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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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  • Jerrick Ahanmisi eager to prove he belongs in the PBA as he embraces new challenge with San Miguel

    Jerrick Ahanmisi eager to prove he belongs in the PBA as he embraces new challenge with San Miguel

    The San Miguel Beermen wasted little time strengthening an already formidable roster, making one of the most significant moves of the offseason by acquiring guard Jerrick Ahanmisi and Paolo Hernandez from the Terrafirma Dyip in exchange for veteran playmaker Juami Tiongson, rookie Chris Miller, and a second-round pick in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 52 Rookie Draft.

     

    For San Miguel, the deal represents more than just adding depth. It is a calculated move aimed at bolstering the team’s perimeter offense with one of the league’s hottest shooters while reinforcing a roster that is once again expected to compete for another championship.

     

    Ahanmisi arrives in San Miguel fresh off the finest stretch of his professional career. During the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, the explosive shooting guard established himself as one of the league’s premier offensive weapons, averaging 21.3 points per game. Much of his production came from beyond the arc, where he consistently punished defenses with his three-point shooting and quickly adapted to the league’s four-point line, making him one of the conference’s most dangerous long-range threats.

     

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    Now wearing the Beermen jersey, Ahanmisi embraces both the expectations and the opportunity that come with joining one of the PBA’s most successful franchises.

     

    “I want to go out there and still prove to myself and prove to everybody that, not only I belong in the PBA, but I belong to be on this team as well. Hopefully, this conference is going to be different. And hopefully we will be able to contend for a championship,” Ahanmisi said in a media interaction.

     

    Although he has already established himself as one of the league’s most reliable scorers, the 28-year-old remains motivated by the desire to continue proving himself. Joining a championship-caliber team presents a different challenge from carrying a rebuilding squad, and Ahanmisi is eager to show that his game can translate into winning basketball at the highest level.

    His journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. Born in the United States to a Filipina mother and a Nigerian father, Ahanmisi first made a name for himself in Philippine basketball as a standout for the Adamson Soaring Falcons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). His combination of athleticism, perimeter shooting, and scoring instincts eventually paved the way for his professional career after he signed with the Magnolia Hotshots in 2021.

     

    Ahanmisi spent four seasons with Magnolia, developing into a dependable contributor before an offseason trade sent him to Terrafirma. While his stint with the Dyip lasted only two conferences, it proved to be a pivotal chapter in his career.

     

    Given greater offensive freedom and a larger role, Ahanmisi blossomed into one of the PBA’s most productive scorers. The increased responsibilities allowed him to expand his game, build confidence, and showcase the offensive skill set that had long been evident throughout his collegiate and professional career.

     

    Looking back on his brief stay with Terrafirma, Ahanmisi expressed nothing but appreciation for the opportunity the organization provided.

     

    “It’s going to help me because I was able to experience a lot on the basketball court. The coaches and the management gave me the opportunity to play the way I wanted to play. And I was thankful enough that they were able to help me throughout my journey there with Terrafirma. And I just want to make sure that this conference is more of the same,” he added.

     

    Now, Ahanmisi enters a completely different environment. Instead of serving as the primary offensive option, he joins a veteran-laden San Miguel squad loaded with championship experience and proven stars. His perimeter shooting should complement reigning league MVP June Mar Fajardo’s dominant inside presence while creating more space for explosive guards CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz to attack. Veteran sniper Marcio Lassiter and longtime floor general Chris Ross further strengthen a rotation that is among the deepest in the league, with Don Trollano and Hernandez also providing additional versatility.

     

    For the Beermen, Ahanmisi’s arrival adds another dimension to an offense that already ranks among the league’s most potent. His ability to stretch defenses from long distance and score in bunches gives San Miguel another reliable weapon in its pursuit of another PBA title.

     

    As preparations begin for the new conference, expectations are understandably high. For San Miguel, the acquisition reinforces its championship aspirations. For Ahanmisi, it represents an opportunity to contribute on the league’s biggest stage, prove he can thrive alongside elite talent, and help add another championship to the Beermen’s storied legacy.

     

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: PVL, PBA, FIFA World Cup, and Alex Eala’s Wimbledon Championships (July 6 – 12)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: PVL, PBA, FIFA World Cup, and Alex Eala’s Wimbledon Championships (July 6 – 12)

    Fans are in for another packed week of sporting action as the PVL On Tour begins, the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup gets underway, Alex Eala takes history and center stage at Wimbledon, Gilas Pilipinas battles Australia in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage heats up.


    PVL On Tour


    Ilagan City, Isabela

    Wednesday, July 8

    • 4:00 PM – ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles vs. Akari Chargers
    • 6:30 PM – Creamline Cool Smashers vs. Nxled Chameleons

    Batangas City
    Saturday, July 11 

    • 4:00 PM – Galeries Tower Highrisers vs. Farm Fresh Foxies
    • 6:30 PM – Choco Mucho Flying Titans vs. ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles

    Wimbledon Championships – Women’s Singles


    Round of 16 – Monday, July 6

    • 8:30 PM* (PHT) – Alex Eala vs. Jasmine Paolini

    PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup


    Friday, July 10

    Ynares Center, Antipolo

    • 5:15 PM – Terrafirma vs. Titan
    • 7:30 PM – Macau vs. NLEX Road Warriors

    Saturday, July 11

    Ynares Center, Montalban

    • 5:15 PM – Blackwater vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
    • 7:30 PM – Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters vs. Magnolia Hotshots

    Sunday, July 12

    Ynares Center, Montalban

    • 5:15 PM – NLEX Road Warriors vs. Terrafirma
    • 7:30 PM – Titan vs. Converge FiberXers

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    FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier
    Monday, July 6

    • 6:30 PM (PHT) – Australia vs. Philippines

    FIFA World Cup

    Round of 16

    Tuesday, July 7

    • 3:00 AM (PHT) – Portugal vs. Spain
    • 8:00 AM (PHT) – United States vs. Belgium

    Wednesday, July 8

    • 12:00 AM (PHT) – Argentina vs. Egypt
    • 4:00 AM (PHT) – Switzerland vs. Colombia

    Quarterfinals

    Friday, July 10

    • 4:00 AM (PHT) – France vs. Morocco

    Saturday, July 11

    • 3:00 AM (PHT) – Winner of Round of 16 Match 5 vs. Winner of Round of 16 Match 6

    Sunday, July 12

    • 5:00 AM (PHT) – Norway vs. England
    • 9:00 AM (PHT) – Winner of Round of 16 Match 7 vs. Winner of Round of 16 Match 8

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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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  • Meralco’s Luigi Trillo backs CJ Cansino to become a complete two-way player

    Meralco’s Luigi Trillo backs CJ Cansino to become a complete two-way player

    CJ Cansino has quickly developed into one of the Philippine Basketball Association’s brightest young talents, emerging as a key figure for the Meralco Bolts since joining the franchise in 2024.

     

    Known for his relentless energy, scoring ability, and fearless approach on offense, the 26-year-old shooting guard has become an integral part of Meralco’s core. His rise has not gone unnoticed, with Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo praising not only Cansino’s production on the court but also the professionalism and work ethic he brings behind the scenes.

     

    While Cansino has established himself as one of the team’s most dependable offensive weapons, Trillo believes the next step in his development lies on the defensive end of the floor.

     

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    “He is very coachable. I remember when I got mad at him and some players have ego, but CJ doesn’t have that. Can he improve defensively? I think he can. He has gained 20 pounds in the offseason. I don’t think people noticed that. That alone, shows how committed he is,” Trillo said during a media interaction.

     

    The added muscle is a reflection of Cansino’s commitment to improving every aspect of his game. His physical transformation is expected to help him become more effective in defending bigger and stronger opponents while also allowing him to withstand the demands of a long PBA season.

    Although Cansino has made significant strides offensively, his defensive shortcomings became evident during Meralco’s semifinal series against the TNT Tropang Giga in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. Tasked with guarding two of the league’s premier perimeter threats in Jordan Heading and Roger Pogoy, Cansino faced one of the toughest assignments of his young career.

     

    Heading’s shooting and Pogoy’s all-around offensive game consistently tested Meralco’s perimeter defense throughout the series, exposing areas where Cansino can still grow as an individual defender. Despite the difficult matchup, the coaching staff views the experience as a valuable learning opportunity rather than a setback.

     

    For Trillo, Cansino’s willingness to accept coaching and improve gives him confidence that the young guard can eventually become a complete two-way player.

     

    “He still needs to know how to win in the league, and that’s where some of the veterans come in, but he has been amazing. For him to be respected and to be a leader, he really needs to elevate his defense. Once he starts to get his own there, then he gets to be the voice of the locker room. Right now, he is in line with the vets and I’m very proud of what he has done but the sky’s the limit for this guy,” he added.

     

    Beyond his offensive production, Trillo believes Cansino possesses the qualities needed to become one of Meralco’s future leaders. However, earning that status requires more than scoring points. Becoming a reliable defender and embracing the responsibilities that come with being a two-way player are crucial steps in his evolution.

     

    At 26 years old, Cansino remains in the prime developmental stage of his career. With an improved physique, a strong work ethic, and a coaching staff that believes in his potential, the former collegiate standout has positioned himself to take another leap in the coming seasons.

     

    If he can translate his offseason work into consistent defensive performances, Cansino could elevate not only his individual game but also his standing as one of the PBA’s premier guards. For Meralco, that progression could prove vital as the Bolts continue their pursuit of another championship.

     

     

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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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  • Sedrick Barefield to stay with Blackwater Bossing after trade talks stall

    Sedrick Barefield to stay with Blackwater Bossing after trade talks stall

    Filipino-American guard Sedrick Barefield appears set to remain with Blackwater Bossing for the remainder of the ongoing PBA season after uncertainty surrounding his future ultimately failed to result in a trade.

     

    Barefield had recently emerged as one of the most talked-about names on the PBA trade market after it became known that Blackwater management was entertaining offers for the versatile backcourt player. Several teams reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the 29-year-old, whose ability to score, create offense, and defend multiple positions made him an attractive trade target.

     

    Despite the level of interest, however, Blackwater was unable to find a proposal that met the organization’s expectations.

     

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    As a result, Barefield’s contract has been automatically extended through the end of the current PBA season, allowing the Bossing to retain his services after no trade agreement materialized.

     

    The guard’s original contract was scheduled to expire on July 15. Under PBA rules, player contracts that are due to lapse before the conclusion of the season may be extended until the season ends by mutual consent between the player and the team. The provision ensures roster continuity while protecting the rights of both parties during an active campaign.

     

    Rey Punongbayan, Barefield’s representative, confirmed on Thursday, July 2, that his client had agreed to the extension, ensuring that Blackwater would continue to hold his playing rights for the remainder of the season.

     

    While speculation surrounding Barefield’s future intensified over the past several weeks, Blackwater owner Dioceldo Sy revealed that the franchise ultimately chose to stand pat after receiving offers that failed to provide sufficient value in return.

    “No good deals. We decided to stay as a team,” Sy said.

     

    Head coach Pat Aquino echoed that sentiment, indicating that management had decided against making any roster changes despite the team’s disappointing campaign.

     

    “Status quo. We will not move anybody as per Boss Dio.”

     

    The decision signals Blackwater’s commitment to keeping its core intact as it looks to bounce back from a difficult showing in the previous PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The Bossing struggled throughout the tournament and finished at the bottom of the standings with a 2-10 win-loss record, falling short of playoff contention and prompting questions about the direction of the franchise.

     

    Rather than reshuffle the roster midway through the year, Blackwater appears determined to give its current group another opportunity to improve, with Barefield expected to remain a central figure in the team’s plans.

     

    Since arriving in the PBA in 2024, Barefield has established himself as one of Blackwater’s primary offensive weapons. His combination of athleticism, shot creation, and perimeter scoring has made him a key contributor, while his experience playing in multiple international leagues has added valuable maturity to the Bossing backcourt.

     

    Barefield’s basketball journey has been anything but conventional. After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft, he began his professional career with the Oklahoma City Blue in the NBA G League before embarking on an international career that took him across several competitive basketball markets.

     

    The former Utah and Central Florida standout has suited up for clubs in Lithuania, Greece, and Taiwan, gaining experience against a variety of playing styles before joining the Bay Area Dragons in the East Asia Super League. His performances overseas eventually paved the way for his move to the PBA, where Blackwater secured his services ahead of the 2024 season.

     

    Although trade rumors may have dominated the headlines in recent weeks, Barefield’s immediate future now appears settled. With management opting against making a deal and the team choosing continuity over change, the Filipino-American guard is expected to continue leading Blackwater as the Bossing attempt to turn their fortunes around in the remainder of the season.

     

     

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  • Phoenix, Converge bank on new import moves with BJ Johnson, Jalen Hudson for PBA Governors’ Cup

    Phoenix, Converge bank on new import moves with BJ Johnson, Jalen Hudson for PBA Governors’ Cup

    Two PBA teams that fell short of deep playoff runs last conference are hoping a change—or in one case, a reunion—at the import position will provide the spark they need in the upcoming PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.


    Phoenix Super LPG has entrusted its campaign to former NBA guard BJ Johnson, while Converge has opted for familiarity by bringing back high-scoring American swingman Jalen Hudson as both franchises look to climb the standings in the import-laden conference.

     

    Phoenix officially unveiled Johnson as its reinforcement, adding a versatile wing with experience across the NBA, the G League, and several overseas leagues.

     

    The 6-foot-7 Johnson went undrafted in 2018 after a productive collegiate career at La Salle University in Louisiana but earned opportunities in the NBA through his athleticism and defensive versatility. 

     

    He suited up for the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and Orlando Magic, while also spending time in the NBA G League, where he developed a reputation as a reliable two-way player capable of defending multiple positions and contributing offensively.

     

    Beyond the NBA, Johnson has built an extensive international résumé with stints in leagues across Europe and Asia, giving him valuable experience adapting to different styles of play—an asset Phoenix hopes will translate quickly to the PBA.

     

    The Fuel Masters are looking for that veteran presence after seeing their Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup campaign end in the quarterfinals. Phoenix finished the eliminations with a 6-6 record before its playoff run was halted by eventual champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

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    While Phoenix turns to a fresh face, Converge is welcoming back a player who already has a memorable chapter in PBA history.

     

    The FiberXers officially announced on Wednesday, July 1, that Hudson will return to the Philippines three years after his lone PBA stint.

     

    The 30-year-old first played in the league during the Season 47 Governors’ Cup, suiting up for TNT and helping the Tropang Giga post a 5-1 record during his six-game run. Despite the strong start, TNT eventually replaced him with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who went on to lead the franchise to the conference championship with a Finals victory over Barangay Ginebra.

     

    Hudson, however, left behind one of the most explosive individual performances of that conference.

     

    Ironically, his finest outing came against the very team he will now represent. He erupted for 56 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists as TNT defeated Converge, 128-122, showcasing the offensive firepower that convinced the FiberXers to bring him back.

     

    Since his previous PBA stint, Hudson has continued his professional career overseas, most recently playing for the Hefei Storm in China. He has also suited up for clubs in Türkiye, Italy, Israel, Greece, and Germany.

     

    Before taking his talents abroad, Hudson spent the 2019-20 season with the NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go, after going undrafted.

     

    He now joins a revamped Converge roster featuring Juan Gomez de Liaño, Justine Baltazar, Calvin Abueva, and Mikey Williams as the FiberXers aim to return to playoff contention.

    Converge is coming off a disappointing Commissioner’s Cup campaign after finishing with a 5-7 record, a mark that left the team outside the postseason picture.

     

    With Johnson providing Phoenix a new weapon and Hudson returning to a familiar stage, both clubs are hoping their import decisions will translate into improved results when the Governors’ Cup tips off.

     

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