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  • Matthew Wright leaves door open for PBA return during homecoming visit 

    Matthew Wright leaves door open for PBA return during homecoming visit 

    Matthew Wright may currently be focused on a new chapter in Japan, but the PBA still feels like home.

     

    The veteran guard made an unexpected appearance at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, giving Philippine basketball fans a glimpse of a familiar face as he stopped by the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    While many wondered if the visit hinted at an immediate comeback, Wright made it clear that his priorities remain with Strong Group Athletics and his newly signed B.League club, the Saitama Broncos. Still, he admitted that returning to the PBA is far from being off the table.

     

    The former Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters standout spent much of his visit catching up with former teammates, Gilas Pilipinas players, coaches, and friends he built relationships with during his six-year PBA career.

     

     

    “It’s good to see the guys. I have a lot of friends still in the PBA,” Wright told One Sports. “It’s good to see them playing well, doing well and catching up with their families.”

     

    “I haven’t forgot about them, I was here for six years so you develop a lot of friendships.”

     

    Rather than suiting up in the Governors’ Cup, Wright is back in the Philippines for another opportunity to wear the country’s colors as he joins Strong Group Athletics in its bid to defend the William Jones Cup title in Taiwan.

     

    The tournament also marks his first stint with the powerhouse club despite having represented the Philippines on multiple occasions in international competitions.

     

    “This is my first time playing for SGA,” says Wright. “Obviously it’s not my first time representing the Philippines but that’s always a big deal for me. That’s an easy sell no matter what.”

     

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    Wright also revealed that his participation came with the full support of the Saitama Broncos after recently signing with the B.League Division One franchise.

     

    Although he remains committed to completing his contract in Japan, the 34-year-old acknowledged that Philippine basketball continues to hold a special place in his career and personal life.

     

    “I’m under contract in Japan. I signed for a year so after that year… who knows? Anything can happen.”

     

    “PBA is never too far away from my side. It’s close to home, I have a family here, I still have property here, I have business here so it’s always a possibility to come back.”

     

    For now, Wright’s attention shifts to helping Strong Group Athletics chase a third consecutive William Jones Cup championship. But his brief homecoming served as a reminder that while his career has taken him overseas once again, the possibility of another PBA chapter remains very much alive.

     

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  • Sedrick Barefield fuels Blackwater’s revenge bid, powers Bossing past Phoenix

    Sedrick Barefield fuels Blackwater’s revenge bid, powers Bossing past Phoenix

    After ending the opening round of the PBA Governor’s Cup with a frustrating 93-102 defeat to the Fuel Masters, the Bossing made sure history would not repeat itself. 


    They turned the tables on Wednesday night, using a dominant fourth-quarter finish to pull away for a 106-100 victory at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and breathe new life into their campaign.

     

    The win carried extra weight for Blackwater, which had dropped three straight games to close out the first round and entered the second phase of Group B competition needing a momentum-shifting performance.

     

    Sedrick Barefield made certain his second meeting with Phoenix would be remembered for different reasons.

     

    The sophomore guard, who was limited to just 10 points on 5-of-19 shooting in their previous encounter, erupted for 26 points this time. Eleven of those came in the final period as Blackwater unleashed a decisive 29-14 closing run that erased Phoenix’s hopes of completing another victory over the Bossing.

     

    “I feel like I had some of my best games against Phoenix so not having a great game against them last time kind of put a bad taste in the mouth,’’ Barefield said.

     

    His late-game takeover reflected the urgency inside the Blackwater locker room.

     

    “We knew today was important, if we lost, it would become tough for us going forward. It was do or die for us so that set the tone,” the sophomore guard said.

     

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    While Barefield delivered the finishing blows, import Kentrell Barkley provided the steady production that kept the Bossing within striking distance throughout the contest. Barkley powered Blackwater with 34 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists, while RK Ilagan chipped in 15 points and six rebounds.

     

    Head coach Pat Aquino praised Barefield’s growing influence after another clutch performance.

    “I love what Sed has been doing. He is becoming the leader of the team. He took over,” Aquino said.

     

    Phoenix, meanwhile, leaned heavily on import BJ Johnson, who exploded for a game-high 45 points in a losing effort. Ricci Rivero added 15 points, while Kai Ballungay finished with 12 as the Fuel Masters were unable to hold off Blackwater’s late surge.

     

    Despite the setback, Phoenix remained tied with Rain or Shine atop Group B with a 4-2 win-loss record.

     

    For Blackwater, the victory was more than just revenge. Improving to 3-3, the Bossing halted their three-game slide and put themselves back in the hunt as the second round gets underway.

     

    Blackwater will try to build on its renewed momentum when it takes on Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday, August 9, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. 

     

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  • George King drops conference-high 46 as San Miguel halts Converge’s skid bid 

    George King drops conference-high 46 as San Miguel halts Converge’s skid bid 

    San Miguel Beer wasted little time putting its latest setback behind it.

     

    After seeing its momentum halted by TNT in its previous outing, the Beermen responded with one of their most complete performances of the conference, overpowering Converge, 126-114, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to strengthen their position in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The victory lifted San Miguel to a 5-2 record in Group A while handing the FiberXers a fourth straight defeat after they opened the conference with three consecutive victories.

    The game was anything but comfortable early on.

     

    Converge stayed within striking distance throughout the first two quarters and even trailed by just a point, 65-64, at halftime as Jamaal Franklin, Justin Arana, and Calvin Abueva kept the FiberXers within striking distance.

     

    But everything changed after the break.

     

    San Miguel turned the third quarter into a statement, exploding for 37 points while limiting Converge to only 21. What had been a tightly contested battle suddenly became a double-digit lead as the Beermen stormed ahead, 102-85, entering the fourth.

     

    Converge attempted one last push behind Abueva’s aggressive scoring late in the game, but every rally was answered by George King, who repeatedly delivered baskets whenever the FiberXers threatened to make things interesting.

     

    The import finished with a conference-high 46 points along with 14 rebounds, six assists, and three steals in another dominant all-around performance.

     

    While King’s scoring grabbed the headlines, San Miguel’s balance proved equally important.

     

    The Beermen received 27 points from Don Trollano, while reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo quietly orchestrated the offense with a near triple-double of five points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists.

     

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    Head coach Leo Austria pointed to that collective effort as the biggest reason behind the bounce-back win.

     

    “The reason for this win, I think we’re able to balance the scoring. If you imagine, ang bench points namin 63, and that’s what I’m looking for sa team,” Austria said during the post-game press conference.

     

    “At the same time, we’re able to limit the fastbreak points of our opponent, which I think Converge is very good at the fastbreak. Another thing is the turnover, very limited, and we have a lot of assists.”

     

    The numbers backed up Austria’s assessment.

     

    San Miguel committed just nine turnovers while preventing Converge from getting easy transition opportunities, limiting the FiberXers to only 12 fastbreak points — a significant achievement against one of the league’s fastest-paced teams.

     

    Converge, meanwhile, continued searching for answers after another frustrating outing.

     

    Franklin and Abueva each finished with 26 points, while Justine Baltazar added 21 and Justin Arana chipped in 17, but the FiberXers had no response for San Miguel’s third-quarter avalanche.

     

    Instead of snapping their losing skid, Converge saw its early-season promise fade further as its losing streak reached four games, while the Beermen reminded the rest of the league why they remain among the top championship contenders despite recent setbacks.

     

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  • Leo Austria returns after heart procedure, guides San Miguel to victory

    Leo Austria returns after heart procedure, guides San Miguel to victory

    The San Miguel Beermen continued their impressive campaign in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup, overpowering the Converge FiberXers, 126-114, on Wednesday, August 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Leading the charge was import George King, who delivered a dominant all-around performance to help the Beermen secure their fifth victory of the conference. King erupted for a game-high 46 points while grabbing 14 rebounds and dishing out six assists, bouncing back in emphatic fashion after a disappointing outing in San Miguel’s previous loss to the TNT Tropang 5G.

     

    King dictated the tempo from the opening quarter, attacking the basket relentlessly while knocking down timely perimeter shots. He also made his presence felt on the defensive end and in transition, allowing the Beermen to maintain control despite several comeback attempts by the FiberXers.

     

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    His stellar performance was complemented by San Miguel’s balanced offensive execution, as the Beermen capitalized on efficient ball movement and timely contributions from their local core to keep Converge at bay throughout the contest.

     

    The victory was made even more meaningful by the return of veteran head coach Leo Austria, who was back on the sidelines after missing the team’s previous six games while recovering from a heart procedure.

    Austria recently underwent an angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure performed to restore blood flow by opening blocked coronary arteries. Although he was away from game-day coaching duties, the 68-year-old mentor remained actively involved in the team’s preparations by attending practices and providing guidance behind the scenes.

     

    Speaking after the game, Austria expressed gratitude for being given another opportunity to coach.

     

    “Thanks God I was able to have another opportunity to coach the team. I would like to thank the people who helped me, for saving my life,” Austria said during the postgame press conference.

     

    The veteran tactician admitted that returning to the bench was an emotional experience, particularly during the opening minutes of the game.

     

    “At the start, I was really nervous because I’m trying to feel the rhythm of the game. And I’m so happy because even though I’m not coaching in the past six games, I’m always in the practice, trying my best to be with the team, to inspire them. They wanted me to coach, I’m here. I’m thankful dahil baka I think baka 99 percent na okay ako,” he added.

     

    Austria’s return provided an emotional boost for the Beermen, who have maintained their strong form despite his temporary absence. The players responded with a disciplined performance on both ends of the floor, giving their longtime coach a memorable victory in his first game back.

    With the win, San Miguel improved to a 5-2 record, strengthening its hold on second place in the Group A standings and further establishing itself as one of the top contenders in the Governors’ Cup.

     

    The Beermen will now look to build on their momentum when they face the Macau Giant Pandas on Saturday, August 8, at the Ynares Center in Montalban. With King rediscovering his dominant form and Austria back calling the shots from the bench, San Miguel hopes to continue its winning run as the race for playoff positioning intensifies.

     

     

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  • Rey Nambatac powers depleted TNT resurgence, bags PBA Player of the Week honors

    Rey Nambatac powers depleted TNT resurgence, bags PBA Player of the Week honors

    Every championship contender eventually reaches a point where someone has to carry the load.

    For TNT Tropang 5G, that player has been Rey Nambatac.

     

    With the defending champions missing several key stars and facing an uphill climb after an inconsistent start to the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, Nambatac has emerged as the steady force keeping TNT’s title defense alive.

     

    His leadership and clutch performances were rewarded after being named the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of July 28 to August 2.

     

    “As one of the leaders of the team, kailangan ko ipakita na lumalaban pa din tayo,” said Nambatac after spearheading TNT’s back-to-back victories.

     

    The veteran guard averaged 25.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists during the week, helping the Tropang 5G improve to 3-2 in Group A after opening the conference with an uneven campaign.

    Nambatac edged out Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum and NLEX’s Schonny Winston for his second weekly citation of the PBA’s milestone 50th season.

     

    His latest recognition comes at a time when TNT has been forced to rely heavily on its remaining healthy players.

     

    The Tropang 5G continue to play without Calvin Oftana, Jayson Castro, Kelly Williams, and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, while matters became even more complicated after RR Pogoy suffered a knee injury and Jordan Heading hyperextended his shoulder during the victory over Converge.

     

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    Despite the growing injury list, Nambatac refused to let TNT lose its footing.

     

    Against the FiberXers, TNT found itself buried in an early 16-0 hole, but the veteran guard sparked the comeback before delivering the biggest shot of the night—a buzzer-beating three-pointer that lifted the Tropang 5G to a dramatic 110-107 victory. He finished with 30 points in one of the conference’s most memorable performances.

     

    Nambatac followed it up with another all-around effort against powerhouse San Miguel Beer, tallying 21 points and nine rebounds as TNT pulled off a 93-89 overtime upset.

     

    While Kim Aurin knocked down two crucial three-pointers late in the extra period, it was Nambatac’s steady production throughout the contest that once again anchored the defending champions.

     

    With TNT still waiting for several key contributors to return, Nambatac has become the stabilizing presence the team desperately needed—proving that championship aspirations can stay alive when one of its leaders is willing to shoulder the responsibility.

     

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  • Tirrell Brown powers Titan Ultra past Macau despite De’Vondre Perry’s 45-point performance

    Tirrell Brown powers Titan Ultra past Macau despite De’Vondre Perry’s 45-point performance

    Titan Ultra earned its second victory in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup on Tuesday, surviving a determined comeback from the Macau Giant Pandas for a hard-fought 132-128 triumph at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.


    The win improved the Giant Risers to a 2-5 record in Group A and provided a much-needed response after consecutive defeats, including a previous loss to Macau and another setback against San Miguel. 

     

    While Titan Ultra controlled most of the contest, the closing minutes tested the team’s composure as the Giant Pandas threatened to erase what was once a massive lead.

     

    Titan Ultra wasted no time asserting itself, building an early cushion before stretching the advantage to 66-37, its biggest lead of the night at 29 points. The Giant Risers dictated the tempo on both ends of the floor and appeared headed for a comfortable victory.

     

    Macau, however, refused to go away as the Giant Pandas chipped away at the deficit throughout the second half, eventually pulling within 124-116 with just under five minutes remaining. 

     

    The pressure intensified after Titan Ultra lost big man Mark Omega, who had to be stretchered off the court following an awkward fall early in the fourth period.

     

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    Despite the setback, Titan Ultra leaned on import Tirrell Brown II, who delivered when his team needed him most. 

     

    Brown poured in 16 of his game-high 36 points in the final quarter to prevent Macau from completing its comeback. He also finished with 10 rebounds, seven assists, and a steal in 37 minutes of action.

     

    Macau continued to threaten behind import De’Vondre Perry, whose outstanding individual performance kept his team within striking distance. Perry finished with 45 points, 14 rebounds, and one assist, trimming the gap to just seven points with 2:45 remaining.

     

    But every time the Giant Pandas appeared ready to make one final push, Brown and the Giant Risers had an answer, allowing Titan Ultra to escape with the four-point victory.

     

    “We started strong, especially in the first quarter, then what happened to us, I think we relaxed a bit in the last minute of the second quarter, which is I know Macau will come back,” Titan Ultra head coach Rensy Bajar said.

     

    Brown anchored the offense throughout the night, while Joshua Munzon provided steady support with 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists to help secure the win.

     

    “That’s what I was telling them also in the huddle. The players just stuck together, especially since the second group was playing well,” Bajar added.

     

    With the victory, Titan Ultra improved to 2-5 in the Group A standings and gained a valuable confidence boost heading into another difficult assignment.

     

    The Giant Risers now turn their attention to TNT Tropang 5G, who hold a 3-3 record and sit third in the Group A standings. The two teams are scheduled to meet on Saturday, August 6, as Titan Ultra looks to build on its breakthrough performance and continue climbing the standings.

     

     

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  • Jimmy Alapag keeps NLEX unbeaten after first coaching win over mentor Chot Reyes, TNT 

    Jimmy Alapag keeps NLEX unbeaten after first coaching win over mentor Chot Reyes, TNT 

    Jimmy Alapag has collected championships, MVP awards, and unforgettable victories throughout his basketball career.

     

    But Tuesday night offered something entirely different.

     

    For the first time since becoming a PBA head coach, Alapag found himself standing across the sideline from the man who helped shape him into one of Philippine basketball’s greatest point guards—Chot Reyes.

     

    The result was another milestone in Alapag’s remarkable coaching start.

     

    NLEX stretched its flawless record to 6-0 in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup after outlasting TNT, giving the rookie tactician perhaps his most meaningful victory yet.

     

    It wasn’t simply about extending an unbeaten streak.

     

    It was about earning a win against the coach who entrusted him with the keys to the Talk N’ Text dynasty and later shared the sidelines with him in Gilas Pilipinas.

     

    Even after the final buzzer, Alapag made it clear that admiration came before competition.

     

    “Coach Chot is somebody who I have the utmost respect for,” Alapag said after the victory.

     

    “We shared a lot of success together in the PBA with Talk N’ Text and Gilas. It’s always an honor to be able to coach against the best.”

     

    Once the ball was tipped, however, the sentimental storyline gave way to a fiercely contested battle.

     

    NLEX appeared headed for a comfortable victory after building a 17-point cushion, controlling the pace and dictating the game for long stretches.

     

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    But Reyes once again showed why he remains one of the country’s most respected coaches.

     

    Despite missing several cornerstone players, TNT steadily chipped away at the deficit, turning what looked like a runaway into a tense finish.

     

    The Road Warriors refused to crack.

     

    Timely defensive plays from Ljay Gonzales and Schonny Winston halted TNT’s comeback attempt, allowing NLEX to preserve both the win and its spotless record.

     

    Rather than celebrate his own coaching achievement, Alapag pointed to the effort of the team on the opposite bench.

     

    The Tropang 5G continue to compete without key contributors Calvin Oftana, Jayson Castro, RR Pogoy, Jordan Heading, and several other regulars, yet they nearly handed NLEX its first defeat of the conference.

     

    For Alapag, that resilience reflects the influence of the man leading TNT.

     

    “That’s the kind of coach he [Reyes] is. It’s no surprise he has TNT playing the way they are even with so many key guys down,” Alapag said.

     

    The victory further strengthens NLEX’s grip on the top spot in Group A while adding another chapter to Alapag’s dream debut season as a PBA head coach.

     

    Now carrying a perfect 6-0 record, the Road Warriors will look to keep their momentum rolling when they face Terrafirma Dyip on Friday, August 7.

     

    For one night, the apprentice earned bragging rights over the mentor.

     

    For Alapag, however, the respect that helped build his basketball journey remains unchanged.

     

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  • “My teammates make things easier for me”: DeQuan Jones credits local players for extending NLEX’s unbeaten run

    “My teammates make things easier for me”: DeQuan Jones credits local players for extending NLEX’s unbeaten run

    The NLEX Road Warriors continue to establish themselves as the team to beat in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup after extending their unbeaten run to six games with another impressive victory.

     

    The Road Warriors maintained their perfect start to the conference on Tuesday, August 4, overcoming defending champions TNT Tropang 5G, 88-83, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The victory not only preserved NLEX’s spotless record but also further strengthened their credentials as legitimate title contenders in one of the league’s most competitive conferences.

     

    Leading the way once again was import DeQuan Jones, who delivered another all-around performance with a game-high 27 points, seven rebounds, and one assist. Jones provided the offensive spark throughout the contest while also making key plays on the defensive end as NLEX held off a determined TNT side in the closing minutes.

     

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    Despite his standout display, Jones was quick to deflect the praise toward his Filipino teammates, emphasizing that NLEX’s success has been built on collective effort rather than individual brilliance.

     

    “We know and understand that the key to longevity is evening our workload,” Jones said after the game. “For me personally, my job is to give the team whatever it needs to win. When you play with Berto (Bolick), Schonny (Winston), and LJ (Gonzales), it’s tiring chasing them up and down, but they make things easier for me.”

    Jones’ comments reflected the chemistry that has developed within the NLEX squad during its remarkable start to the tournament. Rather than relying solely on their import, the Road Warriors have consistently received meaningful contributions from their local core, making them one of the deepest and most balanced teams in the conference.

     

    LJ Gonzales continued his solid run of form by contributing 11 points, while veteran floor general Robert “Berto” Bolick added 10 points and orchestrated the offense with his usual composure. Schonny Winston, JB Bahio, and Enoch Valdez each chipped in with nine points, highlighting the balanced scoring attack that has become a hallmark of coach Jimmy Alapag’s side.

     

    That offensive balance proved crucial against a TNT team that repeatedly threatened to erase NLEX’s advantage. Every time the Tropang 5G mounted a rally, another Road Warrior stepped up with a timely basket or defensive stop, underscoring the team’s growing confidence and resilience.

     

    With six consecutive victories to open the conference, NLEX has quickly become the biggest talking point of the Governors’ Cup. However, Jones insists that the team’s flawless record has not changed its approach or created unnecessary pressure within the locker room.

     

    “Honestly, the only time we are reminded of the pressure is after the game,” Jones said. “In the first talk we had with coach Jimmy Alapag, he told us to have a next-play mentality. We will take every game one at a time, we will focus and hone our craft. We know what we want to achieve. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

     

    That mindset has become a defining characteristic of the Road Warriors’ campaign. Rather than getting caught up in their unbeaten streak or outside expectations, the team has remained committed to its process, with Alapag consistently stressing discipline, defensive intensity, and unselfish basketball.

     

    As the conference progresses, maintaining that level of consistency will become increasingly important. Opposing teams will undoubtedly be eager to end NLEX’s winning run, making every game a fresh challenge for the league leaders.

     

    The Road Warriors will have another opportunity to protect their perfect record when they return to the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday, August 7, to face the Terrafirma Dyip. With momentum firmly on their side and confidence continuing to grow, NLEX will be aiming to extend its unbeaten start to seven games and further cement its status as one of the favorites to capture the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup championship.

     

     

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  • San Miguel, Converge race to stop midseason slide in Governors’ Cup rematch 

    San Miguel, Converge race to stop midseason slide in Governors’ Cup rematch 

    The second round of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup arrives with two contenders heading in the wrong direction.

     

    Not long ago, San Miguel Beer looked untouchable while Converge appeared to be the conference’s surprise team. Now, both clubs enter Wednesday’s showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum desperately searching for a reset.

     

    The rematch between the Beermen and the FiberXers has become less about revenge and more about survival in the increasingly competitive Group A race.

     

    San Miguel opened the conference by winning four of its first five games, but the league’s highest-scoring team has suddenly lost two of its last three outings.

     

    Converge’s fall has been even steeper.

     

    After racing to a perfect 3-0 start, the FiberXers have stumbled into a three-game losing streak, turning one of the conference’s hottest starts into growing uncertainty.

     

    Wednesday’s meeting offers both squads an opportunity to change the narrative.

     

    The Beermen won the first encounter, 128-122, on July 22 behind a dominant offensive display from George King and CJ Perez.

     

    King erupted for 41 points while Perez poured in 31 as San Miguel overpowered Converge in a shootout that highlighted the Beermen’s explosive attack.

     

    Much has changed since then.

     

    Converge has replaced import Jalen Hudson with former PBA reinforcement Jamaal Franklin, hoping the veteran can stabilize the FiberXers after consecutive defeats to San Miguel, TNT, and NLEX.

     

    While Franklin has shown flashes of his all-around game, he is still searching for his first victory since returning to the league.

     

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    Those losses have left Converge clinging to a Top Four spot, with Macau and Terrafirma quickly closing the gap as the playoff race tightens.

     

    San Miguel, meanwhile, is trying to rediscover the offensive firepower that fueled its blistering start.

     

    The Beermen entered last weekend averaging 120 points per game before being held to just 89 in an overtime loss to a heavily undermanned TNT squad.

     

    That defeat came shortly after NLEX also cooled off San Miguel in a 110-96 victory, exposing vulnerabilities rarely seen during the team’s early surge.

     

    Despite the recent setbacks, San Miguel remains one of the league’s most dangerous teams after victories over Macau, Terrafirma, Converge, and Titan Ultra.

     

    The challenge now is proving those performances represent who they really are.

     

    For Converge, the mission is equally straightforward.

     

    The FiberXers must rediscover the chemistry that carried them to a 3-0 start while giving Franklin the support needed to finally deliver his first win in his latest PBA stint.

     

    One team wants to prove its recent slump is merely a temporary dip.

     

    The other hopes its impressive start wasn’t an illusion.

     

    When the second-round rematch tips off, both San Miguel and Converge will be playing for more than another win—they’ll be fighting to reclaim the momentum they lost.

     

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  • TNT welcomes back Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the Philippines as Tropang 5G awaits former import’s recovery

    TNT welcomes back Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the Philippines as Tropang 5G awaits former import’s recovery

    While TNT Tropang 5G continues its campaign in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup with a new import leading the charge, the franchise received another welcome boost this week—the return of one of its most beloved reinforcements.


    Former PBA Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is back in the Philippines, not yet to suit up, but to continue the next phase of his recovery from the Achilles injury that has kept him out of action since last year. 

     

    TNT shared the update through its official social media channels on Monday, giving fans a glimpse of the former NBA forward back with the team.

     

    “Welcome back, RHJ! Back in town and back in the grind as he works his way back from injury. Dahan-dahan, pero tuloy-tuloy,” TNT wrote on their Facebook post.

     

    Hollis-Jefferson continues to recover from the ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered while playing on loan for the Meralco Bolts during the East Asia Super League (EASL) Season 3.

     

    Team manager Jojo Lastimosa said the next step will be to gradually reintegrate Hollis-Jefferson into basketball activities once he settles back in with the team.

     

    “Makikita namin sa pagdating, pagbalik niya siguro mag-uumpisa na siya ng full court na mga run ng team,” Lastimosa said.

     

    While Rondae works toward full fitness, it is his older brother, Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, who has taken over the responsibility of leading TNT’s import duties. 

     

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    The Tropang 5G signed Rahlir to replace Darius Days for the season-ending conference, giving the brothers a unique connection to the franchise during different stages of the campaign.

     

    Rahlir has already begun making his presence felt. In TNT’s recent victory over the San Miguel Beermen, the veteran forward delivered 20 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists to help the Tropang 5G secure an important win.

     

    The victory improved TNT’s position to third place in Group A with a 3-2 win-loss record. The Tropang 5G now prepare for another major challenge as they take on the unbeaten NLEX Road Warriors, coached by Jimmy Alapag, on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The Hollis-Jefferson brothers have built basketball careers that have often crossed paths despite taking different routes. Rondae established himself in the NBA before becoming one of the PBA’s most dominant imports, winning multiple Best Import awards and playing a pivotal role in TNT’s championship success. 

     

    Rahlir, meanwhile, carved out his own professional journey through various international leagues before eventually receiving the opportunity to wear the same TNT jersey his younger brother wore.

     

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