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Tag: PBA

  • Calvin Abueva urges patience as Converge FiberXers build chemistry

    Calvin Abueva urges patience as Converge FiberXers build chemistry

    Early buzz around the Converge FiberXers continues to grow, but Calvin Abueva is making sure the conversation stays grounded.

     

    Despite the roster upgrades and rising expectations heading into the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Abueva believes the FiberXers are still in the early stages of building the identity they hope to carry into the midseason conference.

     

    The veteran forward spoke after Converge’s 92-87 tune-up victory over the Blackwater Bossing at the Gatorade Hoops Center, where flashes of potential were evident—but consistency and chemistry remain works in progress.

     

    “Actually, marami pang adjustment,” he said moments after their 92-87 win over Blackwater in a tuneup game at the Gatorade Hoops Center on Wednesday.

     

    “Hindi mo naman puwedeng sabihin na pagdating, agad-agad malakas, ‘di ba? Medyo hindi pa naman kumpleto ‘yung communication ng bawat isa sa amin.”

     

    Converge’s evolving roster has been one of the biggest storylines of the offseason. The league recently approved a three-team trade that sent Deschon Winston and Kevin Racal out while bringing in Jonnel Policarpio and Kurt Reyson from sister MVP Group squads. The move came shortly after the franchise secured Abueva himself in a separate deal—another signal that the young organization is aggressively reshaping its lineup.

     

    With the additions, optimism quickly followed. But Abueva stressed that talent alone does not instantly translate into results.

     

    “‘Yun muna ‘yung pag-aaralan namin para sa conference, mas mag-explode kami, mas maintindihan namin ang isa’t isa sa amin,” he offered.

     

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    “Kasi season na ‘yun eh. This time, kailangan namin trabahuhin kung paano ‘yung communication namin outside and inside the court.”

     

    Even for a seasoned player known for his relentless motor, the adjustment period has been real. Abueva admitted he is still learning the system under head coach Delta Pineda while managing minor physical discomfort from the team’s intense training sessions.

     

    Those minor aches forced him to sit out the preseason outing, though he clarified that the decision was purely precautionary.

     

    “In the first three days ko na nag-ensayo, OK naman. Nakakasabay. Pero ‘yun nga, sabi ko nga, hindi ka makakagalaw hangga’t may iniinda ka,” he said.

     

    “‘Yun naman yung sinabi ko sa management, na hangga’t may iniinda ako, hindi ako makakagalaw. Pero ‘pag nawala ‘yan, automatic talaga, tatrabaho ako.”

     

    Still, beyond the adjustments and recovery process, Abueva sees something promising forming within the FiberXers’ locker room—particularly in the team’s competitive edge.

     

    “This time competitive na ‘yung team,” the Kapampangan star offered, “and ‘yun nga ‘yung maganda rito, mas double effort mga mangyayari sa amin.”

     

    For now, Converge’s transformation remains a work in progress—but if Abueva’s mindset is any indication, the FiberXers are prioritizing cohesion over hype as they prepare for the challenges of the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

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  • “The NBA G-League gave me all I can take”: Converge’s new import Kylor Kelley on PBA move

    “The NBA G-League gave me all I can take”: Converge’s new import Kylor Kelley on PBA move

    The Converge FiberXers have made a major statement ahead of the 2025–26 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup by signing towering former NBA talent Kylor Kelley as their import. Standing at a formidable 7 feet, Kelley adds a rare combination of size, athleticism, and rim-protecting instincts that the FiberXers hope will transform their defensive presence in the mid-season tournament.

     

    Kelley, 28, made the bold decision to cut short his stint with the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G-League in order to join Converge, signaling his desire to embrace a new challenge and pursue championship glory in the PBA. He already had a glimpse of life in Philippine hoops when he made his unofficial debut for the FiberXers in a tune-up game against the Blackwater Bossing, helping his team secure a 92-87 victory on Wednesday, February 25, at Hoops Gym in Mandaluyong City.

     

    “The G-League gave me all I can take from them, and I think it’s time to move on to another team and try to win a championship out here,” Kelley said after the game. “I had a couple of chasedown blocks, protected the rim, and I think that’s the big reason why I’m here — to be that defensive anchor, hold down the paint, and be that voice in the back line.”

     

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    The American center’s presence is expected to provide Converge with much-needed defensive stability, particularly in the paint, where the team has historically struggled to contain opposing big men. Kelley’s towering frame, combined with his experience in the NBA and G-League, gives the FiberXers a unique weapon on both ends of the court.

    Already, Kelley has gotten a taste of the kind of competition he will face in the Commissioner’s Cup. During his tune-up outing, he matched up against Blackwater’s star import Daniel Ochefu, who stands at 6-foot-11 — a figure that hints at the imposing opponents awaiting him once the official games begin. Converge fans can expect Kelley to face a slew of other giants, including 7-foot-3 Bol Bol of TNT Tropang Giga, 7-foot-6 Sam Deguara of Macau Black Bears, 7-foot Mubasha Ali of Terrafirma Dyip, and 6-foot-11 Marcus Lee of San Miguel Beermen.

     

    Despite the intimidating size of his future adversaries, Kelley remains unfazed. “It’s a little bit different for me. I think the tallest guy I have played against was 7-foot, so playing against a 7-foot-3 guy and a 7-foot-6 guy will be a little different. I just have to use my advantages, be able to run the floor, and outrun them,” he explained.

     

    Coaching staff and teammates have already noted Kelley’s professionalism and leadership on the court. His presence not only bolsters Converge’s defense but also provides a model for younger players, showing how athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ combine to dominate in the paint. With the Commissioner’s Cup now just weeks away, all eyes will be on Kelley to see if he can translate his NBA and G-League experience into tangible results for the FiberXers.

     

    If Kelley can establish himself as the defensive anchor he envisions, Converge could significantly alter the dynamics of the Commissioner’s Cup. The PBA will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this new addition measures up against some of the tallest and most skilled imports in recent memory — a challenge Kelley seems ready and eager to embrace.


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  • “Still the same kind of game style”: Blackwater Bossing import Daniel Ochefu on PBA comeback

    “Still the same kind of game style”: Blackwater Bossing import Daniel Ochefu on PBA comeback

    The Blackwater Bossing have pulled off a noteworthy acquisition in their bid to climb up the standings in the upcoming 2025–26 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup, securing former National Basketball Association (NBA) big man Daniel Ochefu as their import for the mid‑season conference.

     

    At 6‑foot‑11 and 32 years old, Ochefu brings a rare blend of size, experience and athleticism to the Bossing roster. While Blackwater has struggled for consistency in recent seasons, the addition of a seasoned international big man signals the franchise’s intent to be more competitive in the import‑laden portion of the PBA schedule.

     

    Ochefu is no stranger to Philippine basketball circles. He first drew local attention when he suited up for the TNT Tropang Giga as a late replacement import during the 2023 East Asia Super League (EASL) Champions Week in Japan. Though flashes of his physicality and skill were evident, the Tropang Giga ultimately fell short of a Final Four berth in that outing.

     

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    His familiarity with Philippine hoops goes back even further. Ochefu was originally tapped by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters under then‑coach Chris Gavina as their import for the 2022–23 Commissioner’s Cup, but he was released before the tournament began when coaching philosophies shifted under new head coach Yeng Guiao. That experience underscored just how much a coach’s system can influence import decisions in the PBA.

    Now back on Philippine shores and eager to make his mark, the Baltimore‑native has expressed excitement about the opportunity to contribute to Blackwater’s campaign. “I have been here for like a week, so I’m getting to learn all the players, everybody’s getting to learn me, so it’s been cool so far,” Ochefu said in a media interaction, highlighting the adjustment process and his growing comfort within the team setup.

     

    Reflecting on his past PBA experience, he added, “I think that was a little different because I had another import playing with me at the same time. But it’s still the same kind of game style and stuff like that.”

     

    Ochefu’s professional journey is a testament to perseverance. After going undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft, he earned a spot with the Washington Wizards through the Las Vegas Summer League and made his NBA debut during the 2016–17 season. Although his time in the league was limited — including a brief stint with the Wizards — the experience of competing at the sport’s highest level has informed his journey across global leagues.

     

    Since leaving the NBA, Ochefu has built a true international résumé, showcasing his talents across multiple countries and competitive environments. His professional stops have included spells in Spain, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Lebanon, Venezuela, Taiwan, Mongolia and Syria — experience that he now brings to Blackwater as the Bossing prepare for one of the most important stretches of their season.

     

    With no height restrictions in place for the Commissioner’s Cup, teams are increasingly turning to big, physical imports to bolster their inside presence, and Blackwater’s decision to tap Ochefu reflects that trend.

     

    As the Bossing gear up for their mid‑season campaign, all eyes will be on how Ochefu’s blend of NBA pedigree, international experience and physical dominance translates into results on the court. For a franchise eager to rise out of the lower rungs of the standings, his performance could be a defining factor in their quest for respectability in the season’s next chapter. 

     

     

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  • Bol Bol enters evaluation phase as TNT Tropang 5G opens training camp for  PBA Commissioner’s Cup title defense

    Bol Bol enters evaluation phase as TNT Tropang 5G opens training camp for  PBA Commissioner’s Cup title defense

    The spotlight isn’t on game night just yet—it’s on preparation.

     

    As defending champions gear up for another run in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, TNT Tropang 5G has shifted its focus to a crucial four-day training block at the Inspire Sports Academy, where new import Bol Bol begins what could be the most important stretch of his transition into Philippine basketball.

     

    Rather than immediate expectations, the camp is designed as a controlled environment—part conditioning reset, part system immersion—for the 7-foot-3 former NBA big man.

    Team manager Jojo Lastimosa said the closed-door setup allows the coaching staff to closely monitor Bol’s progress as he adapts to TNT’s structure and pace.

     

    “I still have to see him in kind of at least full strength because he’s not in shape yet,” said Lastimosa on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum during the MVP Olympics All-Star Game.

     

    “So I want to see him how he does in the camp, how he understands the system and all that.”

    Bol’s arrival comes with intrigue not just because of his rare size and skillset, but also because of his basketball lineage as the son of late NBA defensive icon Manute Bol. 

     

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    He first linked up with the team earlier this week during a light session at the Moro Lorenzo Gym, marking his initial on-court introduction to teammates and coaches.

     

    Later that evening, Bol observed from courtside alongside team owner Manny V. Pangilinan and PBA chairman Ricky Vargas, as Lastimosa coached against a squad handled by Luigi Trillo in a tightly contested exhibition.

     

    While TNT enters the conference carrying championship momentum, Lastimosa emphasized that Bol’s integration remains a process rather than a guarantee.

     

    “It remains to be seen,” said the TNT team manager and former coach. “But I’m hopeful because he’s got experience and we know he got skills.”

     

    Bol’s professional journey includes NBA stints with the Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, and Phoenix Suns, and his arrival has naturally drawn comparisons to TNT’s previous import success with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who powered the franchise to last season’s Commissioner’s Cup crown.

     

    Still, the immediate objective is simpler: build rhythm, build chemistry, and rebuild conditioning.

    The Tropang 5G will conclude camp on Saturday, hoping the controlled grind becomes the foundation for another championship push. 

     

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  • MPBL founder Manny Pacquiao open to collaboration with the PBA

    MPBL founder Manny Pacquiao open to collaboration with the PBA

    The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has steadily carved out its place in the Philippine sports landscape, emerging as the country’s second-most prominent professional basketball league behind the long-established Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

     

    Founded in 2017 by Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, the MPBL was built on a grassroots-driven vision: to provide aspiring basketball players from provinces and underserved communities a legitimate pathway to pursue professional careers. What began as a regional tournament has since evolved into a nationwide competition featuring teams representing cities and provinces across the Philippines, drawing passionate local fan bases and giving homegrown talent a stage to shine.

     

    Pacquiao’s original goal was simple yet ambitious — democratize opportunities in basketball. Unlike traditional leagues concentrated in major urban hubs, the MPBL placed emphasis on regional representation, allowing players who might otherwise go unnoticed to showcase their skills closer to home. Over the years, the league has become a proving ground for overlooked prospects, former collegiate standouts, and even ex-professionals seeking a second act.

     

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    Now, nearly a decade since its inception, Pacquiao is setting his sights even higher.

     

    Speaking at a recent public event, the 47-year-old sports icon revealed that he remains open to collaboration with the PBA, the very league many consider MPBL’s primary competitor. Rather than viewing the relationship as adversarial, Pacquiao emphasized unity and shared growth for Philippine basketball.

     

    “It depends, kung mapag-usapan namin. Ang MPBL naman, ayaw naming makipag-compete sa mga liga. Welcome ang lahat makipag-partner sa MPBL, kung ano man yung collaboration to maximize basketball and sports dito sa ating bansa,” Pacquiao said.

    His statement signals a pragmatic and inclusive approach — one that prioritizes the broader development of basketball in the country over rivalry. While the MPBL and PBA operate under different models, a potential partnership could open doors for talent exchanges, joint tournaments, or grassroots initiatives aimed at strengthening the overall ecosystem of the sport.

    Beyond domestic cooperation, Pacquiao also outlined a bold international vision for the league.

     

    “Our vision is to widen the scope of the league, not only in the Philippines but also in Asia and in different countries,” he added.

     

    The idea of expanding beyond Philippine borders reflects the league’s growing confidence and ambition. According to Pacquiao, discussions have already taken place with potential partners abroad, particularly in regions with strong Filipino communities and emerging basketball markets.

     

    “I never imagine this, na sa ganito aabot yung MPBL. Buong Asia, Middle East, tapos marami na rin kaming nakausap, kasi pwede na ring mag-expand. Kaya pina-register na rin namin yung ‘MPBL International.’ Yun ang vision ng MPBL, to create another league, hindi lang dito sa Pilipinas,” Pacquiao concluded.

     

    The registration of “MPBL International” marks a significant step toward formalizing that expansion. If realized, the initiative could see the league stage tournaments or establish affiliated competitions in Asia and the Middle East — regions where basketball enjoys a passionate following and where overseas Filipino workers could serve as a built-in fan base.

     

    For Pacquiao, whose sporting legacy extends far beyond the boxing ring, the MPBL represents more than just a business venture. It is a platform for empowerment, community pride, and national development through sport. From its humble beginnings as a regional competition to its aspirations of becoming an international brand, the league’s trajectory mirrors Pacquiao’s own journey — ambitious, resilient, and forward-looking.

     

    As the MPBL continues to grow in popularity and explore new partnerships, both local and global, the coming years could prove pivotal. Whether through collaboration with the PBA or expansion into overseas markets, one thing is clear: the MPBL’s mission is no longer confined to provincial courts. It is aiming for a larger stage — one that could redefine the structure of Philippine basketball in the process.

     

     

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  • San Miguel Beermen form twin-tower frontcourt with Marcus Lee for Commissioner’s Cup title push

    San Miguel Beermen form twin-tower frontcourt with Marcus Lee for Commissioner’s Cup title push

    Fresh off another championship run, San Miguel Beer is already reshaping its roster blueprint—this time by strengthening the paint.

     

    The Beermen have tapped former University of Kentucky standout Marcus Lee as their import for the Commissioner’s Cup, signaling a clear shift toward size and interior dominance as they chase a rare conference double.

     

    Lee, 31, brings a 6-foot-11 frame that pairs naturally with nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, forming what could be one of the most imposing frontcourts in the upcoming conference.

    Team manager Gee Abanilla confirmed the development.

     

    “Yes, he is. Dumating na siya kaninang umaga,” said Abanilla on Monday.

    Lee arrived just as San Miguel resumed practices following its successful title retention in the Philippine Cup under the Philippine Basketball Association calendar.

     

    Lee’s basketball journey has been shaped by both elite collegiate competition and extensive international exposure.

     

    During his early college years at Kentucky, he shared the court with future NBA standouts Karl-Anthony Towns, Julius Randle, Trey Lyles, and Willie Cauley-Stein—a roster stacked with size and athleticism that mirrors the role he is expected to fill in San Miguel.

     

    He later completed his collegiate career at the University of California, before entering the professional ranks.

     

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    Although undrafted in the National Basketball Association in 2018, Lee carved out a steady professional path through the G League and multiple overseas leagues, including stops in Europe, Puerto Rico, and Australia.

     

    His most recent stint came with the Cairns Taipans in the National Basketball League, where he showcased the mobility and rim protection that made him an attractive fit for San Miguel’s system.

     

    San Miguel’s import selection also reflects continuity. The franchise last captured the mid-season conference crown in Season 48 behind the strong inside-out presence of Bennie Boatwright.

    Now, with Fajardo anchoring the paint and Lee adding athletic length, the Beermen appear intent on doubling down on their interior identity.

     

    The team enters the Commissioner’s Cup with momentum after defeating the TNT Tropang 5G in six games to retain the Philippine Cup championship—an achievement that further strengthens expectations for another deep run.

     

    Instead of rebuilding after a title, San Miguel is reinforcing it—turning size, experience, and championship rhythm into its next competitive edge.

     

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  • Andreas Cahilig locks-in as San Miguel Beermen secure him on two-year deal

    Andreas Cahilig locks-in as San Miguel Beermen secure him on two-year deal

    In a roster filled with star players, Andreas Cahilig has built his reputation on something less flashy but equally vital dependability. That reliability has just earned him two more years in red and white.

     

    The Filipino-Swedish 6-foot-5 forward signed a two-year contract with the San Miguel Beermen, reinforcing his place in a championship core that has ruled the PBA Philippine Cup.

     

    Cahilig’s journey with San Miguel hasn’t been about headlines or highlight reels. It’s been about timing, toughness, and fitting into a system built to win. Acquired in a game-changing trade with Terrafirma nearly two years ago.

     

    He became an immediate piece of the Beermen’s rotation, helping the team reclaim the All-Filipino crown last season. When San Miguel repeated this year — turning back TNT in six games, Cahilig once again played his part in the grind.

     

    For a player who once fought for minutes as a second-round pick in the 2016 draft, the extension signals more than job security, it’s validation.

     

    Cahilig’s path wasn’t linear. Drafted by NorthPort but finding his real opportunity during a six-year stint with Terrafirma, he developed into a dependable two-way presence. 

     

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    That growth caught San Miguel’s attention, ultimately leading to the high-profile swap that sent him and Juami Tiongson to the Beermen in exchange for Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel before Season 49’s Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    Now entrenched in a loaded frontcourt alongside Mo Tautuaa, Rodney Brondial, JM Calma, and nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, Cahilig has carved out his niche doing the little things that keep championship engines running.

     

    During Monday’s signing, team governor Robert Non and manager Gee Abanilla stood alongside Cahilig and his agent Charlie Dy of VP Global Athlete and Artist Management, a scene that underscored mutual trust between player and franchise.

     

    Later, Cahilig took to social media to express his gratitude. 

     

    “Big thanks to Boss Robert, Boss Gee, and Boss Alfrancis (Chua) for the chance to keep competing with SMB,” he said, while also thanking Dy for guiding him throughout his professional career.

     

    In a dynasty defined by star power, Cahilig represents something just as important — the steady climb of a role player who keeps showing up when championships are on the line.

     

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  • 2026 PBA Draft top pick Geo Chiu embraces rebuild role as Terrafirma prepares for Commissioner’s Cup

    2026 PBA Draft top pick Geo Chiu embraces rebuild role as Terrafirma prepares for Commissioner’s Cup

    Fresh from a championship run but stepping into a completely different challenge, Geo Chiu is entering the next phase of his basketball journey with measured optimism as he prepares for his debut in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    The 6-foot-10 rookie will suit up for the Terrafirma Dyip for the first time after completing his commitments with the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, where he helped power the Abra Weavers to their first-ever title. From leading a championship squad to joining a franchise trying to escape the bottom of the standings, Chiu understands that the transition will test both his mindset and development. 

     

    Instead of dwelling on the contrast, the No. 1 overall pick is choosing to view the situation as an opportunity for growth.

     

    When asked about the adjustment from playing for a winning MPBL squad to joining a rebuilding PBA team, Chiu said, “Ako naman po, ineenjoy ko naman po (na nasa PBA ako). Like what you said, our team, we’re struggling. Pero siguro for me, I see it in a positive way naman. Since we are struggling, there’s so much room for improvement and for us to get better.”

     

    “Hindi naman po namin siya ni-rurush. We just take it one game at a time, one practice at a time. And I can see naman na the team is really working. So hopefully, itong season po, mawala na po ‘yung stigma na puro kami sa baba.”

     

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    Chiu’s arrival comes with expectations, not only because he was the top selection in the draft but also due to his defensive presence developed during his collegiate run with the Ateneo Blue Eagles. However, the rookie admits that his role with Terrafirma is already larger than what he previously handled.

     

    “’Yung role ko naman po, mainly is just to defend, get rebounds. ‘Yung offense naman po, parang bonus lang po ‘yun. But I’m working on it. ‘Yung role ko dito, medyo malaki nga po siya than what I’m used to but ‘yung mga coaches ko naman po, they really help me a lot. They just help me change my mindset. And so far naman, they’ve been helping me so much. I just need to gain more confidence na po talaga,” said Chiu.

     

    Early tune-up games have already provided a glimpse of the level of competition awaiting him. Chiu logged minutes against the Converge FiberXers and later faced the physical frontline of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, experiences that highlighted the gap between collegiate and professional play.

     

    While his performances were respectable, the rookie big man believes those outings reinforced the need for further development, particularly in strength and consistency against elite competition.

     

    “Ako naman po, nakikita ko na mayroong pang kailangan i-work on sa sarili ko. Siyempre ‘yung mga nakakalaban po natin dito sa PBA, the best of the best… They are really dominant. So ako, I have to work on myself to get stronger.

     

    “Everything, so far good naman po kasi positive naman po siya. I get to see what I need to work on,” said Chiu.

     

    For Chiu, the Commissioner’s Cup will not just be about statistics or immediate results—it will be about helping reshape a team identity while carving out his own place in the league. Coming from a championship environment, he now carries that experience into a franchise hoping to build one of its own.

     

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  • Stanley Pringle to miss first two months of Commissioner’s Cup after knee surgery 

    Stanley Pringle to miss first two months of Commissioner’s Cup after knee surgery 

    Rain or Shine will begin its campaign in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup without one of its veteran backcourt leaders, as Stanley Pringle shifts his focus from competition to recovery.

     

    The high-scoring guard is expected to miss the first two months of the conference after undergoing surgery to address a lingering right lateral meniscus tear—an injury that quietly affected his rhythm during the previous Philippine Cup.

     

    Head coach Yeng Guiao revealed that the issue traced back to a preseason game, forcing the team to carefully manage Pringle’s minutes throughout the all-Filipino tournament before the veteran eventually opted for surgery during the offseason.

     

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    Pringle is currently in the early phase of a projected three-month recovery timeline. He has been seen moving with crutches and has not participated in the Elasto Painters’ recent tune-up matches, underscoring the team’s cautious approach to his rehabilitation.

     

    “Makakabalik siya in three months (after surgery). Halos nakaisang buwan na siya,”  Guiao said.

     

    “Siguro by April, makakabalik siya. Siguro in the middle of the eliminations.” The Rain or Shine head coach added. 

     

    The injury limited Pringle’s overall impact in his first conference with Rain or Shine, where he appeared in just four games and averaged 5.5 points and 2.3 assists. While the numbers reflected a reduced role, the coaching staff believes a full recovery could help the 38-year-old rediscover his offensive spark and veteran presence.

     

    For now, Rain or Shine’s early conference storyline centers on depth and adjustment, as the team navigates the opening stretch without one of its most experienced guards while waiting for Pringle’s return to stabilize the rotation.

     

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  • Barangay Ginebra gets frontcourt boost with Isaac Go’s comeback

    Barangay Ginebra gets frontcourt boost with Isaac Go’s comeback

    In a Commissioner’s Cup where towering imports often dictate matchups, the Kings chose familiarity over height, bringing back Justin Brownlee despite the absence of a size limit. 

     

    Brownlee has built a legacy in red and white, but at 6-foot-6, he will once again look up at many of his fellow reinforcements across the league. This time, however, he won’t be standing alone underneath.

     

    After more than a year of rehabilitation, Isaac Go is finally set to make his long-awaited debut for Ginebra — not as a headline-grabbing acquisition, but as a structural solution. The 6’7 big man gives the Kings something they quietly missed, reliable size to withstand the nightly pounding inside. Coach Tim Cone confirmed the development as the team gears up for the conference grind.

     

    “We got Isaac Go coming back. We have an extra big along with our other two bigs,” said the Ginebra mentor, referring to veterans Japeth Aguilar and Troy Rosario. “So we’ll have a three-headed monster to try to contain these big other imports.”

     

    “Three-headed monster” hints at a tactical shift. Rather than asking Aguilar to anchor extended minutes or forcing Rosario to battle heavier counterparts possession after possession, Ginebra can now rotate length, preserve energy, and deploy size situationally. 

     

    In a tournament built around dominant imports, depth up front could spell the difference between surviving and advancing.

     

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    Go’s journey to this point has unfolded almost in silence. Acquired in a trade with Terrafirma alongside Stephen Holt in exchange for Stanley Pringle and Christian Standhardinger, the former Ateneo standout has yet to play a single game for the Kings. 

     

    In the time it took for his ACL to heal, Ginebra reached two finals, roster pieces moved on, and the league’s competitive balance shifted. Now, the timeline finally catches up with him.

     

    Ginebra deputy Olsen Racela shared that Go has already rejoined team drills, inching closer to full clearance.

     

    “May isang clearance na lang which would come within the week. Once may go-signal na, puwede na siyang sumali sa scrimmages,” Racela said.

     

    With Cone currently attending to national team duties with Gilas Pilipinas during the FIBA window, Racela and fellow assistant Johnny Abarrientos have overseen practices — integrating Go carefully, deliberately, and with long-term durability in mind.

     

    For Ginebra, this isn’t just about adding a player back into the rotation. It’s about restoring balance to a roster that chose heart and continuity over sheer height. Brownlee will still give up inches on most nights. That reality won’t change.

     

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