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Down by as many as 18 points, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel still managed to take Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals against the San Miguel Beermen, 73–71, on Wednesday night, June 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Scottie Thompson was named Best Player of the Game after tallying 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field, along with eight rebounds, one assist, and a steal.

Japeth Aguilar also provided steady production despite being in foul trouble, finishing with a team-high 18 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and a block. Jamie Malonzo added 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

The other Aguilar—Raymond—stepped up big when Japeth got into foul trouble, contributing six crucial points that helped spark the Gin Kings' rally. He also recorded a +13 in just eight and a half minutes of action.

“This is our job naman talaga na pagpasok namin magbigay ng energy sa team,” said the 38-year-old Raymond Aguilar, who usually comes off the bench during 'garbage time.' “Medyo maagang na foul trouble si Japeth. Buti na lang nakapag step up tayo.”

Roger Ray Pogoy poured in 28 points to lead the TNT Tropang 5G past the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 98-91, in Game 1 of their Semi-Finals series on Wednesday, June 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Aside from his 28 markers, the sharpshooting guard also grabbed two rebounds and dished out four assists while playing a game-high 36 minutes to anchor TNT’s victory.

John Paul Erram was also a key contributor, posting a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. He was followed by Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who also tallied a double-double with 13 points and 10 boards, and Simon Enciso, who chipped in 12 points on 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc. Enciso also added five rebounds and five assists. All three came off the bench, helping TNT gain a 41-30 advantage in bench scoring.

Calvin Oftana contributed another double-double performance with 12 points and 10 rebounds, making up for his game-high seven turnovers. Jordan Heading also finished in double digits with 10 points and three rebounds.

TNT didn’t have an easy time securing the win, as the game was close from the outset. The first quarter ended in a 25-all tie, and both teams remained deadlocked at 43 by halftime.

The Tropang 5G finally gained a slight edge in the third quarter, outscoring Rain or Shine 22-17, and sealed the win with a 35-33 finish in the fourth to secure the seven-point triumph.

On the other end, five Rain or Shine players scored in double figures, with Andrei Caracut leading the way with 16 points. He was followed by Jhonard Clarito (14), Adrian Nocum (13), Cealan Tiongson (12), and Gabe Norwood (12). However, their collective effort fell short.

It was a close, physical, and emotional battle until the final moments, with Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao ejected in the closing seconds of the game.

Rain or Shine will look to even the series in Game 2, scheduled for Friday, June 27, at 7:30 PM at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers just made one of the biggest offseason moves in UAAP Men’s Basketball by securing the commitment of Collins Akowe, one of the most dominant big men in the UAAP high school ranks.

The 6-foot-10 Nigerian standout from National University-Nazareth School (NU-NS) officially joins UST after weeks of negotiation with head coach Pido Jarencio and team managers Waiyip Chong and Eric Ang.

Akowe will be eligible to play for the Tigers starting UAAP Season 88 and has a full five-year window to compete in the league.

He made headlines in UAAP Season 87, powering the NU Bullpups with averages of 20.9 points, 19.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game.

While his statistical dominance was undeniable, league rules prevented him from repeating as MVP due to restrictions on foreign student-athletes. Instead, he was honored as the Best Foreign Student-Athlete after also winning the Season 86 MVP award.

Akowe now joins a reloaded UST lineup that already features key players like Nic Cabañero, Forthsky Padrigao, and fellow new recruits Koji Buenaflor, Charles Bucsit, Kristian Porter, and James Jumao-as. 

Akowe’s commitment highlights an aggressive offseason for the Growling Tigers, who are looking to capitalize on their Season 87 breakthrough, where they finished third in the eliminations before falling to eventual champions UP Fighting Maroons in the semifinals.

His commitment is not just a win for UST—it is a signal to the rest of the league that the Growling Tigers are serious about building a championship-caliber team.

Another four-time PBA Most Valuable Player takes the spotlight in our series.

Alvin “The Captain” Patrimonio captured the league’s highest individual honor in 1991, 1993, 1994, and 1997—becoming only the second player to achieve the feat after “El Presidente” Ramon Fernandez, who won it in 1982, 1984, 1986, and 1988.

Patrimonio played his entire 17-year career with just one franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), staying loyal from 1988 to 2004. He became the face of the Purefoods/Magnolia franchise throughout those years, eventually passing the torch to his successors upon retirement.

Beyond the MVP accolades, "The Captain" amassed an impressive collection of achievements: six PBA championships, 10 Mythical First Team selections, one Mythical Second Team nod, and three Best Player of the Conference awards.

Known for his lion heart every time he stepped on the hardwood, Patrimonio was also a 12-time PBA All-Star, winning MVP honors in the 1995 All-Star Game. He was a three-time scoring champion and was named the PBA Press Corps’ Newsmaker of the Year. In honor of his contributions, the franchise retired his jersey number 16.

His final season was filled with emotional farewell tributes, not only from his team but from opposing squads as well—gestures that deeply moved the humble and grateful athlete.

Post-retirement, Patrimonio continued to serve the game as the team manager of the Hotshots, adding eight more PBA titles to his name. This includes a rare four-peat and a Grand Slam during the San Mig Coffee Mixers era.

All in all, he boasts 14 PBA championships—as a player and executive combined—and was part of the PBA's 25 Greatest Players list in 2000.

Patrimonio held several long-standing records, including most consecutive games played at 596—an ironman feat later surpassed by LA Tenorio, whom Alvin warmly congratulated. He ranks third all-time in scoring with 15,091 points and fourth in total rebounds, collecting over 6,000 boards. He is also the second player, after Bogs Adornado, to win back-to-back MVPs (1993–1994), and only the second to claim three Best Player of the Conference awards, following Vergel Meneses.

Internationally, Patrimonio represented the country in several Asian Games alongside fellow legend Allan Caidic. He was part of the bronze medal-winning 1986 team in Seoul and the silver medal-winning 1990 team in Beijing. He also contributed to the 1998 Centennial Team that bagged a bronze medal in Bangkok.

Despite standing just 6’3”, Patrimonio played much bigger than his height—anchored by grit, heart, and discipline. But beyond the numbers, what truly endeared him to fans was his humility and approachability. During his prime, he was known to stay until the last autograph was signed.

Patrimonio is one of the most respected figures in Philippine basketball, loved by fans, admired by teammates, and respected by rivals. Often regarded as the second most popular player in PBA history—next only to "The Living Legend" Robert Jaworski—he also had brief stints in acting during the earlier part of his career.

Off the court, Alvin is a devoted family man. Residing in Cainta, Rizal, he is married to Cindy and together they have four children: Angelo, Christine, Clarice, and Asher. A man of strong faith, he is known to have led his family closer to God and encouraged a life grounded in spiritual values.

The man with a lion’s heart on the court also has a soft, humble heart beyond it. And that’s what makes Alvin Patrimonio a true icon—then and now.

There are countless stories and achievements tied to his name—milestones that shaped not only his legacy but also Philippine basketball as a whole. And truth be told, they can’t all be told in just one sitting.

Alvin “The Captain” Patrimonio is more than just a PBA great—he’s a symbol of loyalty, passion, and excellence whose impact will be remembered for generations.

As we continue our Player Profile Series featuring the greats from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), we now take a look at the contributions of the league’s 1990 Most Valuable Player.

Allan Caidic, known as “The Triggerman” in the PBA, entered the league in 1987 as the first overall pick by the Great Taste Coffee Makers. He immediately made an impact, winning Rookie of the Year honors and capturing a championship in his debut season.

Three seasons later, he claimed the league’s highest individual honor—his lone MVP award—and added a second championship to his resume that same year.

Even before that, Caidic had already tasted PBA success while still in the amateur ranks. He was part of the all-amateur guest NCC national team that won the 1985 PBA Reinforced Conference as part of their preparations for international competitions.

The hot-shooting guard from the University of the East remained with the franchise—later renamed Presto Tivoli—until 1992, before being acquired by the San Miguel Beermen in 1993. He won another championship that year, followed by one more in 1994.

Beyond his five PBA championships, MVP and Rookie of the Year awards, Caidic was a 6-time PBA Mythical First Team member, 2-time Mythical Second Team honoree, 5-time scoring champion, 8-time PBA All-Star, and was once named All-Star MVP. He also won the PBA Three-Point Shootout once.

Caidic is part of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players (selected in 2000) and was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame that same year.

On the international stage, he represented the Philippines in several major tournaments, including the 1985 FIBA Asia Championship in Kuala Lumpur, where he was named tournament MVP.

He was also a three-time Asian Games medalist, winning bronze in 1986 (Seoul), silver in 1990 (Beijing), and another bronze in 1998 (Bangkok).

Another international gold was added to his résumé in 1985 when the Philippines topped the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

In 1999, Allan Caidic took over as the playing coach of the Barangay Ginebra Kings following the sudden resignation of interim coach Rino Salazar.

A year later, in 2000, Caidic made the selfless decision to place himself on Ginebra’s reserve/unprotected list to safeguard key players on the roster. He was picked by the expansion team Red Bull in the dispersal draft, but rather than suit up for a different team, he chose to retire—officially ending a storied career that began in 1984 as an amateur guest player in the PBA.

He became just the third player in league history—after Ramon Fernandez and Bogs Adornado—to have his jersey number retired by a PBA team. Remarkably, both the San Miguel Beermen and the Barangay Ginebra Kings retired his iconic No. 8 jersey in tribute to his impact on Philippine basketball. That same year, as the PBA celebrated its 25th anniversary, Caidic was named one of the league’s 25 Greatest Players of all time.

Caidic also shattered multiple Philippine and PBA all-time records during his career. These include the most points scored in a single game (79), the most three-point field goals made in a game (17, breaking his previous record of 15), the most consecutive free throws made (76), and the most career three-pointers (1,242)—a record later broken by Jimmy Alapag. He played for several PBA teams, won numerous championships, and proudly represented the country as a key member of the national team, including the 1998 Centennial Team.

During his prime, Caidic was widely regarded as one of the best three-point shooters in Asia. His lethal shooting earned him the respect of international teams—including the powerhouse Chinese national squad, whose coaches reportedly reminded their players to always keep an eye on “Philippine No. 8,” a reference to Caidic’s jersey number while playing for the national team.

The Oklahoma City Thunder responded in a big way at home, taking down the Indiana Pacers, 123-107, in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals to tie the series at 1-1 on Monday, June 9 (Philippine time) at the Paycom Center.

After a closely contested first quarter, during which the Thunder led 26-20, OKC found its rhythm in the second frame. Behind a 33-21 run, the hosts surged to a 59-46 lead at halftime. They kept the pressure on in the third, answering every Indiana attempt to close the gap and entering the final quarter with a 14-point cushion.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league’s reigning MVP, once again set the tone for the Thunder. He finished with 34 points on efficient shooting, along with four rebounds, eight assists, four steals, and a block. The All-NBA guard also went 11-of-12 from the free-throw line.

Oklahoma City’s bench came through with major contributions. Alex Caruso dropped 20 markers in 27 minutes, while Aaron Wiggins added 18. The second unit’s energy and production helped OKC stay in control even when the starters took breathers.

The PBA has officially approved the one-on-one trade between Fil-foreign guards Jordan Heading and Mikey Williams on Monday, June 2.

With the deal finalized, Heading joins TNT Tropang 5G, while Williams moves to Converge FiberXers. However, the timeline of their debuts with their new teams remains uncertain.

Williams, 33, is currently in the United States and has not played in the league since leading TNT to the 2023 Governors’ Cup title against Barangay Ginebra. He was named Finals MVP in that six-game series.

After more than two decades of waiting, the Indiana Pacers are heading back to the NBA Finals.

The Pacers punched their ticket to the league’s grandest stage on Sunday, May 6 (Philippine time), with a dominant 125-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The win sealed the series, 4-2, marking Indiana’s first NBA Finals appearance since 2000.

Veteran forward Pascal Siakam led the charge with a masterful all-around performance, pouring in a game-high 31 points to go along with five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and three blocks. His consistent impact on both ends of the floor earned him the Eastern Conference Finals Most Valuable Player honors.

Tyrese Haliburton, the heart and soul of Indiana’s offense, also delivered when it mattered most. The All-Star guard tallied a double-double with 21 markers and 13 dimes, while adding six rebounds, three deflections, and a block in a statement performance that showcased his growth as a franchise cornerstone.

For the 13th time in league history, the NBA has named an international player as its Most Valuable Player — a growing trend that speaks volumes about the sport’s global evolution.

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially been named the 2024–25 Kia NBA MVP, beating out a stacked field and extending the streak of international MVPs to seven consecutive seasons.

He also becomes the fourth player in Thunder history to win the award, following in the footsteps of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden — a trio that helped establish OKC as one of the premier breeding grounds for elite talent in the modern NBA.

The international MVP legacy traces back to Hakeem Olajuwon, who won the award in 1993–94 while representing Nigeria. It continued with the quiet dominance of Tim Duncan from the U.S. Virgin Islands, who secured back-to-back trophies in 2002 and 2003. Steve Nash, Canada’s first MVP, also went back-to-back in 2005 and 2006, before Dirk Nowitzki of Germany claimed his own in 2007.

Following a stretch dominated by American stars, the MVP conversation shifted again in the late 2010s. Giannis Antetokounmpo earned his two titles in 2019 and 2020, and then Nikola Jokić launched his own historic run with three MVPs in four years. In between came Joel Embiid, who broke through in 2023 for Cameroon.

The Denver Nuggets pushed the West No. 1 seed, the Oklahoma City Thunder, to a thrilling Game 7 match-up after defeating them 119-107 in Game 6 on Thursday, May 16 (PH time) at the Ball Arena in Denver.

Nikola Jokic was the catalyst for the Nuggets’ victory, posting a dominant double-double with 29 points and 14 rebounds. He also contributed eight assists, two steals, and a block, showing his all-around impact on both ends of the floor.

His partner, Jamal Murray, backed him up with a strong performance, putting up 25 markers, eight boards, seven dimes, and a crucial rejection. Christian Braun also made his presence felt, delivering a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds, while adding five assists, three steals, and a block to the stat sheet.

The Nuggets’ bench came alive with Julian Strawther providing the spark they needed, finishing with 15 markers and two boards to help maintain the team’s momentum throughout the game.

In this Player Profile Series, we look back at the career of Benjie Paras—“The Tower of Power”—the only player in PBA history to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season.

Paras was drafted by the Shell Turbo Chargers in 1989 and made an immediate impact. With his strength, mobility, and basketball IQ, he brought a complete inside presence—shot-blocking, rebounding, mid-range shooting, and post scoring. Shell didn’t win a title that year, but Paras’ dominant rookie season stood out above the rest.

In 1990, Paras led Shell to its first PBA championship, defeating Anejo Rhum in six games in the Open Conference Finals—a series remembered for Anejo’s controversial Game 6 walkout. The following year, Shell and Ginebra met again in the Reinforced Conference Finals. Shell took a 3–1 series lead but couldn’t close it out. Ginebra forced a Game 7 and won it on Rudy Distrito’s buzzer-beater.

Paras bounced back in 1992, helping Shell win another title—this time over San Miguel. But the team struggled with consistency after that. In 1993, Paras sat out one conference due to a contract dispute and requested a trade to Anejo, which didn’t materialize. He shifted focus to his acting career before returning to Shell. The team wouldn’t make another Finals appearance until the 1996 Commissioner’s Cup, where they pushed Alaska to seven games but came up short. Paras was back in the MVP conversation that season.

In 1998, Paras returned to the Finals in the Centennial Cup but lost to Mobiline. The rematch came later that year in the Governor’s Cup. Shell trailed 2–3 in the series but fought back to win in Game 7, with Paras and Gerry Esplana stepping up in crunch time.

His final championship came in 1999, leading Shell past the Tanduay Rhum Makers in six games. Facing a tough frontcourt that featured Fil-Ams Eric Menk and Sonny Alvarado, Paras held his own and steered Shell to the title. He won his second MVP that year—ten years after his first.

In the early 2000s, Paras battled injuries and eventually joined San Miguel in 2003. He retired at the end of that season, finishing his PBA career with 10,322 points in 574 games.

Paras also represented the Philippines in the 1990 Asian Games, where the national team brought home a silver medal after falling to China in the final.

In 2013, he returned to basketball as an assistant coach for the San Beda Red Lions and played in the PBA Legends Asia Tour the following year.

After his playing days, Paras transitioned into showbiz. He appeared in a range of TV dramas, sitcoms, and fantasy series, and also hosted game shows. Known for his versatility, Paras became a familiar face both on screen and on stage.

He is married to Lyxen Diomampo and has three children with her. He also has two sons from a previous marriage with actress Jackie Forster—Andre, who pursued both basketball and acting, and Kobe, who played college basketball in the U.S. and later for the UP Fighting Maroons before turning pro in Japan.

For the second consecutive season, the Minnesota Timberwolves are headed to the Eastern Conference Finals after dispatching the Golden State Warriors, 121-110, on Wednesday, May 15 (PH time) in Game 5 of their best-of-seven series.

The Timberwolves leaned on a balanced offensive attack and relentless defensive energy to close out the series at home. Julius Randle led the way with 29 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, setting the tone with his aggression and leadership on both ends of the floor.

Anthony Edwards once again proved his all-around value, notching a double-double with 22 markers and 12 dimes, while also contributing seven boards, a steal, and three blocks in another signature playoff performance.

The defending champions Boston Celtics survive another day after beating the New York Knicks, 127-102, on Thursday, May 15 (PH time), at the TD Garden.

Refusing to go down quietly, the Celtics delivered a strong statement at home to extend their Eastern Conference Semifinals series. They now trail the series 2-3 and will need another must-win effort to force a Game 7 and keep their championship hopes alive—this time without their franchise cornerstone, Jayson Tatum, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Game 4.

The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with both squads trading baskets and energy. By halftime, the score was tied at 59, reflecting the intensity of a game where neither side wanted to blink.

But the second half belonged to Boston.

The Celtics came out of the locker room firing, outscoring the Knicks 32-17 in the third quarter behind suffocating defense and precise execution on offense. That run gave them a 91-76 cushion heading into the final frame.

Boston didn't let up in the fourth. With their season on the line, they kept their foot on the gas, closing out the game with a 36-26 quarter to complete a wire-to-wire second-half performance and secure the 25-point blowout win.

Another PBA Most Valuable Player takes the spotlight in our Player Profile Series. This time, we go back to 1985 and feature “The Quick Brown Fox” himself—Ricardo Brown.

Born on May 22, 1957, in Brooklyn, New York, Brown holds the distinction of being the first-ever Fil-American to play in the PBA as a ‘local.’ His career in the league ran from 1983 to 1990, but his impact remains legendary.

Standing at 6’1”, Brown was selected 59th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 1979 NBA Draft, but he was never signed. That didn’t stop him from chasing the game he loved. While playing in the United States, he was discovered by Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., which opened the door for him to come to the Philippines.

Before his PBA debut, Brown suited up for the De La Salle Green Archers in various tournaments in 1982 while taking classes.

Then came 1983—his official entry into the PBA with the Great Taste Coffee Makers. That year, he took home Rookie of the Year honors and was also named to the Mythical Five. He nearly pulled off a rare trifecta, finishing in the MVP conversation alongside Bogs Adornado and eventual winner Abet Guidaben.

Two years later, in 1985, Brown’s dominance was undeniable. He won league MVP and averaged over 30 points and double-digit assists per game. That season included a 56-point outburst against Ginebra and back-to-back 40+ point games in the PBA Open Championship versus Norman Black and Magnolia.

In just seven years and 19 conferences, Brown played for only two teams: Great Taste and San Miguel. But in that time, he won nine championships and rewrote the standards for guard play in the league. His elite ball-handling, court vision, quickness, and ability to score from anywhere made him one of the best point/combo guards in PBA history.

Even in a career that lasted just seven years and 19 conferences, Brown left behind a remarkable statistical legacy. He averaged 23.1 points and 7.3 assists per game—numbers that rank among the best in league history. He also shot 87.9% from the free-throw line over his career, showcasing his elite consistency and skill from the stripe.

He was also part of San Miguel’s Grand Slam run in 1989, playing a key role alongside legends like Hector Calma, Samboy Lim, and Ramon Fernandez.

In 2000, Brown was named one of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players. He was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2009, along with former teammates Allan Caidic, Samboy Lim, and Hector Calma.

Life Beyond the Court

Brown’s family has deep Filipino roots. His parents were married in Manila in 1945. His father, Lee Brown, was an American serviceman and a former MLB player for the St. Louis Cardinals. His mother, Conrada Vidal, ran a family photography business in Santa Cruz, Manila. Brown is married to Filipina Lorma Sahagun from Ilocos Norte, and they have two sons—Justin and Kevan. Kevan was born at Cardinal Santos Hospital in San Juan.

In 1987, Brown also dabbled in acting, starring alongside Comedy King Dolphy in Action Is Not Missing, an MMFF entry and box-office hit.

Outside of basketball and entertainment, Brown found another calling: education. Since 1981, he has served as a teacher, dean, assistant principal, and principal. In 2008, he became the first Filipino-American principal in the ABC Unified School District in California. Under his leadership, both Ross Academy and Tracy High School earned state honors for excellence.

The Oklahoma City Thunder took control of their second-round series against the Denver Nuggets in a thrilling 112–105 Game 5 victory on Wednesday, May 14 (PH time) at the Paycom Center. With the win, the Thunder now hold a 3–2 series lead and are just one win away from their first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2016.

It was a tightly contested matchup from the opening tip. The Nuggets led by just two at the half, 56–54, behind strong efforts from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. In the third quarter, Denver looked poised to pull away after extending the lead to eight, 88–80, heading into the final frame.

But Oklahoma City’s youthful energy and relentless pace turned the tide in the fourth. The Thunder slowly chipped away at the deficit, staying composed even as the Nuggets tried to hold them off. With under six minutes to go, OKC erased a nine-point gap and eventually tied the game at 92-all, sending the Paycom crowd into a frenzy.

In the final stretch, it became a battle of stars. Tied at 100, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drew a foul on Jamal Murray after shooting from midrange and calmly completed the three-point play to give OKC the lead. Moments later, Jokic answered with a difficult, off-balance three to level the score at 103–103.