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  • Meralco’s Go-To Guy?: CJ Cansino steps up as the Bolts’ emerging leader

    Meralco’s Go-To Guy?: CJ Cansino steps up as the Bolts’ emerging leader

    Is CJ Cansino the new face of Meralco? Four wins into their campaign, the Bolts are beginning to lean on a different kind of spark—one that has steadily grown from promising scorer to reliable centerpiece. And Cansino is making sure the spotlight finds him.

     

    He has already collected three Player of the Game honors in Meralco’s four victories this conference, a stretch that underscores both his consistency and his rising importance to the team.

     

    It all started in their opening statement. Cansino erupted for 23 points and eight rebounds to power Meralco to a 109-88 rout of the Converge FiberXers, immediately setting the tone for what would become a breakout run. He didn’t slow down from there.

     

    In the games that followed, he elevated his play even further—dropping a conference-high 26 points along with six rebounds and six assists in a 118-105 win against Titan Ultra. His ability to impact multiple facets of the game has turned him into a nightly problem for opposing defenses.

     

    Even in tighter contests, Cansino has shown poise beyond his years. Against the Bol Bol-led TNT Tropang Giga, leading the Bolts to a 110-106 win as he scored in crucial stretches. 

     

    The PBA All-Star fired 19 points coupled with 4 rebounds and 4 assists, knocking down timely baskets that kept Meralco afloat when momentum threatened to swing the other way. It’s that composure—more than just numbers—that’s beginning to define his campaign.

     

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    But this rise didn’t begin in the Commissioner’s Cup. Signs of his emergence were already evident during the Philippine Cup, where he averaged a team-leading 18.5 points per game. That run was highlighted by a career-high 36-point explosion in Game 5 of their semifinal series against TNT, a performance that, despite ending in defeat, signaled his readiness for a bigger role.

     

    Consistency became his calling card. Cansino strung together three straight 20-point games in that conference, earning PBA Player of the Week honors for December 10 through 14, after averaging 23.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and shooting an efficient 56 percent from the field while leading Meralco to a perfect 3-0 stretch.

     

    Now, he’s carried that momentum into the current season. Through the ongoing conference, the former UAAP champion with the UP Fighting Maroons is averaging 18.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, while shooting a blistering 47.1 percent from beyond the arc—numbers that place him among the league’s most efficient and dependable scorers.

     

    What makes Cansino’s rise even more compelling is the journey behind it. His collegiate career never quite followed a smooth trajectory. His most productive season came as a rookie with UST, where he posted 12.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, and nearly four assists per game before an ACL injury abruptly halted his momentum. Yet even then, flashes of brilliance were undeniable.

     

    On his 19th birthday, he made UAAP history as the first rookie in 15 years  to record a triple-double—finishing with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the University of the East. It was a glimpse of the all-around talent that many believed would eventually surface at the next level.

     

    Years later, that potential is no longer theoretical. Across multiple reports and league observations, Cansino’s growth has been attributed to his improved shot selection, confidence in big moments, and a clearer role within Meralco’s system. No longer just a scorer, he has evolved into a dependable two-way contributor capable of carrying stretches of the game.

     

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  • Manila Clasico: Ginebra aims for rebound, Magnolia hunts for third win 

    Manila Clasico: Ginebra aims for rebound, Magnolia hunts for third win 

    The Manila Clasico has never needed extra fuel—but Friday night’s showdown brings a different kind of tension: urgency.

     

    Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia arrive at the Mall of Asia Arena chasing more than bragging rights. They’re chasing stability in a conference where every win swings momentum, and every loss leaves a mark.

     

    Tip-off is set at 7:30 p.m., with both squads stuck in the middle of the pack in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup. Ginebra sits at 2-2, tied for seventh, while Magnolia is just behind at 2-3—close enough that one result could flip their trajectories.

     

    But beyond the standings, this clash is shaped by contrasting currents.

     

    Ginebra enters with something to prove. A painful 82-85 collapse against San Miguel Beer saw them squander a 15-point cushion, exposing cracks late in the game. That defeat didn’t just cost them a win—it cost them rhythm.

     

    Magnolia, meanwhile, is trending in the opposite direction. After stumbling out of the gate at 0-3, the Hotshots have found life behind a reshuffled core and the arrival of import Clint Chapman. In just two games, Chapman has stabilized the middle and unlocked a more fluid Magnolia attack, helping fuel back-to-back wins—a 121-109 surge past Macau and an 85-70 dismantling of Terrafirma.

     

    Still, Magnolia’s push isn’t just about its import. The locals have quietly taken charge, with Zavier Lucero and Jerom Lastimosa anchoring the offense at 17 and 14 points per game, respectively. Their scoring has given Magnolia balance—allowing Chapman to complement rather than carry.

     

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    On the other side, Ginebra’s engine remains as clear as ever: Justin Brownlee.

     

    The resident import is putting together another dominant conference, leading all scorers with 35.3 points per game while stuffing the stat sheet with 5 rebounds and 7.2 assists. Whether it’s creating, finishing, or rescuing broken plays, Brownlee continues to be the constant.

     

    Rising guard RJ Abarrientos has added another dimension to Ginebra’s attack, emerging as one of the top local scorers in the league with 21.8 points per game. His shot-making has given the Gin Kings a needed secondary punch, especially in tight stretches.

     

    Adding another layer to the narrative is Magnolia coach LA Tenorio, facing his former team and longtime mentor Tim Cone. But Tenorio isn’t buying into the storyline.

     

    “We’ll be ready not because it’s Ginebra, and Manila Clasico, but because we need to get ready because we’re still below .500 in the standings,” said Tenorio, still in the process of steadying the ship after a 0-3 start with original import Nuni Omot.

     

    He knows the challenge ahead all too well. “I know Ginebra will be ready after the bad loss last game. I know coach Tim, he’s gonna make his team ready going into Friday’s game.”

     

    And that’s the underlying truth of this rivalry—form often fades once the ball is tipped. Because no matter the standings, no matter the streaks, Manila Clasico games tend to boil down to the smallest margins: a defensive stop, a loose ball, a final shot hanging in the air.

     

    And when that moment comes, everything else—records, runs, and narratives—takes a back seat.

     

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  • “Appropriate recognition”: Yeng Guiao explains why Gabe Norwood deserves historic honor from Rain or Shine

    “Appropriate recognition”: Yeng Guiao explains why Gabe Norwood deserves historic honor from Rain or Shine

    Veteran forward Gabe Norwood recently officially called time on his illustrious Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) career, closing the curtain on a remarkable 17-year run that stood as a model of consistency, discipline, and professionalism. His retirement came at the conclusion of the 2025 Philippine Cup, marking the end of an era not just for Rain or Shine, but for the league as a whole.

     

    In a fitting tribute to one of the franchise’s most iconic figures, Rain or Shine management announced on Monday, April 6, that Norwood’s No. 5 jersey will be retired. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at halftime of their Commissioner’s Cup matchup against the Converge FiberXers on Friday, April 10, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena—a stage befitting the legacy he leaves behind.

     

    “A player who defined an era. A true Rain or Shine legend. A legacy that will never fade. Join us this April 10 at halftime of the Rain or Shine vs. Converge game as we celebrate the career and officially retire the jersey of Gabe Norwood,” the team wrote on its social media page.

     

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    Norwood’s impact on the franchise transcends statistics. From his rookie season in 2008, he quickly established himself as the team’s defensive anchor and emotional leader, becoming synonymous with the Rain or Shine identity—tough, selfless, and resilient. Over nearly two decades, he evolved into the face of the organization, guiding multiple generations of players while maintaining a standard of excellence rarely matched.

     

    Head coach Yeng Guiao, who has long been associated with Norwood’s development and success, was instrumental in advocating for the jersey retirement. For Guiao, the honor is not just deserved—it is necessary in telling the story of the franchise.

    “Just appropriate recognition and honor for Gabe Norwood. Ang history ng Rain or Shine ay Norwood era and post-Norwood era. Parang ‘yan yung kwento ng Rain or Shine ngayon eh. So naging marker siya ng kwento ng franchise ng Rain or Shine,” Guiao said.

     

    Guiao further emphasized that Norwood’s legacy extends far beyond his on-court contributions, highlighting the veteran’s character and influence within the team and the league.

     

    “So appropriately, kailangan talaga siyang bigyan ng recognition, ng honor. Not just because he is a great basketball player but because he is a great human being,” he added.

     

    Norwood retires with a résumé that firmly secures his place among the PBA’s all-time greats. A two-time champion with Rain or Shine, he captured Rookie of the Year honors in 2009 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2010—early indicators of the two-way excellence that would define his career. Known league-wide for his ability to guard multiple positions, Norwood built a reputation as one of the PBA’s premier defenders, often tasked with shutting down the opposition’s best player.

     

    In addition to his defensive accolades, Norwood earned three PBA Sportsmanship Awards, a testament to his integrity and respect for the game. He was also selected to 11 All-Star teams, reflecting both his sustained performance and the admiration he garnered from fans, peers, and media alike.

     

    Beyond the numbers, however, Norwood’s true value was felt in the locker room. As a steady veteran presence, he mentored younger players, led by example, and embodied the professionalism that coaches and organizations strive to instill. His leadership helped shape Rain or Shine’s culture, making him not just a cornerstone of the team’s past, but a lasting influence on its future.

     

    As the franchise prepares to raise his No. 5 jersey to the rafters, it serves as a permanent reminder of a player who didn’t just play the game the right way—he elevated everyone around him while doing so.

     

     

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  • LA Tenorio keeps Magnolia grounded ahead of ‘Manila Clasico’ game against former team Ginebra 

    LA Tenorio keeps Magnolia grounded ahead of ‘Manila Clasico’ game against former team Ginebra 

    For most teams, a Manila Clasico is the kind of game that naturally pulls attention away from everything else.

     

    The buildup is louder, the emotions are heavier, and the spotlight almost always grows bigger than the actual standings. But for LA Tenorio, Magnolia’s upcoming showdown with Barangay Ginebra is not a night to get swept up in nostalgia or noise.

     

    It is, more than anything, another chance to keep his team moving in the right direction.

     

    Now in the middle of trying to steer Magnolia out of an early hole in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Tenorio has made it clear that the Hotshots cannot afford to treat Friday like just a rivalry event. 

     

    For him, the bigger concern is still what kind of team Magnolia is becoming under his watch.

    “Manila Clasico, it’s a big game for the PBA, for the fans, but overall as a team we are really focusing on the things that we want to worry about, the things that we need to get better,” said the 41-year-old.

     

    “‘Yun ang importante sa amin.”

     

    That mindset came into sharper focus after Magnolia’s 85-70 win over Terrafirma on Tuesday, a result that gave the Hotshots their second straight victory after opening the conference with three losses.

     

    The win did not suddenly erase the flaws of Magnolia’s shaky start, but it did offer another sign that the team may finally be finding some traction. With new import Clint Chapman once again leading the way and the veterans settling in around him, the Hotshots have at least begun to look more like themselves.

     

    Still, Tenorio is not acting like the turnaround is complete. Even with the momentum of back-to-back wins, he knows Magnolia is still trying to climb out of a hole — and that the record says there is still plenty of work left to do.

     

    “We’ll be ready also not because it’s Ginebra, and Manila Clasico, but because we need to get ready because we’re still below .500 in the standings,” pointed out the former star PG as they’ve only hiked their record to 2-3.

     

    That may be the most telling part of how Tenorio is approaching this stretch. For someone whose own playing career was deeply tied to Ginebra and to many of the biggest rivalry games in the league, it would have been easy to lean into the emotional side of facing his former team again. Instead, he has chosen to frame the matchup through urgency and development.

     

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    That says a lot about where Magnolia is right now.

     

    The Hotshots are not entering Friday as a team chasing drama. They are entering it as a team trying to stabilize its campaign, level its record, and continue adjusting to the new system being introduced by a first-year head coach still shaping the group in his own image.

     

    That challenge becomes even tougher considering the opponent. Ginebra is coming off an 85-82 loss to San Miguel, a game in which the Kings let a 15-point lead slip away before falling on a late Don Trollano corner three. It was the kind of defeat that tends to sharpen the focus of Tim Cone-coached teams rather than shake them.

     

    And Tenorio knows that better than most. Having spent years under Cone and with Ginebra, he understands exactly how dangerous the Kings can become after a frustrating loss. That familiarity is not making him comfortable — if anything, it is making him more cautious.

     

    “I know Ginebra will be ready after the bad loss last game. I know Coach Tim, he’s gonna make his team ready going into Friday’s game,” he said.

     

    That is part of what makes this version of the Manila Clasico a little more layered than usual.

    On one side is a Ginebra team trying to recover quickly and get back above .500. On the other is a Magnolia squad beginning to string wins together, but still trying to define itself under a new voice on the sidelines.

     

    And somewhere in the middle of all that is Tenorio, one of the most recognizable former faces of the rivalry, now trying to lead from the other bench without letting the occasion distract from the process.

     

    That may be his biggest task right now. Because while Friday’s game will naturally come with all the energy and emotional charge that Manila Clasico always carries, Magnolia’s season will not be decided by one rivalry result alone. 

     

    What matters more is whether the Hotshots continue to grow sharper, more disciplined, and more comfortable in the way Tenorio wants them to play.

     

    That is the part he seems most locked in on. “Yes, it’s Manila Clasico, it’s big, probably bigger than any of the normal games, but I’m not worried about that. I’m worried about us, how we will play on Friday, and then after Friday. ‘Yun lang yung importante sa akin ngayon,” he said.

     

    And for Magnolia, that may be exactly the right mindset to have. Because if the Hotshots are going to turn their campaign around for real, it cannot just be about winning the loudest games. It has to be about becoming steady enough to win beyond them too.

     

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  • CJ Cansino turns TNT heartbreak into fuel as Meralco escapes with gritty win 

    CJ Cansino turns TNT heartbreak into fuel as Meralco escapes with gritty win 

    CJ Cansino and Meralco came away with more than just a win on Tuesday night. The Bolts leaned on both composure and experience to hold off TNT, 110-106, in a tense PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup showdown at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, turning what looked like a comfortable win into a hard-earned statement against their longtime rivals.

     

    Meralco appeared to be in full control for most of the game. Behind a balanced attack and steady defensive effort, the Bolts built a lead as big as 20 points and looked ready to cruise to victory before TNT came alive in the fourth quarter and made things interesting late.

     

    The Tropang 5G erupted for 35 points in the final frame and unleashed a 12-0 run to cut the deficit to just 107-105 with one minute left.

     

    That late rally forced Meralco to dig deep, and according to Cansino, the game came down to who simply wanted it more in the closing stretch.

     

    “Well yung last minute siguro para sakin, kung sino nalang gusto manalo dun e,” Cansino said after the game.

     

    For Meralco, the urgency also came from memory. The Bolts have gone through their share of painful battles against TNT, and Cansino admitted those experiences were still very much in their minds heading into this latest rivalry clash.

     

    “Alam mo nandun parin yung nangyari sa past experience namin with TNT,” he said.

    That history helped fuel Meralco in the final minutes, especially as TNT threatened to erase everything the Bolts had built.

     

    “‘Yung experience namin in the last series, grabe ang sakit, at ayaw namin maulit. Yung mga nangyari, dala namin sa game,” Cansino added.

     

    Meralco’s defense then came through when it mattered most.

     

    The Bolts forced TNT into difficult late-game possessions, including a crucial stop where they disrupted Bol Bol and prevented Jordan Heading from getting a clean lane, eventually forcing RR Pogoy into an off-balance three-point attempt that came up short.

     

    That kind of connected defense helped Meralco survive and secure its second straight win. Marvin Jones led the way for the Bolts with 29 points and 12 rebounds, providing the inside presence Meralco needed throughout the game.

     

    Cansino, who was later named Player of the Game, backed him up with 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists in another strong all-around performance.

     

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    Raymond Almazan gave Meralco a lift off the bench with 12 points and five rebounds, while Cliff Hodge chipped in 10 points before fouling out late.

     

    Chris Newsome also delivered in crunch time, sinking two clutch free throws with 14.3 seconds left to stretch the lead to 109-105 and give the Bolts enough cushion to hold off TNT’s final push.

    Bol Bol still finished with 28 points and 12 rebounds for TNT, but it was his lowest output so far this conference.

     

    After averaging 37.3 points, 16.3 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks through his first three games, Meralco did enough to make life more difficult for the towering import and keep him from fully taking over.

     

    Jordan Heading also tried to keep TNT alive with 21 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from three-point range, while Calvin Oftana added 10 in the losing effort.

     

    Still, the comeback fell short, snapping TNT’s two-game winning streak and dropping the Tropang 5G to 2-2 in the standings.

     

    For Cansino, Meralco’s strength comes from the way the team shares responsibility instead of relying on one player to carry the load every night.

     

    “Sa Meralco naman di namin sinasabi na ikaw yung mataas yung average, ikaw yung gagawa,” he said.

     

    That approach was clear in Tuesday’s win, as multiple players stepped up in key moments to help Meralco finish the job.

     

    Cansino added that his own mindset is simply to take the shots and opportunities that the game gives him.

     

    “Nasasaktuhan lang na ako yung nalilibre sa time na yon, yung role na yun kung sakin lang bibigay yung mga reads sa game, titira ko,” he said.

     

    In the end, Meralco did not need a perfect finish.

     

    It just needed enough composure, enough stops, and enough trust to finally come out on top in a rivalry game that tested both its nerves and memory.

     

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  • Rain or Shine faces biggest test yet against surging San Miguel

    Rain or Shine faces biggest test yet against surging San Miguel

    Rain or Shine has looked like one of the most complete teams of the early PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    Four games in, the Elasto Painters remain unbeaten, and they have done it with the kind of balance that often makes a team dangerous over the long run — enough scoring, enough pace, and enough depth to keep opponents from settling in. But Wednesday night offers something very different from what they have faced so far.

     

    This time, the test is San Miguel Beer. For Rain or Shine, the matchup is less about simply extending a winning streak and more about proving that its clean 4-0 start can hold up against one of the league’s most battle-tested and physically imposing teams. It is the kind of game that reveals whether an early run is just momentum — or something more serious.

     

    Coach Yeng Guiao is not treating the unbeaten start like proof of anything just yet. Even after a strong opening stretch that included wins over Macau, TNT, Meralco, and Blackwater, the veteran coach remains fully aware that the heavier part of the schedule is only beginning for the Elasto Painters.

     

    “Marami pa [need i-improve]. Actually, ‘yung second half ng schedule namin, ‘yun ang mas mabigat. Hindi pa talaga ito siguro yung test na makakapagsabi kung makakapasok kami ng playoffs o hindi,” Guiao said.

     

    That is exactly why the San Miguel game carries so much weight. Rain or Shine has been impressive because it has not needed to rely too heavily on one player. Import Jaylen Johnson has given the team a reliable presence with averages of 27.3 points, 14 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, but the Elasto Painters have also won because their local core has consistently shown up.

     

    That balance has been one of the team’s biggest strengths. Adrian Nocum, in particular, has emerged as one of the key engines of Rain or Shine’s attack, averaging 17 points and six assists per contest. His pace and shot creation have helped define the style the Elasto Painters want to play — fast, aggressive, and often uncomfortable for slower teams to deal with.

     

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    But San Miguel is not just any opponent.


    The Beermen are beginning to look like themselves again after winning back-to-back games since bringing in replacement import Justin Patton. The 7-foot-1 former NBA big man has quickly added size, mobility, and interior presence to a team that already knows how to punish opponents in the half-court.

     

    That makes Wednesday’s game a clash of styles as much as anything else. Rain or Shine wants movement, pace, and rhythm. San Miguel wants control, physicality, and the kind of half-court battle that can wear teams down over time. And when two teams want to play very different kinds of basketball, the game often comes down to who gets to impose their identity first.

     

    That is also where the matchup starts to feel difficult to call.

     

    Interestingly, according to the OKBet sportsbook, Rain or Shine enters as the favorite despite San Miguel’s championship pedigree and recent surge. The Elasto Painters are listed at 2.04 odds, while the Beermen are at 1.73, a sign of just how competitive and tightly projected this showdown is.

     

    That only adds another layer to the intrigue. If Rain or Shine can keep the game moving, force San Miguel’s big men to defend in space, and get enough support from its local rotation, then its unbeaten run has a real chance of surviving.

     

     But if the Beermen are allowed to slow the pace, dominate the glass, and turn the game into a bruising inside-out affair, then the matchup starts to tilt in a very different direction.

     

    That is what makes this feel like more than just another elimination-round game.This is the kind of matchup where predictions stop being about records and start becoming about habits. Which team can stay disciplined longer? Which team can force the other into discomfort? And when the game gets tight late, which identity will hold up better under pressure?

     

    Rain or Shine has earned the right to believe in its start.The Elasto Painters have been one of the conference’s most organized and energetic teams so far, and they have already shown they can beat quality opponents in different ways. 

     

    But San Miguel presents a more traditional contender’s challenge — one that tests not just execution, but physical resilience and late-game composure.

    That is why this game matters more than most. If Rain or Shine wins, it does more than improve to 5-0. 

     

    It strengthens the idea that this group may actually be ready to hold its ground against the conference’s heavyweights. If it loses, then the result may simply confirm what Guiao already knows — that the real measuring-stick games were always still ahead.

     

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  • Marvin Jones credits team basketball for Meralco Bolts’ win over TNT

    Marvin Jones credits team basketball for Meralco Bolts’ win over TNT

    The Meralco Bolts have surged into early contention in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, putting together an impressive 4–1 record that currently places them second in the standings. Their strong start continued on Tuesday, April 7, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where they held off a late rally from TNT Tropang Giga to secure a hard-earned 110–106 victory.

     

    Facing a TNT side reinforced by former NBA talent Bol Bol, Meralco appeared in full control for much of the contest. The Bolts built a commanding lead that ballooned to as much as 20 points, showcasing fluid ball movement and efficient scoring. However, the Tropang Giga mounted a fierce comeback in the latter stages, capitalizing on momentum swings and key possessions to narrow the gap and threaten an upset.

     

    Despite the late-game pressure, Meralco maintained its composure down the stretch, with import Marvin Jones leading the charge. Jones delivered a standout performance, finishing with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists. His presence on both ends of the floor proved decisive, particularly as TNT intensified its comeback bid.

     

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    Jones outshone his high-profile counterpart Bol Bol, not only with his scoring output but also through his leadership and adherence to a team-first approach. His impact was complemented by a strong showing from CJ Cansino, who chipped in 19 points, providing timely baskets that helped steady Meralco during crucial stretches. Veteran big man Raymond Almazan also made his presence felt with 12 points, contributing to the Bolts’ interior stability.

     

    After the game, Jones emphasized the importance of team play over individual matchups, reflecting a philosophy shaped by his extensive experience overseas.

    “That’s just the mentality every game, you go out, you play a team game. I don’t make it about a one-on-one match, I don’t know how to play basketball that way. I’m used to playing a team game like in Europe. You share the ball, you move the ball and that’s the philosophy here,” Jones said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    Meralco’s near-collapse after building a sizable lead was not lost on Jones, who acknowledged the natural ebb and flow of the game and the resilience of their opponents.

     

    “That’s what happens when you get up 16, 18, 20 points, you start to play a little bit uncomfortable, the other team is under pressure, so they made some shots, they made a run and you’d expect it. It’s a 48-minute game, they got some foul calls down there, but that was kind of iffy, but we came out with the win,” he added.

     

    Jones, who has built a well-traveled professional career across various European leagues, continues to adjust to the PBA style of play. His seamless transition has been a major boost for Meralco, especially after the team opted to bring him in instead of retaining former import Ismael Romero.

     

    “It’s my first time playing in Asia so I didn’t know all the backstory of TNT being the defending champion. I just try to play the game the right way and win every game. But it’s good to see everybody, energy is high and it felt good,” Jones concluded.

     

    With momentum firmly on their side, the Bolts will look to sustain their strong form as they prepare for their next assignment. They are set to face guest team Macau Black Knights on Saturday, April 11, once again at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, in what promises to be another crucial test of their early-season credentials.

     

     

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  • CJ Perez powers San Miguel’s turnaround, earns PBA Player of the Week nod

    CJ Perez powers San Miguel’s turnaround, earns PBA Player of the Week nod

    CJ Perez is starting to look like the spark San Miguel needed to steady itself after an uneven start to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    As the Beermen begin to settle into a new rhythm behind import Justin Patton, Perez has emerged as the local force helping turn close calls and corrections into actual wins — and that impact was enough to earn him the latest PBA Press Corps Player of the Week honor.

     

    The veteran swingman was recognized for the period of March 31 to April 5 after helping San Miguel put together back-to-back victories, a timely response for a team that had spent the opening stretch of the conference trying to regain its footing.

     

    And while Patton’s arrival has naturally drawn much of the attention, Perez’s role in the turnaround has been just as important.

     

    Over San Miguel’s wins against the Macau Black Knights and Barangay Ginebra, Perez averaged 23.0 points on 55-percent shooting, along with 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 steals — numbers that reflected not just scoring production, but his all-around involvement in the Beermen’s recovery.

     

    His biggest moment came on Easter Sunday in San Miguel’s gritty 85-82 win over Ginebra. After being held back by early foul trouble and going scoreless in the first half, Perez responded with the kind of takeover performance that reminded everyone why he remains one of the league’s most dangerous momentum players. 

     

    He scored 15 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter alone, helping fuel the Beermen’s comeback from 15 points down.

     

    “Nakakafrustrate siya pero nag-focus lang ako, nag-stay composed ako, nilaro ko lang laro ko sa second half at nagbunga naman. Grateful ako na nanalo kami,” Perez said.

     

    That response said plenty about where San Miguel is beginning to find its edge.

     

    The Beermen have not exactly looked dominant yet, but they have started to show signs of a team rediscovering how to close games — and Perez has been at the center of that shift, whether by scoring, defending, or making the right play late.

     

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    One of those plays ended up deciding the Ginebra game. With the score tied in the closing seconds, Perez came up with the offensive rebound and then delivered the kick-out pass that led to Don Trollano’s game-winning three-pointer, a sequence that may have summed up his recent stretch better than any stat line could.

     

    That same aggression was also there in San Miguel’s earlier 110-94 win over Macau, where Perez poured in a game-high 26 points to help the Beermen secure another much-needed result.

    Taken together, those performances made him the clear choice for the weekly citation.

     

    Perez was the unanimous selection by the scribes regularly covering the PBA beat, beating out Rain or Shine’s Andrei Caracut and NLEX standouts Schonny Winston and Kevin Alas for the award.

     

    It also marked the third time this season that Perez has claimed the weekly honor, placing him just behind Converge rookie Juan Gomez de Liano, who has already collected four.

     

    More than the award itself, though, Perez’s recent run feels significant because of what it may signal for San Miguel moving forward.

     

    The Beermen made a major adjustment earlier in the conference when they brought in the 7-foot-1 Patton in place of Marcus Lee after dropping two of their first three games. That move was meant to stabilize the team, but roster changes only go so far if the core local stars do not respond with urgency.

     

    Perez has done exactly that. He has helped bridge the transition, giving San Miguel not only another scorer but also a player capable of shifting the energy of a game when the Beermen need it most.

     

    And if this stretch is any indication, San Miguel’s climb back into form may not just be about a new import. It may also be about CJ Perez starting to take over again.

     

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  • TNT, Meralco highlight Tuesday PBA doubleheader

    TNT, Meralco highlight Tuesday PBA doubleheader

    Tuesday’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup doubleheader at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium offers two very different kinds of pressure.

     

    In the first game, Magnolia is trying to prove its first win was the start of something. In the main event, TNT and Meralco meet in a matchup that could say a lot about which team is ready to establish itself as a serious early contender in the conference.

     

    And right at the center of that second game is Bol Bol.

     

    The towering TNT import resumes his campaign as the Tropang 5G take on the Bolts in a clash between two teams that have already started to build momentum after contrasting starts. TNT stumbled in its conference debut, but has since looked much sharper, while Meralco has quietly put together one of the better early records in the field.

     

    For TNT, this is shaping up to be more than just another regular season outing.The Tropang 5G are chasing a third straight victory after back-to-back wins over San Miguel and NLEX, and another one here would continue the team’s climb after an opening loss to Rain or Shine briefly slowed its start. More importantly, it would give TNT another strong result against a team expected to be in the playoff mix.

     

    Bol remains the biggest reason TNT has looked increasingly dangerous. Through three games, the 7-foot-3 former NBA player has delivered exactly the kind of impact the franchise hoped for, putting up averages of 37.3 points and 16.3 rebounds while instantly changing the team’s ceiling on both ends of the floor.

     

    He has not just been productive — he has forced teams to play differently. Opponents have had to account for his size, reach, and ability to score from multiple areas, making him one of the most difficult matchup problems in the conference early on. Whether it is finishing inside, cleaning the glass, or simply altering defensive coverages, Bol has quickly become the focal point of TNT’s identity.

     

    That identity only gets bigger on Tuesday. The Tropang 5G welcome back veteran big man Kelly Williams, who has been activated into the active roster in place of Jio Jalalon. The move gives TNT another experienced frontcourt option and adds even more length and versatility to a team that is already built around size.

     

    Williams’ return could be especially valuable in a game like this.

     

    Against a physical and disciplined team such as Meralco, having another proven interior presence could help TNT not only manage its rotations better, but also maintain its edge in the paint whenever Bol goes to the bench or draws extra attention.

     

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    Meralco, though, will not be walking into the matchup unprepared. The Bolts come in with a 3-1 record and are fresh off a 118-105 win over Titan Ultra, a result that kept them in the upper part of the standings and reinforced the balance they have shown early in the conference.

     

    One of the biggest reasons for that has been the rise of CJ Cansino.

     

    After being held to just 13 points in Meralco’s loss to Rain or Shine, Cansino bounced back with 26 points in the win over Titan Ultra, once again showing that he can provide real offensive punch for the Bolts. His scoring has become an important part of Meralco’s attack, and another strong outing would go a long way in helping the team stay within striking distance of TNT.

     

    The Bolts may at least have a slight edge in familiarity. During the offseason, Meralco was the only team that got to face TNT and Bol in a tune-up game before the Commissioner’s Cup began. That experience, paired with film study from TNT’s first few games, may offer some useful clues on how to at least limit his influence.

     

    Still, knowing what Bol does and stopping it are very different things. That is what makes this game so intriguing.

     

    TNT is trying to build around overwhelming size and star power. Meralco is leaning on continuity, balance, and discipline. One side wants to impose itself physically, while the other will likely try to turn the game into a more controlled and tactical battle.

     

    Earlier in the day, Magnolia and Terrafirma will set the tone in the 5:15 p.m. opener.Magnolia enters the game with a chance to finally build some traction after a rough start to the conference. The Hotshots dropped their first three games before finally breaking through with a 121-109 win over Macau Black Knights last March 28, improving to 1-3 and staying alive in a crowded middle of the standings.

     

    That first victory also came with a major boost from new import Clinton Chapman. Replacing Nuni Omot, Chapman made an immediate impact in his debut by unloading 39 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, giving Magnolia the kind of interior production it badly needed. If he can produce anywhere close to that level again, the Hotshots will have a strong chance of putting together their first winning streak of the conference.

     

    Magnolia will also be hoping veteran guard Mark Barroca continues to regain rhythm.

     

    Barroca played his most minutes of the conference in the win over Macau and responded with eight points, six rebounds, and seven assists. 

     

    Those are not eye-popping numbers, but they are exactly the kind of stabilizing contributions Magnolia needs from one of its most trusted leaders.

     

    Terrafirma, meanwhile, comes in looking to respond after its own momentum took a hit. The Dyip opened the conference with three straight wins before absorbing a 133-105 beating from Phoenix Super LPG, a result that exposed some of the sloppiness that had been masked during their hot start.

     

    Turnovers were a major problem in that loss. Terrafirma committed 17 errors, which Phoenix turned into 22 points, and that kind of carelessness could again become costly against a Magnolia side that will likely try to dictate pace and capitalize on mistakes.

     

    The Dyip will also need a much stronger showing from import Mubashar Ali. Ali had looked explosive to begin his PBA stint, averaging 33 points over his first few games, but he cooled off significantly against Phoenix, finishing with just nine points on 4-of-13 shooting. If Terrafirma is to get back on track, it will likely need him to rediscover the scoring punch that fueled its early run.

     

    By the end of the night, both games should offer a clearer picture of where these teams stand. Magnolia is trying to turn one win into momentum. Terrafirma is trying to prove one loss was just a stumble. Meralco wants to keep pace near the top. TNT wants to keep growing into one of the most dangerous teams in the field.

     

    And with Bol Bol back in the spotlight, the second game may end up carrying the loudest message of all.

     

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  • TNT turns to Kelly Williams as veteran returns to Tropang 5G lineup 

    TNT turns to Kelly Williams as veteran returns to Tropang 5G lineup 

    TNT’s latest roster move says a lot about where the team believes it can gain an edge this conference.

     

    With size becoming an even bigger part of its identity, the Tropang 5G brought back veteran big man Kelly Williams to their active 15-man roster ahead of Tuesday’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup matchup against Meralco, a move that further reinforces the frontcourt-heavy direction the team has started to lean into.

     

    Williams takes the place of Jio Jalalon, who was moved to the Unrestricted Free Agent list with rights to salary, as TNT continues to fine-tune its rotation while building momentum in the early stretch of the conference.

     

    On paper, it is a simple personnel swap.

     

    But in context, it also reflects how TNT is shaping itself around matchups, physicality, and depth — particularly with the towering presence of 7-foot-3 import Bol Bol already altering the look of its frontline.

     

    By activating the 6-foot-7 Williams, TNT adds another experienced and dependable interior piece to support that structure, giving the Tropang 5G more flexibility in how they manage minutes, size, and defensive cover against bigger opponents.

     

    For Williams, the activation marks his first appearance this conference after last seeing action in Game 6 of TNT’s Philippine Cup Finals series against San Miguel.

     

    The veteran had previously been placed under the UFAWR2S list while he was still in the United States, a procedural move that allowed TNT to create room for the arrival of mid-season recruit Justin Chua.

     

    That arrangement, however, was never expected to signal a real separation.

     

    As has been the case with other TNT players temporarily placed under the same list, Williams and the franchise reportedly maintain a gentleman’s agreement that he would not entertain other offers and would remain aligned with the team once circumstances allowed for his return.

     

    Now back in the country after arriving from the US last week, Williams re-enters a TNT squad that appears to be gradually finding its rhythm after an uneven start.

     

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    The Tropang 5G dropped their conference opener against Rain or Shine, but have since responded with back-to-back wins over San Miguel and NLEX, restoring some early momentum heading into a matchup that could further solidify their footing in the standings.

     

    That recent run has come while TNT continues to re-establish balance in its roster following the return of long-time captain Jayson Castro, who is back in action after missing an entire season due to a patellar tendon tear.

     

    Castro’s return has naturally shifted the backcourt equation, and that likely played a role in Jalalon’s limited involvement this conference.

     

    In the two games he suited up for TNT, the veteran guard averaged just seven minutes per outing, suggesting that consistent playing time may have been harder to come by in a guard rotation that has once again become more crowded.

     

    Williams’ addition, by contrast, gives TNT something it appears more eager to prioritize at this point of the conference: veteran size, defensive stability, and another proven body capable of helping anchor the paint.

     

    That could become particularly useful as the team continues to explore how best to maximize Bol Bol’s presence while maintaining balance across both ends of the floor.

     

    Against Meralco, the move may not immediately dominate the box score.

     

    But it could reveal more about the kind of team TNT wants to become this conference — one that is not just talented, but built to overwhelm with length, experience, and lineup versatility.

    And with Kelly Williams back in uniform, that vision just got a little bigger.

     

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