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  • “It wasn’t a problem for him”: Delta Pineda praises Converge’s new import Donovan Smith in an important win

    “It wasn’t a problem for him”: Delta Pineda praises Converge’s new import Donovan Smith in an important win

    The Converge FiberXers rediscovered their winning form in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, delivering a dominant 130–103 victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Sunday, April 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Leading the charge was returning import Donovan Smith, who made an immediate impact in his first game back in the league after more than a year away. Smith imposed his presence early and often, finishing with 32 points and 12 rebounds in just around 23 minutes of action. His efficiency and energy on both ends of the floor set the tone for Converge, which controlled the game from the second quarter onward and never looked back.

     

    “I’m glad to be back. I could have played a bit better but it was a good game, we got the win. I was a little bit sad that I couldn’t play against their import but it is what it is. It’s just my first game with these guys but we will do some more work together and get more Ws,” Smith said in the postmatch press conference.

     

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    Smith’s debut performance was particularly noteworthy as it came against his former squad, adding an extra layer of motivation to his strong showing. His familiarity with the league and ability to quickly integrate into Converge’s system proved invaluable, especially for a team looking to regain momentum midway through the conference.

    The veteran reinforcement was brought in to replace Kylor Kelley, whose underwhelming stint prompted a swift change by the coaching staff. Head coach Delta Pineda had previously expressed dissatisfaction with Kelley’s performances, attributing much of the team’s earlier struggles to inconsistent production from the import position.

     

    Pineda, however, had little doubt about Smith’s ability to deliver right away.

     

    “He already has his experience with our league so it wasn’t a problem for him to play with us here in Converge,” Pineda added.

     

    Beyond Smith’s individual brilliance, the FiberXers also showcased improved ball movement and defensive intensity, with several local players stepping up to complement their new import. The team’s offensive rhythm was evident in their 130-point explosion, one of their highest-scoring outputs of the conference so far.

     

    With the convincing win, Converge improved to a 4–6 record, climbing to ninth place in the standings and keeping their playoff hopes alive. The victory could serve as a turning point as they aim to build consistency in the latter stages of the eliminations.

     

    The FiberXers will look to sustain their momentum when they take on the NLEX Road Warriors on May 2 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, a crucial matchup that could further boost their chances of breaking into the top eight.

     

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  • “Trying to make the most of every opportunity”: Paul Zamar steps up in Blackwater’s win over San Miguel

    “Trying to make the most of every opportunity”: Paul Zamar steps up in Blackwater’s win over San Miguel

    The Blackwater Bossing have endured a difficult stretch in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, managing just two wins in their first eight outings to languish near the bottom of the standings at 11th place. For a team trying to rebuild and establish consistency, the early part of the conference has been marked by uneven performances, injuries, and constant lineup adjustments.

     

    But on Wednesday, April 22, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Blackwater found a much-needed breakthrough. In a statement victory, they stunned the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen, 126–120, in a high-scoring affair that showcased both their offensive firepower and renewed sense of urgency.

     

    Import R. Upshaw led the charge with 35 points, while Sedrick Barefield added 29, forming a potent one-two punch that kept San Miguel’s defense on its heels all game long. Yet beyond the headline numbers, it was the performance of veteran guard Paul Zamar that provided one of the night’s most compelling storylines.

     

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    Coming off the bench, Zamar delivered 12 points in just under 18 minutes—an efficient and timely contribution that underscored both his experience and readiness. For the 38-year-old, the performance carried extra weight, as it marked a significant step in his return to meaningful basketball after a long and uncertain road back from injury.

     

    “This is almost my first real competition in almost two years. Na-ACL ako, I was out for one year, last conference I was just playing spot minutes, I didn’t know kung maglalaro ako,” Zamar said in a media interaction.

     

    Zamar’s journey back to the court has been anything but straightforward. After recovering from a serious ACL injury, he found himself without a contract when the NorthPort Batang Pier opted not to re-sign him. For a player at his age, such a situation often signals the end of a career. However, opportunity knocked once more when Blackwater franchise owner Dioceldo Sy extended him a lifeline, offering him a roster spot and a chance to prove he still belongs.

    Even with that opportunity, minutes were not guaranteed. Under then-head coach Jeff Cariaso, Zamar saw limited action, as the team prioritized developing younger talent. The veteran understood the situation, acknowledging both the team’s direction and the realities of his stage in his career.

     

    Circumstances shifted, however, when injuries sidelined key guards RK Ilagan, Dalph Panopio, and Jed Mendoza. At the same time, a coaching change brought in Pat Aquino, opening the door for Zamar to carve out a larger role.

     

    “I know the direction of coach Jeff, he wants to play the younger players. Now kay coach Pat, nabibigyan ako ng opportunities. Everyday, every practice, my approach is to get myself ready. We never know when an opportunity will come. I’m trying to make the most out of every opportunity na binigay sakin,” he added.

     

    Over his last two appearances in the conference, Zamar has averaged 13 points and 2.5 assists in roughly 20 minutes per game—numbers that reflect both his efficiency and his ability to contribute despite limited playing time. More importantly, his presence has added stability and leadership to a team still searching for rhythm.

     

    For Zamar, every game carries added significance as he approaches what could be the final chapter of his professional career. While his future with the franchise remains uncertain, his focus is firmly on the present—making the most of every minute he gets on the floor.

     

    “I don’t know kung ano plano ng management sa’kin after this but I’m trying to enjoy the moment, enjoy every practice, every game. But of course I want to play, I want to finish the season then we will take it from there. Hopefully ma-extend, hopefully. I will just have to be ready,” Zamar concluded.

     

    As Blackwater looks to build momentum from their upset win, all eyes now turn to their upcoming matchup against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Friday, April 24, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. With renewed confidence and contributions coming from both stars and veterans alike, the Bossing will aim to climb out of the lower rungs of the standings—and perhaps rewrite the narrative of their season.

     

     

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  • Charles Tiu backs Francis Escandor amid backlash from fans 

    Charles Tiu backs Francis Escandor amid backlash from fans 

    In a league where minutes often invite scrutiny, opportunity can quickly turn into a spotlight.

     

    For Francis Escandor, increased playing time with the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters hasn’t just meant more responsibility—it has also come with questions from the outside.

     

    But inside the team, the view is far more grounded.

     

    Head coach Charles Tiu has made it clear that Escandor’s role isn’t about circumstance—it’s about trust. And that trust, he says, is rooted in familiarity and belief in what the player brings beyond the box score.

     

    “I think Francis is a solid PBA player,” Tiu said. “He’s been riding the bench the last couple of seasons sa Rain or Shine. Only now siya nakakalaro. But I had a chance to coach him before, I know what he can do. He is really a good shooter and a good defender. He played for me sa SGA.”

     

    For Tiu, the current rotation isn’t built on perception—it’s built on need and reliability.

     

    With injuries affecting the lineup, including Kai Ballungay, Phoenix has had to lean on depth. And in those moments, Escandor has become one of the pieces the coaching staff turns to—not necessarily for numbers, but for stability.

     

    “For me, it’s about giving guys trust, giving them confidence. Kai (Ballungay) has been hurt anyway. We are a bit short with our players,” he said.

     

    That trust was evident in Escandor’s extended minutes in a recent outing, where he logged over 27 minutes. The stat line—two points, five rebounds, one steal—didn’t jump off the page. But for Tiu, impact isn’t always measured that way.

     

    “(Against Rain or Shine), he played great, he ended up playing 27 minutes, but he was solid defensively. You won’t see much mistakes from him. Would have made a big three also. Ako, I need guys like that. Guys I trust that can follow what we want and are smart players. Bilib naman ako kay Francis,” he said.

     

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    Still, the outside noise hasn’t gone unnoticed.

     

     

    Reports and assumptions have fueled criticism toward Escandor, but Tiu believes the narrative has overlooked something more important—the work being done away from the spotlight.

     

    “Sometimes, it’s unfair. Actually, I feel bad for Francis. I don’t think he deserves any of it. He just really wants to play basketball. I hope they can just lay off him and let the guy just enjoy. We play basketball. We love the game. They are pros.”

     

    “I’m sure it’s very hard for him. Pero kahit papaano, grabe rin bilib ko sa kanya kasi hindi siya nagpapadala. Trabaho lang siya everyday. He really puts in the work. He trains every morning at 5 a.m. No excuses yun.”

     

    For Tiu, that consistency matters more than any narrative.

     

    “To him, he is just one of the guys. Yun ang maganda. No matter what, he is just another player and another teammate. And that’s what I appreciate kay Francis.”

     

    In a team searching for cohesion amid challenges, that mindset might be just as valuable as any stat line.

     

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  • Calvin Abueva draws 20k fine, warning after elbow incident on  Zavier Lucero

    Calvin Abueva draws 20k fine, warning after elbow incident on  Zavier Lucero

    For Calvin Abueva, the line between intensity and infraction has once again come into focus.

     

    The PBA Commissioner’s Office handed down a P20,000 fine to the Converge forward following his elbow to the head of Zavier Lucero during their matchup against Magnolia—an incident that didn’t just draw attention in-game, but warranted a second look after the final buzzer.

     

    Upon review, the league upgraded the call from a flagrant foul penalty one to a more severe flagrant foul penalty two, underscoring the seriousness of the contact. Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that Abueva was summoned before Converge’s next outing, where the decision—and the consequences—were formally delivered.

     

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    Marcial noted that Abueva expressed remorse during the meeting, but made it clear that patience from the league has its limits. A repeat offense, he warned, would result in a heavier sanction.

    The latest penalty adds to a growing list this conference.

     

    Earlier, Abueva was also fined P20,000 following a postgame outburst after a loss to Barangay Ginebra, where he was heard shouting “Paldo referee” and “Apat sila paldo” in the hallway of the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Taken together, the incidents highlight a recurring challenge for one of the league’s most polarizing figures—balancing his trademark edge with the boundaries set by the game.

     

    Abueva’s energy has long been both his strength and his risk. And as the conference progresses, the margin for error appears to be getting thinner.

     

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  • Pat Aquino’s first win sparks momentum as Blackwater outlasts San Miguel 

    Pat Aquino’s first win sparks momentum as Blackwater outlasts San Miguel 

    Pat Aquino didn’t just earn his first victory as Blackwater head coach—he may have uncovered the identity his team has been searching for in all conferences.


    In a game that tested both composure and conviction, the Bossing outdueled powerhouse San Miguel, 126-120, Wednesday night to finally halt a four-game slide in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign.

     

    The breakthrough didn’t come easy. Aquino had inherited a team reeling from back-to-back blowouts and still finding its footing under new leadership. 

     

    His first two games in charge only added to the frustration—a narrow loss to TNT and a lopsided defeat to Phoenix stretched the skid. But instead of unraveling, Blackwater leaned in.

     

    “One for the books, of course. So tough,” Aquino described their breakthrough.

     

    That toughness was on full display against San Miguel, a team known for punishing lapses and staging comebacks. 

     

    Blackwater built a lead as big as 22, only to see it slowly erased as the Beermen clawed back and even briefly seized control in the fourth quarter.

     

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    Aquino, however, had already prepared his players for that exact moment.

     

    “I told them they’re gonna come back. This is a champion team, and Coach Leo is a champion coach. They’re gonna pull everything on us to get back at us. I just told the boys to never stop playing,” he explained.

     

    Import Robert Upshaw III anchored the charge with a dominant 35-point, 17-rebound, and five-assist performance, while Sedrick Barefield added 29 points and Christian David chipped in 15 points.

     

    On the other side, Bennie Boatwright did everything he could to give San Miguel their win, finishing with 38 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, but Blackwater’s resilience proved stronger in the end.

     

    For Aquino, the win was more than a number in the standings, it was validation of patience, both his and the team’s.

     

    “A lot of challenges. A lot of good coaches around the league. And this is professional. We have to be professionals in a way that we gotta deal with it na talagang you have to perform and do your best all the time,” the 54-year-old mentor said.

     

    The locker room celebration that followed, complete with a well-earned drenching for their new coach, captured a team rediscovering belief. Still, reality quickly set in.

     

    At 2-6, Blackwater remains on the outside looking in, needing a near-perfect finish in its final four games to stay in the playoff hunt. And the road doesn’t get any easier, with Barangay Ginebra up next in a grueling back-to-back.

     

    For Aquino, though, that challenge carries a personal layer. “It’s gonna be hard for us because it’s back-to-back games against another champion, and of course, my idol Tim Cone,” the veteran coach expressed.

     

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  • Bella Belen and Capital1 teammates’ PBA appearance sparks buzz, but connections tell the real story

    Bella Belen and Capital1 teammates’ PBA appearance sparks buzz, but connections tell the real story

    It looked like a crossover moment fans didn’t expect—but one that quickly made sense the closer you looked.

     

    When Bella Belen was spotted at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game, attention shifted almost instantly from the court to the stands. The reigning volleyball star, seated near the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters bench, became an unlikely talking point in a matchup between Phoenix and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

     

    Adding to the intrigue, she wasn’t alone. Belen was seen alongside fellow Capital1 players Leila Cruz, Pia Abbu, and Pauline Gaston, as well as Galeries Tower’s Jules Samonte—turning the section into something of a volleyball cluster in the middle of a basketball night.

     

    When the broadcast cameras caught her on screen, Belen’s quick attempt to duck away only fueled curiosity further.

     

    The timing didn’t help quiet the noise.

     

    Fans had already begun linking her to Rain or Shine guard Andrei Caracut following a recent joint appearance at an event in Legazpi City—a trip that also included Adrian Nocum. With both Belen and Caracut now in the same venue, speculation came naturally.

     

    But according to Caracut, the situation was far less complicated than it seemed.

    “Nag-invite yung girlfriend ni Josh (David),” he said, pointing to a more grounded explanation behind the gathering.

     

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    That detail reveals a broader web of connections that stretches beyond headlines. Cruz, who was with Belen that night, is in a relationship with Rain or Shine player Joshua David. Gaston’s partner, meanwhile, is Phoenix’s Francis Escandor, while Samonte is linked to Rain or Shine’s Felix Lemetti.

    In other words, what looked like coincidence—or even intrigue—was simply a night shared among overlapping circles in Philippine sports.

     

    As for Belen and Caracut, the latter was quick to clarify the nature of their connection.

    “Friends. Nagsama kami sa Bicol, may guesting kami.”

     

    The trip itself seemed lighthearted, even memorable for its off-court moments.

    “Nakulitan kay Eric (Nanas),” Caracut added, referring to Rain or Shine’s well-known utility staff who joined the group during the Bicol engagement.

     

    In a sports landscape where stories often jump from speculation to assumption, this one turned out to be something simpler: a reminder of how interconnected athletes can be, even across different leagues.

     

    And for one night, it just so happened that those connections gathered in the same seats—right where everyone could see them.

     

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  • “I’m honored and grateful”: CJ Perez on joining the elite PBA 5,000-point club 

    “I’m honored and grateful”: CJ Perez on joining the elite PBA 5,000-point club 

    CJ Perez continues to solidify his status as one of the most vital pieces in the San Miguel Beermen’s lineup, combining scoring consistency with all-around impact in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    The explosive guard-forward once again played a key role in helping the San Miguel Beermen return to the win column, contributing to a hard-fought 98-94 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday, April 19, at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

     

    Although his stat line of 13 points, nine rebounds, and two assists may not fully capture his overall influence on the game, Perez delivered a historic milestone late in the contest. With just nine seconds remaining, he converted a layup that not only helped seal the win but also pushed him past the 5,000-point mark in his PBA career.

     

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    The achievement officially placed Perez among the league’s elite scorers, further cementing his reputation as one of the most reliable offensive weapons in Philippine basketball.

     

    Entering the game needing just 12 points to reach the milestone, Perez reached the mark in fitting fashion—staying aggressive and focused on team success first, while the individual honor came naturally within the flow of the game.

     

    “Pang-ilang taon ko na ba ngayon, seven? I’m honored and grateful na nakarating ako dito and we know naman since rookie year ko na I’m a scorer so I’m happy. Actually struggle talaga today parang medyo may gigil kasi yun nga, kailangan namin manalo. Pero hindi naman ako na-pressure sa 5k points. Talagang just play our game,” Perez said in the postmatch press conference.

    Now 32 years old, Perez becomes the 102nd player in PBA history to reach at least 5,000 career points, a testament to both his longevity and scoring efficiency since entering the league. He also becomes the 14th player in San Miguel franchise history to achieve the milestone, further linking his name with some of the organization’s greatest legends.

     

    Among active players, Perez is only the 11th to join the exclusive club and the 97th Filipino local player overall, underscoring how rare and significant the achievement is in the context of the league’s long and storied history.

     

    Beyond the personal milestone, Perez emphasized the importance of the victory itself, especially as San Miguel continues to search for consistency in the Commissioner’s Cup. The Beermen, currently sitting in eighth place with a 4-4 record, have struggled to meet their usual championship standards, making every win crucial in their push up the standings.

     

    Perez’s leadership has become even more important amid roster adjustments and evolving team dynamics, particularly with the recent changes in their import situation. His ability to contribute in multiple areas—scoring, rebounding, and facilitating—has helped stabilize the Beermen during a challenging stretch.

     

    With renewed momentum, San Miguel is now focused on building consistency as the elimination round progresses. The coaching staff has repeatedly stressed the importance of sustaining effort and execution across full games if they are to reassert themselves as legitimate title contenders.

     

    The Beermen will look to carry their momentum forward when they face the Blackwater Bossing on Wednesday, April 22, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The matchup is expected to serve as another important test of their form and chemistry as they continue their push for a higher position in the standings.

     

    For Perez, however, the focus remains clear—keep winning, keep improving, and let the milestones come naturally as San Miguel works its way back into championship contention.

     

     

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  • “It was good while it lasted”: Yeng Guiao unfazed as Rain or Shine streak ends, shifts focus to twice-to-beat goal

    “It was good while it lasted”: Yeng Guiao unfazed as Rain or Shine streak ends, shifts focus to twice-to-beat goal

    For Rain or Shine’s head coach Yeng Guiao, the end of a winning streak wasn’t a moment of frustration—it was simply part of the process.


    After guiding the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to a blazing 7-0 start, Guiao watched his squad absorb its first loss, an 87-83 setback to the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday. The defeat trimmed their record to 7-1.

     

    “It was good while it lasted. Mangyayari naman talaga ’yon, mapuputol at some point. Also, it releases some pressure off us. Ang gusto lang talaga is makarating kami ng nine wins and secure the twice-to-beat. Of course, we like to win as much and as many as we can, but darating yung araw na maalat talaga,” Guiao said.

     

    Even during their unbeaten stretch, Guiao had repeatedly cautioned against getting too comfortable. That foresight showed as he treated the loss less as a setback and more as a recalibration point for a young, fast-paced roster that has thrived on momentum.

     

    Against Phoenix, Rain or Shine struggled to impose its usual tempo. A flurry of missed layups and turnovers allowed the Fuel Masters to seize control late, turning the game into one played on their terms.

     

    “Ganun talaga. Yung shift ng momentum, we couldn’t back our own momentum. Masyadong magkasunod yung mga missed layups and turnovers, one after another. Sila naman, pumasok yung mga tres nila at mga layups nila pumapasok din. We played a game that I felt more in their pace. Hindi namin nai-push yung bola,” the 66-year-old veteran coach explained.

     

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    Despite the stumble, the Elasto Painters remain in a strong position atop the standings. More importantly, Guiao’s focus hasn’t wavered from the bigger goal—securing a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the playoffs.

     

    “We knew there was going to be a bad night one of these days. Mabuti, nakapagpundar na kami ng mga panalo. We don’t want to feel too bad about it. Because overall, we’re really okay. We’re still number one. We try to keep our objective, which is secure twice-to-beat,” he added.

     

    Rain or Shine also missed the services of Felix Lametti, who continues to recover from a left knee sprain. The Fil-Swedish guard had been averaging 11.29 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.43 rebounds prior to the injury, making his absence felt in the backcourt rotation.

     

    Still, Adrian Nocum stepped up with 20 points, five rebounds, and one assist in a losing effort.

    On the other side, Jason Perkins led Phoenix with 20 points, while James Dickey added 17 and Tyler Tio contributed 16 to complete the comeback win.

     

    With tougher matchups looming against Magnolia Hotshots, NLEX Road Warriors, and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Guiao’s calm demeanor could prove just as valuable as any winning streak.

    For Rain or Shine, the message from their coach is clear, the streak may be over but the bigger mission is just beginning.

     

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  • Leo Austria is confident Bennie Boatwright can turn San Miguel’s PBA season around 

    Leo Austria is confident Bennie Boatwright can turn San Miguel’s PBA season around 

    The San Miguel Beermen, long regarded as one of the premier franchises in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), are navigating unfamiliar territory in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup. Known for their consistency and championship pedigree, the Beermen have so far struggled to meet expectations, currently sitting eighth in the standings with a balanced 4-4 record—far from the dominant form fans have come to expect.

     

    A significant factor behind San Miguel’s uneven campaign has been instability at the import position. Their initial reinforcement, Justin Patton, became a source of controversy after failing to show up for a crucial matchup against the Magnolia Hotshots, raising questions about commitment and team chemistry. The organization acted swiftly, parting ways with Patton and bringing back a familiar and proven contributor in Bennie Boatwright.

     

    Boatwright wasted no time making his presence felt. In his first game back with the Beermen on Sunday, April 19, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, the former fan favorite delivered a dominant performance, erupting for 41 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. His all-around effort powered San Miguel to a hard-fought 98-94 victory, providing a much-needed boost to the team’s campaign and morale.

     

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    Head coach Leo Austria expressed optimism that Boatwright’s return could stabilize the team and address their import woes, drawing parallels to a successful stretch in the past.

     

    “Hopefully. The last time what we did during Bennie’s arrival in 2024 in the middle of the elimination eh. Since then we have never lost twice in a row. And eventually, we won the championship. We are hoping na we can duplicate this kind of situation that we have now to the year 2024,” Austria said in a media interaction.

    Austria’s confidence is shared by star guard CJ Perez, who emphasized how Boatwright’s skill set complements San Miguel’s core of talented local players. For Perez, finding the right import has long been a challenge, but Boatwright’s immediate impact suggests they may have finally found the missing piece.

     

    “I think yun yung nawawalang piece sa puzzle doon sa team namin eh. Every import conference nahihirapan kami maghanap ng import na nag-fifit sa San Miguel. I think Bennie is the answer doon sa struggle namin,” Perez added.

     

    Boatwright himself remains focused on the present, preferring a steady, game-by-game approach rather than looking too far ahead. While his performance has already reignited hopes among fans and teammates alike, the import is keeping his mindset grounded.

     

    “Yeah that’s the goal of course. But me personally, I want to take it one day at a time. You know just stacking the wins. To get this first win it feels very good as a team, myself and you know I’m excited moving forward,” Boatwright said.

     

    With renewed energy and a reinforced lineup, the Beermen now aim to build momentum as the elimination round progresses. Consistency will be key if they hope to climb the standings and reestablish themselves as legitimate title contenders.

     

    San Miguel will look to continue their resurgence when they take on the Blackwater Bossing on Wednesday, April 22, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium—a matchup that could serve as an early test of whether Boatwright’s return truly marks a turning point in their season.

     

     

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  • Sedrick Barefield sets sights on joining Gilas Pilipinas 3×3

    Sedrick Barefield sets sights on joining Gilas Pilipinas 3×3

    For Sedrick Barefield, the numbers are starting to pile up—but the wins are not.

     

    The Blackwater Bossing guard delivered another solid individual performance with 27 points, two rebounds, and two assists, but it came in a 125-108 defeat to Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters—a result that further dragged his team to a 1-6 record, second from the bottom of the standings.

    Still chasing his first-ever winning season in the PBA, Barefield finds himself navigating a familiar frustration, strong personal outings overshadowed by team struggles. 

     

    Yet instead of dwelling solely on the standings, the Fil-Am guard is beginning to widen his horizon. A new opportunity may be emerging in the half-court game.

     

    Barefield has openly expressed his willingness to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas 3×3, a program currently undergoing a reset under the Samahan ng Basketbol ng Pilipinas. Despite not yet representing the country in either 5-on-5 or 3×3 formats, the guard made it clear he’s ready when called.

     

    “I’m just waiting on an official invite, but I told them that I would love to represent the country with Gilas,” Barefield said. 

     

    Support from his mother ballclub won’t be an issue. Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy reiterated the franchise’s openness to lending players for national duty.

     

    “If it is for the welfare of the country, we’re always open to it. We’ve done that before with coach Pat (Aquino) with the Gilas women’s team and Ever Bilena as one its major backers,” the 29-year-old Shooting Guard said. 

     

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    The timing could work in Barefield’s favor as the Gilas 3×3 program is actively rebuilding after recent setbacks. As it showed promise with a quarterfinal finish in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup behind Jerrick Ahanmisi, Ralph Cu, Chris Koon, and Sean Alter.

     

    With Ryan Gregorio leading the search for additional talent, the program is looking ahead to the 2026 Asian Games this September in Japan—and further still to the long-term goal of qualifying for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

     

    Gregorio acknowledged that Barefield’s case is intriguing, especially given 3×3 basketball’s more flexible eligibility rules.

     

    “Yeah, I have my (Filipino) passport. No problem (with that),” said Barefield, obviously aware of the 3×3 tournaments’ ‘passport only’ rule when it comes to eligibility.

     

    While the national team door may be opening, Barefield’s immediate focus remains with Blackwater, which is desperate to turn its campaign around. 

     

    The Bossing will look to snap their skid and gain some measure of redemption when they face the San Miguel Beermen on Wednesday, April 22 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

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