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Tag: PBA

  • Phoenix’s long-awaited reunion of Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, and Gian Mamuyac fuels unbeaten start 

    Phoenix’s long-awaited reunion of Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, and Gian Mamuyac fuels unbeaten start 

    Phoenix’s 3-0 start in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup isn’t just being powered by strong performances on the floor. It’s also being driven by a reunion that has been more than a decade in the making.

     

    Long before they became PBA players, Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, and Gian Mamuyac were simply teenagers sharing the same court during a Jr. NBA camp. Their basketball journeys eventually took them to different schools, different teams, and different careers, making a reunion seem increasingly unlikely.

     

    Now, fate has finally brought all three together under the Phoenix Fuel Masters banner.

    For Rivero, seeing a familiar face like Mamuyac arrive in Phoenix has made the team’s early success even more meaningful.

     

    “Me, Tyler and Gian, sabay-sabay kami ng Jr. NBA before. Ngayon ko lang sila nakasama since nag-Ateneo sila kaya I’m so excited,” Rivero said after collecting 16 points and Player of the Game honors in Phoenix’s 81-78 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

    While Tio and Mamuyac went on to build their chemistry at Ateneo, Rivero carved out his own collegiate path with La Salle before transferring to the University of the Philippines.

    Their professional careers also unfolded separately.

     

    Tio and Mamuyac entered the PBA in the same rookie class in 2022, although the latter began his career with Rain or Shine. Rivero joined the league the following year as a Phoenix draft pick, leaving the trio still waiting for the chance to become teammates once again.

     

    That opportunity finally arrived when the Fuel Masters acquired Mamuyac in a blockbuster trade, completing a reunion years in the making.

    Rivero immediately reached out after learning about the deal, hoping they could finally chase bigger goals together.

     

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    “Masaya ako. Nung nalaman ko na trade si Mamu, nag-message ako agad sa kanya,” he said. “Sinabi ko sa kanya, ‘let’s try our best.’ Kung kaya umabot ng Finals, aim for the best.”

     

    So far, Phoenix has looked every bit like a team benefiting from that renewed chemistry.

     

    The Fuel Masters have opened the conference with three consecutive victories, including a statement win over Barangay Ginebra in Mamuyac’s debut wearing a Phoenix uniform.

     

    But despite the perfect record, Rivero knows the bigger challenge still lies ahead.

     

    Their next matchup comes against Rain or Shine, giving Mamuyac an immediate chance to face the franchise where he spent the first four years of his PBA career.

     

    Rivero, meanwhile, is focused on making sure Phoenix’s fast start turns into something much more significant than just an unbeaten stretch.

     

    “Gusto lang namin makabawi since we ended the last conference very bad against Ginebra,” he said.

     

    “Sobrang saya lang sa feeling and minsan lang kami nakapag-ganito and never pa talaga yung 3-0. So why not make the most out of it and try to go 4-0 kung kaya?” Rivero continued.

     

    For three players whose friendship began long before the professional ranks, Phoenix’s early surge feels like more than just a winning streak. It is the first chapter of a reunion they had waited years to experience—and one they hope will end with the deepest playoff run of their careers.

     

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  • PBA: Is Phoenix finally ready to take the next step?

    PBA: Is Phoenix finally ready to take the next step?

    The Phoenix Fuel Masters are off to a perfect 3-0 start, and while many expected the usual title contenders to dominate the early headlines, it has been Charles Tiu’s young and energetic squad that has captured the attention of basketball fans.

     

    The question now is simple: Is Phoenix finally ready to make the leap from rebuilding franchise to legitimate contender?

     

    For years, the Fuel Masters have been assembling young talent through the draft, smart acquisitions, and player development. This conference may finally be the moment where all those pieces begin to fit together.


    One of the biggest reasons for the optimism is Phoenix’s newest acquisition.

     

    Just days after the conference began, the Fuel Masters acquired Gian Mamuyac from Rain or Shine in exchange for their Season 53 first-round draft pick, while also receiving Rain or Shine’s second-round selection. The trade came after Mamuyac and the Elasto Painters were unable to reach a contract extension, giving Phoenix the opportunity to add one of the league’s premier young two-way guards. 

     

    The former Ateneo standout, finished with 12 points, six assists, and six rebounds in his final game for the Elasto Painters before being shipped to the Fuel Masters. 

     

    Even before he has fully settled into the system, the former UAAP champion already looks like a perfect fit. His ability to defend opposing stars, create plays, attack the basket, and contribute as a reliable scorer gives Phoenix another dimension on both ends of the floor. More importantly, he brings valuable winning experience to an already promising roster.

     

    But Mamuyac isn’t the only “new” addition making an impact.

     

    The return of Kai Ballungay from injury almost feels like signing another star.

     

    The versatile 6-foot-7 forward provides everything modern basketball demands switchable defense, rebounding, athleticism, and the ability to stretch the floor. His presence immediately raises Phoenix’s ceiling, giving Coach Charles Tiu another versatile weapon capable of guarding multiple positions while fitting seamlessly into the team’s up-tempo style.

     

    Together, they strengthen what is arguably one of the most exciting young cores in the PBA.

     

    Jason Perkins remains the veteran anchor of the franchise and continues to perform at an All-Star level. Even when he isn’t leading the scoring column, Perkins commands enormous defensive attention, creating space for Phoenix’s younger players to attack. His gravity on offense makes life significantly easier for the Fuel Masters’ growing collection of playmakers.

     

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    It’s a roster built around length, versatility, athleticism, and multiple shot creators, a blueprint that mirrors many successful modern basketball teams.

     

    Of course, every contender still needs a dominant import, and Phoenix appears to have found exactly that in BJ Johnson.

     

    Through three games, Johnson has been spectacular, averaging 27.67 points, 9.67 rebounds, and 2.33 assists per game. His efficient scoring, ability to finish in transition, and veteran presence have perfectly complemented Phoenix’s fast-paced attack.

     

    More importantly, Johnson doesn’t need to dominate every possession. Instead, he allows the Fuel Masters’ young local core to grow alongside an experienced import capable of taking over whenever needed.

     

    Perhaps the most intriguing storyline, however, isn’t just the players it’s the man standing on the sidelines. Now, with arguably the deepest and most balanced roster he’s had since taking over Phoenix, this conference could become his biggest opportunity yet.

     

    Can Charles Tiu finally establish himself among the PBA’s elite coaches? A strong Governor’s Cup run would certainly strengthen that conversation. Phoenix’s style of play has also drawn comparisons to another independent franchise that recently climbed the league hierarchy.

     

    Can the Fuel Masters become this conference’s version of Rain or Shine?

     

    Like the Elasto Painters, Phoenix isn’t built around aging superstars or headline-grabbing veterans. Instead, they’re relying on youth, relentless pace, defensive versatility, and a system that empowers multiple players rather than one dominant scorer.

     

    That formula has already proven successful elsewhere. Now it’s Phoenix’s turn to see if they can follow the same path.

     

    But for the first time in quite a while, Phoenix isn’t simply viewed as a rebuilding team with potential. They’re beginning to look like a team capable of making real noise. Whether this hot start turns into a deep playoff run remains to be seen.

     

    One thing is certain, though the Fuel Masters have officially entered the conversation, and if this young core continues to develop under Charles Tiu, the rest of the PBA may soon discover that Phoenix is no longer just building for the future.

     

    The future may have already arrived.

     

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  • New import Riley Grigsby gives Ginebra reason for optimism after debut 

    New import Riley Grigsby gives Ginebra reason for optimism after debut 

    Barangay Ginebra may have started its PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup campaign with a loss, but it also discovered that its emergency import is more than capable of carrying the offensive load.

     

    Making his first appearance in the league, Riley Grigsby wasted little time proving he belonged, erupting for 42 points and 13 rebounds in an impressive debut despite Ginebra’s 81-78 setback to the unbeaten Phoenix Fuel Masters on Sunday.

     

    Tasked with replacing longtime resident import Justin Brownlee on short notice, Grigsby embraced the spotlight that naturally comes with wearing a Ginebra jersey.

     

    Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the expectations surrounding the league’s most popular franchise, the former NBA G League standout treated the opportunity like any other basketball game.

     

    “I wouldn’t say there’s pressure. Obviously, I knew what I was coming into. Everyone talks about Ginebra. I knew people who played for Ginebra in the past and they told me this is a historic organization,” he said.

     

    “It’s basketball at the end of the day. I just said I’ll come here and play my game and that’s what I try to do.”

     

    Grigsby’s performance gave Ginebra exactly what it hoped for after turning to him while Brownlee continues to recover from multiple injuries, including a lingering right hamstring strain and issues with his left knee. 

     

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    The 26-year-old import, who most recently suited up for the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA G League, consistently found ways to score and keep the Gin Kings within striking distance throughout the contest.

     

    Unfortunately for Ginebra, the offensive support never arrived.

     

    Jeremiah Grey was the only other Gin King to score more than eight points, finishing with nine despite shooting just 3-of-14 from the field.

     

    As a team, Ginebra struggled to convert its opportunities, managing only 32.6 percent shooting, allowing Phoenix’s balanced attack to escape with the victory.

     

    The Fuel Masters leaned on five players who scored at least nine points, with import BJ Johnson leading the way with 23 markers to preserve the team’s unbeaten start.

     

    While the result spoiled Grigsby’s first night in the PBA, his explosive debut provided an encouraging sign for Ginebra as it navigates the conference without Brownlee.

     

    If his opening performance is any indication, the Gin Kings have found an import capable of keeping them competitive while waiting for their longtime franchise reinforcement to return.

     

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  • Rey Nambatac wastes no time rewriting his TNT story in Governor’s Cup opening win 

    Rey Nambatac wastes no time rewriting his TNT story in Governor’s Cup opening win 

    Rey Nambatac wasted little time putting his difficult Commissioner’s Cup campaign behind him, delivering a strong all-around performance to lead TNT Tropang 5G to a 106-103 victory over the Macau Giant Pandas in their opening game of the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup on Sunday.


    Nambatac finished with 23 points, six assists, and three rebounds as the defending champions held off a furious Macau rally after seeing a 15-point lead trimmed to just three in the closing minutes.

     

    The veteran guard’s performance marked a sharp turnaround from his previous conference, where he struggled to find his rhythm and posted career-low production since joining TNT.

     

    “To be honest, ‘yung last conference ko was a wakeup call, an eye-opener na rin para sa akin,” Nambatac said.

     

    The former Letran standout averaged only 5.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in 27 games during the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup. 

     

    His struggles extended into the Finals against Barangay Ginebra, a surprising dip considering he was named the PBA Press Corps Finals MVP when TNT won the same tournament last season.

     

    Rather than dwell on those struggles, Nambatac said he entered the Governor’s Cup determined to restore the level of play that helped establish him as one of TNT’s key backcourt weapons.

     

    “Sabi ko, hindi puwedeng ganun. So I need to step up and ibalik ko ‘yung usual na laro ko, and dito mag-i-start ‘yun sa conference na ‘to,” he said.

     

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    The offseason also saw Nambatac become the subject of trade speculation, with reports linking him to a possible move to Titan Ultra in exchange for Joshua Munzon. 

     

    He stayed with TNT, however, and immediately rewarded the team’s faith with one of his best performances in recent months.

     

    Nambatac’s offense proved crucial as TNT weathered Macau’s late charge to secure its first victory of the conference.

     

    Still, the 31-year-old guard knows sustaining that level will be the bigger challenge as the tournament progresses.

     

    “Sabi nga ni coach Chot [Reyes], hopefully magtuloy-tuloy na. And the key in this conference for me is to be more consistent,” he said.

     

    With the opening hurdle cleared, TNT will look to improve to 2-0 when it takes on the Titan Ultra Giant Risers on Wednesday, July 22, with Nambatac aiming to build on a performance that could signal the return of his old form.

     

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  • Justin Arana earns PBA Player of the Week honors after dominant start to season

    Justin Arana earns PBA Player of the Week honors after dominant start to season

    Justin Arana is proving that he belongs among the PBA’s elite.

     

    The Converge FiberXers star was named the PBA Player of the Week after spearheading his team’s unbeaten 3-0 start with a pair of dominant double-double performances.

     

    Arana delivered back-to-back monster outings, first posting 31 points and 10 rebounds in Converge’s victory over Terrafirma before following it up with an even more spectacular performance against Macau. The 6-foot-7 center exploded for 39 points and 12 rebounds, setting a new Converge franchise record for most points in a game while leading the FiberXers to another convincing win.

     

    His efficient scoring, relentless rebounding, and commanding presence in the paint have been instrumental in the FiberXers’ unbeaten start. If he continues to produce at this level, Arana will not only keep Converge among the league’s top teams but also further solidify his case as one of the leading contenders for the PBA Most Valuable Player award this season. 

     

    Thanks in large part to Arana’s stellar play, the FiberXers remain one of the league’s hottest teams with a perfect 3-0 record, building momentum early in the conference and emerging as one of the teams to watch.

     

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    The challenge, however, only gets tougher from here.

     

    Converge’s next two assignments come against perennial title contenders San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang Giga, two squads loaded with championship experience and elite interior defenders. Those matchups will provide the biggest test yet for Arana’s scorching form.

     

    If the newly crowned Player of the Week can continue producing at this level against powerhouses like San Miguel and TNT, it would further establish him as one of the premier local big men in the league and strengthen Converge’s case as a legitimate championship contender erasing the disappointing finish they had last conference.

     

    For now, Arana has all the momentum. Two consecutive 30-point, 10-rebound performances, a new franchise scoring record, and an unbeaten start have made him one of the PBA’s brightest stars to open the season and the FiberXers will be counting on him to keep that dominance rolling.

     

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  • Phoenix stays perfect after surviving Riley Grigsby’s 42-point explosion against Barangay Ginebra 

    Phoenix stays perfect after surviving Riley Grigsby’s 42-point explosion against Barangay Ginebra 

    Phoenix Super LPG proved that its unbeaten start is no fluke, weathering a furious late rally from Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to escape with an 81-78 victory and extend its winning streak to three games in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The Fuelmasters entered the matchup with an opportunity to seize sole possession of the Group B lead and capitalized on a Ginebra squad still adjusting to a new import while missing star guard Scottie Thompson. 

     

    Phoenix dictated the tempo for most of the contest before surviving a dramatic finish sparked by Riley Grigsby, whose spectacular debut nearly turned the game around.

     

    Import BJ Johnson once again provided the offensive spark for Phoenix, finishing with 23 points, while Ricci Rivero continued his strong campaign with 16 points and nine rebounds in a balanced effort that lifted the Fuelmasters to a perfect 3-0 record.

     

    Phoenix head coach Charles Tiu admitted his team wanted to take advantage of the circumstances surrounding Ginebra.

     

    “We wanted to try to catch them off guard,” said Phoenix coach Charles Tiu.


    “It’s the first game with [a new] import and wala is Scottie Thompson. We wanted to step on the gas and they’re Ginebra for a reason. They didn’t wanna quit and they made a big scare,” he added.

     

    The Fuelmasters appeared to have the game under control after stretching the lead to 81-74 with only 18 seconds left, but Grigsby had other plans.

     

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    Making an immediate impact in his first game for Barangay Ginebra, the American import knocked down back-to-back baskets to slash the deficit to just three points with six seconds remaining, giving the Gin Kings one last opportunity to steal the game.

     

    Ginebra’s final possession, however, fell short when Jeremiah Gray missed a three-point attempt that could have either forced overtime or delivered a stunning victory via the league’s four-point shot, allowing Phoenix to hold on for the win.

     

    Despite the loss, Grigsby announced his arrival in impressive fashion by pouring in 42 points in his debut. His scoring outburst kept Ginebra within striking distance throughout the closing stretch, but the Gin Kings ultimately dropped their first game with their new reinforcement.

     

    Compounding Ginebra’s frustrations, head coach Tim Cone was ejected late in the contest after receiving his second technical foul.

     

    With momentum firmly on its side, Phoenix now turns its attention to Rain or Shine on Tuesday, July 21, aiming to stretch its unbeaten run to four games. Ginebra, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when it faces Blackwater on Friday, July 24.

     

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  • Blackwater eyes 2-0 start as Magnolia searches for first win in Governors’ Cup 

    Blackwater eyes 2-0 start as Magnolia searches for first win in Governors’ Cup 

    Momentum is on Blackwater’s side. Urgency belongs to Magnolia.

     

    Those contrasting storylines collide Friday night when the Bossing and the Hotshots square off in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with Blackwater chasing a rare 2-0 start and Magnolia trying to avoid falling into an early hole in Group B.

     

    Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.

     

    Blackwater couldn’t have asked for a better conference opener.

     

    The Bossing dismantled Rain or Shine, 131-108, not only avenging the franchise’s humiliating 56-point defeat to the Elasto Painters last March but also sending a message that this year’s squad may be built differently.

     

    Rather than dwelling on revenge, however, head coach Pat Aquino wants his team focused on sustaining the level of basketball it displayed from opening tip to final buzzer.

     

    “I know it’s at the back of our minds but that’s the past already,” Aquino said after the victory.

    “We were aggressive from start to finish. Hopefully, this good start will continue.”

     

    The performance was fueled by an explosive PBA debut from import Kentrell Barkley, who nearly recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists.

     

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    His all-around brilliance opened opportunities for the Bossing’s local core, with Sedrick Barefield pouring in 24 points, RK Ilagan adding 22, and Dalph Panopio contributing 19 in one of Blackwater’s most complete offensive performances in recent years.

     

    Barkley wasted little time making his presence felt, exploding for 18 points in the opening quarter while knocking down all four of his attempts from beyond the arc to help the Bossing race to a double-digit lead they never surrendered.

     

    Magnolia, meanwhile, enters the matchup looking for a quick response after letting a golden opportunity slip away in its conference opener.

     

    The Hotshots squandered a 16-point advantage before absorbing a 98-86 defeat to Phoenix Super LPG, with BJ Johnson taking over late to finish with 34 points and 10 rebounds.

     

    Now, Magnolia hopes import KJ Buffen can provide the spark needed to even its record.

     

    The former Indonesian Basketball League MVP faces the difficult task of slowing down Barkley while helping the Hotshots rediscover the consistency that disappeared in the second half of their opener.

     

    With Blackwater aiming to prove its dominant debut was no fluke and Magnolia desperate to avoid an 0-2 start, Friday’s clash offers an early measuring stick for two teams entering the Governors’ Cup with very different momentum—but equally important goals.

     

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  • Meralco’s head coach Luigi Trillo seeks officiating consistency after Bolts’ one-point loss to Phoenix 

    Meralco’s head coach Luigi Trillo seeks officiating consistency after Bolts’ one-point loss to Phoenix 

    The Meralco Bolts walked away from their season opener with more than just a heartbreaking one-point defeat. Head coach Luigi Trillo left the Smart Araneta Coliseum believing the outcome could have been different if the game had been officiated with greater consistency.


    Meralco pushed the Phoenix Fuel Masters to the limit despite playing without import Jordon Varnado, who remained sidelined as he continues to recover from a minor injury. The Bolts relied on their all-Filipino core and nearly stole the contest before eventually falling, 98-97, in a game decided by the slimmest of margins.

     

    Rather than dwelling on the result itself, Trillo pointed to several late-game sequences that, in his view, highlighted inconsistencies in how contact was called.

     

    “I think both teams played well. Congrats to Phoenix. It came down to possessions. But I don’t know, those last few possessions, they didn’t call fouls. They went three times to the basket and there were fouls called,” Trillo told reporters after the game.

     

    “Our main guy, star player, [Chris] Newsome gets hacked three times but there’s no call. So I can understand why our guys, I kind of shook hands and then I saw they were all there, even our governor, the manager,” he added.

     

    One of the biggest moments came with just 43 seconds left, when Phoenix’s JL Delos Santos denied Chris Newsome near the basket. Trillo believed the play deserved a whistle and said such moments have a major impact on the outcome of close contests.

     

    “Those calls need to be made because those are decisions where you dictate the game. So they got to the free-throw line three times in those last three possessions and we did not… I think you have to come down to consistency,” he said.

     

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    “And these little things in the end, that’s tough for us. But again, you have to roll with the punches. 26 to 20 fouls. I think if they had called one or two, it wouldn’t be that far. Clearly, Phoenix earned that win because they kept on trying. They were down hard. They got to the basket. They were aggressive and they got some calls,” Trillo said.

     

    While the PBA has begun aligning its officiating standards more closely with FIBA rules, Trillo clarified that his concern is not about adapting to new interpretations but ensuring both teams are judged under the same standard throughout the game.

     

    “No adjustment. It’s clear. If our guy gets to the basket and if that gets hit here, that’s a foul. And you see them going to the basket, it’s the same. I like the way things are. But at the end of the day, coaches get fired. They should put pressure on the referee or the guy in charge. He should also get fired if he’s not doing his job,” he said.

     

    “We’re at the short end of the stick this time, so it is what it is. But clearly, at the end, it’s not a guarantee you’ll win the game. But you’re just looking for consistency from both,” Trillo added.

     

    Despite the loss, the Bolts showed encouraging signs even without their reinforcement. CJ Cansino led Meralco with 18 points, three rebounds, and one assist, while Allein Maliksi added 16 points and two rebounds. Brandon Bates anchored the paint with a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds.

     

    Meralco now shifts its attention to its next assignment, where replacement import Antonio Hester is expected to make his debut. The Bolts aim to bounce back on Saturday when they face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, hoping a reinforced lineup can turn a promising performance into their first win of the campaign.

     

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  • Phoenix lands Gian Mamuyac as Rain or Shine ends four-year partnership 

    Phoenix lands Gian Mamuyac as Rain or Shine ends four-year partnership 

    One of the PBA’s longest-running contract standoffs has finally reached its conclusion.

     

    After weeks of uncertainty surrounding Gian Mamuyac’s future, Rain or Shine officially parted ways with the versatile guard, sending him and a Season 53 second-round pick to Phoenix in exchange for the Fuel Masters’ first-round selection in the same draft.

     

    The trade, approved by the PBA on Thursday, closes the chapter on Mamuyac’s four-year tenure with the Elasto Painters—the franchise that selected him fifth overall in the Season 47 Rookie Draft and helped shape him into one of the league’s rising two-way guards.

     

    Titan Management Group, which represents Mamuyac, also confirmed the transaction.

     

    Rather than reaching a new agreement, both sides ultimately chose a fresh start after contract negotiations dragged on without a resolution heading into the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    Although Rain or Shine retained Mamuyac’s rights through the league’s automatic extension rule for expiring contracts during the season, negotiations remained at a standstill until the trade provided an exit for both parties.

     

    Mamuyac now reunites with fellow Titan Management clients and former Ateneo standouts Tyler Tio and Kai Ballungay at Phoenix, giving the Fuel Masters another proven backcourt piece as they continue reshaping their roster.

     

    His departure also marks the end of a productive run in Rain or Shine, where he emerged as one of the franchise’s most dependable young players alongside Adrian Nocum and Andrei Caracut.

     

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    Ironically, Mamuyac’s final appearance in an Elasto Painters uniform came only days before the trade became official. He finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists in a 131-108 loss to Blackwater, unaware it would be his farewell game with the team.

     

    Even then, the 6-foot-2 guard made it clear that his preference was to remain with the organization he had come to regard as home.

     

    “Iba pa rin talaga yung maglaro para sa mga taong you consider as family. And ganyan kami sa Rain or Shine, close kami lahat diyan. Napamahal na ako sa lahat,” he said.

     

    “I really want to stay and hopefully, may mangyari na sa negotiations.”

     

    Instead, those words became his final public remarks as a Rain or Shine player.

     

    Now wearing Phoenix colors, Mamuyac gets the fresh opportunity both sides ultimately needed, while the Elasto Painters move forward with additional draft capital after bringing an end to one of the offseason’s most closely watched contract disputes.

     

     

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  • Chris Newsome clarifies heated postgame exchange with PBA officials after Meralco loss

    Chris Newsome clarifies heated postgame exchange with PBA officials after Meralco loss

    Chris Newsome emphasized that his animated conversation with the officials following Meralco’s heartbreaking loss to Phoenix was not an emotional outburst, but rather an attempt to gain clarity on the officiating standards that will be implemented throughout the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup.

     

    The Meralco Bolts opened their campaign on a disappointing note after suffering a gut-wrenching 98-97 defeat to the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Wednesday, July 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The game went down to the wire, with Phoenix holding on in the closing seconds to spoil Meralco’s season opener.

     

    While the narrow loss itself drew plenty of attention, the postgame interaction between Newsome, the officiating crew, and PBA commissioner Willie Marcial quickly became another talking point. Television cameras captured the Meralco captain approaching the referees immediately after the final buzzer, leading to speculation that he had lost his composure over several crucial calls late in the contest.

     

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    Newsome, however, quickly dispelled that notion.

     

    Speaking to reporters after the game, the veteran guard insisted that his discussion with the officials remained respectful and centered solely on understanding how the new rules would be enforced moving forward.

     

    “I don’t think I lost my cool, to be honest,” Newsome said. “I was just asking folks for clarification on what happened. In our captain’s meeting, the refs said if there’s anything that you have questions on, as the captain, that we approach them about it.”

     

    “So I just wanted to approach them about it. I guess maybe we’ll have to find another time to talk about it. We’ll let management do their thing and see what happens.”

     

    Newsome’s concerns stemmed from several officiating decisions during the tightly contested matchup, including what he believed were critical non-calls in the closing stages that ultimately affected the outcome. Rather than challenging the referees’ authority, the Meralco skipper stressed that he simply wanted a better understanding of how certain situations were being interpreted under the league’s updated rulebook.

    The PBA recently adopted several FIBA officiating guidelines ahead of the Governors’ Cup in an effort to align the domestic league more closely with international basketball standards. The initiative is expected to help members of Gilas Pilipinas become more accustomed to FIBA-style officiating as they prepare for major international competitions.

     

    With those adjustments now in effect, Newsome believes it is essential for players to clearly understand what officials will allow and what they will penalize.

     

    “I was just asking for clarification on what it is, what are the rules,” he explained. “I just needed to know exactly what was going on so I know how to adjust accordingly moving forward with the calls and everything.”

     

    “It’s important to understand what are the clear rules that we’re going to play with. That way it’s fair for all teams. That’s all I want is transparency on how we’re going to play the game.”

     

    The 35-year-old, who has long been regarded as one of the PBA’s premier two-way players and a respected veteran leader, emphasized that consistency—not perfection—is what players ultimately seek from officiating.

     

    He acknowledged the difficult job referees face in managing fast-paced, physical games but maintained that uniform application of the rules is crucial throughout the season.

     

    “We can, of course, go look at the film and see the fouls that they called and see if the same actions on the other side were made or not called,” Newsome said. “But I understand the refs’ movement also.”

     

    “For me, it’s just about holding the standard, having a standard to follow. As long as everybody’s on the same page, we’ll go out there and play basketball. That’s all I need is transparency and clarity for how we’re going to play this game.”

     

    Despite the frustrating defeat, Newsome made it clear that neither he nor the team intends to dwell on the controversy. Instead, the Bolts are shifting their focus toward bouncing back in their next assignment as they continue their pursuit of another Governors’ Cup title.

     

    Meralco will look to notch its first victory of the conference when it squares off against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Saturday, July 18, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, with Newsome expected to once again lead the charge as the Bolts aim to quickly move past their season-opening heartbreak.

     

     

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