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Tag: San Miguel Beermen

  • 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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  • June Mar Fajardo plays down elbow injury after missing Beermen’s PBA opening-game win

    June Mar Fajardo plays down elbow injury after missing Beermen’s PBA opening-game win

    The San Miguel Beermen began their 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup campaign on a high note, securing a 123-109 victory over the Macau Giant Pandas on Tuesday, July 14, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    Despite entering the conference opener without their cornerstone player, the Beermen showed the depth and firepower that have made them one of the league’s most dominant franchises. San Miguel leaned on a balanced offensive attack and a strong defensive effort to pull away from Macau and start their title bid with a statement win.

     

    Import George King immediately made his presence felt in his first Governors’ Cup appearance with the Beermen, leading the team’s offensive charge with an impressive 30-point performance. King also contributed five rebounds and seven assists, showcasing his ability to impact the game beyond scoring and providing San Miguel with a reliable option on both ends of the floor.

     

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    CJ Perez also played a key role in the victory, providing valuable scoring and energy as the Beermen maintained control throughout the contest. On the defensive end, veteran forward Rodney Brondial delivered one of the standout performances of the night, dominating the boards with a monster 25-rebound effort that helped San Miguel win crucial possessions and limit Macau’s second-chance opportunities.

     

    The Beermen’s strong start was particularly encouraging given that they were forced to compete without franchise centerpiece June Mar Fajardo. The record nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player missed the season opener while recovering from a hyperextended elbow injury sustained during his stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the most recent window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.

    Fajardo’s absence was felt, but San Miguel proved it could rely on its deep roster while the veteran center works his way back to full health. The team’s strong interior defense, rebounding effort, and efficient offensive execution allowed them to overcome the challenge of playing without one of the league’s most dominant big men.

     

    For his part, Fajardo remained optimistic about his recovery and expressed confidence that the injury would not keep him sidelined for an extended period. The 36-year-old said he expects to return to practice soon and will assess his condition before deciding whether he can play in San Miguel’s upcoming matchup.

     

    “Sali na ako sa next practice. And baka maglaro na ako sa Sabado. Nothing serious naman. OK naman ako. Pahinga lang. Ganda ng nilaro ni Rodney ngayon. Lahat naman ng pinasok ni coach Peter Martin gumawa. Maganda ang takbo ng opensa. Sana tuloy-tuloy,” Mar Fajardo said in a media interaction.

     

    Fajardo also praised his teammates for stepping up in his absence, particularly highlighting Brondial’s dominant performance and the overall contribution of the players called upon by head coach Peter Martin. The veteran center emphasized the importance of maintaining the team’s momentum as they continue their Governors’ Cup campaign.

     

    With several days available for recovery, Fajardo will have time to regain his strength and determine if he is ready to return to action. The Beermen are scheduled to play their next game on Saturday, July 18, against the Terrafirma Dyip at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    San Miguel will look to build on its impressive opening performance as it aims to make another deep run in the Governors’ Cup. Whether Fajardo returns immediately or takes additional time to recover, the Beermen have already shown that their championship aspirations remain supported by a talented and dependable roster.

     

     

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  • Jerrick Ahanmisi eager to learn from Marcio Lassiter after joining San Miguel 

    Jerrick Ahanmisi eager to learn from Marcio Lassiter after joining San Miguel 

    For most shooters in the PBA, studying Marcio Lassiter means watching game film or admiring his highlights from afar.

     

    Jerrick Ahanmisi now gets something even better.

     

    After years of looking up to the league’s all-time leader in three-pointers, the newest San Miguel Beermen guard now shares the same locker room with the player he considers a role model, turning admiration into a daily learning opportunity.

     

    Ahanmisi wasted little time making an impact, scoring 16 points with four rebounds and four assists in San Miguel’s convincing 123-109 victory over guest team Macau in its PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup opener on Tuesday.

     

    Despite the encouraging debut, the former Terrafirma guard believes his biggest gain may come away from the stat sheet.

     

    “I’m super honored. Super blessed,” Ahanmisi said of playing alongside Lassiter.

    “Because he’s the best three-point shooter in the league right now, right? It’s just something for me to keep learning on.”

     

    Their connection as elite marksmen dates back to the PBA All-Star festivities in Candon earlier this year.

     

    The two battled for the Three-Point Shootout crown, with Lassiter appearing headed for another title after posting 25 points before Ahanmisi caught fire in the final round, draining 30 to steal the championship and complete a double victory after winning the Obstacle Challenge.

     

    Even after defeating his idol, Ahanmisi never hid the respect he has for the veteran sniper.

     

    “I look up to Marcio all the time,” the 28-year-old said after that contest.

     

    “Even before I came into the PBA, I looked up to him as a shooter, as a role model.”

     

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    That admiration has now evolved into a mentorship following his offseason move to San Miguel.

    The Beermen acquired Ahanmisi and Paolo Hernandez from Terrafirma in exchange for Juami Tiongson and Chris Miller, giving the former Adamson standout a chance to learn directly from one of the league’s greatest shooters.

     

    “I’m just gonna keep asking how he stayed that long, how he got to that record, how he’s number one, and hopefully I can follow in his footsteps,” he said.

     

    Still adjusting to his new surroundings, Ahanmisi admitted there’s plenty of room for improvement despite helping San Miguel open the conference with a victory.

     

    “I think I did pretty well. But there are always things that I can improve on,” he said.

     

    “So hopefully the next game will be a little bit better. I can be a little bit more efficient, too, in getting my own shots and learning from my teammates.”

     

    Fortunately for Ahanmisi, Lassiter isn’t the only veteran guiding him.

     

    Surrounded by championship winners like Chris Ross and June Mar Fajardo, the sharpshooter believes he has landed in the perfect environment to continue developing his game.

     

    “They’re all really cool,” Ahanmisi said.

     

    “I’m glad that I got them as my vets ’cause if I’m having trouble with anything or if I’m making mistakes, I can go up to them and ask them what’ going on or where I can be better at, and they’re really open to helping me out.”

     

    With one impressive debut behind him and experienced mentors around him, Ahanmisi hopes the lessons he learns in San Miguel will be be just as valuable as the points he scores.

     

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  • Jerrick Ahanmisi sees San Miguel move as best chance yet to chase first PBA championship 

    Jerrick Ahanmisi sees San Miguel move as best chance yet to chase first PBA championship 

    Jerrick Ahanmisi has built his reputation as one of the PBA’s most dangerous scorers. Now, the challenge is no longer about proving he can put up points—it is about learning how to win championships.


    The newly acquired San Miguel Beer guard believes his transfer to the league’s most decorated franchise gives him the opportunity he has long been waiting for, competing alongside players who have consistently turned talent into titles.

     

    Ahanmisi admitted the trade initially came as a surprise after he learned about it only shortly before it became official.

     

    “My initial reaction was shock because I only found out two days before I got traded,” Ahanmisi said.

     

    That surprise, however, quickly turned into excitement.

     

    “But knowing I was coming here, it was something that I’ve been wishing for and dreaming about for a long time. Now that I’m here, I’m going to take full advantage of it,” he added.

     

    San Miguel acquired Ahanmisi and Paolo Hernandez from Terrafirma in exchange for Juami Tiongson, rookie Chris Miller, and a second-round pick in the PBA Season 52 Rookie Draft.

     

    The move comes on the heels of Ahanmisi’s breakout Commissioner’s Cup campaign, where he emerged as one of the league’s elite offensive weapons. 

     

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    He averaged 21.3 points per game, showcasing his ability to score from deep, including the PBA’s three-point and four-point lines.

     

    At San Miguel, Ahanmisi enters a vastly different environment because instead of being relied upon as the primary scorer every night, he joins a championship-tested roster led by June Mar Fajardo and supported by veteran standouts Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, Cjay Perez, Jericho Cruz, and Don Trollano.

     

    For Ahanmisi, sharing the court with accomplished champions is as valuable as any role he will play on the floor.

     

    “I’m hoping that now that I’m here, I can learn from them and ask them how I can get myself a championship as well,” he said. 

     

    With a proven roster and another title run in sight, San Miguel hopes Ahanmisi’s scoring punch will add another dimension to its offense, while the guard looks to absorb the winning culture that has defined the Beermen for years.

     

    Ahanmisi is expected to make his official debut for San Miguel when the Beermen open their PBA Governors’ Cup campaign against the Macau Giant Pandas on July 14 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

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  • Jerrick Ahanmisi eager to prove he belongs in the PBA as he embraces new challenge with San Miguel

    Jerrick Ahanmisi eager to prove he belongs in the PBA as he embraces new challenge with San Miguel

    The San Miguel Beermen wasted little time strengthening an already formidable roster, making one of the most significant moves of the offseason by acquiring guard Jerrick Ahanmisi and Paolo Hernandez from the Terrafirma Dyip in exchange for veteran playmaker Juami Tiongson, rookie Chris Miller, and a second-round pick in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 52 Rookie Draft.

     

    For San Miguel, the deal represents more than just adding depth. It is a calculated move aimed at bolstering the team’s perimeter offense with one of the league’s hottest shooters while reinforcing a roster that is once again expected to compete for another championship.

     

    Ahanmisi arrives in San Miguel fresh off the finest stretch of his professional career. During the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, the explosive shooting guard established himself as one of the league’s premier offensive weapons, averaging 21.3 points per game. Much of his production came from beyond the arc, where he consistently punished defenses with his three-point shooting and quickly adapted to the league’s four-point line, making him one of the conference’s most dangerous long-range threats.

     

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    Now wearing the Beermen jersey, Ahanmisi embraces both the expectations and the opportunity that come with joining one of the PBA’s most successful franchises.

     

    “I want to go out there and still prove to myself and prove to everybody that, not only I belong in the PBA, but I belong to be on this team as well. Hopefully, this conference is going to be different. And hopefully we will be able to contend for a championship,” Ahanmisi said in a media interaction.

     

    Although he has already established himself as one of the league’s most reliable scorers, the 28-year-old remains motivated by the desire to continue proving himself. Joining a championship-caliber team presents a different challenge from carrying a rebuilding squad, and Ahanmisi is eager to show that his game can translate into winning basketball at the highest level.

    His journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. Born in the United States to a Filipina mother and a Nigerian father, Ahanmisi first made a name for himself in Philippine basketball as a standout for the Adamson Soaring Falcons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). His combination of athleticism, perimeter shooting, and scoring instincts eventually paved the way for his professional career after he signed with the Magnolia Hotshots in 2021.

     

    Ahanmisi spent four seasons with Magnolia, developing into a dependable contributor before an offseason trade sent him to Terrafirma. While his stint with the Dyip lasted only two conferences, it proved to be a pivotal chapter in his career.

     

    Given greater offensive freedom and a larger role, Ahanmisi blossomed into one of the PBA’s most productive scorers. The increased responsibilities allowed him to expand his game, build confidence, and showcase the offensive skill set that had long been evident throughout his collegiate and professional career.

     

    Looking back on his brief stay with Terrafirma, Ahanmisi expressed nothing but appreciation for the opportunity the organization provided.

     

    “It’s going to help me because I was able to experience a lot on the basketball court. The coaches and the management gave me the opportunity to play the way I wanted to play. And I was thankful enough that they were able to help me throughout my journey there with Terrafirma. And I just want to make sure that this conference is more of the same,” he added.

     

    Now, Ahanmisi enters a completely different environment. Instead of serving as the primary offensive option, he joins a veteran-laden San Miguel squad loaded with championship experience and proven stars. His perimeter shooting should complement reigning league MVP June Mar Fajardo’s dominant inside presence while creating more space for explosive guards CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz to attack. Veteran sniper Marcio Lassiter and longtime floor general Chris Ross further strengthen a rotation that is among the deepest in the league, with Don Trollano and Hernandez also providing additional versatility.

     

    For the Beermen, Ahanmisi’s arrival adds another dimension to an offense that already ranks among the league’s most potent. His ability to stretch defenses from long distance and score in bunches gives San Miguel another reliable weapon in its pursuit of another PBA title.

     

    As preparations begin for the new conference, expectations are understandably high. For San Miguel, the acquisition reinforces its championship aspirations. For Ahanmisi, it represents an opportunity to contribute on the league’s biggest stage, prove he can thrive alongside elite talent, and help add another championship to the Beermen’s storied legacy.

     

     

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  • PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup imports: Veterans, newcomers set to headline title chase 

    PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup imports: Veterans, newcomers set to headline title chase 

    The countdown to the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup has entered its final stretch, and with every team now unveiling its reinforcement, the race for the season-ending championship is beginning to take shape.

     

    When the conference opens on July 10 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, all 13 participating teams—including guest club Macau Giant Pandas—will parade imports who comply with the league’s 6-foot-6 height limit. The field features a familiar blend of proven PBA stars, former NBA players, and first-time reinforcements looking to make an immediate impact.

     

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel


    Leading the returning cast is Justin Brownlee, whose résumé in the league remains unmatched among active imports. The four-time PBA Best Import returns after steering the Gin Kings to the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup championship, where they outlasted TNT Tropang 5G in a grueling seven-game Finals series. Brownlee also powered Ginebra to its most recent Governors’ Cup title in 2022, earning his second Best Import award during that campaign.

     

    TNT Tropang 5G

     

    Defending Governors’ Cup champion TNT enters the tournament with a different reinforcement as Rondae Hollis-Jefferson continues his recovery. The Tropang 5G have turned to former NBA forward Darius Days, who was originally slated to play for TNT in the 2024 Governors’ Cup before Hollis-Jefferson decided to return. Since then, Days has helped the Illawarra Hawks capture a National Basketball League championship in Australia.

     

    Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

     

    Rain or Shine is banking on continuity by bringing back Aaron Fuller, who guided the Elasto Painters to the semifinals of last season’s Governors’ Cup before eventually bowing to TNT. Fuller returns after his latest stint in Mexico.

     

    NLEX Road Warriors

     

    NLEX will also keep a familiar face in DeQuan Jones, who rejoins the Road Warriors under new head coach Jimmy Alapag. The former Orlando Magic forward first suited up for NLEX midway through last season as Myke Henry’s replacement and now returns to a squad that topped the elimination round of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup before its playoff run ended in the quarterfinals against TNT.

     

    Converge FiberXers

     

    Converge welcomes back one of the league’s most explosive scorers in Jalen Hudson. Returning to the PBA for the first time in three years, Hudson previously played for TNT in the 2023 Governors’ Cup, highlighted by a spectacular 56-point, 12-rebound, four-assist performance against his current team.

     

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    Magnolia Hotshots

     

    Magnolia has signed American forward KJ Buffen, who played collegiate basketball at the University of Alabama at Birmingham before building a professional career in Finland, New Zealand, and most recently Indonesia with RANS PIK.

     

    Blackwater Bossing

     

    Blackwater reinforced its roster with Kentrell Barkley, an accomplished import who arrives after winning the Most Valuable Player award in both the Indonesian Basketball League and the Vietnam Basketball Association. Barkley has also captured championships in Vietnam and Taiwan and now joins the Bossing under interim coach Pat Aquino.

     

    Meralco Bolts

     

    Meralco will finally get a full conference with Jordon Varnado, who is already familiar with the Bolts after helping the team reach the quarterfinals of the 2025 Basketball Champions League Asia.

     

    San Miguel Beermen

     

    San Miguel acquired George King after his release from Blackwater, bringing back one of the most prolific scorers to have played in the PBA. During last season’s Governors’ Cup, King erupted for a career-high 64 points for the Bossing before continuing his overseas career with stops in Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Taiwan, and Germany.

     

    Terrafirma Dyip

     

    Terrafirma introduces Justin Strings, a Sacramento State product who has played professionally in Canada, Germany, Argentina, and Uruguay.

     

    Phoenix Fuel Masters

     

    Phoenix turns to former NBA swingman BJ Johnson, who previously suited up for the Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks before most recently playing for Lokomotiv Kuban in Russia’s VTB United League.

     

    Titan Ultra Giant Risers

     

    Expansion club Titan Ultra Giant Risers has entrusted its campaign to Tirrell Brown, whose professional career has taken him across Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay.

     

    Macau Giant Pandas

     

    Guest team Macau Giant Pandas, formerly known as the Black Knights, will be reinforced by De’Vondre Perry. The Temple University product heads to the PBA after competing in Belgium, the Dominican Republic, and Germany, where he last played for SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt.

     

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  • George King makes PBA comeback with San Miguel Beermen for Season 50 Governors’ Cup 

    George King makes PBA comeback with San Miguel Beermen for Season 50 Governors’ Cup 

    George King’s journey after leaving the PBA took him across different basketball landscapes.

    From Lebanon and Egypt to Iraq, Taiwan, and most recently Germany with Gladiators Trier, the former Blackwater standout continued building his career overseas. Now, after nearly a year away from Philippine basketball, King is coming back with a new challenge waiting for him.


    The San Miguel Beermen have secured King as their import for the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, hoping the explosive scorer can provide the offensive spark needed to revive their championship push.

     

    The move comes after a disappointing Commissioner’s Cup campaign for the Beermen. San Miguel went through three different imports—Marcus Lee, Justin Patton, and Bennie Boatwright, but struggled to find the consistency needed for a deep playoff run.

     

    The Beermen ended the eliminations as the sixth seed with a 7-5 record before falling to Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals, ending their pursuit of a grand slam season.

     

    Now, San Miguel is looking for a fresh start in the Governors’ Cup, a conference where the franchise has not lifted the championship trophy in 11 years.

     

    King enters the team with a reputation already established. During his first PBA stint with Blackwater, he quickly became one of the league’s most dangerous imports. King wasted no time making an impression.

     

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    King soon became Blackwater’s offensive engine, using his size, and scoring ability to create problems for opposing defenses. In the 2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, he averaged 34.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in 10 outings.

     

    His ability to score from inside and outside made him one of the toughest players to contain, especially when the game slowed down and teams relied on their imports to create offense.

     

    The scoring outburst highlighted the type of offensive force San Miguel is adding to its roster—a player capable of changing the direction of a game almost single-handedly.

     

    With San Miguel’s deep local lineup surrounding him, the challenge will be different. The Beermen are not simply looking for a scorer; they are hoping King can become the final piece of a championship puzzle.

     

    For King, the return represents another opportunity to prove himself in the league where he first made his name.

     

    For San Miguel, it is a chance to bring in an import who already understands the intensity, style, and pressure of the PBA.

     

    As the Governors’ Cup approaches, all eyes will be on whether George King can turn his second PBA chapter into a championship story.

     

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  • Juami Tiongson returns to Terrafirma as San Miguel reloads with Jerrick Ahanmisi in blockbuster trade 

    Juami Tiongson returns to Terrafirma as San Miguel reloads with Jerrick Ahanmisi in blockbuster trade 

    For Juami Tiongson, the move feels familiar.

     

    Eighteen months after San Miguel acquired him from Terrafirma as part of its pursuit of another championship, the veteran guard is heading back to the franchise where he rebuilt his career and became one of the PBA’s most productive local scorers.

     

    The PBA announced Wednesday that San Miguel has traded Tiongson and rookie Chris Miller to Terrafirma in exchange for Jerrick Ahanmisi and sophomore Paolo Hernandez, a deal that says as much about each team’s present priorities as it does about the players involved.

     

    On the surface, it is a straightforward swap of talent. Dig deeper, however, and it becomes a story of two franchises moving in opposite directions.

     

    For San Miguel, the transaction is another attempt to maximize a championship window that never seems to close.

     

    The Beermen are adding one of the conference’s most explosive local scorers in Ahanmisi, a player who emerged as Terrafirma’s primary offensive weapon during the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    He averaged more than 21 points per game while helping the Dyip produce the best start in franchise history and remain in playoff contention deep into the conference. Ahanmisi also delivered several signature performances, including a 24-point outing against San Miguel in a crucial late-season matchup.

     

    The former Jerrick Ahanmisi arrives with an established reputation as one of the league’s premier perimeter threats. A former UAAP Mythical Team member from Adamson University, he has steadily developed into one of the PBA’s most dangerous shot creators since entering the league in 2021.

     

    Meanwhile, Hernandez gives San Miguel another young piece to develop behind its veteran core.

     

    The trade also underscores how difficult Tiongson’s transition to San Miguel ultimately became.

     

    When the Beermen acquired the former Terrafirma franchise player in late 2024, many expected him to provide additional scoring and playmaking alongside stars such as June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez. Instead, Tiongson found himself adjusting to a far different role than the one he had grown accustomed to as Terrafirma’s offensive centerpiece.

     

    After averaging 17.2 points per game before his move to San Miguel, Tiongson’s production dropped significantly as he settled into a supporting role behind an already loaded backcourt. 

     

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    During the Commissioner’s Cup, he averaged just 4.7 points and 1.9 assists while often splitting minutes with veteran floor generals.

     

    Earlier this year, Tiongson openly acknowledged the adjustment that came with joining a championship contender.

     

    He admitted missing the larger offensive role he once had but recognized that becoming part of San Miguel’s deep roster required a different approach to the game.

     

    Now, he returns to the team where he spent five seasons and enjoyed the most productive stretch of his professional career.

     

    For Terrafirma, the move is about reclaiming a proven leader while adding a player whose skill set fits a team still searching for stability. Tiongson was more than just a scorer during his previous stint with the Dyip. He evolved into an All-Star, earned recognition as one of the league’s most improved players, and became one of the few consistent bright spots during challenging seasons for the franchise.

     

    The addition of Miller also provides Terrafirma another young guard who could receive more opportunities than he was likely to find within San Miguel’s crowded rotation.

     

    Ultimately, the trade reflects a familiar PBA reality.

     

    San Miguel continues to chase championships by adding established talent ready to contribute immediately. Terrafirma, meanwhile, welcomes back a player who once carried the franchise and now gets another chance to do so.

     

    For Ahanmisi, the move represents an opportunity to compete for titles alongside one of the league’s most decorated rosters.

     

    For Tiongson, it represents something different.

     

    A return to the team where he became a star, and perhaps the place where he can once again become one.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao proud of Rain or Shine despite another PBA semifinal exit

    Yeng Guiao proud of Rain or Shine despite another PBA semifinal exit

    Rain or Shine’s gallant run in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup came to a heartbreaking conclusion on Sunday, May 30, as the Elasto Painters absorbed a 118-107 loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 6 of their semifinal series at a packed Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    The defeat allowed Ginebra to clinch the best-of-seven series, 4-2, and secure a berth in the conference finals. Behind another stellar performance from resident import Justin Brownlee and the continued emergence of young guard RJ Abarrientos, the Gin Kings proved too much to handle in the deciding contest, ending Rain or Shine’s hopes of advancing to its first finals appearance in several conferences.

     

    Despite the disappointment of another semifinal exit, Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao chose to focus on the positives after the game, praising his team’s resilience and growth throughout the conference.

     

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    “I’m proud of what we have accomplished this conference. We made it all the way to the semifinals. We have lost a couple of players (Felix Lemetti and Luis Villegas) along the way, but we still put up a good fight against Ginebra,” Guiao said during the postgame press conference.

     

    “Ginebra deserves to win the finals. They played with consistency in this series. They shot the ball well, especially from the three points. Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos just carried them on their shoulders. We found it hard to really match up with those two guys. They deserved to make it to the finals. We wish them the best of luck in the finals. On our side, we will start preparing for the next conference. We will determine who our import will be,” he added.

     

    The series was highly competitive and showcased Rain or Shine’s determination against one of the league’s perennial championship contenders. The Elasto Painters stunned Ginebra by taking Game 1 and later battled back to level the series at 2-2, raising hopes that they could finally break through the semifinal barrier that has repeatedly stood in their way.

    However, Ginebra’s championship experience and ability to deliver in critical moments ultimately made the difference. Brownlee once again demonstrated why he is widely regarded as one of the greatest imports in PBA history, while Abarrientos consistently provided scoring and playmaking support throughout the series.

     

    For Rain or Shine, the result marked yet another painful ending. It was the fifth time in the last six conferences that the franchise has been eliminated in the semifinals, a statistic that reflects both the team’s consistency in reaching the league’s latter stages and its continued struggle to take the final step toward championship contention.

     

    Still, Guiao believes the experience gained from this campaign will be invaluable as the team continues its development.

     

    “Of course, there’s a sense of frustration, but we still have a long way to go. We still have a long way to go. We still need to learn how to build a team that can compete in the finals. We are happy about our import, Jaylen Johnson, but Brownlee played a different game. He could be the best import of all time, considering all that he’s achieved in all the years that he’s played. We gave ourselves a chance.

     

    “Actually, every game, we have a chance to win. There’s a chance that whatever momentum we build up, at the point where we can probably turn the tide, they have an answer. That’s how it is,” Guiao concluded.

     

    While the latest semifinal setback will undoubtedly sting, Rain or Shine can take pride in a campaign that highlighted the team’s grit, competitiveness, and ability to challenge one of the league’s powerhouse franchises. Despite injuries and roster challenges throughout the conference, the Elasto Painters remained in contention until the final stages and pushed Ginebra harder than many expected.

     

    As the organization turns its attention to the next conference, management and coaching staff will evaluate the roster, assess import options, and continue building around a core that has consistently proven capable of competing with the PBA’s elite teams. The ultimate goal remains clear: transforming repeated semifinal appearances into a long-awaited return to the PBA Finals.

     

     

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  • Four senators throw their support behind Bennie Boatwright’s Philippine naturalization process 

    Four senators throw their support behind Bennie Boatwright’s Philippine naturalization process 

    The Philippine naturalization bid of Bennie Boatwright has gained significant momentum after receiving formal backing from key lawmakers, marking another important step in his potential eligibility to represent the Philippines in major international competitions.

     

    The San Miguel Beermen standout forward is currently undergoing the naturalization process, which was recently boosted by the co-sponsorship of four Philippine senators during plenary discussions held on Tuesday, May 19. Senators Francis Pangilinan, Jinggoy Estrada, Pia Cayetano, and Bong Go voiced their support for House Bill 6639, which seeks to grant Philippine citizenship to Boatwright. A parallel measure, House Bill 6644, also includes Filipino-American wrestler Matthew James Ramos in its proposed naturalization provisions.

     

    Boatwright was present during the Senate session, underscoring his personal commitment to completing the process as he eyes potential eligibility in time for future international tournaments, including the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. His attendance was seen as a strong signal of intent, reflecting both his desire to represent the country and the seriousness with which lawmakers are treating his application.

     

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    Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights chair Francis Pangilinan, who presided over the hearing, emphasized the broader sporting significance of Boatwright’s naturalization, framing it as a boost not only for Philippine basketball but for the country’s international sporting ambitions.

     

    “By embracing the Philippines and choosing to stand with Filipino athletes, Bennie Boatwright strengthens not only our basketball program but also our hopes of excelling on the international stage, defending our Asian Games title, and one day returning to the Olympics,” Pangilinan said.

    Senator Jinggoy Estrada echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of strengthening national teams across multiple sports disciplines.

     

    “As a staunch advocate of basketball and sports in general, this representation has been continuously supporting measures that will improve the conditions of Filipino athletes and to make them globally competitive, dahil sama-sama tayong nangangarap na makita ang Philippine sports, basketball man o wrestling, na umangat sa buong mundo,” Estrada added.

     

    The naturalization journey of Boatwright began in 2024 when former Senator Sonny Angara filed Senate Bill No. 2646 during the 19th Congress, formally proposing the granting of Philippine citizenship. However, progress was temporarily slowed after Boatwright suffered an Achilles injury in August 2024, which sidelined him for an extended period and delayed the momentum of the application.

     

    On the court, Boatwright made an immediate and lasting impact during his stint in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, where he joined San Miguel as a mid-conference import. His presence proved transformative, helping power the Beermen to a championship run marked by consistent scoring, versatility, and leadership in high-pressure situations.

     

    He averaged 30.3 points, 12 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game during the conference, culminating in a pivotal role in San Miguel’s 104–102 title-clinching victory over the Magnolia Hotshots in Game 6 of the finals held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on February 14. His performance solidified his reputation as one of the most productive imports in recent PBA history.

     

    While Boatwright’s potential inclusion in the national program is widely seen as a major boost for future campaigns, immediate participation with Gilas Pilipinas remains uncertain. The national team is expected to rely on established naturalized player Justin Brownlee for its upcoming assignments, including the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for November.

     

    Despite the timeline, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas continues to pursue the completion of Boatwright’s citizenship process, viewing him as a valuable long-term addition to the national team pool as the Philippines looks to strengthen its competitiveness on the global stage.

     

     

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