Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Tag: PBA Season 50

  • RJ Abarrientos claims Player of the Week honor ahead of the PBA Finals 

    RJ Abarrientos claims Player of the Week honor ahead of the PBA Finals 

    RJ Abbarientos earned the final PBA Press Corps Player of the Week citation of the conference after spearheading the Gin Kings’ successful semifinal closeout against Rain or Shine, highlighted by consecutive 30-point outings that propelled his team back to the championship stage.


    Abarrientos averaged 23 points, 6.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals during the week, emerging as Ginebra’s top local performer as the Kings secured a return trip to the Finals.

     

    His biggest statement came in Game 6, where he poured in 30 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals in a 118-107 victory that sealed the series in six games and booked a showdown with TNT. 

     

    It came just two days after he erupted for 31 points, four rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in Ginebra’s crucial 111-104 triumph in Game 5.

     

    “You could see it. I saw it in the locker room before the game. I can see it even yesterday during our film meeting. He just had it on his face and his body language that he is going to come out and have a big game,” Ginebra coach Tim Cone said.

     

    The explosive finish was a sharp response to Game 4, when Abarrientos was limited to just eight points in a 97-85 defeat after struggling to get involved offensively.

     

    Instead of fading after the setback, the sophomore guard elevated his game when Ginebra needed him most, combining for 61 points in Games 5 and 6 to help eliminate the Elasto Painters and move within four wins of his first PBA championship.

     

    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 timing of his surge could not be better for a Ginebra team seeking redemption against TNT. The upcoming Finals will mark another chapter in one of the PBA’s defining rivalries, with the Tropang 5G having won the last three championship meetings between the two franchises, including the previous Commissioner’s Cup Finals. 

     

    The series presents Abarrientos an opportunity to play a pivotal role in Ginebra’s bid to finally reverse that trend.

     

    More than the scoring, Abarrientos has shown an increasing ability to control games as a playmaker and floor leader. 

     

    Following the Game 6 victory, he emphasized that his focus extends beyond individual numbers and centers on guiding the team on the court—a responsibility that has grown alongside his role within the franchise. 

     

    That evolution has made him one of Ginebra’s most important players heading into the Finals and a key figure in the club’s pursuit of another title.

     

    The Player of the Week award, as voted upon by reporters regularly covering the PBA beat, serves as the final individual recognition of the conference before attention shifts entirely to the championship series. 

     

    Abarrientos will look to carry his strong form into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, which begin on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Barangay Ginebra will renew its rivalry with TNT in a highly anticipated title showdown. 

     

    👉 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.

  • Juami Tiongson returns to Terrafirma as San Miguel reloads with Jerrick Ahanmisi in blockbuster trade 

    Juami Tiongson returns to Terrafirma as San Miguel reloads with Jerrick Ahanmisi in blockbuster trade 

    For Juami Tiongson, the move feels familiar.

     

    Eighteen months after San Miguel acquired him from Terrafirma as part of its pursuit of another championship, the veteran guard is heading back to the franchise where he rebuilt his career and became one of the PBA’s most productive local scorers.

     

    The PBA announced Wednesday that San Miguel has traded Tiongson and rookie Chris Miller to Terrafirma in exchange for Jerrick Ahanmisi and sophomore Paolo Hernandez, a deal that says as much about each team’s present priorities as it does about the players involved.

     

    On the surface, it is a straightforward swap of talent. Dig deeper, however, and it becomes a story of two franchises moving in opposite directions.

     

    For San Miguel, the transaction is another attempt to maximize a championship window that never seems to close.

     

    The Beermen are adding one of the conference’s most explosive local scorers in Ahanmisi, a player who emerged as Terrafirma’s primary offensive weapon during the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    He averaged more than 21 points per game while helping the Dyip produce the best start in franchise history and remain in playoff contention deep into the conference. Ahanmisi also delivered several signature performances, including a 24-point outing against San Miguel in a crucial late-season matchup.

     

    The former Jerrick Ahanmisi arrives with an established reputation as one of the league’s premier perimeter threats. A former UAAP Mythical Team member from Adamson University, he has steadily developed into one of the PBA’s most dangerous shot creators since entering the league in 2021.

     

    Meanwhile, Hernandez gives San Miguel another young piece to develop behind its veteran core.

     

    The trade also underscores how difficult Tiongson’s transition to San Miguel ultimately became.

     

    When the Beermen acquired the former Terrafirma franchise player in late 2024, many expected him to provide additional scoring and playmaking alongside stars such as June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez. Instead, Tiongson found himself adjusting to a far different role than the one he had grown accustomed to as Terrafirma’s offensive centerpiece.

     

    After averaging 17.2 points per game before his move to San Miguel, Tiongson’s production dropped significantly as he settled into a supporting role behind an already loaded backcourt. 

     

    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 Commissioner’s Cup, he averaged just 4.7 points and 1.9 assists while often splitting minutes with veteran floor generals.

     

    Earlier this year, Tiongson openly acknowledged the adjustment that came with joining a championship contender.

     

    He admitted missing the larger offensive role he once had but recognized that becoming part of San Miguel’s deep roster required a different approach to the game.

     

    Now, he returns to the team where he spent five seasons and enjoyed the most productive stretch of his professional career.

     

    For Terrafirma, the move is about reclaiming a proven leader while adding a player whose skill set fits a team still searching for stability. Tiongson was more than just a scorer during his previous stint with the Dyip. He evolved into an All-Star, earned recognition as one of the league’s most improved players, and became one of the few consistent bright spots during challenging seasons for the franchise.

     

    The addition of Miller also provides Terrafirma another young guard who could receive more opportunities than he was likely to find within San Miguel’s crowded rotation.

     

    Ultimately, the trade reflects a familiar PBA reality.

     

    San Miguel continues to chase championships by adding established talent ready to contribute immediately. Terrafirma, meanwhile, welcomes back a player who once carried the franchise and now gets another chance to do so.

     

    For Ahanmisi, the move represents an opportunity to compete for titles alongside one of the league’s most decorated rosters.

     

    For Tiongson, it represents something different.

     

    A return to the team where he became a star, and perhaps the place where he can once again become one.

     

    👉 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.

  • Clint Chapman powers Magnolia’s bounce-back as Hotshots take advantage of import-less Beermen

    Clint Chapman powers Magnolia’s bounce-back as Hotshots take advantage of import-less Beermen

    Still reeling from a tough loss, the Hotshots found clarity and rhythm at the perfect time, riding an inspired performance from import Clint Chapman to dismantle San Miguel, 120-101, in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.


    What could have been a tricky matchup turned into an opportunity seized. With San Miguel missing its import Justin Patton, Magnolia leaned into Chapman and delivered his most complete game yet.

     

    The 6-foot-10 reinforcement erupted for 34 points, alongside six rebounds and two assists, steering Magnolia to a much-needed lift in the standings at 3-4. 

     

    While Chapman anchored the charge, Magnolia’s cohesion told the bigger story. The Hotshots moved the ball with purpose, piling up 36 assists while knocking down 10 of 19 attempts from beyond the arc. 

     

    Their defensive pressure also proved decisive, turning 13 San Miguel turnovers into 24 points.

    San Miguel, playing all-Filipino without Patton—who had missed practices following their loss to Rain or Shine, leaned on Cjay Perez to carry the scoring load. 

     

    He responded with 23 points, while Mo Tautuaa and Jericho Cruz chipped in 13 apiece. But the Beermen struggled to match Magnolia’s balance and pace.

     

    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.

    Even Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio admitted the unexpected nature of San Miguel’s lineup shift caught them off guard, but not unprepared.

     

    “I told them that this team (San Miguel) is dangerous without an import. They are the all-Filipino champions for a reason. I challenged them kasi mas nakakatakot kalaban San Miguel kapag all-Fiipino,” Tenorio said.

     

    That mindset translated into execution. Supporting Chapman, the trio of Jerrick Ahanmisi, Zavier Lucero, and Ian Sangalang combined for 36 points, ensuring the Hotshots never lost control.

     

    Tenorio also emphasized growth through adversity, pointing to how the team responded after their previous defeat.

     

    “I keep on challenging them every practice, and sometimes the things I say to them are tough to hear, but it’s for us to grow as a team. Tonight, I have to give credit to my players after a tough loss last Friday, and that’s what we needed,” Tenorio added.

     

    With momentum back on their side, Magnolia now looks to string together wins as it prepares to face the struggling Converge FiberXers on April 19 at Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    San Miguel, meanwhile, heads into its next assignment searching for answers as it braces for a tough test against the NLEX Road Warriors, hoping to halt its early skid.

     

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

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

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

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

    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.

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • Japeth Aguilar turns back the clock, becomes oldest MVP in PBA All-Star Game history

    Japeth Aguilar turns back the clock, becomes oldest MVP in PBA All-Star Game history

    Veteran high-flyer Japeth Aguilar proved that age is just a number as he delivered a spectacular performance to headline the 2026 PBA All-Star Game in Candon City.

     

    Celebrating his 10th appearance in the league’s annual midseason showcase, the 39-year-old Barangay Ginebra big man turned in a crowd-pleasing performance to power Solid North to a 147-142 victory over South on Sunday night at the Candon City Arena.

     

    Aguilar dazzled the fans with 29 points, highlighted by a flawless display in the dunk attempts where he converted all seven tries — each worth three points in the All-Star format.

     

    His final slam came with just 24 seconds remaining and effectively sealed the win for the North squad, extending its dominance in the exhibition to six straight victories over the South since the 2010 edition.

     

    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.

    For his efforts, Aguilar was named the Most Valuable Player, making him the oldest player ever to capture the award in the history of the PBA All-Star Game.

     

    “I’m just enjoying this All-Star game,” said Aguilar.

     

    The achievement also gave Aguilar his third All-Star MVP recognition, though it marked his first time winning the honor outright.

     

    He previously shared the award with Arwind Santos in 2019 and with Robert Bolick in 2024.

     

    Aguilar’s latest accolade also came with a historical footnote. The veteran center surpassed the previous record held by Santos, who was 37 years old when he won the All-Star MVP in 2019.

     

    More than the numbers, Aguilar’s performance served as a reminder that even after nearly two decades in the league, the athletic big man can still rise above the rim — and the competition — when the spotlight shines brightest.

     

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

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • PBA’s 50th Anniversary takes center stage in Candon as All-Star Weekend heads north

    PBA’s 50th Anniversary takes center stage in Candon as All-Star Weekend heads north

    For a league celebrating 50 years of history, the Philippine Basketball Association is taking the celebration on the road.


    This week, the PBA’s golden anniversary celebration shifts north as Candon City plays host to the PBA All-Star Weekend, transforming the Ilocos Sur province into the country’s basketball capital for four days.

     

    A 160-member delegation, highlighted by 59 players, will leave Manila late Wednesday for the seven-hour trip, a caravan carrying five decades of professional basketball tradition to one of the league’s newest provincial stages. 

     

    It marks the first All-Star showcase since the 2024 edition in Bacolod City and comes a year after the supposed 2025 staging in Davao was scrapped due to security concerns.

     

    Commissioner Willie Marcial will spearhead the delegation, joined by league officials and participants from the North and South All-Star squads, the Rookies/Sophomores and Juniors teams, and competitors. 

     

    Members of the PBA Board led by Chairman Ricky Vargas, along with team executives, are also expected to arrive by the weekend.

     

    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.

    On the court, the North-South rivalry headlines the festivities, as Coach Leo Austria will guide the North All-Stars, whose roster includes Japeth Aguilar, Calvin Abueva, rookie Juan Gomez De Liano, CJ Perez, Stephen Holt, Justine Baltazar, Adrian Nocum, Chris Newsome, CJ Cansino, Gian Mamuyac, Justin Arana, and Don Trollano.

     

    Opposing them is the South squad under veteran coach Chot Reyes, bannered by June Mar Fajardo, RJ Abarrientos, Scottie Thompson, Calvin Oftana, Robert Bolick, Roger Pogoy, JB Bahio, Leonard Santillan, Alec Stockton, Caelan Tiongson, Rey Nambatac, and Jericho Cruz.

    While the star power promises fireworks on Sunday night, the league’s message extends beyond the scoreboard.

     

    The four-day stay will feature a motorcade and parade, school visits, tree-planting activity, meet-and-greet sessions, a court turnover ceremony, and referees’ and coaches’ clinics — underscoring the PBA’s effort to turn its anniversary celebration into a community-driven outreach.

     

    Action tips off Friday at the Candon City Arena with the Skills Event at 5:30 p.m. Sunday’s program begins at 5:30 p.m. with the Daily Fantasy Shooting Star contest before the main All-Star Game takes center stage at 7:30 p.m.

     

    After a year of uncertainty and a canceled showcase in 2025, the league has found its stage once more. As the PBA marks 50 years, it does so not just by looking back at its legacy but by bringing the celebration directly to the fans who have sustained it for generations.

     

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

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans! 

  • San Miguel and Titan Ultra stand out as last teams yet to announce imports for PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    San Miguel and Titan Ultra stand out as last teams yet to announce imports for PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    With less than a month to go before the start of the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on March 11, nearly every team has already locked in its foreign reinforcements — except two franchises that traditionally figure in the title hunt. 

     

    San Miguel Beermen and the newcomer Titan Ultra Giant Risers remain the only squads without confirmed imports as of press time, making their decisions among the most closely watched developments of the pre‑season.

     

    Across the league, the removal of the import height limit for this year’s Commissioner’s Cup has set off a parade of towering foreign reinforcements, with teams capitalizing on the chance to bring in size and athleticism unmatched in previous mid‑season conferences. 

     

    Tall frontcourt options like Cady Lalanne (NLEX), James Dickey (Phoenix), Jaylen Johnson (Rain or Shine), Daniel Ochefu (Blackwater), and Terrell Brown‑Soares (Magnolia) have already been confirmed, while Justin Brownlee returns for Barangay Ginebra and Bol Bol has officially been signed as the import for TNT Tropang 5G. Guest squad Macau Black Bears have also announced imports Samuel Deguara and Tony Mitchell, adding another layer of intrigue to the mid‑season slate.

     

    Despite this flurry of recruiting activity, the Beermen have taken a more measured approach. Head coach Leo Austria recently acknowledged that San Miguel is still in negotiations with several potential imports, with the goal of finding a player who can complement the inside presence of multi‑time MVP June Mar Fajardo — ideally someone with size, shooting range, and the ability to stretch defenses. 

     

    Austria insisted that a final decision could come soon but warned that the franchise won’t rush its choice just to meet the deadline.

     

    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.

    For Titan Ultra, the situation is somewhat different. The young franchise, which made its PBA debut in the Philippine Cup after Pureblends Corp. acquired the NorthPort Batang Pier franchise, has been busy building its local roster — adding veterans like Roi Sumang and James Martinez — but has yet to officially announce an import. 

     

    The delay comes on the heels of coaching changes, including the departure of Johnedel Cardel as head coach, leaving fans to speculate whether Titan Ultra is still finalizing its scouting or waiting to land a specific target before disclosing its reinforcement.

     

    The urgency to secure quality imports has only been heightened by the overall shift in the conference’s dynamics. 

     

    With no height cap, teams are banking on elite big men to dominate the paint and anchor their defenses, placing added pressure on holdouts like San Miguel and Titan Ultra to finalize their plans before opening night. 

     

    The Beermen, in particular, are under the spotlight: they closed out the Philippine Cup as champions but struggled in last year’s Commissioner’s Cup and are looking for a mid‑season import that can help them chase another title and complete a near‑historic grand slam.

     

    As other teams finalize travel arrangements and begin training camp rotations with their imports, all eyes remain on San Miguel and Titan Ultra. Their eventual selections could not only reshape the early hierarchy of the Commissioner’s Cup standings but also influence how the rest of the league approaches matchups against them once the reinforcements suit up.

     

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

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • Bol Bol arrives to boost TNT Tropang 5G title hopes  

    Bol Bol arrives to boost TNT Tropang 5G title hopes  

    The spotlight quickly followed Bol Bol upon his arrival in the Philippines, signaling not just the entry of a new import but the arrival of one of the tallest and most fascinating talents to ever suit up in the Philippine Basketball Association.

     

    Fresh from his NBA journey, the 7-foot-3 forward landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where he was greeted by Jojo Lastimosa as he officially began his stint with TNT Tropang Giga.

     

    Bol’s presence immediately adds a new layer of intrigue to the PBA import landscape. Standing at the same listed height as former PBA reinforcement PJ Ramos—who played under Manny Pacquiao during his brief coaching stint with Kia Sorento in 2014—Bol enters the league with far more global recognition and a unique modern skill set for a player his size.

     

    Now 26, Bol arrives carrying experience from multiple NBA stops, beginning with the Denver Nuggets, where his pro career started in 2019 after being selected No. 44 overall by the Miami Heat. He later showcased flashes of his versatility with the Orlando Magic before his most recent stint with the Phoenix Suns.

     

    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.

    While his NBA numbers—6.5 points and 3.5 rebounds across six seasons—may not fully reflect his physical gifts, Bol’s combination of length, mobility, and perimeter skill has long made him one of the league’s most intriguing projects. 

     

    His most productive stretch came during the 2022-23 season, when he averaged 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in expanded minutes, hinting at the impact he can deliver when given a larger role.

     

    Basketball lineage also follows him. Bol is the son of late NBA giant Manute Bol, whose 7-foot-6 frame made him one of the tallest players in league history. Like his father, Bol brings elite rim protection—but unlike him, the younger Bol adds guard-like handles and shooting range developed during his college run with Oregon Ducks men’s basketball.

     

    For TNT, Bol’s arrival is more than just a roster move—it’s a gamble on upside. In a league where dominant imports often dictate championship runs, the Tropang Giga are banking on Bol’s rare blend of size and skill to reshape their campaign and create matchup problems across the conference.

     

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

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • CJ Cansino laughs off ‘Boyfriend ni Alliana’ tag

    CJ Cansino laughs off ‘Boyfriend ni Alliana’ tag

    In an era where athletes are just as visible online as they are on the hardwood, CJ Cansino is proving he can handle both arenas with the same ease.

     

    The Meralco Bolts guard recently found himself at the center of a lighthearted online joke after several sports pages began referring to him as “boyfriend ni Alliana” — a playful nod to his relationship with lifestyle content creator Alliana Dolina. Instead of brushing it off, Cansino leaned in.

     

    For those who follow the couple, the humor wasn’t surprising. Their relationship has long carried a barkada-like energy — playful, teasing, and rooted in friendship. Whether it’s Alliana posting content or CJ dropping comments underneath, their exchanges often turn into mini comedy skits for fans.

     

    And according to Cansino, that’s exactly how it’s always been.

     

    “Wala naman, parang mag-bestfriend naman talaga kami ni Alliana,” Cansino shared. “Dinala ko na lang sa social media para makita din ng mga tao.”

     

    “Actually ‘yon ‘yong palagi kong ginagawa sa kaniya, eh. Palagi siyang naiinis sa akin,” he said with a laugh. “Pero gano’n naman talaga ‘yong relationship naming dalawa. Talagang inaasar ko siya palagi. Maiinis siya pero maya-maya okay na kasi siguro sanay na din siya sa akin.”

    Soon enough, the basketball world joined the inside joke.

     

    After a strong outing against Magnolia, where Cansino tallied 23 points, six rebounds, and four blocks, PBA Rush highlighted his performance with a cheeky caption:

    “GRABE ‘YUNG BOYFRIEND NI ALLIANA!


    CJ Cansino delivers a solid performance for the Meralco Bolts, logging 23 points, six rebounds, and four blocks against the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots in the PBA Season 50 Philippine 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.

    Rather than shy away from it, Cansino reposted the feature with a witty response of his own:

    “Makapag-caption ‘tong PBA, kala mo ako ‘yung non-showbiz boyfriend.”

     

    Even his birthday wasn’t safe from the running gag. The East Asia Super League chimed in with:

    “Happy birthday pala sa boyfriend ni Alliana!


     ENJOY THE DAY, CJ!


     Wishing to see more half-court bombs in Year 26.”

    Cansino’s answer? “Salamat ha!”

     

    Behind the humor, however, is a player steadily building his identity in Philippine basketball. The former UP Fighting Maroons captain continues to carve out his role with Meralco, letting his game speak just as loudly as the online banter.

     

    If anything, the viral nickname only adds another layer to his public persona — proof that in today’s game, personality and performance can coexist.

     

    On social media, he might be “boyfriend ni Alliana.”

     

    On the court, he’s still CJ Cansino — and he’s making sure people remember that too.

     

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

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • Calvin Abueva set for fresh start as Converge lands ‘The Beast’ in multi-player deal

    Calvin Abueva set for fresh start as Converge lands ‘The Beast’ in multi-player deal

    Just as Calvin Abueva appeared to rediscover his old edge, another pivot in his winding PBA journey is taking shape.

     

    Sources revealed Tuesday that the fiery forward is on his way to Converge, with Titan Ultra agreeing to part with “The Beast” in exchange for Rey Suerte, King Caralipio, and Mark Denver Omega. The transaction is now awaiting clearance from the PBA Commissioner’s Office.

     

    Beyond the numbers, the move carries a familiar undertone. Abueva is set to reunite with Dennis “Delta” Pineda, his longtime backer who now wears two hats as Converge head coach and Pampanga vice-governor. Their renewed partnership adds a personal layer to a deal that could reshape Converge’s identity moving forward.

     

    The timing, however, is what makes the trade especially striking. Abueva was in the midst of a full-blown resurgence with Titan Ultra, emerging as one of the Philippine Cup’s most productive players in what turned out to be his lone — and possibly final — conference with the expansion team. 

     

    He even entered the Best Player of the Conference race, eventually placing third behind June Mar Fajardo and Converge rookie Juan Gomez de Liano.

     

    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 behind the on-court revival, frustration was brewing. Approaching his 38th birthday, Abueva had grown increasingly vocal on social media, openly hinting at a desire for a change of scenery. Those “trade me” posts now appear to have foreshadowed a swift resolution.

     

    Statistically, Abueva delivered his strongest showing in years. He topped the Philippine Cup elimination round in scoring at 23.6 points per game, while also posting 11.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks. It marked his most productive conference since his 2021 Philippine Cup stint with Magnolia, where he captured the BPC award. Despite his output, Titan Ultra finished just 4-7 and narrowly missed the playoffs.

     

    Converge, meanwhile, parts with depth and youth. Suerte, selected in the 2019 Gilas special draft, averaged 2.8 points and 1.6 rebounds last conference. Caralipio, a Letran product signed in 2023, chipped in sparingly during the eliminations. Omega, a second-round pick in the most recent draft, is set to land with his third team in a whirlwind rookie season.

     

    For Abueva, the trade represents more than a roster move — it’s another reset in a career defined by intensity, reinvention, and unfinished business. For Converge, it’s a bold bet that a proven veteran, still capable of elite production, can accelerate the FiberXers’ climb in the PBA hierarchy.

     

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

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!