Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Tag: PBA

  • Calvin Oftana shrugs off sideline exchange with Chot Reyes, focuses on TNT’s Game 4 response 

    Calvin Oftana shrugs off sideline exchange with Chot Reyes, focuses on TNT’s Game 4 response 

    Calvin Oftana insisted there was no issue between him and TNT head coach Chot Reyes following their animated fourth-quarter exchange during the Tropang 5G’s 116-102 loss to Barangay Ginebra in Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.


    The moment quickly caught attention after Reyes was seen standing and shouting toward Oftana following a turnover with TNT attempting to trim Ginebra’s lead late in the game.

     

    But the veteran forward clarified after the contest that the incident was simply part of the accountability expected within the team.

     

    “Normal naman ‘yun sa team eh, na pagsabihan ako. Sabi ko nga, ‘Nagkamali, Coach, nagkamali.’ Pero normal ‘yun, nirerespeto ko ‘yung Coach ko,” Oftana said.

     

    The exchange stemmed from a costly possession in the closing minutes when Oftana tried to force a pass to Chris McCullough. The ball was intercepted by Justin Brownlee, resulting in a momentum-killing turnover as TNT sought to rally from a 22-point deficit.

     

    Reyes immediately voiced his displeasure from the sidelines, while Oftana responded as cameras captured the interaction.

     

    Shortly afterward, Oftana was substituted out with 2:58 remaining and replaced by Rey Nambatac. He returned in the final minute, but by then Ginebra had already secured control of the game.

     

    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 turnover was one of three committed by TNT in the final five minutes, a stretch that ultimately derailed any hopes of a late comeback.

     

    Rather than distancing himself from the mistake, Oftana openly acknowledged his role in the sequence.

     

    “Maganda lang din diyan, doon kayo magkakaintindihan talaga e. Yung mali ko inaako ko, nag-turnover ako tapos converted, nagra-run na sana kami,” the 30-year-old said.

     

    The difficult finish capped an uncharacteristically quiet night for Oftana, who managed just two points after erupting for a season-high 31 points and 10 rebounds in TNT’s Game 2 victory.

     

    His sharp drop in production mirrored TNT’s struggles as Ginebra tightened its defense and took command en route to the 14-point win before 18,000 fans.

     

    Still, Oftana is already looking ahead rather than dwelling on what went wrong. With the Tropang 5G seeking to level the Finals once again, the former NCAA MVP said his focus is firmly on bouncing back in the pivotal Game 4 on Wednesday.

     

    “Hindi araw-araw, Pasko. Masama ‘yung tulog ngayon. Sabi ko nga sa inyo, ganda ng tulog ko last game,” Oftana said.

     

    For TNT, a quick recovery will be crucial and for Oftana, Game 4 presents an opportunity to put both the turnover and the sideline exchange behind him while helping the Tropang 5G regain momentum in the championship series.

     

    👉 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.

  • Scottie Thompson joins PBA 5,000-point club as Barangay Ginebra takes 2-1 finals lead

    Scottie Thompson joins PBA 5,000-point club as Barangay Ginebra takes 2-1 finals lead

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel once again demonstrated why it remains one of the Philippine Basketball Association’s most successful and resilient franchises, overpowering its opponent to secure a crucial 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, June 7.

     

    The Gin Kings leaned on a balanced offensive attack spearheaded by resident import Justin Brownlee, who delivered another masterclass performance with a game-high 41 points. Brownlee’s scoring brilliance set the tone for Ginebra throughout the contest, while Stephen Holt provided valuable support with 23 points and rookie sensation RJ Abarrientos contributed 15 markers to help keep the pressure on their Finals rivals.

     

    While Brownlee’s scoring exploits grabbed headlines, it was veteran guard Scottie Thompson who once again showcased the versatility and all-around brilliance that have made him one of the league’s premier players. Thompson flirted with greatness all night and ultimately recorded another triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in a performance that highlighted his ability to impact the game in every facet.

     

    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.

     

    Beyond helping Ginebra seize momentum in the championship series, Thompson also reached several significant personal milestones during the victory. The 32-year-old became the 103rd player in PBA history to join the prestigious 5,000-point club, further cementing his legacy as one of the league’s elite performers.

     

    Thompson also became the 98th local player and the 14th active player to reach the scoring milestone. Among the storied list of Barangay Ginebra greats, he is now the 13th player from the franchise to surpass the 5,000-point mark, placing him alongside some of the most celebrated names in the team’s rich history.

    The accomplishment added another chapter to an already decorated career. Thompson also became just the 11th player in league history to own at least five career achievement awards and only the second active player to accomplish the feat, joining TNT Tropang 5G veteran Jayson Castro in an exclusive group of PBA legends.

     

    Despite the historic evening and another standout individual performance, Thompson remained focused on the bigger picture. Rather than discussing his personal achievements, the former Most Valuable Player emphasized the collective effort that has fueled Ginebra’s success throughout the Finals.

     

    “For our team, it’s not about individual numbers. To be honest, it’s about the team. Kung sino yung magadang nilalaro, we feed off of him,” Thompson said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    His comments reflected the culture that has long defined Barangay Ginebra under head coach Tim Cone—a team-first mentality built on sacrifice, trust, and shared responsibility. That approach was evident throughout Game 3, as multiple players stepped up at key moments to complement Brownlee’s scoring and Thompson’s all-around excellence.

     

    With the victory, Ginebra now finds itself in a favorable position heading into the next chapter of the championship series. However, the Gin Kings know the job is far from finished, as their opponents will be eager to level the series and regain momentum.

     

    All eyes will now turn to Game 4 on Wednesday, June 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Thompson and the Gin Kings will look to build on their momentum and move within one victory of capturing another PBA Commissioner’s Cup title. If their recent performances are any indication, Ginebra’s stars are prepared to rise to the occasion once more as the battle for the championship intensifies.

     

     👉 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. 

  • After Justin Brownlee’s heroics, Ginebra braces for TNT’s response in crucial Game 2 

    After Justin Brownlee’s heroics, Ginebra braces for TNT’s response in crucial Game 2 

    Game 1 may have belonged to Justin Brownlee, but both Barangay Ginebra and TNT know the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals is only beginning.

     

    Brownlee’s clutch fadeaway jumper over Chris McCullough with 0.6 seconds remaining lifted the Gin Kings to a dramatic 102-100 victory on Wednesday, handing Ginebra the early edge in the best-of-seven championship series.

     

    Now comes the challenge of maintaining it.

     

    When the two teams meet again in Game 2 on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Ginebra will look to build on its advantage while TNT aims to turn a painful defeat into a valuable lesson.

     

    For all the celebration surrounding Brownlee’s latest game-winning moment, the Gin Kings emerged from the opener fully aware that they were fortunate to escape.

     

    After controlling much of the contest and building an 18-point lead in the third quarter, Ginebra watched TNT methodically chip away behind RR Pogoy, Rey Nambatac, and McCullough before eventually surrendering the lead in the fourth period.

     

    The comeback forced Ginebra to rely on late-game execution and individual brilliance rather than the dominant performance it appeared headed toward earlier in the night.

     

    “I gotta admit, we lost a lot of rhythm, offensively,” Brownlee said after Game 1.

     

    The veteran import pointed to TNT’s ability to exploit the interior and generate second-chance opportunities as major factors behind the shift in momentum.

     

    “They hurt us on the post and I think that opened up some shooters for them,” Brownlee said. “I also think that we could do a better job on the offensive rebounding. I’m not sure how many offensive rebounds we gave up, but I know we gave up some crucial ones.”

     

    The Tropang 5G grabbed 14 offensive rebounds in Game 1, repeatedly extending possessions and giving themselves opportunities to erase the deficit.

     

    That area is expected to be one of Ginebra’s primary focuses heading into Friday’s rematch.

    Another concern for head coach Tim Cone is the play of Nambatac, who helped spark TNT’s fourth-quarter surge with timely perimeter shooting.

     

    “He had a hot-shooting night,” Cone said. “He hadn’t shot well during the Meralco series for them, but he came in and shot well. And he did that last year when he got the best player of the Finals.

     

    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.

    “So we got to figure him out a little bit better, we got to figure out everybody well.”

    While Ginebra searches for answers defensively, TNT enters Game 2 encouraged by the fact that it nearly stole Game 1 despite an uneven start.

     

    The Tropang 5G struggled through stretches of the first half, committed costly turnovers, and found themselves buried under a double-digit deficit before mounting their rally.

     

    Yet even after all that, they were one defensive stop away from taking control of the series.

    For TNT, the challenge now is finding a way to sustain the level it showed during its comeback while avoiding the slow start that put it in trouble in the first place.

     

    McCullough remains a major weapon after posting 25 points and 14 rebounds in his Finals debut for TNT, while Pogoy and Nambatac proved they can provide the firepower needed to pressure Ginebra’s defense.

     

    Meanwhile, the Gin Kings will once again lean on Brownlee, whose 23-point performance was highlighted by another signature clutch shot. They will also need continued production from RJ Abarrientos, whose two crucial four-point plays helped shift momentum back in their favor late in Game 1.

     

    The opener showed how little separates the two teams.

     

    One side carries the confidence of securing the first victory. The other brings the belief that it already discovered the formula to challenge its rival.

     

    With adjustments expected from both benches and momentum hanging in the balance, Game 2 could reveal whether Ginebra can seize full control of the Finals or if TNT can immediately turn the series into a best-of-five battle.

     

    👉 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.

  • “He is very talented offensively”: Justin Brownlee acknowledges Chris McCullough’s talent after Game 1 win

    “He is very talented offensively”: Justin Brownlee acknowledges Chris McCullough’s talent after Game 1 win

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel drew first blood in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, edging TNT Tropang 5G, 102-100, in a thrilling Game 1 showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, June 3.

     

    In a tightly contested opener that went down to the final possession, veteran import Justin Brownlee once again delivered in the clutch, drilling the game-winning basket with just 0.6 seconds remaining to secure the victory and give Ginebra a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.

     

    Brownlee finished with 23 points, four rebounds, and eight assists, orchestrating Ginebra’s offense down the stretch while also taking charge in crucial defensive stops. The reigning fan favorite continued his reputation as one of the most reliable closers in PBA history, adding another memorable finish to his growing list of Finals heroics.

     

    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.

     

    He was well-supported by rising guard RJ Abarrientos, who played one of his strongest Finals performances to date. Abarrientos tallied 24 points, three rebounds, and seven assists, providing consistent scoring and playmaking as Ginebra weathered multiple TNT rallies throughout the game. His poise in high-pressure moments proved vital in keeping the Gin Kings within striking distance before Brownlee sealed the outcome.

     

    The victory also carried added narrative weight for Brownlee, who is looking to overcome a difficult Finals history against TNT franchises in recent conferences. The Ginebra import has previously come up short multiple times against the Tropang 5G during past championship clashes, particularly during matchups against former TNT reinforcement Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

    Hollis-Jefferson, who had been a central figure in TNT’s recent title runs, is currently sidelined for the season after suffering an Achilles injury while competing for the Meralco Bolts in the East Asia Super League (EASL). His absence has reshaped TNT’s import rotation, with Chris McCullough stepping in as his replacement for the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup campaign.

     

    Following the game, Brownlee offered his assessment of McCullough, acknowledging both similarities and differences between TNT’s current import and his former Finals rival Hollis-Jefferson.

     

    “Obviously, C-Mac is a little bit taller, but Rondae, he plays taller than he is. I can’t really say big differences. I do think Rondae is an elite defender. I’m not saying C-Mac is not a good defender, but Rondae is definitely more known as far as when it comes to defense. He is an elite, world-class defender. Can C-Mac be that as well? I’m not sure. But he definitely has the ability to do that,” Brownlee said in a media interaction.

     

    The 38-year-old veteran import also praised McCullough’s offensive versatility, noting his ability to stretch the floor and attack off the dribble, while also placing him among a unique class of talented imports who have recently entered the PBA landscape.

     

    “Of course, C-Mac, he is very talented offensively. He is really a great shooter from the outside. He is good at driving. He is athletic. C-Mac is just as good but Bol Bol, obviously, he is a special player. But we still have a very tough challenge with C-Mac at TNT,” he added.

     

    With Ginebra taking an early series advantage, both teams now shift their focus to Game 2, scheduled for Friday, June 5, still at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. TNT will be aiming to bounce back and level the series, while Ginebra looks to extend its momentum and move closer to another Commissioner’s Cup title.

     

     

    👉 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. 

  • TNT carries Bol Bol into PBA Finals fight as Tropang 5G honor injured import in Game 1 

    TNT carries Bol Bol into PBA Finals fight as Tropang 5G honor injured import in Game 1 

    TNT Tropang 5G’s import Bol Manute was nowhere near the hardwood on Wednesday night, but his presence was impossible to miss.


    As TNT opened its PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals series against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the team carried a visible reminder of the import who helped bring them to the championship stage.

     

    Each TNT player took the floor wearing a white jersey adorned with a yellow No. 1 patch—a tribute to Bol’s jersey number and a symbol that the injured reinforcement remains very much part of the team’s title pursuit.

     

    For TNT guard Jordan Heading, the gesture was about recognizing the impact Bol made before a devastating injury cut his conference short.

     

    “I think it was just carryong Bol along with us for the series,” Heading told reporters after the game.

     

    “Really meant a lot to us that he came out here to the Philippines and was part of our journey. And he’s stil a part of our journey, so we just wanted to have him here with us that way.”

     

    Bol’s Finals dream came to an abrupt halt during Game 2 of TNT’s semifinal series against the Meralco Bolts when he suffered a partial Achilles tear on a non-contact play. The injury ultimately required surgery, which team manager Jojo Lastimosa confirmed was completed just a few days ago.

     

    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.

    Before his season-ending setback, Bol had established himself as one of the conference’s most dominant imports.

     

    The 7-foot-3 reinforcement averaged 35.8 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, serving as a cornerstone of TNT’s campaign and helping propel the franchise back into the championship round.

     

    His injury forced the Tropang 5G into an unexpected mid-playoff adjustment, leading the team to sign former PBA import Chris McCullough in an effort to defend its Commissioner’s Cup crown.

    The transition, however, came with challenges.

     

    TNT dropped Game 1 of the Finals to Barangay Ginebra, 102-100, after a tightly contested battle at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Despite the loss, Bol’s connection to the team remains intact.

     

    According to Heading, the sidelined import continues to stay involved behind the scenes, following the team’s progress and maintaining regular communication with his teammates.

     

    “He’s still in our team group chat. He’ll chuck me a message every now and then. We know he’s watching the games,” Heading said. 

     

    While Bol’s contributions can no longer come through points, rebounds, or blocked shots, TNT’s tribute served as a reminder that his influence on the team extends beyond the box score.

     

    As the Tropang 5G prepare for a crucial Game 2 on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, they will once again be chasing a championship with one of their most important players watching from afar—but still very much part of the journey.

     

    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.

  • Calvin Oftana looks beyond final play as TNT searches for answers after Game 1 loss to Ginebra 

    Calvin Oftana looks beyond final play as TNT searches for answers after Game 1 loss to Ginebra 

    In the aftermath of TNT’s heartbreaking Game 1 defeat to Barangay Ginebra, much of the attention centered on the final 0.6 seconds.

     

    The Tropang 5G had one last opportunity to erase a two-point deficit after Justin Brownlee’s game-winning jumper. A well-designed inbounds play gave Calvin Oftana a chance to receive an alley-oop pass from Jordan Heading, but the attempt never materialized as Brownlee disrupted the play and preserved Ginebra’s 102-100 victory.

     

    For many, that final sequence became the defining moment of the opener.

     

    For Oftana, however, the loss was decided much earlier.

     

    While the veteran forward admitted he felt contact on the last play, he refused to pin the result on a whistle that never came.

     

    “Alam ko may foul talaga eh, pero point-six seconds na lang yung time, talagang glimpse of an eye na lang yung nangyari. Talagang dinraw ni coach yung play na yun,” Oftana said.

     

    “Ganun talaga, pero mahaba pa naman yung series, so move forward na lang and adjust sa Game Two,” he added.

     

    Instead of dwelling on the controversial finish, Oftana pointed toward the opening stages of the game where TNT spent most of the night trying to recover from its own mistakes.

     

    Ginebra stormed to an 18-point lead and dictated the pace early, forcing the defending champions into catch-up mode. Although TNT eventually erased the deficit and even threatened to steal the victory late, the uphill battle proved costly.

     

    According to Oftana, the damage had already been done long before the final possession.

     

    “Mas maiisip mo yung first half namin. Ang sama din kasi, dami naming turnovers. They’re making their shots. Kami naman, dami namin mali,” Oftana said.

     

    “So mga ganoon bagay yung unang pasok pa lang, first quarter, second quarter, yun yung pinaka-importante.”

     

    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 numbers backed up his assessment.

     

    TNT committed 15 turnovers compared to Ginebra’s 10, repeatedly giving away possessions that allowed the Kings to build confidence and establish control. The Tropang 5G also struggled to find rhythm offensively in the early stages, forcing them to expend significant energy mounting a comeback.

     

    Oftana himself was unable to impose his usual influence on the game. The three-time champion finished with 12 points but attempted only seven shots across 40 minutes while also committing three turnovers.

     

    Despite the disappointment, TNT can draw some encouragement from the way it fought back after trailing by as many as 18 points. The defending champions nearly completed the rally before Brownlee delivered another signature clutch moment for Ginebra.

     

    Now, the focus shifts from what could have been to what comes next.

     

    Rather than replaying the final sequence, Oftana and TNT are concentrating on correcting the issues that placed them in that situation in the first place as they prepare for Game 2 on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    For the Tropang 5G, the lesson from the Finals opener is clear: the last play may be remembered, but the first half may have cost them the game. 

     

    👉 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.

  • Rey Nambatac sparks TNT rally, but Ginebra escapes Game 1 thriller 

    Rey Nambatac sparks TNT rally, but Ginebra escapes Game 1 thriller 

    Rey Nambatac delivered a strong fourth-quarter push, but it wasn’t enough as TNT Tropang 5G dropped a narrow 102-100 decision to Barangay Ginebra in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.


    While Ginebra took the early advantage in the series, much of the late-game momentum belonged to TNT’s guard, who helped turn what had been an 18-point deficit into a tense finish.

     

    Nambatac finished with 19 points, three rebounds, and three assists, with 13 of those points coming in the fourth quarter as he orchestrated TNT’s comeback attempt. 

     

    His scoring burst helped the Tropang 5G seize control briefly, taking a 95-90 lead with 3:06 remaining.

     

    The rally put TNT in position to steal Game 1 on the road, with Nambatac at the center of the offensive surge.

     

    Despite the loss, the former Finals MVP against Ginebra said the matchup carried added motivation for him.

     

    “I won Finals MVP last year so that doesn’t mean they’ll leave me alone. They made some adjustments on me and it had some good outcomes,” he said.

     

    “I was limited in the first half but it’s extra motivation for me that I won a Finals MVP against Ginebra (last year).”

     

    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.

    He also emphasized TNT’s ability to compete despite the result.

     

    “I don’t have any regrets because we gave them a good fight and we gave the fans a show. Actually, this is what I wanted, to have my rhythm, timing and confidence. After some three-point shots, I struggled again but personally, my rhythm and timing are there,” Nambatac said.

     

    Ginebra, coached by Tim Cone, managed to weather TNT’s late surge in the final minutes. Cone’s squad leaned on Justin Brownlee for steady production and RJ Abarrientos for the decisive plays down the stretch. 

     

    Abarrientos connected on back-to-back four-point plays in the last 91 seconds, swinging the lead back to Ginebra and sealing the 102-100 victory.

     

    The result gave Ginebra a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, despite TNT’s strong finish by Nambatac.

     

    Game 2 is set at 7:30PM on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Nambatac and his squad will look to build on its late-game adjustments and avoid falling into an early series hole.

     

    👉 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

  • 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.

  • Chot Reyes sees full-circle moment as RJ Abarrientos emerges as Ginebra’s rising force

    Chot Reyes sees full-circle moment as RJ Abarrientos emerges as Ginebra’s rising force

    Years ago, RJ Abarrientos was a young guard trying to earn a spot on the Gilas Pilipinas roster. Now, he enters the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals as one of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s biggest weapons and one of the players TNT coach Chot Reyes is most concerned about stopping.


    Ahead of the championship series, Reyes reflected on Abarrientos’ remarkable growth, recalling how he pushed for the then-rising guard to be included in the Gilas Pilipinas squad for the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup in Jakarta.

     

    “We always believed in the talent of RJ. I think that was the time when I was coaching for the Asia Cup with Coach Nenad (Vucinic) and RJ was there. I really fought hard to make sure that he was part of the line-up,” Reyes said.

     

    The former KBL Rookie of the Year has developed into one of Ginebra’s most important players, forming a potent trio with Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson while emerging as a leading candidate for the Best Player of the Conference award.

     

    His recent performances have been among the biggest reasons behind the Kings’ return to the Finals.

     

    Facing Rain or Shine in the semifinals, Abarrientos delivered when Ginebra needed him most, scoring 30 points in Game 5 before erupting for 31 points in Game 6. His 61-point output across the last two games of the series helped power the Kings into another title showdown 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.


    For Reyes, the scoring explosion came as no surprise.

     

    “The way he is playing now is no surprise. I really thought that we needed that kind of player in that team before. Like I said, the first time we played them was in his rookie season. Now, he has grown and matured tremendously, hitting back-to-back 30-point games, 60 points in the last two games, that’s no joke, that’s not an accident,” said Reyes.

     

    The veteran coach also joked about how much Abarrientos has matured since his early days with the national team.

     

    “Baby RJ pa lang siya noon, ngayon mamang RJ na siya,” Reyes said during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals press conference.

     

    When Ginebra and TNT met in the 2024 Governors’ Cup Finals, Abarrientos was still a rookie finding minutes behind veterans LA Tenorio and Thompson. Now, he has become a featured part of the Kings’ offense and a player capable of taking over games.

     

    That evolution makes him one of the key figures to watch in the Finals, where his production could play a major role in determining whether Ginebra captures another championship or TNT adds another title to its collection.

     

    Despite the growing attention and accolades, Abarrientos remains focused on embracing the larger responsibilities that come with his expanded role as Ginebra chases another crown against the TNT Tropang 5G on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    👉 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.