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Tag: PBA

  • Roger Pogoy doubles down on TNT, eyes more championships after signing new deal 

    Roger Pogoy doubles down on TNT, eyes more championships after signing new deal 

    Roger Pogoy never had to think twice about where he wanted to spend the next chapter of his career.

     

    After nearly a decade of wearing TNT colors, the veteran guard has committed to staying with the only PBA franchise he has ever known, signing a three-year contract extension with the Tropang 5G ahead of the new conference.

     

    The deal keeps one of TNT’s longest-tenured stars in the fold as the franchise continues its pursuit of another championship following a string of Finals appearances.

     

    For Pogoy, the extension represents more than job security—it is a vote of confidence that he intends to repay on the court.

     

    “Thankful ako kasi yun nga, sa management—Boss MVP, Boss Ricky, Boss Jolas, Boss Chot —na nagtiwala pa rin sila sa akin,” Pogoy told One Sports during the Tropang 5G’s media day.

     

    “Thankful ako na in-extend nila ako [at] dito pa rin ako sa TNT.”

     

    Since being selected by TNT in the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft, Pogoy has developed into one of the league’s premier two-way guards, playing a vital role in multiple championship runs while becoming one of the team’s most reliable scorers and defenders.

     

    Despite everything he has accomplished with the franchise, the 34-year-old insists the new contract only raises the standard he has set for himself.

     

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    “Mas lalo akong motivated kasi gusto kong suklihan din ‘yung tiwala nila sa akin. Gusto ko ring manalo pa ng mas maraming championship.”

     

    The timing of the extension comes as TNT continues to establish itself as one of the PBA’s premier contenders.

     

    The Tropang 5G have reached five consecutive PBA Finals, a testament to the consistency of their core. But that impressive run has also left the team with unfinished business after ending up on the losing side in three of those title series.

     

    For Pogoy, those painful defeats remain fresh and continue to drive the team entering another title chase.

     

    “Ilang finals na kami, five straight, pero tatlo [dun] hindi kami nanalo. Kaya ngayon, talagang motivated kaming lahat at pinaghahandaan talaga namin na sana matapos namin at manalo naman kami.”

     

    With his future secured, Pogoy now shifts his focus back to basketball as TNT looks to bounce back in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The Tropang 5G resume their campaign on Saturday against the still-winless Macau Giant Pandas at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, with Pogoy hoping to begin another chapter that ends the same way he envisions his new contract—with more championships in TNT colors.

     

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  • Darius Days focused on carving his own path as TNT searches for stability in the Governors’ Cup 

    Darius Days focused on carving his own path as TNT searches for stability in the Governors’ Cup 

    TNT Tropang 5G have leaned on star-caliber reinforcements in recent conferences, from three-time PBA Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to former NBA standout Bol Bol. 


    But as TNT begins another title chase in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, their imports Darius Days is making one thing clear: he has no intention of trying to become either of them.

     

    “Honestly, I’m Darius. I’m not Bol. I’m not Rondae. Whatever I bring to the table, that’s what I bring to the table,” Days said. 

     

    Instead of carrying the burden of comparison, the 26-year-old forward is focused on becoming the player TNT needs now.

     

    His arrival comes after a turbulent stretch for the franchise’s import rotation. Hollis-Jefferson, a three-time Best Import awardee, remains sidelined as he recovers from the Achilles tear he suffered while playing for Meralco in the East Asia Super League.

     

    Before that, TNT made headlines by signing 7-foot-3 former NBA player Bol Bol for the Commissioner’s Cup. His promising campaign, however, ended in heartbreak after he tore his Achilles in the semifinals. 

     

    The Tropang 5G turned to Chris McCullough for the Finals, but the club ultimately fell to Barangay Ginebra in a seven-game championship series.

     

    Days now inherits the role under far different circumstances, though he insists his job is simple.

     

    “I’m just here to help. I’m not here to fill those shoes. I’m just here to help win games,” he said. 

     

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    While his PBA journey is only beginning, Days brings experience from multiple leagues. The 6-foot-7 forward previously suited up for the Houston Rockets in the NBA before continuing his professional career in Canada, Australia, and Japan.

     

    Ironically, this opportunity was nearly his a year earlier. Days was originally lined up to reinforce TNT in the 2024 Governors’ Cup before the team opted to bring back Hollis-Jefferson prior to the tournament.

     

    Now finally wearing the Tropang 5G colors, Days has provided steady production through his first two games. He is averaging 22.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals, while knocking down eight three-pointers at a 35-percent clip to showcase his perimeter shooting.

     

    Despite those numbers, TNT has stumbled out of the gate as the Tropang 5G absorbed a 103-87 defeat to cellar-dweller Titan Ultra last Wednesday, a result that dropped the team further behind in the early Governors’ Cup standings. 

     

    Days still delivered 21 points and six rebounds in the loss, leading TNT in scoring despite the setback.

     

    Following the game, Days acknowledged that injuries have made it difficult for the team to establish consistency, but he remains confident that the group can turn things around.

     

    The Tropang 5G will have an immediate opportunity to do just that when they return to action on Saturday against Terrafirma Dyip. With the conference still in its early stages, TNT hopes Days’ steady contributions can help spark the climb back up the standings as the team searches for its rhythm.

     

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  • Japan B.League Manila Games: Okamoto highlights PBA respect, Filipino basketball culture

    Japan B.League Manila Games: Okamoto highlights PBA respect, Filipino basketball culture

    The Japan B.League is set to make history with the B.League Manila Games 2026, a two-game preseason exhibition that will mark the first time the Japanese professional basketball league stages official games outside Japan. Scheduled for September 9 and 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, the landmark event is expected to further strengthen the growing basketball ties between Japan and the Philippines.


    Headlining the showcase are Levanga Hokkaido and the Gunma Crane Thunders, with Filipino standouts Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu set to represent their respective B.League clubs. Ramos, one of the league’s most recognizable international stars, will suit up for Levanga Hokkaido, while Edu will take the floor for Gunma, giving Filipino fans a rare opportunity to watch two members of the Gilas Pilipinas pool compete on home soil in Japanese club colors.


    More than just an exhibition series, the B.League Manila Games symbolize the league’s continued international expansion and its commitment to engaging one of the world’s most passionate basketball fanbases. Since its establishment in 2016, the B.League has experienced rapid growth, attracting top talent from across Asia and beyond while steadily increasing its global footprint.

     

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    Speaking during a media interaction, B.League Executive Officer Nao Okamoto emphasized the importance of the support extended by both the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) in making the historic event possible.

     

    “We have full respect towards the PBA as the longest-standing basketball league in Asia,” Okamoto said. “We really respect the PBA—its history, its mindset, and the country’s love for basketball. We are still a young league, only 10 years old, and we have so many things to learn from them.”


    Okamoto noted that the Philippines’ deeply rooted basketball culture made collaboration with the country’s basketball stakeholders essential.

    “They have built this huge basketball culture here in the Philippines. We really needed the support of the PBA and the SBP. We have always been talking to both organizations because this is the biggest event we have ever organized in Manila,” he explained.

     

    Beyond the games themselves, the B.League has been laying the groundwork for a stronger presence in the country through various community and cultural initiatives, including fan engagement activities, pop-up events, and Japanese food festivals.


    “Even before these games, we held different events like pop-up activities and food festivals because we believe it’s important not only to bring basketball but also to contribute to the local community,” Okamoto added. “Since we are still a foreign league, building relationships with fans and giving back are very important to us.”


    The Manila Games will also serve as a showcase of what has become one of the B.League’s defining characteristics—its game-day entertainment experience. While the quality of basketball remains the centerpiece, the league has earned a reputation for blending professional sports with high-energy production, interactive fan experiences, and nonstop entertainment throughout each game.


    “Our uniqueness is the entertainment during the games,” Okamoto said. “During halftime, quarter breaks, and throughout the event, we try to provide nonstop entertainment. We want to bring that same atmosphere from Japan to Manila.”


    “We want people to experience what the B.League truly is—not only the quality of the players and the basketball, but also the quality of the entertainment. That is another aspect of our league that we are excited to introduce to Filipino fans.”


    The event also carries broader cultural significance as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan. Organizers see the Manila Games as more than a basketball spectacle, viewing it as a celebration of the enduring friendship between the two nations through their shared passion for the sport.


    With two of Japan’s premier clubs, two Filipino stars returning home, and a full B.League game-day experience on display, the B.League Manila Games 2026 promise to deliver a unique basketball event for local fans. As the league takes its first official games beyond Japanese borders, Manila becomes the starting point of what could be a new chapter in the B.League’s international growth and its deepening connection with Philippine basketball.

     

     

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  • Leo Austria remains San Miguel head coach despite health-related absence from Beermen games 

    Leo Austria remains San Miguel head coach despite health-related absence from Beermen games 

    While San Miguel Beermen continue to dominate on the floor, veteran head coach Leo Austria remains sidelined because of a personal health issue.

     

    Management clarified that Austria has not been replaced as head coach, following speculation on social media suggesting that changes had been made within the coaching staff. 


    Instead, officials said the multi-awarded tactician was advised to rest and focus on his recovery, especially with the Beermen still in the early stages of their campaign.

     

    The team has yet to disclose details regarding Austria’s condition, but his involvement with the squad has continued behind the scenes. 

     

    The 68-year-old coach has been attending San Miguel practices, occasionally helping design new plays, and joining the team during film review sessions. His only restriction at the moment is returning to the bench during actual games.

     

    With Austria unavailable on game days, assistant coach Peter Martin has stepped in to handle coaching duties.

     

    Martin first guided the Beermen during their opening match of the conference, when San Miguel defeated Macau, 123-109. The veteran assistant explained that Austria missed that game because he was “feeling bloated” while gesturing toward his stomach.

     

    The situation continued into San Miguel’s next assignments, with Martin again leading the team during its 109-104 victory over Terrafirma at the Ynares Center as Austria dealt with his illness.

     

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    Even without their head coach on the sidelines, the Beermen have remained sharp. In their latest outing, San Miguel overcame Converge, 128-122, to complete a three-game winning streak and preserve their perfect record.

     

    The strong start has kept San Miguel tied with NLEX Road Warriors at the top of Group A standings, with both teams undefeated in the Governor’s Cup. 

     

    The Beermen’s ability to maintain their momentum without Austria also highlights the stability of the system he has established over years of championship success.

     

    The next challenge will come on July 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where San Miguel faces NLEX in a battle for early control of Group A. 

     

    As the Beermen continue their pursuit of another title, the team hopes Austria’s recovery progresses while they continue carrying out the blueprint he helped build.

     

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  • George King enjoys San Miguel’s unbeaten start, admits team chemistry is building

    George King enjoys San Miguel’s unbeaten start, admits team chemistry is building

    The San Miguel Beermen continued their dominant start to the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup after overcoming the Converge FiberXers, 128-122, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Wednesday, July 22.

     

    Leading the charge for San Miguel was import George King, who delivered his best performance of the conference so far and provided the offensive spark the Beermen needed in a high-scoring affair.

     

    King erupted for 41 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block while shooting 16-of-32 from the field. He also connected on two four-pointers, showcasing his scoring ability from different areas of the court as San Miguel remained unbeaten in the early stages of the Governors’ Cup.

     

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    For King, the victory was another positive step as he continues to adjust to his new teammates, the PBA style of play, and San Miguel’s system. Despite producing a monster performance, the 32-year-old import emphasized that the team is still in the process of building chemistry.

     

    “It’s always good to be undefeated. We started off hot early, it builds some momentum. We are still learning each other, building chemistry. I think tonight we showed some moments of chemistry. We are really happy with that. It’s nice to be in this position,” King said after the game.

     

     

    Beyond his numbers, King’s energy and enthusiasm throughout the contest stood out. The former NBA player was often seen celebrating big plays, encouraging teammates, and enjoying the moment on the court—signs of his growing comfort within the Beermen system.

     

    King explained that maintaining that enjoyment and passion for the game has been important as he continues his professional career.

     

    “For me, it is easy to lose focus that this is a game. And I go back to my early stages of when I found this game where I did it because it was fun and I enjoyed it. I still do, but I believe that at this point, sometimes it can be easy to forget that. Recently, I have been reminded of that and I’m using it going forward.”

     

    He also highlighted how the team’s celebrations and shared moments on the court could help strengthen their bond moving forward.

     

    “Obviously, we are making plays and we are making our opponents call a timeout, and we are literally sitting there, and dancing, and just building our chemistry. I think these are the things that are going to pay off for us down the road if we continue to have success. I think it’s going to pay off for us going forward,” he added.

     

     

    San Miguel’s strong start comes after the franchise experienced import difficulties in previous conferences, particularly during the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup when the Beermen had to go through multiple import changes before eventually settling on Bennie Boatwright.

     

    However, assistant coach Peter Martin believes those concerns are now behind the team with King leading the way.

     

    Martin praised King’s versatility, leadership, and willingness to make plays for his teammates, noting that the import has made the adjustment process much easier for the coaching staff.

     

    “Oh, very safe. Very, very safe. Alam mo, kung tinitignan niyo yung. Minsan kukunin yung board siya mag-play para sa amin. Makes our job really much easier. And then he talks to the players. At the start, he won’t be so aggressive. The first game, puro pasa nga siya eh,” Martin said.

     

     

    The veteran coach added that King’s understanding of the game and ability to connect with his teammates will continue to improve as he becomes more familiar with the Beermen’s system.

     

    “Sabi ko nga sa kanya na it’s up to him. He knows how to play with these guys. He knows how to motivate. So, konti pa siguro. Konting familiarity pa magiging okay. Depensa na lang siguro mag-adjust kami ng konti pa,” Martin added.

     

     

    With King quickly establishing himself as a key piece of their lineup, San Miguel will look to maintain its perfect record when it faces the NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday, July 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

     

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  • Josh Reyes refuses to give excuses after TNT suffers first PBA loss to Titan Ultra

    Josh Reyes refuses to give excuses after TNT suffers first PBA loss to Titan Ultra

    TNT Tropang Giga suffered its first setback of the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup after absorbing a 103-87 defeat to the Titan Ultra Giant Risers at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Wednesday, July 22.

     

    The loss snapped TNT’s unbeaten start to the conference, with the defending powerhouse struggling to match Titan Ultra’s relentless pace throughout the contest. Playing with a depleted roster due to injuries to several key players, the Tropang Giga found themselves chasing the game for long stretches before eventually running out of answers against the Giant Risers’ transition attack.

     

    Adding to TNT’s woes was the ejection of head coach Chot Reyes with 9:29 remaining in the fourth quarter after being assessed two technical fouls. His departure forced assistant coach Josh Reyes to take over the coaching duties as the Tropang Giga attempted to mount a late rally, but Titan Ultra continued to control the tempo and pulled away for a convincing 16-point victory.

     

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    Despite the difficult circumstances, Josh Reyes refused to use injuries or the absence of several regulars as an excuse for the team’s first loss of the season. Instead, he credited Titan Ultra for dictating the pace of the game and exposing TNT’s lack of conditioning following an extended offseason.

     

    “Hindi. Parati naman emotions high yun eh. I think it’s as simple as we are not in shape yet. And we couldn’t keep up with the running. Titan did a good job turning the game into a track meet, taking advantage of their quickness and they got a lot of fastbreak points,” Reyes said after the game.

     

     

    Reyes acknowledged that while TNT’s offensive execution was not entirely problematic, its inability to slow down Titan Ultra’s transition offense ultimately proved costly.

    “It just snowballed from there. Our offense wasn’t as bad as it may seem. But we just couldn’t keep up with the running game. In the end, we couldn’t defend the next group anymore. It’s easy to have that as an excuse, we are not complete, we are not in shape yet coming off our extended break. I think that’s the biggest challenge eh. It’s not basketball per se, it’s the tediousness of everything.”

     

     

    The veteran assistant explained that the physical and mental demands of competing almost continuously over the past several conferences have taken their toll on the franchise. Rather than focusing solely on the tactical aspects of the game, Reyes emphasized that maintaining motivation and consistency has become one of the team’s biggest challenges after enjoying sustained success over recent seasons.

     

    “We have been going on without breaks for five conferences. So the challenge for us is how to get up every day, practice and get better. That we still have that eagerness and hunger to make ourselves better every day despite going through this for five or six conferences already,” he added.

     

     

    Fortunately for TNT, relief is on the horizon. The PBA will observe a lengthy break from August 15 to October 6 to accommodate the 19th Asian Games, providing teams with an opportunity to recover, regroup, and address areas that need improvement before the conference resumes.

     

    Reyes believes the upcoming hiatus will be invaluable for the Tropang Giga, particularly as they work toward getting their injured players healthy while improving the team’s overall conditioning. However, he stressed that TNT must first navigate the remaining games before the league pauses and remain in a favorable position in the standings.

     

    “Good thing there’s a break coming up. But kailangan namin matawid yun eh. So from tomorrow till the break we need to be able to hold the fort and still manage a respectable record,” Reyes concluded.

     

     

    Despite suffering its first defeat of the conference, TNT remains one of the early contenders in the Governors’ Cup and will be eager to quickly bounce back. The Tropang Giga will have little time to dwell on the loss as they prepare for another crucial assignment against the Terrafirma Dyip on Saturday, July 25, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    A victory over Terrafirma would allow TNT to regain momentum and reinforce its position near the top of the standings before entering the stretch leading up to the league’s extended break.

     

     

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  • Converge’s blazing start faces biggest test yet against San Miguel 

    Converge’s blazing start faces biggest test yet against San Miguel 

    Four wins against struggling teams can build confidence, but beating San Miguel would send a far stronger message.

     

    That opportunity now stands in front of Converge as the unbeaten FiberXers put their flawless start on the line against the equally undefeated Beermen in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    Tip-off is set at 7:30 p.m., with both clubs entering the marquee Group A showdown still without a loss. Converge carries a 3-0 record, while San Miguel has opened its campaign at 2-0.

     

    The FiberXers have looked like a rejuvenated squad after their disappointing exit in the Commissioner’s Cup eliminations, rolling past the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, surviving Terrafirma in a thriller, and then overwhelming the Macau Giant Pandas with a 149-point explosion.

     

    But none of those opponents possessed the pedigree of a San Miguel squad loaded with proven stars and reinforced by high-scoring import George King.

     

    The Beermen have also enjoyed a comfortable start, dispatching Macau, 123-109, before fending off Terrafirma, 109-104, to set up what could be the first true measuring stick game for both contenders.   

     

    At the heart of the contest will be a battle that could define the evening.

     

    Justin Arana has emerged as arguably the hottest local player in the conference, erupting for back-to-back career-best performances with 31 points and 11 rebounds against Terrafirma before raising the bar again with 39 points and 12 boards against Macau.

     

    Alongside fellow young big man Justine Baltazar, Arana now gets the opportunity to test himself against the league’s gold standard at center—nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo.

     

    Converge, however, will need more than Arana’s brilliance if it hopes to remain unbeaten.

     

    Import Jalen Hudson has struggled to find consistency despite the team’s perfect record, averaging only seven points over his last two outings, including a quiet two-point performance against Terrafirma.

     

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    The FiberXers have managed to overcome those struggles thanks to their balanced local production and relentless energy, qualities that were evident even during Arana’s animated exchange with Archie Concepcion on the bench in their previous game.

     

    “We just had an argument but it was nothing, not a big deal,” Arana said, underscoring the competitive environment within Converge.

     

    Against San Miguel, though, internal intensity alone won’t be enough.

     

    The Beermen boast one of the deepest lineups in the league, with King expected to shoulder the scoring load alongside a veteran core that has repeatedly delivered on the biggest stage.

     

    For Converge, Wednesday presents more than another chance to improve to 4-0.

     

    It is an opportunity to prove that its unbeaten run is more than a product of favorable matchups and that it belongs among the league’s legitimate championship contenders.

     

    Only one unbeaten team will leave Antipolo still perfect. The winner may also walk away with something just as valuable—the belief that it can stand atop Group A.

     

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  • Beau Belga opens up on Gian Mamuyac trade: ‘Malalim pinagsamahan namin’ 

    Beau Belga opens up on Gian Mamuyac trade: ‘Malalim pinagsamahan namin’ 

    For Beau Belga, Rain or Shine’s recent trade of Gian Mamuyac was more than just another roster move—it meant saying goodbye to someone he had come to treat like family.

     

    Having spent four seasons together with the Elasto Painters, Belga admitted that Mamuyac’s departure to Phoenix Super LPG left an emotional void inside the team, even if he understands that trades are simply part of life in the PBA.

     

    “Malalim pinagsamahan namin,” the veteran forward said. “That kid is very close sa akin.”

    The trade sent Mamuyac, along with a Season 53 second-round pick, to the Fuel Masters in exchange for Phoenix’s first-round selection in the same draft.

     

    Just days later, the two sides met for the first time since the deal, with Rain or Shine coming away with a 105-98 victory over Phoenix. While the game marked Mamuyac’s first matchup against the franchise that drafted him, it also became a reunion with teammates who had shared the court—and the locker room—with him for years.

     

    Before tip-off, Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao even joked that Belga had requested to be on the floor whenever Mamuyac checked into the game, just to match up against his former teammate.

     

    The veteran, however, never got that opportunity after remaining on the bench throughout the contest.

     

    Instead, Belga settled for another kind of interaction—one that reflected the friendship they had built long before the trade became official.

     

    He revealed that, looking back, he had unknowingly been teasing Mamuyac during practices in the days leading up to the deal.

     

    “Binibiro ko nga siya the past few days before he got traded. Parang out of nowhere, bigla ko na lang kinakanti. Sabi ko, ‘Kaya pala sinasaktan na kita kasi mate-trade ka na.’ ‘Yun ang biro ko sa kanya. Sabi niya, ‘Oo nga, bakit mo ako sinasaktan nung mga nakaraang araw,’” Belga said.

     

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    Even after the final buzzer, the playful relationship remained unchanged.

     

    Belga was seen jokingly throwing a knee toward Mamuyac before pulling him toward the Rain or Shine bench, drawing laughs from those nearby and showing that while uniforms may change, friendships do not.

     

    “I’m really close to everybody in this team,” Belga said. “Kumbaga masakit na mawalan ka ng teammate na close sayo but that’s how life is sa PBA.”

     

    Belga knows that reality better than most.

     

    Before finding a long-term home with Rain or Shine, the 39-year-old went through multiple trades himself. Those experiences helped him understand that player movement is part of the business, even when emotions are involved.

     

    Rather than dwelling on Mamuyac’s exit, Belga chose to remember everything the former team captain brought to the franchise, particularly the leadership he displayed during his four-year stay.

     

    “Maganda pinagsamahan namin ni Gian. Nothing to be like sasama ang loob. Magkasama kami matagal. Kami nag-draft sa kanya. Walang masamang tinapay. And that’s how life is sa PBA.”

    “Eh ako, bago ako nag-settle sa Rain or Shine, tatlong beses ako na-trade. Walang masamang tinapay sa kanya,” Belga said.

     

    For Belga, the trade may have ended their partnership as teammates, but it did nothing to change the respect and friendship they built over the years.

     

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  • Gian Mamuyac falls short against former team as Rain or Shine beats Phoenix

    Gian Mamuyac falls short against former team as Rain or Shine beats Phoenix

    Gian Mamuyac’s first game against his former team ended in disappointment as the Phoenix Fuel Masters absorbed their first loss of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup, falling 105-98 to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Tuesday, July 21.


    Facing the franchise he represented for the past four seasons, Mamuyac logged 21 minutes and finished with eight points, two rebounds, and two assists. While the 27-year-old showed flashes of his trademark energy and versatility, his efforts were not enough to prevent Phoenix from suffering its first setback of the conference against a Rain or Shine squad that executed more efficiently down the stretch.

     

     

    Despite the emotional nature of the matchup, Mamuyac remained composed after the game, acknowledging that the Elasto Painters simply played the better brand of basketball on the night.

               

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    “Of course, it’s a different feeling because I have been with them for the last four years. They were the better team. Hopefully we will be better the next time we face them,” Mamuyac said.

     

     

    The contest marked Mamuyac’s first meeting with Rain or Shine since being traded to Phoenix just days earlier after contract negotiations between the two sides failed to produce a new agreement. The move ended a four-year stint with the Elasto Painters, where he established himself as one of the team’s most dependable two-way guards and became a key contributor under veteran head coach Yeng Guiao.

     

    Although he now wears Phoenix colors, Mamuyac made it clear that his respect and appreciation for his former organization remain unchanged. Before tip-off, he took time to approach Guiao, exchanging greetings and wishing his longtime mentor well in a gesture that reflected the strong relationship they built throughout his stay with the franchise.


    “Off the court, we obviously have a good relationship. When I went to coach Yeng, I wished him good luck and blessed him to show my respect and he smiled back. And during the game, I can hear Kuya Beau shout something. But off the court, we have a good relationship,” he added.


    Those friendships, however, were put on hold once the opening whistle sounded. Mamuyac competed with the same intensity that characterized his years with Rain or Shine, but the Elasto Painters ultimately had enough firepower to fend off Phoenix and hand the Fuel Masters their first defeat of the conference.


    For Phoenix, the loss serves as an early test after a promising start to its Governors’ Cup campaign. With Mamuyac still adjusting to a new system and building chemistry with his teammates, the Fuel Masters remain optimistic that their performances will improve as the tournament progresses.


    Mamuyac echoed that optimism, expressing confidence that Phoenix will be in a stronger position should the two teams meet again later in the conference.

     

     

    The Fuel Masters will look to bounce back and return to the win column when they take on the Blackwater Bossing on Tuesday, July 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, while Rain or Shine aims to build on the momentum generated by its victory over one of the conference’s early contenders.

     

     

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  • Reunion with a twist: Gian Mamuyac braces for emotional showdown against Rain or Shine

    Reunion with a twist: Gian Mamuyac braces for emotional showdown against Rain or Shine

    Just days after being traded, Gian Mamuyac finds himself in unfamiliar territory as he prepares to face the only PBA team he had ever known. But with the Phoenix Fuel Masters chasing a fourth straight victory, sentiment will have to take a backseat when they battle the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Tuesday.

     

    The matchup marks Mamuyac’s first game against the franchise that selected him fifth overall in the 2022 PBA Draft and helped shape him into one of the league’s premier two-way guards. After spending four seasons with the Elasto Painters, the Ateneo standout was dealt to Phoenix in exchange for a future first-round pick, ending an era that few saw coming.

     

    While the emotions are inevitable, Mamuyac insists his focus remains on helping Phoenix continue its impressive start to the Governors’ Cup. The Fuel Masters have opened the conference with three consecutive victories, and the newest addition is eager to contribute to a team that has quickly emerged as one of the early contenders.

     

    “It’s definitely going to be different,” Mamuyac admitted ahead of the reunion, acknowledging that facing former teammates and coaches won’t be easy. Despite the familiarity, he expects no favors from the squad he once called home.

     

    That sentiment is shared by Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao, who coached Mamuyac throughout his PBA career. Known for his demanding style, Guiao joked that there would be no warm welcome for his former player once the opening tip is tossed. Instead, the veteran mentor promised the same physical, hard-nosed defense that has long defined the Elasto Painters.

     

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    Former teammates have also been quick to remind Mamuyac that friendships will be put on hold for 48 minutes. Some even teased the former team captain about making sure he earns every basket, a sign of the mutual respect built during their years together.

     

    For Phoenix, however, the timing of Mamuyac’s arrival couldn’t be better. The Fuel Masters have looked revitalized under head coach Charles Tiu, combining disciplined defense with balanced offense to race to a 3-0 record. Adding a versatile defender and proven playmaker like Mamuyac only strengthens a roster that has quickly become one of the league’s biggest surprises.

     

    Mamuyac’s familiarity with Rain or Shine’s system could also prove valuable. Having practiced under Guiao for years, he understands the Elasto Painters’ defensive schemes, tendencies, and personnel as well as anyone on the Phoenix roster. Still, he knows that knowledge alone won’t guarantee success against a team that prides itself on preparation and toughness.

     

    Beyond the tactical battle, Tuesday’s contest carries plenty of personal significance. Mamuyac recently posted a heartfelt farewell to Rain or Shine, thanking the organization, coaches, teammates, and fans for believing in him throughout his first four professional seasons. Now, he’ll stand on the opposite bench for the first time, hoping to begin a successful new chapter while honoring the memories he made with his former club.

     

    As Phoenix looks to stay unbeaten and Rain or Shine aims to spoil the Fuel Masters’ momentum, all eyes will be on Mamuyac. For one night, the former Elasto Painter becomes the opponent and one of the biggest storylines of the young PBA Governors’ Cup season.

     

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