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Tag: PBA

  • Dwight Howard to PBA? Macau Black Bears explore blockbuster import move

    Dwight Howard to PBA? Macau Black Bears explore blockbuster import move

    The long-running question of whether Dwight Howard will ever suit up in the PBA is once again gaining traction—and this time, the possibility feels closer than ever.

     

    Sources told that incoming guest team Macau Black Bears are actively exploring ways to bring in the former NBA champion as one of their imports for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup. While nothing has been finalized, the intent is clear: the Black Bears are aiming big as they prepare for their debut on Asia’s oldest professional basketball stage.

     

    “They are looking for ways to get Dwight and have him squeeze the PBA campaign into his busy schedule,” said the source. “It is not far-fetched and the Black Bears are doing their best to have him.”

     

    Howard’s connection to Philippine basketball is already well established. After an 18-year NBA career highlighted by a championship run with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2020 bubble season, the eight-time All-Star made waves locally when he suited up for Strong Group Athletics in the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Invitation.

     

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    That stint reignited talk of a possible PBA appearance, especially after Howard was previously linked to Converge. Those plans, however, never materialized due to the league’s import height limit at the time, which capped eligibility at 6-foot-8—effectively ruling out the 6-foot-10 big man.

    “I am so mad, I can’t help but scratch my head. How can there be a basketball league that has a height limit? Tell me, where in the world can you find a league that disallows big men to play,” said Howard in his TikTok video for Philippine sports-oriented scratch card company Go for Gold in 2024.

     

    Since stepping away from the NBA in 2022, Howard has remained active on the global basketball scene, including a stint with the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan’s professional league later that year. Yet basketball is no longer his only focus.

     

    The biggest hurdle in the Black Bears’ pursuit may not be league rules, but Howard’s packed calendar. The former Slam Dunk champion has embraced life beyond the hardwood, appearing on Dancing with the Stars and, more recently, the British reality series Inside last November.

     

    Still, the interest from Macau suggests that the door to a PBA cameo hasn’t fully closed. If schedules align and logistics fall into place, the league could finally see one of the most recognizable big men of his generation step onto a PBA floor—something fans have been waiting years to witness.

     

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  • Jericho Cruz played through an Achilles injury throughout San Miguel’s entire PBA Finals run

    Jericho Cruz played through an Achilles injury throughout San Miguel’s entire PBA Finals run

    From the moment the San Miguel Beermen seized control on Sunday night, the outcome felt less like a question of if and more a matter of when. What began as a tightly contested battle gradually evolved into a familiar sight for PBA fans: San Miguel asserting its will, dictating the pace, and closing the door with championship poise. By the time the final buzzer sounded inside a packed Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen were once again perched atop the Philippine Basketball Association, reaffirming their status as one of the league’s most enduring and decorated dynasties.

     

    Powered by another commanding performance from June Mar Fajardo, San Miguel defeated TNT Tropang Giga, 92-77, to clinch the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals. The victory sealed a 4-2 series triumph and added yet another championship banner to a franchise that continues to define sustained excellence in Philippine basketball.

     

    While Fajardo emerged as the obvious hero, San Miguel’s success was very much a team effort, exemplified by star shooting guard Jericho Cruz, who revealed that he played through the entirety of the Finals while dealing with a lingering Achilles injury.

     

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    “To those who don’t know, I think in most games, my Achilles hurts. Earlier, I even had a shot to keep playing because I couldn’t take it anymore. Sometimes I get too scared because I’m thinking of the negatives, like it might snap, so sometimes, I get really bothered,” Cruz said during a media interaction.

    Cruz’s discomfort was especially evident in Game 6, where he went scoreless in nearly 14 minutes on the floor. Despite the pain, the 35-year-old veteran expressed gratitude that his teammates rallied around him, ensuring San Miguel could secure the title.

     

    “Our doctors said it was tendinitis and sometimes, it swells up real badly but I never lost hope. Our veterans were there to step up and I’m still happy because we are champions again,” he added.

     

    The exact severity of Cruz’s injury remains unclear, and it is uncertain whether he will be fit to lead Guam in the second window of the upcoming 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, which is set to start in the second week of February. His participation could be pivotal, not just for Guam, but for fans hoping to see one of the PBA’s most reliable veterans bring his experience to the international stage.

     

    For San Miguel, the Finals victory underscores not only the enduring dominance of Fajardo and the Beermen but also the resilience of its supporting cast — a group willing to battle through injuries, adversity, and pressure to add yet another championship to the franchise’s storied history.

     

     

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  • Leo Austria deflects praise after San Miguel’s Philippine Cup title win

    Leo Austria deflects praise after San Miguel’s Philippine Cup title win

    From the moment the San Miguel Beermen wrestled control of the game on Sunday night, the result felt less like a looming possibility and more like an approaching certainty. What began as a tightly contested battle gradually turned into a familiar sight for PBA fans: San Miguel asserting its will, dictating the pace, and closing the door with championship poise. By the time the final buzzer echoed inside a packed Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen were once again perched atop the Philippine Basketball Association, reaffirming their place as one of the league’s most enduring and decorated dynasties.

     

    Powered by another commanding performance from June Mar Fajardo, San Miguel defeated TNT Tropang Giga, 92-77, to clinch the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals. The victory sealed a 4-2 series triumph and delivered yet another championship banner to a franchise that continues to define sustained excellence in Philippine basketball.

     

    As he has done countless times on the biggest stage, Fajardo set the tone with his dominance in the paint. The eight-time Most Valuable Player authored a masterclass, finishing with 29 points and a massive 23 rebounds, overwhelming TNT’s frontline on both ends of the floor. His presence dictated the tempo, stabilized San Miguel during critical stretches, and ultimately broke the resistance of a Tropang Giga squad that struggled to find answers once the Beermen surged ahead in the second half.

     

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    San Miguel’s methodical pull-away reflected not just talent, but championship maturity. After a competitive opening half, the Beermen tightened their defense, controlled the boards, and capitalized on second-chance opportunities—areas where Fajardo’s impact was unmistakable. TNT fought valiantly, but the Beermen’s execution and composure proved decisive down the stretch.

     

    The Philippine Cup crown marked San Miguel’s 31st championship in its illustrious PBA history, further cementing the franchise’s status as the league’s gold standard. It was also a milestone night for head coach Leo Austria, who climbed to third place in the all-time winningest coaches list in PBA history.

    The title was Austria’s 11th championship as a head coach, moving him level with TNT Tropang Giga’s Chot Reyes and Norman Black. Only two names now stand ahead of him: the late coaching legend Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan, who ranks second with 15 titles, and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Tim Cone, who sits alone at the top with a remarkable 25 PBA championships.

     

    Despite his growing list of accolades, Austria remained characteristically humble, deflecting praise and emphasizing the collective effort behind San Miguel’s continued success.

     

    “The real stars here are the San Miguel Beermen players. Because of them, I looked good again as a coach,” Austria said.

     

    The triumph also marked San Miguel’s eighth Philippine Cup title since 2015, a stretch that underscores the team’s remarkable consistency in the league’s most prestigious, All-Filipino conference. Team governor Robert Non was quick to echo Austria’s sentiments while also stressing that the coach’s accomplishments deserve greater recognition.

     

    “Coach Leo is the one I consider as one of the top PBA coaches. I don’t know why he is not cited but with these 11 championships, he now ties coach Chot. It’s a milestone win in a milestone season for the PBA. That’s back-to-back All-Filipino titles and hopefully, we get to win back-to-back in Season 50,” Non added.

     

    As the PBA celebrates its golden season, San Miguel once again stands as a symbol of longevity, discipline, and championship culture. With Fajardo still anchoring the middle and Austria continuing to steer the ship, the Beermen have shown that even after decades of dominance, their hunger for titles remains very much intact.

     

     

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  • “We are doing this all for San Miguel”: June Mar Fajardo prioritizes championships over individual accolades

    “We are doing this all for San Miguel”: June Mar Fajardo prioritizes championships over individual accolades

    From the moment the San Miguel Beermen seized control on Sunday night, the outcome felt inevitable—less a question of “if” and more a question of “when.” By the time the final buzzer echoed through the Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen were once again standing atop the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), affirming their status as one of the league’s most decorated and dominant franchises.

     

    Central to San Miguel’s triumph was June Mar Fajardo, whose imposing presence in the paint and consistent all-around excellence carried the Beermen to a 92-77 victory over TNT Tropang Giga, clinching the 4-2 series win in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals. Fajardo’s performance in Game 6—a staggering 29 points and 23 rebounds—was a reminder of why he remains the face of Philippine basketball. Time and again, he demonstrated his ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor, whether by dominating the boards, scoring efficiently, or anchoring the defense.

     

    Adding to the historic resonance of the night, PBA legend Ramon Fernandez, a former mentor of Fajardo, watched from courtside as his protégé delivered a performance for the ages. In a symbolic moment linking past and present, Fajardo was awarded the first-ever Finals MVP trophy named in Fernandez’s honor—a fitting tribute to both the legend and the league’s current standard-bearer. Across the six-game series, Fajardo averaged 19.7 points, 18.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game, earning his fifth PBA Finals MVP award, a record-breaking achievement that surpasses the four-time winners Danny Seigle, LA Tenorio, and James Yap, and cements his place as the player with the most Finals MVP trophies in league history.

     

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    The victory also marked Fajardo’s 12th PBA championship, reinforcing his standing among the league’s all-time greats. While he has approached the legendary mark of 19 titles set by Fernandez, Fajardo remains focused on the present and his contributions to the team rather than chasing records.

    “Chasing titles is not on my mind. What I aim for is winning championships. That’s what I want, I want to win more titles while I’m here. Of course, that record’s still pretty far away, right? I just want championships,” Fajardo said in a media interaction.

     

    He also highlighted the importance of the San Miguel legacy, crediting the team’s winning culture for his continued success.

     

    “Of course, before I got here, San Miguel already had its winning ways, right? So we are doing this all for San Miguel. We want to represent and help San Miguel win more championships. That’s what we want to do and that’s why we are here now,” he added.

     

    The Beermen’s latest title is a testament not only to Fajardo’s dominance but also to the depth, chemistry, and experience of the San Miguel roster. Veterans such as Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter provided steady leadership, while younger contributors stepped up in crucial moments, allowing Fajardo to impose his will in the paint. Together, the team exemplified a championship formula that combines star power, tactical discipline, and a culture of winning passed down over decades.

     

    For June Mar Fajardo, the focus remains singular: continuing to compete at the highest level and helping San Miguel capture more championships. While records and accolades are a natural byproduct of his sustained excellence, the towering center’s priorities are clear—winning titles for the Beermen and representing the franchise with pride.

     

    As the PBA season progresses, fans and analysts alike will continue to watch Fajardo’s pursuit of history, knowing that each championship brings him closer to further cementing his legacy among the greatest to ever play in the league.

     

     

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  • Greg Slaughter meets Titan Ultra officials as PBA comeback talks continue

    Greg Slaughter meets Titan Ultra officials as PBA comeback talks continue

    Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) star Greg Slaughter has taken a significant step toward a possible return to Asia’s oldest professional league, reigniting excitement among Filipino basketball fans eager to see one of the most dominant big men of his generation back on the hardwood.

     

    The 37-year-old veteran center recently made his long-awaited return to competitive basketball after suiting up for the Zamboanga Valientes in preparation for the upcoming Dubai International Basketball Championship. After spending an extended period away from high-level competition, Slaughter welcomed the opportunity to test himself once again against elite opposition, viewing the stint as both a personal challenge and a crucial step toward a larger goal.

     

    That goal, by Slaughter’s own admission, is a full comeback to the PBA.

     

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    Momentum toward that possibility grew after Titan Ultra Giant Risers team owner Bryann Calantoc confirmed that discussions with Slaughter have resumed, reopening the door for the former No. 1 overall pick to return to the league where he enjoyed the most success of his career. Slaughter’s PBA rights remain with Titan Ultra following the company’s acquisition of the NorthPort franchise, making the Giant Risers the natural landing spot should a deal materialize.

     

    Slaughter’s seriousness about a comeback was underscored early Tuesday morning, February 3, when he met with Titan Ultra officials at Victoria Sports Gym in Quezon City. Despite having just arrived from Dubai and with plans tied to his daughter’s birthday later that day, the veteran center made time for the meeting—rescheduling personal commitments to ensure he could be present.

    “It’s kinda nostalgic finally stepping into a venue that’s just about the PBA. Everybody knows, the PBA is the country’s premiere league and playing here is definitely and honor for everyone given the opportunity,” Slaughter said in a media interaction.

     

    “It’s something definitely I want to come back to. PBA has always been a league that I have had a lot of success in individually, but also with the team. I am very confident that I can come back and be a major contributor again,” he added.

     

    A former centerpiece for multiple championship-contending teams, Slaughter built a reputation as an elite interior force during his prime years—anchoring defenses, controlling the paint, and providing a reliable post presence that few could match. While injuries and time away from the league slowed his momentum in recent seasons, Slaughter believes his experience, size, and understanding of the game can still make a meaningful impact.

     

    For Titan Ultra, the interest is mutual. The Giant Risers’ current roster has struggled with size and interior depth, and Calantoc views Slaughter as a potential solution to stabilize the team’s frontcourt and provide leadership both on and off the floor.

     

    “I hope we can get this deal signed. I believe Greg is not what we read about him. He was a gentle giant and easy to talk with. We also saw his sincerity to return to the PBA. If our negotiation turns out well, we can be his ticket back to the league,” Calantoc said.

     

    “I can see naman Greg’s determination to return. Imagine, he just arrived from Dubai, birthday pa ng anak n’ya today, pero he said he will meet with us. Kaya I am looking forward to this. Excited na tayo,” he added.

     

    As negotiations continue, Slaughter’s possible return represents more than just another roster move. It signals the comeback of a former franchise player whose presence once shaped the league’s competitive balance. Should talks conclude successfully, Filipino fans may soon witness a familiar sight once again—a towering center patrolling the paint, wearing PBA colors, and chasing one more meaningful chapter in a storied career.

     

     

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  • Calvin Abueva set for fresh start as Converge lands ‘The Beast’ in multi-player deal

    Calvin Abueva set for fresh start as Converge lands ‘The Beast’ in multi-player deal

    Just as Calvin Abueva appeared to rediscover his old edge, another pivot in his winding PBA journey is taking shape.

     

    Sources revealed Tuesday that the fiery forward is on his way to Converge, with Titan Ultra agreeing to part with “The Beast” in exchange for Rey Suerte, King Caralipio, and Mark Denver Omega. The transaction is now awaiting clearance from the PBA Commissioner’s Office.

     

    Beyond the numbers, the move carries a familiar undertone. Abueva is set to reunite with Dennis “Delta” Pineda, his longtime backer who now wears two hats as Converge head coach and Pampanga vice-governor. Their renewed partnership adds a personal layer to a deal that could reshape Converge’s identity moving forward.

     

    The timing, however, is what makes the trade especially striking. Abueva was in the midst of a full-blown resurgence with Titan Ultra, emerging as one of the Philippine Cup’s most productive players in what turned out to be his lone — and possibly final — conference with the expansion team. 

     

    He even entered the Best Player of the Conference race, eventually placing third behind June Mar Fajardo and Converge rookie Juan Gomez de Liano.

     

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    Yet behind the on-court revival, frustration was brewing. Approaching his 38th birthday, Abueva had grown increasingly vocal on social media, openly hinting at a desire for a change of scenery. Those “trade me” posts now appear to have foreshadowed a swift resolution.

     

    Statistically, Abueva delivered his strongest showing in years. He topped the Philippine Cup elimination round in scoring at 23.6 points per game, while also posting 11.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks. It marked his most productive conference since his 2021 Philippine Cup stint with Magnolia, where he captured the BPC award. Despite his output, Titan Ultra finished just 4-7 and narrowly missed the playoffs.

     

    Converge, meanwhile, parts with depth and youth. Suerte, selected in the 2019 Gilas special draft, averaged 2.8 points and 1.6 rebounds last conference. Caralipio, a Letran product signed in 2023, chipped in sparingly during the eliminations. Omega, a second-round pick in the most recent draft, is set to land with his third team in a whirlwind rookie season.

     

    For Abueva, the trade represents more than a roster move — it’s another reset in a career defined by intensity, reinvention, and unfinished business. For Converge, it’s a bold bet that a proven veteran, still capable of elite production, can accelerate the FiberXers’ climb in the PBA hierarchy.

     

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  • “He is the reason why we have won many championships”: June Mar Fajardo praises Leo Austria

    “He is the reason why we have won many championships”: June Mar Fajardo praises Leo Austria

    From the opening tip, San Miguel Beer signaled that they were in full control on Sunday night, turning what could have been a tense Finals series into a showcase of dominance. By the time the final buzzer sounded at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen had once again cemented their status atop the PBA, defeating TNT, 92–77, to close out the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals in six games.

     

    At the heart of this triumph was June Mar Fajardo, the nine-time PBA MVP who has become synonymous with championship pedigree. Fajardo produced a performance for the ages, pouring in 29 points while pulling down 23 rebounds, demonstrating the kind of impact that only a generational talent can consistently deliver. His commanding presence on both ends of the floor lifted the Beermen when it mattered most, and it earned him the league’s first-ever Finals MVP trophy, named in honor of PBA legend and former mentor Ramon Fernandez, who watched the milestone moment from courtside.

     

    San Miguel head coach Leo Austria, true to form, deflected praise from himself, instead attributing the team’s success to his players. But Fajardo was quick to highlight the coach’s influence, insisting that Austria doesn’t get nearly enough credit for shaping the Beermen’s winning culture.

     

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    “He is one of the great coaches of the PBA. He hasn’t been given too much credit, but he is such a humble person and he is the reason why we have won many championships,” Fajardo said during the postmatch press conference.

    “He lets us play our game, and I guess that’s why the players were able to show what they can bring on the court. He is so composed, and it starts with practice because he really instills a lot of discipline,” he added.

     

    The path to this title almost seemed preordained. San Miguel dominated the elimination round with a 9-2 record, showcasing the depth and experience that would carry them deep into the playoffs. The Beermen dismantled NLEX in the quarterfinals and survived a tough semifinal battle against Barangay Ginebra, riding a 10-game winning streak that stretched from the eliminations into the playoffs. Even after a surprising loss in Game 1 of the Finals, the team never wavered, leaning on their veteran leadership, strategic depth, and Fajardo’s unparalleled ability to rise in high-stakes moments.

     

    This victory marks San Miguel’s second consecutive Philippine Cup crown, their eighth in the last 11 seasons, and the 31st championship in franchise history. Beyond the numbers, it’s a reaffirmation of an era—the Beermen are not just winning titles; they are defining a dynasty in Philippine basketball.

     

    With Fajardo anchoring the lineup, Austria guiding from the bench, and a roster stacked with both seasoned veterans and emerging talents, San Miguel Beer continues to set the standard in the PBA. As the confetti settled and the Finals MVP trophy was hoisted, one thing became clear: this is a team that doesn’t merely chase championships—they reinvent excellence every season.

     

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  • NLEX moves early, taps Cady Lalanne to power Commissioner’s Cup push

    NLEX moves early, taps Cady Lalanne to power Commissioner’s Cup push

    NLEX isn’t waiting around for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup to unfold before making its intentions clear.

     

    Fresh off an early playoff exit in the Philippine Cup, the Road Warriors struck quickly, securing Haitian import Cady Lalanne to anchor their bid in the mid-season conference. 

     

    The 6-foot-10 center arrived in Manila on Sunday, giving the team a head start as it looks to recalibrate and contend.

     

    Lalanne brings with him a résumé shaped more by global grind than NBA spotlight. A University of Massachusetts standout, he was selected in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft by San Antonio but carved his professional path overseas instead, becoming a familiar presence across multiple international leagues.

     

    At 33, Lalanne arrives as a polished, battle-tested reinforcement. His recent body of work includes stints in FIBA club competitions, where he consistently delivered, averaging 17.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game across his appearances. 

     

     

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    He has also competed on the FIBA WASL stage, reaching the Final 8 three times—twice with Kuwait Club and most recently with C.S. Sagesse—underscoring his experience against elite regional competition.

     

    His most recent stop came in Taiwan, where he suited up for Kaohsiung in the TPBL before being released earlier this month. 

     

    Now, he steps into a new challenge, tasked with providing interior presence and stability for an NLEX side eager to climb higher after finishing eighth last conference and bowing out to eventual champion San Miguel in the quarterfinals.

     

    NLEX becomes the second team to lock in an import for the Commissioner’s Cup, following Phoenix’s signing of James Dickey II. With Lalanne in place early, the Road Warriors are signaling urgency—and belief—that a stronger, deeper run is within reach this time around.

     

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  • June Mar Fajardo makes history, wins fifth PBA Finals MVP in San Miguel’s Philippine Cup victory

    June Mar Fajardo makes history, wins fifth PBA Finals MVP in San Miguel’s Philippine Cup victory

    From the moment the San Miguel Beermen took control on Sunday night, the outcome felt inevitable—less a matter of “if” and more a matter of “when.” By the time the final buzzer sounded at the Mall of Asia Arena, San Miguel was once again standing atop the Philippine Basketball Association, cementing its legacy as one of the league’s most dominant franchises.

     

    Central to the Beermen’s victory was June Mar Fajardo, whose towering presence in the paint and consistent all-around brilliance lifted San Miguel to a 92-77 triumph over TNT Tropang Giga, completing a 4-2 series victory in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals. Fajardo’s stat line—29 points and 23 rebounds in Game 6 alone—was a testament to his enduring dominance, and he repeatedly showcased why he is considered the face of Philippine basketball.

     

    Adding to the historic weight of the night, PBA legend and former mentor Ramon Fernandez watched from courtside as Fajardo delivered a performance befitting history. The league’s nine-time Most Valuable Player was awarded the first-ever Finals MVP trophy named in Fernandez’s honor, a fitting tribute to both the past and the present. Across the six-game series, Fajardo averaged 19.7 points, 18.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game, earning his fifth PBA Finals MVP award—breaking the tie with Danny Seigle, LA Tenorio, and James Yap, and making him the player with the most Finals MVP trophies in league history.

     

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    Mar Fajardo expressed his deep honor at being the inaugural recipient of a trophy named after his idol.

    “Isang karangalan. Nakakatuwa isipin na ako yung kauna-unahang makakuha ng trophy na ‘to, na nakapangalan kay Don Ramon Fernandez. Siya mismo ang nag-abot sa akin ng trophy, kaya isang karangalan,” Fajardo said.

     

    The 36-year-old big man, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in PBA history, remains humble despite comparisons to Fernandez. While some circles even place him above the league legend, Fajardo insists that championships, not individual accolades, remain his primary focus.

     

    “For sure isa ‘to sa mga highlights ng championship na ‘to. Nasa taas ‘to ng trophy case ko. Isa siya sa mga nilu-look up ko. Hindi naman sa hinahabol ko, pero yung habol ko lang, championships. Gusto ko pang manalo habang nandito pa ako. Bago pa ako dumating sa San Miguel, may willing culture na. Tumulong lang talaga kami,” he added, reflecting on the team-first mentality that has defined San Miguel over the years.

     

    The Philippine Cup victory marked Fajardo’s 12th PBA championship, further solidifying his status among the league’s all-time greats. Despite this milestone, he still trails Fernandez, who captured a record 19 PBA titles over his illustrious career, the most in league history.

     

    Fajardo’s dominance, consistency, and humility exemplify why he is widely seen as a generational talent capable of redefining the PBA landscape. With the Finals MVP honor now permanently linked to his name in history alongside Fernandez, Fajardo’s legacy continues to grow, proving that even in his 30s, he remains the cornerstone of a franchise—and a standard-bearer for Philippine basketball excellence.

     

     

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  • “Sobrang special ng championship na ‘to”: Rodney Brondial plays through injury to lead San Miguel to the Philippine Cup title

    “Sobrang special ng championship na ‘to”: Rodney Brondial plays through injury to lead San Miguel to the Philippine Cup title

    From the moment the San Miguel Beermen seized control on Sunday night, the outcome felt inevitable—less a question of if and more a matter of when. By the time the final buzzer echoed inside the Mall of Asia Arena, San Miguel was once again standing on top of the Philippine Basketball Association, reaffirming its status as one of the league’s enduring dynasties.

     

    Behind another masterful performance from June Mar Fajardo, the Beermen defeated TNT Tropang Giga, 92-77, to clinch the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals, completing a 4-2 series victory and adding yet another championship banner to their storied history.

     

    Fajardo once again proved why he remains the gold standard in the league, delivering a dominant all-around effort with 29 points and 23 rebounds. The eight-time Most Valuable Player controlled the paint on both ends of the floor, dictating the tempo and anchoring San Miguel’s composure as the Beermen gradually pulled away in the second half.

     

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    While Fajardo’s brilliance set the tone, San Miguel also drew vital contributions from its supporting cast—none more timely than that of veteran power forward Rodney Brondial. Coming off the bench, Brondial provided a crucial spark, finishing with 15 points and 13 rebounds to give the Beermen added muscle and energy when the game hung in the balance.

    Brondial’s performance was made even more remarkable by the physical challenge he carried into Game 6. The 35-year-old revealed after the game that he had been playing through a sprained left ankle, an injury he sustained in Game 2 of the Finals on January 23.

     

    “Sobrang special ng championship na ‘to. Akala ko hindi na ako makakabalik kasi sobrang sakit talaga ng paa ko. Nung Games 3 and 4, medyo mababa yung contributions ko, kaya nung Game 5 bumawi talaga ako,” Brondial said.

     

    Despite the lingering pain and limited mobility, Brondial never considered sitting out the series finale. Fully aware of what was at stake, he pushed through the discomfort, determined to help San Miguel defend its Philippine Cup crown and finish the job against a resilient TNT squad.

     

    “May extra pressure kasi dine-defend namin yung korona, at mahirap talaga yun. Kaya sobrang special nito. Kaya ito, buhos na. Tiyaka ko na iindahin yung injury, yung sakit. Kaya thanks God, ipinagkaloob sa amin,” he added.

     

    Brondial’s grit and sacrifice embodied the Beermen’s championship mentality—a team built not only on star power, but on resilience, depth, and a shared commitment to winning. With veterans stepping up and leaders delivering when it mattered most, San Miguel once again showed why it continues to thrive on the league’s biggest stage.

     

    As confetti rained down at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen celebrated another hard-earned triumph—one forged through dominance in the paint, timely contributions from role players, and a refusal to yield despite adversity. In the league’s milestone season, San Miguel’s latest title served as a familiar reminder: when the stakes are highest, the Beermen still set the standard.

     

     

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