Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Tag: PBA Governor’s Cup

  • Jimmy Alapag returns home to bring NBA experience as NLEX’s new mentor  

    Jimmy Alapag returns home to bring NBA experience as NLEX’s new mentor  

    After spending the last six years learning the game from the sidelines of the NBA, Jimmy Alapag is finally bringing that experience back to where his legendary basketball journey began.

     

    The former PBA superstar officially returns to the Philippine league—not as a player this time, but as the new head coach of the NLEX Road Warriors, a franchise hoping its next breakthrough will come under one of the country’s most respected basketball minds.

     

    NLEX made the announcement on Monday through its official social media platforms, confirming Alapag’s appointment ahead of the opening of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The move signals a major shift for a team that has consistently shown flashes of promise but has yet to establish itself as a legitimate title contender.

     

    “Welcome to your new home coach Jimmy Alapag! As we prepare for the upcoming conference, the NLEX management believes this is the right time to introduce renewed leadership while preserving the continuity and identity that the team has built,” NLEX said on social media.

     

    “We are appointing Coach Jimmy Alapag as Head Coach of the NLEX Road Warriors. Coach Jimmy brings valuable experience from an NBA organization, a strong basketball philosophy, and a player-centered approach that we believe can help elevate the team to the next level,” the team further said.

     

    Alapag replaces veteran tactician Jong Uichico, inheriting a roster that showed significant progress during the Commissioner’s Cup after finishing the elimination round with a 10-2 record.

     

    Despite that impressive showing, NLEX’s campaign ended earlier than expected after falling to eventual finalist TNT Tropang 5G in the quarterfinals, leaving the franchise searching for the next piece that could push it deeper into the playoffs.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Rather than making wholesale roster changes, the Road Warriors opted for a change in leadership.

     

    “This move is about strengthening the program, combining fresh perspectives with continuity, and giving ourselves the best opportunity to achieve our goal of becoming a championship-caliber team,” the organization added.

     

    For Alapag, the opportunity marks another milestone in a career that has already crossed multiple basketball stages.

     

    Following his decorated playing career that included six PBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and a place among the league’s 50 Greatest Players, Alapag transitioned into coaching and eventually joined the Sacramento Kings organization.

     

    During his six-year stay, he served on the coaching staff of both the Kings and their NBA G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings, gaining valuable experience in one of the world’s most competitive basketball environments.

     

    Now, he returns to Philippine basketball carrying a different perspective—one shaped by years inside an NBA organization but rooted in the league where he became one of its greatest point guards.

     

    Alapag’s coaching debut will come immediately on opening night of the Governors’ Cup when NLEX faces guest team Macau Giant Pandas on July 10 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, officially ushering in a new era for the Road Warriors.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Andrei Caracut contract talks hit standstill as Rain or Shine prepares for Governors’ Cup 

    Andrei Caracut contract talks hit standstill as Rain or Shine prepares for Governors’ Cup 

    With the PBA Governors’ Cup just around the corner, Rain or Shine is preparing for another title chase while facing uncertainty over one of its most important pieces.


    Negotiations between the Elasto Painters and Andrei Caracut remain unresolved, leaving the future of the veteran guard with the franchise still up in the air.

     

    Caracut’s previous deal expired after Rain or Shine’s Commissioner’s Cup campaign ended in the semifinals, where the Elasto Painters fell in six games to eventual champion Barangay Ginebra.

     

    The contract situation now puts Rain or Shine in a challenging position, with Caracut and fellow 27-year-old Gian Mamuyac both unsigned heading into the season-ending conference.

     

    For the past several conferences, Caracut has been a steady presence in Rain or Shine’s climb as one of the PBA’s most consistent contenders. 

     

    The 30-year-old guard played a major role in helping the franchise reach the semifinals in five of the last six conferences.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    During the recently concluded PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, Caracut averaged 7.22 points, 2.00 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, providing valuable production on both ends of the floor.

     

    His biggest moment came in the playoffs when he exploded for a career-high 29 points, including six three-pointers, to lead Rain or Shine past San Miguel Beer in a 113-104 quarterfinal victory.

     

    Despite his importance to the team, discussions between Caracut’s camp and Rain or Shine have yet to produce a new agreement. Both sides have even opened the possibility of a trade if a deal cannot be finalized.

     

    The situation is a difficult one for the Elasto Painters, who drafted Caracut in the second round (23rd overall) of the 2021 PBA Draft and watched him grow into one of the franchise’s most recognizable players.

     

    Beyond his production on the court, Caracut has also built a strong connection with fans through his popular vlog featuring teammates and close friends, including Leonard Santillan, Adrian Nocum, Jhonard Clarito, and utility staff member Eric Nanas.

     

    While Caracut’s future remains uncertain, Rain or Shine has already locked in several pieces for the upcoming Governors’ Cup. 

     

    Teammates Jhonard Clarito, Anton Asistio, and Jun Roque have secured new and extended deals, while import Aaron Fuller is set to return for the conference.

     

    As the new conference approaches, the Elasto Painters now face a crucial decision and that is to secure a deal with one of their key players or risk losing a guard who has become central to their recent resurgence.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Rain or Shine locks up Jhonard Clarito with three-year contract extension 

    Rain or Shine locks up Jhonard Clarito with three-year contract extension 

    Rain or Shine is making continuity a priority ahead of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, rewarding one of its biggest success stories after handing Jhonard Clarito a fresh three-year contract extension.


    The new deal keeps one of the Elasto Painters’ most dependable players in the franchise for the foreseeable future, reinforcing the team’s commitment to a core that has transformed Rain or Shine into a legitimate title contender over the past two conferences.

     

    Clarito, who was accompanied by his longtime agent Danny Espiritu during the signing, inked the extension with team governor Atty. Mert Mondragon representing the organization. 

     

    The agreement is another vote of confidence for a player who entered the league with little fanfare after Rain or Shine selected him 17th overall in the second round of the 2022 PBA Draft out of De Ocampo College.

     

    Since then, the 30-year-old has steadily carved out a major role under coach Yeng Guiao. From being a reserve fighting for minutes, Clarito has developed into one of the team’s most trusted two-way players, providing hustle, defensive versatility and timely offense whenever called upon.

     

    His impact became even more evident during the recently concluded Commissioner’s Cup, where he averaged 10.4 points, 7.05 rebounds and 2.16 assists per game. 

     

    His consistent production helped Rain or Shine finish atop the elimination round before knocking out powerhouse San Miguel Beer in the quarterfinals and advancing to the semifinals.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Although the Elasto Painters eventually bowed to eventual champion Barangay Ginebra in an emotional six-game semifinal showdown, the conference further proved that Rain or Shine’s young nucleus is capable of competing with the league’s elite. 

     

    Clarito’s emergence was among the biggest reasons behind that breakthrough campaign.

    The franchise’s latest move also reflects its philosophy of rewarding players who have grown within the system. 

     

    Clarito is now the third Elasto Painter to receive a contract extension before the season-ending Governors’ Cup, joining injured rookie Jun Roque and guard Anton Asistio, who both signed one-year renewals.

     

    Rain or Shine also addressed another key piece of its Governors’ Cup campaign by bringing back familiar reinforcement Aaron Fuller. 

     

    The veteran import already knows Guiao’s demanding system and previously played a major role in helping the Elasto Painters make deep playoff runs with his rebounding, toughness and all-around game.

     

    For Clarito, the new contract represents a reward earned through years of perseverance and steady improvement, while for Rain or Shine, it is another important step toward keeping a promising championship window wide open. 

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Rain or Shine secures Anton Asistio, Jun Roque with contract extensions ahead of Governor’s Cup

    Rain or Shine secures Anton Asistio, Jun Roque with contract extensions ahead of Governor’s Cup

    Rain or Shine has moved to secure two pieces of its roster by handing one-year contract extensions to Anton Asistio and Jun Roque.


    The move underscores the Elasto Painters’ commitment to continuity after a campaign that saw them emerge as one of the league’s biggest surprises before falling short of a Finals appearance.

     

    For Asistio, the new deal serves as recognition of the impact he made during Rain or Shine’s impressive Commissioner’s Cup run. The former Ateneo standout became a valuable contributor as the Elasto Painters opened the conference with seven straight victories, eventually finishing as the No. 3 seed.

     

    Rain or Shine went on to eliminate powerhouse San Miguel Beer in the quarterfinals before pushing eventual champion Barangay Ginebra to a highly emotional six-game semifinal series.

     

    While his numbers may not jump off the page, Asistio provided crucial floor spacing and perimeter shooting throughout the conference. He averaged 5.2 points, 1.0 rebound, and 1.4 assists per game, while also emerging as one of the league’s most efficient long-range threats. He ranked third in four-point shooting, converting 41.6 percent of his attempts (5-of-12).

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    The streak-shooting guard, selected by Rain or Shine in the second round of the 2020 PBA Draft, formalized his extension during a contract signing attended by team governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon and witnessed by his agent Marvin Espiritu of Espiritu Manotoc Basketball Management.

     

    Meanwhile, Rain or Shine also sent a strong message about its faith in young talent by renewing rookie forward Jun Roque despite his ongoing recovery from a torn ACL.

     

    Roque quickly earned the trust of head coach Yeng Guiao after becoming available during the Governors’ Cup, carving out a role in the team’s rotation and showing flashes of his potential.

    His promising rookie campaign, however, came to an abrupt halt when he suffered an ACL injury in a game against Magnolia.

     

    Before being sidelined, the 6-foot-4 Letran product averaged 5.5 points and 2.6 rebounds per contest, numbers that reflected his growing confidence and increasing responsibilities within the squad.

     

    Roque entered the PBA after helping Letran reach the NCAA Season 101 Finals, where the Knights finished runner-up to San Beda. He was one of two first-round selections made by Rain or Shine in the most recent draft, joining Christian Manaytay, who was chosen at No. 10.

     

    By retaining both Asistio and Roque, the Elasto Painters have chosen to reward both production and potential. One extension recognizes a player who contributed to one of the franchise’s strongest conference performances in recent years, while the other reflects the organization’s belief in a young talent whose development was interrupted by injury.

     

    As Rain or Shine prepares for another shot at contention in the Season 50 Governor’s Cup, the franchise is making sure familiar faces remain part of its plans after a semifinal finish that ended at the hands of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Jordon Varnado returns to Meralco, strengthens Bolts’ Governors’ Cup bid 

    Jordon Varnado returns to Meralco, strengthens Bolts’ Governors’ Cup bid 

    When Meralco began searching for its import for the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, it didn’t have to look far.

     

    Instead of gambling on an unfamiliar name, the Bolts turned to someone who already knows the system, the locker room, and the expectations that come with playing for the franchise.

     

    Jordon Varnado is officially back with Meralco, giving the club a reinforcement it already trusts as it chases a breakthrough trip to the PBA Finals.

     

    The move continues a pattern that has become a hallmark of Meralco’s roster-building strategy. Rather than constantly searching for new imports, the Bolts have increasingly relied on players who have previously represented the organization in international competitions.

     

    Varnado was one of those pieces.

     

    The 29-year-old American played a key role for Meralco during the Basketball Champions League Asia 2025, where he averaged 19.7 points and 10.0 rebounds in three games. His production helped steer the Bolts into the quarterfinals before their campaign ended in a narrow defeat to Mongolia’s XAC Broncos, who eventually claimed the bronze medal.

     

    Now, a year after helping Meralco compete on the regional stage, Varnado returns with a different mission.

     

    His arrival addresses a major need for a team that has consistently remained among the league’s contenders but has struggled to take the final step. The Bolts reached the semifinals in both conferences this season, only to be denied each time by TNT.

     

    That experience has shaped Meralco’s approach entering the Governors’ Cup.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Instead of making sweeping changes, the franchise is leaning on continuity and familiarity, believing Varnado can provide an immediate impact because of his previous experience with the organization.

     

    The Tennessee native also arrives with an extensive international résumé, most recently suiting up for Israeli club Bnei Penlink Herzliya.

     

    His return comes as teams across the league finalize their import selections for the season-ending conference.

     

    Blackwater has already secured the services of 2024 Indonesian Basketball League MVP Kentrell Barkley, while Phoenix is set to bring in former NBA player BJ Johnson.

     

    For Meralco, however, the decision was less about finding the biggest name available and more about bringing back a player who already understands the culture the team is trying to build.

     

    With Varnado returning to the fold, the Bolts are hoping familiarity can become one of their biggest advantages as they pursue a deeper playoff run and a long-awaited championship opportunity.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Macau Black Knights get second shot as PBA Governors’ Cup return confirmed

    Macau Black Knights get second shot as PBA Governors’ Cup return confirmed

    The Macau Black Knights are not ready to close the chapter on their PBA journey just yet.

     

    Months after falling short in their first appearance in Asia’s oldest professional basketball league, the guest team has secured another opportunity to prove it belongs, with the PBA Board approving its participation in the upcoming Governors’ Cup.

     

    For Macau, the return is less about simply taking part and more about building on the hard-earned lessons from a debut campaign that showed flashes of promise despite ending outside the playoff picture.

     

    The Black Knights entered the Commissioner’s Cup as newcomers facing a steep learning curve. Their early struggles reflected that reality, dropping their first seven games and appearing destined for a forgettable finish.

     

    Yet the team’s response in the latter stages hinted at untapped potential.

     

    Macau closed its campaign by winning three of its final five contests, including a memorable 105-98 upset of Phoenix, finishing with a 3-9 record that failed to earn a postseason berth but offered encouragement heading into the future.

     

    That future has now arrived sooner than expected.

     

    The Governors’ Cup presents a different challenge altogether, particularly because of the conference’s stricter import regulations. After relying on 6-foot-8 former NBA player Tony Mitchell in the Commissioner’s Cup, Macau is expected to field a smaller reinforcement in line with the tournament’s 6-foot-6 height limit.

     

    One option already linked to the team is Oscar Lopez, a 6-foot-4 product of Central Michigan University who gained regional recognition after suiting up as one of Cambodia’s naturalized players during the 2023 Southeast Asian Games.

     

    His profile suggests a shift in identity for the Black Knights, potentially emphasizing speed, versatility, and perimeter play rather than the size advantage they previously enjoyed.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Questions also remain about the roster that will surround him.

     

    The team’s initial PBA run featured several familiar faces, including Damian Chong Qui, Phoenix Shackleford, Jenning Leung, and Ramon Cao. Whether that core remains intact for the Governors’ Cup has yet to be determined.

     

    One of the most talked-about moments of Macau’s debut season centered on Chong Qui, who unexpectedly left the team in the middle of a game against Terrafirma before eventually returning later in the conference.

     

    While the incident generated speculation at the time, coach Marcus Elliot indicated after the season that the organization had already moved forward.

     

    Instead, Elliot has chosen to focus on what lies ahead.

     

    “We’re looking forward to seeing what’s next for us coming up,” said Elliot after the team’s final game of the conference.

     

    That next step now comes with familiarity, something the Black Knights lacked during their first PBA campaign.

     

    This time, Macau enters knowing the competition, understanding the travel demands, and carrying the experience of battling some of the league’s best teams. Whether that translates into a playoff breakthrough remains to be seen, but the opportunity to rewrite its PBA story is officially on the table.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • George King makes PBA comeback with San Miguel Beermen for Season 50 Governors’ Cup 

    George King makes PBA comeback with San Miguel Beermen for Season 50 Governors’ Cup 

    George King’s journey after leaving the PBA took him across different basketball landscapes.

    From Lebanon and Egypt to Iraq, Taiwan, and most recently Germany with Gladiators Trier, the former Blackwater standout continued building his career overseas. Now, after nearly a year away from Philippine basketball, King is coming back with a new challenge waiting for him.


    The San Miguel Beermen have secured King as their import for the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, hoping the explosive scorer can provide the offensive spark needed to revive their championship push.

     

    The move comes after a disappointing Commissioner’s Cup campaign for the Beermen. San Miguel went through three different imports—Marcus Lee, Justin Patton, and Bennie Boatwright, but struggled to find the consistency needed for a deep playoff run.

     

    The Beermen ended the eliminations as the sixth seed with a 7-5 record before falling to Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals, ending their pursuit of a grand slam season.

     

    Now, San Miguel is looking for a fresh start in the Governors’ Cup, a conference where the franchise has not lifted the championship trophy in 11 years.

     

    King enters the team with a reputation already established. During his first PBA stint with Blackwater, he quickly became one of the league’s most dangerous imports. King wasted no time making an impression.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    King soon became Blackwater’s offensive engine, using his size, and scoring ability to create problems for opposing defenses. In the 2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, he averaged 34.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in 10 outings.

     

    His ability to score from inside and outside made him one of the toughest players to contain, especially when the game slowed down and teams relied on their imports to create offense.

     

    The scoring outburst highlighted the type of offensive force San Miguel is adding to its roster—a player capable of changing the direction of a game almost single-handedly.

     

    With San Miguel’s deep local lineup surrounding him, the challenge will be different. The Beermen are not simply looking for a scorer; they are hoping King can become the final piece of a championship puzzle.

     

    For King, the return represents another opportunity to prove himself in the league where he first made his name.

     

    For San Miguel, it is a chance to bring in an import who already understands the intensity, style, and pressure of the PBA.

     

    As the Governors’ Cup approaches, all eyes will be on whether George King can turn his second PBA chapter into a championship story.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Magnolia tapped KJ Buffen as Hotshots reload for PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup 

    Magnolia tapped KJ Buffen as Hotshots reload for PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup 

    After navigating a turbulent Commissioner’s Cup campaign, Magnolia is looking to start fresh in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup with a new import leading the charge.


    The Hotshots have tapped Kenyon Joseph “KJ” Buffen as their reinforcement for the season-ending conference, adding a versatile forward with experience across multiple international leagues and a reputation for producing on both ends of the floor.

     

    Buffen arrives in the Philippines after stops in Finland and New Zealand, most recently suiting up for Rans PIK in the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL). During the 2025-26 season, he averaged 21.5 points and 11.3 rebounds, establishing himself as one of the team’s focal points on offense while maintaining a strong presence on the glass.

     

    Buffen combines size, athleticism, and mobility—traits that Magnolia hopes will fit seamlessly into its up-tempo style of play. 

     

    Before beginning his professional career overseas, Buffen played NCAA Division I basketball at Ole Miss and UAB, appearing in 165 games and posting combined averages of 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.

     

    The 26-year-old is expected to join Magnolia’s practices soon as the club ramps up preparations for the Governors’ Cup.

     

    For Magnolia, the arrival of Buffen represents more than just a roster addition. It marks the beginning of a new chapter following a conference that tested the team’s depth and resilience.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    The Hotshots struggled to gain traction in the Commissioner’s Cup, prompting management to make an early change at the import position. 

     

    Magnolia parted ways with Nuni Omot after an 0-3 start and brought in Clint Chapman in hopes of reversing its fortunes. The move helped stabilize the campaign, but the team ultimately saw its run end in the quarterfinals against the Meralco Bolts.

     

    With Buffen now in the fold, Magnolia is hoping to enter the Governors’ Cup with renewed momentum.

     

    Known for his ability to score in transition, attack the basket, and rebound against bigger opponents, Buffen offers a skill set that could complement Magnolia’s established local core. 

     

    His experience competing in Europe, Oceania, and Southeast Asia has also exposed him to different playing styles, a background that may ease his adjustment to the physical and fast-paced nature of the PBA.

     

    The Hotshots have long been regarded as one of the league’s perennial contenders, and the organization is banking on Buffen’s energy and versatility to help restore its championship aspirations in Season 50.

     

    As the Governors’ Cup approaches, attention will shift to how quickly Buffen can build chemistry with Magnolia’s roster. If his production in Indonesia carries over to the PBA, the Hotshots could find themselves back in the conversation among the conference’s top contenders.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • NLEX turns back to a familiar fix as DeQuan Jones returns for Governors’ Cup run 

    NLEX turns back to a familiar fix as DeQuan Jones returns for Governors’ Cup run 

    After reaching the top of the standings but falling short when it mattered most, NLEX is banking on something familiar to help change its postseason fortunes.

     

    The Road Warriors have decided not to roll the dice on a new reinforcement for the upcoming PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, instead bringing back former NBA player DeQuan Jones for another tour of duty.

     

    The move signals a clear direction for NLEX: continuity over experimentation.

     

    Team governor Ronald Dulatre confirmed that Jones is set to arrive Monday morning as the Road Warriors begin preparations for the season-ending conference, which opens on July 10.

     

     

    Jones returns to a team that experienced both the highs and frustrations of the past season.

     NLEX emerged as the No. 1 seed in the Commissioner’s Cup, only to suffer a stunning quarterfinal exit at the hands of eventual champion TNT despite holding the twice-to-beat advantage.

     

    Now, the Road Warriors are hoping familiarity can become an advantage.

     

    The 35-year-old import is no stranger to the franchise after joining NLEX midway through last season’s Governors’ Cup as a replacement for Myke Henry. Though his stint lasted only part of the conference, Jones helped stabilize the squad and guided it into the playoffs with a 3-4 record during the eliminations.

     

    His return also continues a growing trend around the league, with teams opting to reunite with proven imports rather than start from scratch. Barangay Ginebra is bringing back Justin Brownlee, while Rain or Shine has once again tapped Aaron Fuller.

     

    For NLEX, Jones offers more than just familiarity.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    The athletic forward owns one of the more diverse basketball résumés among imports in the league. After a stint with the NBA’s Orlando Magic, he carved out a lengthy international career that took him through Italy, Japan, France, China, and Israel. He also earned recognition in the NBA G League, where he was once named Most Improved Player and captured a Slam Dunk Contest title.

     

    His connection to Philippine basketball runs deeper as well.

     

    Jones previously played alongside former NLEX star Kiefer Ravena with Shiga Lakes in Japan’s B.League. Ravena was instrumental in recommending the veteran forward to the Road Warriors before Jones first arrived in the PBA.

     

    Now, Jones returns to a roster that already knows what he brings to the table.

     

    The challenge, however, is bigger than simply making the playoffs. NLEX has already proven it can compete with the league’s best during the elimination round. The next step is ensuring that success carries over when the pressure intensifies in the postseason.

     

    With DeQuan Jones back in the fold, the Road Warriors are betting that a familiar face can help them finish what they started.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Rain or Shine brings back a familiar formula as Aaron Fuller returns for PBA Governor’s Cup 

    Rain or Shine brings back a familiar formula as Aaron Fuller returns for PBA Governor’s Cup 

    In a conference where teams often chase the next big name, Rain or Shine has chosen a different path.


    The Elasto Painters have officially brought back Aaron Fuller as their import for the PBA 50th Season Governor’s Cup, signaling their belief that familiarity and fit can be just as valuable as star power.

     

    Fuller returns after playing a pivotal role in Rain or Shine’s impressive run in the 49th Season Governor’s Cup. 

     

    With the veteran reinforcement leading the charge, the Elasto Painters advanced all the way to the semifinals before eventually bowing to TNT, the team that went on to capture the championship.

     

    His return comes despite the availability of former Rain or Shine import Jaylen Johnson, who had previously made it clear that he remains open to another PBA stint.

     

    Johnson had said that he didn’t have to search his brain long for an answer to whether or not he has plans to make a PBA comeback.

     

    His most recent campaign with Rain or Shine ended in the Reinforced Conference when Barangay Ginebra closed out their semifinal series. 

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Yet even in defeat, Johnson left appreciative of the support he received, marveling after the series-clinching Game 6 at how much love he had gotten from Filipino basketball fans.

     

    Rain or Shine, however, ultimately decided to stay with a player who already understands the demands of the franchise.

     

    Over the years, Fuller has built a strong résumé in the PBA. Before his latest run with the Elasto Painters, he suited up for NLEX in 2017 and 2018 and later had stints with TNT and Blackwater. 

    Across those stops, he established himself as an import capable of carrying a team offensively while remaining a force on the boards.

     

    His recent form also suggests he remains at the top of his game. Playing for RANS Simba Bogor in the Indonesian Basketball League, Fuller averaged 23.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per contest, helping guide the club to a quarterfinal appearance.

     

    More than continuity, Rain or Shine’s decision may reflect a broader shift in how successful teams build contenders. Instead of gambling on an unfamiliar talent and spending weeks adjusting roles and expectations, the Elasto Painters are investing in certainty. 

     

    Fuller already knows the culture, the coaching staff knows what to expect from him, and the players understand how to play alongside him. 

     

    In a short conference where every game carries weight, that built-in trust can be worth more than any dazzling résumé. For a team that came within a series of reaching the Finals last season, bringing Fuller back is less about revisiting the past and more about picking up where it left off.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.