first major personnel move reflects a preference for continuity, familiarity, and trusted experience as he begins building the Road Warriors in his own image.

     

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  • PBA sets stage for Season 50 Governors’ Cup with schedule release 

    PBA sets stage for Season 50 Governors’ Cup with schedule release 

    The PBA has officially released the schedule for the Season 50 Governors’ Cup, with the season-ending conference set to open on July 10 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo with a doubleheader.

    The opening game will feature Terrafirma taking on Titan Ultra at 5 p.m., with Justin Strings set to make his debut as Dyip’s new import.


    The main game will see the NLEX Road Warriors begin their campaign against the Macau Black Pandas, marking the franchise’s first official game under incoming head coach Jimmy Alapag.

     

    NLEX enters the Governors’ Cup looking for a strong bounce-back after a disappointing Commissioner’s Cup playoff exit. The Road Warriors finished as the top seed in the eliminations and held a twice-to-beat advantage but were eliminated by TNT in the quarterfinals.

     

    The action continues on July 11 at the Ynares Center in Montalban, where Blackwater faces Rain or Shine in the opening game before Phoenix battles Magnolia in the second match of another doubleheader.

     

    The following schedule at Montalban features NLEX against Titan Ultra in the first game, while Converge makes its conference debut against the same guest team in the second matchup.

     

    One of the biggest debuts of the tournament comes on July 14, when prolific import George King makes his first appearance for San Miguel Beer as the Beermen take on the Macau Black Pandas at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

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    Meanwhile, Meralco opens its Governors’ Cup campaign on July 13 against Phoenix at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The league’s two reigning champions will also begin their title bids on July 19 at the Big Dome. Defending Governors’ Cup champion TNT Tropang 5G starts its title defense against the Macau Black Pandas, while newly crowned Commissioner’s Cup champion Barangay Ginebra faces the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

     

    The Governors’ Cup is scheduled to run until October 21, making it the longest conference on the PBA calendar this season. After the games on August 14 featuring Converge vs. NLEX and Meralco vs. Barangay Ginebra at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the league will take a break before resuming on October 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The return of action will feature NLEX against the Macau Black Pandas, followed by Terrafirma versus TNT.

     

    The September break will give way to the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, as Gilas Pilipinas Men prepare to represent the country in the continental competition.

     

    Gilas will aim to defend the gold medal won by the Philippines at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where the national team captured the country’s first men’s basketball gold in 61 years.

     

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  • Nick Demusis returns to PBA stage as Blackwater adds veteran forward to Governor’s Cup campaign 

    Nick Demusis returns to PBA stage as Blackwater adds veteran forward to Governor’s Cup campaign 

    Nick Demusis is set to make his return to the PBA after Blackwater brought in the veteran forward for the remainder of Season 50, adding him to the Bossing roster ahead of the third conference Governors’ Cup.


    The 6-foot forward was officially welcomed into the Blackwater organization on Monday by team manager Johnson Martinez as the franchise looks to strengthen its lineup for the upcoming conference.

     

    Demusis’ arrival comes as Blackwater continues to make adjustments to its roster, with the team parting ways with veteran big man Bradwyn Guinto and third-year center Clifford Jopia. 

     

    There are also discussions surrounding a possible trade involving Christian David.

     

    The comeback marks Demusis’ return to competitive basketball after his stint with the Zamboanga Valientes in the Dubai International Basketball Invitational Tournament. 

     

    His overseas campaign gained attention after an incident involving Ismael Romero during a game against Al Ahli Tripoli, where Demusis was attacked. 

     

    The incident later led Demusis and the Valientes to file a complaint against Romero, affecting Romero’s chances of securing a contract as Meralco’s import for the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

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    Before his international stint, Demusis built his reputation as a dependable forward in the local basketball scene. His performances helped him become recognized as a versatile player, eventually earning him a place in the PBA Draft.

     

    The Filipino-American forward was selected 18th overall by the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in the 2021 PBA Draft. 

     

    After spending a season with Phoenix, Demusis was later included in a trade package that sent him and two future second-round draft picks to Rain or Shine in exchange for Javee Mocon.

     

    With the Elasto Painters, Demusis developed a reputation as an energetic contributor who provided effort on both ends of the floor. 

     

    During the 2022–23 season, he posted one of his more productive campaigns, averaging 5.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while giving Rain or Shine added depth in the frontcourt.

     

    His final PBA appearance came with Rain or Shine in Season 49, where he averaged 2.4 points per game before his contract expired in 2025 and was not renewed. 

     

    Now, the move to Blackwater gives Demusis another opportunity to revive his PBA career and provide veteran presence as the Bossing enter a new phase of their campaign.

     

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