The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters swept the 39th Kadayawan Invitational basketball tournament after dominating the De La Salle Green Archers 138-116 during the finals night held last July 28 at the University of Southeastern Philippines gymnasium in Davao City.

Photo: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Facebook page

RoS’ import in the upcoming PBA Governor’s Cup led the way with 34 points and 11 rebounds while the eventual Finals MVP Andrei Caracut added 21 points, eight assists and three rebounds.

Supporting the two are Gian Mamuyac and Keith Datu. Mamuyac finished with 17 markers while Datu also tallied the same score highlighted by his 3-of-4 shooting from the three-point area.

The Elasto painters were perfect 4-0 from the came at the expense of fellow PBA teams Phoenix Fuel Masters and Converge FiberXers in the single round elimination while defeating UAAP champions De La Salle Green Archers twice - one in the eliminations and one in the finals.

In the finals, UAAP MVP Kevin Quimabao still led the Green Archers with a double-double performance of 19 points and 16 rebounds despite having an ankle sprain. He was supported by Mike Philips who tallied 18 markers and 11 boards.

The reigning UAAP champions might not won the Kadayawan tourney but they still held their heads up high as they defeated two pro teams in Converge and Phoenix during the elimination round and even got toe-to-toe against eventual champions RoS in the preliminaries before bowing down to them in the tournament finale.

Meanwhile, Phoenix defeated Converge 87-81 in their battle for third.

Phoenix import Jay McKinnis led the way for the Fuel Masters by scoring 22 points and grabbing 17 rebounds while star Jason Perkins added 13 markers.

The champion team received P200,000 as prize money.

South Sudan men’s basketball team brushed off all obstacles to get a historic first win in the Paris Games.

In the first battle from the Group Phase C, the world’s No. 33 ranked team shocked world’s No. 16 Puerto Rico by winning their first foray in Olympics men’s basketball 90-79 at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium on July 28.

Carlik Jones led the South Sudan in victory by tallying 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists while Marial Shayok added 15 markers.

The team overcame an 8-0 start from Puerto Rico and only managed to taste the first lead of the game in the 7:13 mark of the 3rd quarter of play when Noni Omot made a three-pointer to give them a two-point cushion 56-54.

From there, South Sudan never looked back and got their first ever Olympic win. The African nation qualified for the Paris Games after qualifying as Africa’s top finisher in last year’s world cup.

Anthem Blunder before game

Before the game began, an anthem blunder was made by the Paris Games organizers. They inadvertently played the neighboring Sudan’s anthem - and they later apologized for their mistake.

The nation of South Sudan has gained independence from Sudan after a referendum in 2011 but violent clashes between the two nations continued to spark as the dispute over borders, natural resources and political power.

Before their win, the organizers inadvertently played the anthem of neighboring Sudan – and later apologized for the mistake.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan after a referendum in 2011 but disputes over borders, natural resources and political power have continued to spark violent clashes between the two.

No indoor basketball courts

In South Sudan, there were no indoor basketball courts according to NBA All-Star Loul Deng, who’s also the president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation.

Deng was instrumental in putting the Bright Stars together to form the South Sudan men’s national basketball team.

He also said that South Sudan has some of the tallest people in the world. Height usually is always might in the game of basketball as it gives a huge advantage.However, the country lacks resources to even have an indoor basketball court.

Olympic basketball in the 2024 Paris Games has been off to a hot start, with ball clubs from different nations slugging it out for a chance to qualify for the medal rounds and call themselves the world’s best.

Australia and Spain will open the men’s tournament in the Group Phase A while Group Phase B will begin with the battle between Japan and Germany to be followed by Brazil meeting the host team France in the main game.

Australia wins opener versus Spain

Australia opened the Men’s Basketball tournament with a bang by defeating world’s No. 2 Spain 92-80 in the Group A phase.

NBA veteran Patty Mills opened the scoring for the No. 5 ranked Aussie team by converting three free throws followed by Jock Landale three pointer to have a 6-0 lead early in the opening frame.

The Boomers erected a double-digit lead in the 1st half of play but Spain refused to give up and even took the lead for a while before the Aussies put the game away during the final frame.

Josh Giddey, Jock Landale and Patty Mills combine for 56 of Australia's 92 points in their Group A win.

The debuting Giddey wrote himself into the record books by becoming the first player to combine 15+ points, 7+ rebounds and 7+ assist in his first game at the Olympics, putting his name alongside the legendary Drazen Petrovic who made the same feat in 1984 against Italy.

Germany dominates Japan

Germany showed their might against Japan to secure their first Group Phase B game in the Paris Olympics.

The No. 3 ranked Germany dominated the No. 26 Japan 97-77 led by NBA-based Wagner brothers, Franz and Moritz, with the former the game's top scorer with 22 points. Ever-reliable veteran Dennis Schroeder also chipped in 13 points and 12 assists.

A combined 36 points from Rui Hachimura and Yutanabe (who both played in the NBA) were not enough to give Japan a win over the reigning World Cup champions.

In the first two quarters of play, the Japanese managed to hold the lead of the Germans into single digit but was unable to sustain the pace in the second half as the Die Mannschaft flexed their might.

Germany is hoping to secure a first Olympic medal in men’s basketball after winning its first world title in 2023.

Host France defeated Brazil

Host team and world’s No. 9 ranked France defeated No. 12 Brazil 78-66 in full-pack Stade Pierre Mauroy where fans cheered and sang to the rhythm of 'tambour' drums in support of Les Bleus.

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama who’s a first time Olympian scored 19 points to lead his team to victory while another NBA veteran Nicolas Batum added the same number of points for the team.

The NBA sophomore nicknamed “The Alien” because of his 7-foot-3 inches (2.22 m) frame, added nine rebounds, four steals, three blocks and two assists in his debut game as an Olympian. He also shot 7-of-13 from the field.

The opening game win for Les Bleus tied them with Germany to lead Group Phase B in the standings.
 

The Samahan ng Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio might be disappointed that Gilas Pilipinas men’s basketball team failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics but still optimistic that they can work on to reach the ultimate goal of making it to the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

Earlier this year, Gilas head coach Tim Cone said that “The ultimate goal for the SBP is to make it to the LA Olympics, I think that’s the ultimate goal. That’s what they are looking for,”

They have tried to reach the Olympic goal this year in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) held in Latvia. They upset the host team and FIBA’s No. 6 ranked team during their match-up in the group stage.

Gilas was defeated by the No. 23 ranked Georgia narrowly in their next assignment ending in a three-way tie at their group but superior quotient points gave Latvia and the Philippines the advantage of moving to the next round. In the crossover Semis, the No. 37 ranked Philippines bowed down to No. 12 ranked Brazil who overcame a double-digit lead in the first half. Brazil eventually won the OQT in Latvia after defeating the host team in the finals.

Panlilio might be disappointed that the nation’s pride team didn’t make it to Paris but he has seen a glimpse of hope for the team’s future endeavors especially in targeting the ultimate goal of making it to the LA Olympics.

“In the OQT in Latvia, we proved we can compete with the best in the world,” said Panlilio. “Our vision is to go to LA through the World Cup by becoming the highest Asian finisher. In Latvia, I felt we had a 50-50 chance against Brazil in the semis if only Kai (Sotto) played and even if only for five to 10 minutes to make an impact like Willis Reed (with the New York Knicks in Game Seven of the 1970 NBA Finals). Kai was cleared by doctors to play and joined the shootaround but just before the game, he told (coach) Tim (Cone) he couldn’t play because he was still in pain. If only we had (AJ) Edu, June Mar (Fajardo) wouldn’t have had to extend himself. If we had Jamie (Malonzo) and Scottie (Thompson), maybe we would’ve gone to the final, who knows? But we showed we can compete with the big boys.”

To reach the goal of making it in the 2028 Olympics, there are two ways the Philippines can earn a ticket.

The first way is to finish as the highest-placed Asian country in the FIBA World Cup to be held in Qatar on August 27-September 12, 2027. The second route is to top one of the four FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. Both paths will require qualifiers that will make the route difficult. But the more doable path is to clinch the slot in the FIBA World Cup.

Gilas Naturalized Players

As for Gilas naturalized players, Panlilio said the 36-year-old star Justine Brownlee continues to shine in donning the Philippine colors.

SBP is in the process of naturalizing the 28-year-old and 6'10" forward/center Bennie Boatwright, for the future. Meanwhile, ex-Ateneo big man and UB Chartres Métropole player Ange Kouame, 26, is available as a backup.

In tournaments like the SEA Games where only a passport is required for eligibility, it’s an option to enlist more than one naturalized player.

Coaching Duties

In the SBP’s lined up a four-year program, Cone’s term as Gilas coach is year-to-year. He has put together a 12-man team that he intends to keep for the next four years, but is open to minor tweaks throughout the build-up.

“But ultimately, in the fourth year, we want to be playing in the Qatar World Cup. We have to qualify first but we want to be playing in the Qatar World Cup and we want to be finishing first in Asia, and get that berth in the LA Olympics. That’s been clear to me. That’s the goal of the SBP,” said Cone.

Part of the build-up for the long term is the coming first window of the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers. Gilas Pilipinas won their first two games of the said tournament, the first was against Hong Kong last February 22 and the second was over the Chinese Taipei team last February 25. The next one will be a battle against world No. 21 ranked New Zealand on November 21.

Newly-elected PBA vice chairman Alfranchis Chua is pushed to take over the national basketball team executive duties as success has been inevitable to Gilas when he took over the chores.

Chua as an executive in-charge for the national basketball team took the gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year after the 61 year drought of the country in claiming the championship of the quadrennial meet.

Leading the call are PBA chairman Ricky Vargas, SBP president and Gilas head coach Tim Cone.

Vargas said he witnessed himself on how Chua provided hand-on leadership that eventually led to the victory of the team, “A strong Gilas team benefits PBA and a strong PBA benefits Gilas so it’s mutually beneficial,” said Vargas who’s also SBP vice president. He added , “About 70 percent of Gilas is from PBA. We’re recruiting better players and now, naniniwala na tayong lahat that we can compete against the best in the world. We proved that in the OQT in Latvia. We’ve observed that when Gilas players return to the PBA, they’re more confident, they’re better because of the experience. A clear example is Chris Newsome who led Meralco to the Philippine Cup championship after a stellar performance in Hangzhou. We’re changing the Gilas culture and we’re earning a different respect from our opponents.”

The PBA chairman also pointed out that Gilas is ranked No. 37 in the FIBA rankings but has recently defeated No. 6 Latvia, almost upsetting No. 12 Brazil and No. 23 Georgia. The national team also defeated No. 27 Iran in the Asian games classification round, upsetting the host team and No. 29 China in the semis, and beating No. 32 Jordan in a defensive-oriented finals to win the gold.

Panlilio on the other hand said Gilas missed Chua in Latvia and he would’ve surely made an impact if he was present in that OQT (Olympic Qualifier Tournament). “We need my tokayo with Gilas,” he said. “He knows basketball more than I do. I told Alfrancis that I’ll be there for him, I’ll be on the admin side and he can take charge of the team like he did in Hangzhou. He knows how to encourage and motivate the players like nobody else. Alfrancis treats everyone equally, walang lumalamang, there is parity and a real sense of brotherhood.”

Chua couldn’t join Gilas in Latvia because of his work commitments at San Miguel Corp. where his responsibilities are beyond sports as he also assists chairman Ramon S. Ang in special projects like the NAIA rehab, building a new airport in Bulacan and streamlining of tollway operations. But he said there will always be a big place in his heart for basketball.

“Gilas is valuable to our country,” said Chua. “The team is about national pride and brings happiness to our countrymen. In recruiting players, walang pilitan, sama-sama lahat at ramdam sa PBA ang impact ng performance sa international competitions.”

PBA winningest coach and now Gilas head coach Tim Cone said the team missed Chua’s boost in Latvia. He also asked Chua for a meeting to try to persuade him to go back to Gilas. When Cone was given a People of the Year award by PeopleAsia last March, he said “I think Alfrancis deserved it more.” When Gilas plays in the next FIBA Asia Cup qualifying window against New Zealand on Nov. 21 and Hong Kong on Nov. 24, both at home, Vargas, Panlilio and Cone hope Chua will be back at the helm.

San Miguel Corporation has gone all out in its support for Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA World Cup campaign by allowing Ginebra head coach Tim Cone to be part of the national team’s coaching staff, and it has also allowed its sports director Alfrancis Chua to be an executive advisor to both the national team and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Boss Al, as most of the SMC players call him, has 16 PBA titles as the SMC sports director. Seven titles were with Team NSD (never-say-die) Barangay Ginebra and the latest was the 2023-2024 Philippine Cup title won by the winningest PBA ball club San Miguel Beermen.

He was also named PBA Executive of the Year in 2018 and 2021.

Aside from being a successful executive, he was once a PBA All-Star Game head coach in 1999, and 2x PBA champion as assistant coach (2021 Governor’s Cup and 2008 Philippine Cup). He was also a 7x champion head coach in the amateur ranks when the now defunct PBL (Philippine Basketball League) was still active.

Chua’s list of accomplishments in the PBA and in international competitions as an executive validate the clamor for him to take charge of the basketball national team.

As the PBA nears its 50th Season, the league targets to become the best sports entertainment not only in the country but also in Asia.

Asia's first play-for-pay league is the most followed sport in the land, and the PBA wants to keep that status, and now looks forward to improving the brand by making the games more exciting and giving in-venue fans an experience that they will never forget.

The PBA wants the crowd to be back in the playing venue even though the league is still the most dominant when it comes to TV ratings.

In the recently-concluded annual planning session of the PBA board of governors, they established pillars on how to attain their goal of showcasing the league to global fans and make it as the No. 1 basketball entertainment league in Asia.

However, chairman Ricky Vargas said that “the challenge is how to execute it.”

The ideas include improving the quality and competitiveness of play, re-establishing the league as the source of best talent for the national team and net exporter of players in Asia. They also want to focus on fan engagement by investing in supplementary business like the construction of an own arena and expanding in CSR (corporate social responsibility) programs.
In addition to making the game more exciting, PBA will introduce a new set of rules in the coming season highlighted by the implementation of the “four-point shot” from beyond a 27-foot arc.

Newly-elected vice chairman Alfranchis Chua said in Filipino, “We have done this in the All-Star Game. With this rule, the zone defense will be lessened, man-to-man will be seen more and the game will be faster.”

The PBA will continue to support the national team program and will embrace the thought that a strong Gilas team will be beneficial to the league and vice versa.

They will also have programs for the fans where they can mingle, interact and engage with their favorite players. Chua said, “Like those in the upper box, they paid a pricey ticket when they entered the venue and all they got to do was wave to the player. I will tell the coaches that they allow players to go near the fans.”

One of the biggest plans for the league is to finally have its own arena in the near future. Commissioner Willie Marcial said, “We’re looking at properties in Metro Manila, about two to three hectares in size. It will materialize soon.” He also added, “And if it happens and the arena will be built, fans will not be confused anymore on where the PBA games will be held.” He ends his statement by saying, “We’re not just remodeling a house but we’re building a house.”

The PBA board ended what most of its members said was their “most tiring, very fruitful” planning session the same day, confident that it has found the formula to stay as the best sports entertainment show back home.

They also elected Raymond Zorilla of Phoenix to another term as treasurer, while Ogie Narvasa, the former PABL commissioner, is now formally onboard as the new board secretary.

LeBron James was selected by his Team USA peers across all sports to be their 2024 flag bearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

James became the first men’s player selected as a flag bearer following women’s basketball stars Dawn Staley in 2024 Athens Games and Sue Bird for the Tokyo Games in 2021.

The four-time NBA champion and all-time NBA leading scorer who will make his fourth appearance in the Summer games will lead a boat of American athletes down the Seine River where the Olympic Opening Ceremony will be held.

He called the opportunity an “utmost honor” and said, “It’s special to get an opportunity to represent your country in another fashion. I understand how prestigious this moment is… it will live on forever.”

Meanwhile, the female U.S. flag bearer will be revealed in the coming days. The International Olympic Committee decided in 2020 that national delegations would have two flag bearers - one male and one female at the opening ceremony of an Olympics, a move to promote gender parity. In the nearly 600 athletes delegation of Team USA in the Paris Olympics, 53% of them are female.

The USA boat delegation will be the next to last to ride down the Seine river during the ceremony while the host team France will be the last boat to float. Thousands of athletes, in front of around 300,000 spectators, will be part of a flotilla sailing the River Seine at sunset toward the Eiffel Tower.

On the other hand, another NBA MVP and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will be one of the two flag bearers of Greece. By IOC custom, Greece will lead the procession, followed by the Refugee Olympic team and then about 200 more national delegations. 

The William Jones Cup crown is back at the hands of the Filipinos after Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas trounced hometown bets Chinese Taipei and secured a 83-79 victory on Sunday, July 21, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.

The Philippine representative completed a title sweep after going undefeated eight times and achieved what they fell short last January when they finished runner-up in the 33rd Dubai International Championship with a team reinforced by former NBA player Dwight Howard. SGA lost to Al Riyadi in the final.

In the championship game against Chinese Taipei-A, Tajuan Agee lead the pack with game-high 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, a block, and a perfect nine-of-nine from the free throw line, following him was DJ Fenner who contributed with 15 markers, nine boards, and four steals.

RJ Abarrientos tallied 14 on four-of-eight shooting from the three-point line in his last game before joining crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra in PBA.

Also standing out is veteran guard Kiefer Ravena as he provided nine markers on a 3-of-6 clip along with four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Chris McCullough, on the other hand, finished with 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting.

McCullough was later named the tournament Most Valuable Player, averaging 21.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks in Strong Group’s eight-game sweep.

Robert Tsang Hinton led Taiwan’s failed attempt at the title with 16 points, Cheng Yin Chun followed with 13, while Brandon Gilbeck had a double-double of 11, 13 boards along with five blocks as the host team settled for the runner-up finish with its 7-1 record.

Strong Group became the seventh Philippine team to rule the annual Jones Cup. The last time the country reigned supreme was in 2019 under the Mighty Sports squad, which incidentally, was also coached by Charles Tiu.

McCullough: “I always represent the flag wherever I play”

The sweep might be sweet for the SGA-Philippines in the 43rd William Jones Cup but controversy has entered the picture when the eventual tournament Most Valuable Player Chris McCullough only scored 12 points in 4-of-16 shooting from the field. He also fouled out late in the game’s overtime. Some netizens noticed his sub-par performance and questioned if he threw the game due to his impending naturalization to Taiwan.

However, McCullough addressed the issue in social media saying, "I always represent the flag wherever I play, so for some of you fans saying all this nonsense, it’s ridiculous. Because I didn’t have the best game in a championship match, now I fix games? Come on now.”

He also tweeted “It happens, and it is what it is. It’s always the next man up, and T (Tajuan Agee) stepped up big tonight! That’s the next man up mentality—he picked up my slack and got the job done!”

McCullough averaged 22.42 points and 8.57 rebounds before their final game against Chinese Taipei-A that led to controversy.

Magnolia will try to break their six-year title drought by bringing the 2017 NBA slam dunk champion Glenn Robinson III.

Robinson, the son of former NBA All-Star “Big Dog” Glenn Jr., was a second round pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2014 draft. He also suited up for the 76ers, Pacers, Pistons, Warriors, and Kings.

The Hotshots are determined to win another Governor’s Cup title which they won in 2018 led by another former NBA veteran Romeo Travis. It was also the first and only championship title of Chito Victolero as head coach of the team.

In PBA’s 48th Season, Magnolia went to the finals and tried to break their title slump in their Commissioner’s Cup campaign but they bowed down to San Miguel Beermen. In the Philippine Cup, the Hotshots failed to enter the Final Four after bowing to longtime rival Barangay Ginebra.

The high-flying import might have all the inspiration to win it all with the Hotshots but he has to face the veteran reinforcements Justin Brownlee, Allen Durham, Aaron Fuller, and a bunch of PBA first-timers just like him.

Multiple reports have indicated that Allen Durham will once again don the Meralco Bolts jersey after four years as they try to settle their unfinished business in the upcoming PBA 49th Season Governor’s Cup.

Durham and the Bolts already entered the conference finals together three times but they always lost to Justin Brownlee and Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel in all of their series.

This time, Durham has earned a championship pedigree already when he helped Ryuku capture the B. League crown and even won Finals MVP against the Chiba Jest. On the other hand, Meralco Bolts also won their first ever PBA title in the recently concluded Philippine Cup where they defeated the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen in six games. With AD and the Bolts having the feel of being champions, the season-opening conference will be their best chance to do it as a unit.

However, the Bolts hulking 6-foot-6 import will have to go through a mixture of new opponents and familiar foes, including his consistent nemesis Justin Brownlee.

Aaron Fuller is returning to the PBA as the import of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters for the Season 49 Governor’s Cup. He will be reunited with Yeng Guiao, who coached him during his stay with the NLEX Road Warriors.

The PBA confirmed through its website that The Iowa and University of Southern California product will be playing for his fourth team in the PBA. He suited up for NLEX from 2017 to 2028, Blackwater in 2019, and TNT in 2022.

Fuller played recently for Fuerza Regia in Mexico, Urunday Universitario in Uruguay, and Gigantes de Guayana in Venezuela.

With the combination of the 34-year-old Fuller international experiences, steady veterans and a bunch of quality rookies that they drafted this year, the Elasto Painters is set to go deep once again in the PBA battlefield just like they did in the Philippine Cup last season where they reach the semifinals for the time after five years of waiting.
Fuller and ROS might have a strong chance to go deep but they still have to face the four-time Governor’s Cup champion Justin Brownlle, three-time conference best import awardee Allen Durham and a bunch of new reinforcements for the season-opening conference.

The Philippine Basketball Association announced the new format for the upcoming Governor’s Cup for PBA Season 49 which is set to kick off on August 18.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial had long revealed that the league is adopting a format where the 12 teams are divided into two groups for the elimination round.

The Top 4 finishers of each group will advance to the crossover finals quarterfinals, slated to be a best-of-five series. The semifinals and finals of the season-opening conference would be in a best-of-seven series.

Teams, however, are still only allowed to tap imports no taller than 6-foot-6.

With PBA finally unveiling the groupings for the new tournament format, Group A will be led by the most-recent Philippine Cup champion Meralco and defending Governor’s Cup winners TNT Tropang Giga along with Magnolia, NorthPort, Converge, and Terrafirma.

On the other hand, Group B will be spearheaded by Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel. NLEX, Rain or Shine, Phoenix and Blackwater are joining them as well.

The change of the conference format was made as part of the league’s effort to garner fans’ interest and enthusiasm as they try to spice things up ahead of its 50th season.

Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas retained its flawless record in the 43rd William Jones Cup in Taiwan after a 112-90 blowout over USA on Thursday, July 18, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei.

Chris McCullough once again forefronted the Philippine team after unloading 24 points on top of 18 rebounds and seven assists. Tajuan Agee supported McCullough with 19 markers, while the rest of the local cast also delivered in the victory that saw Strong Group pull away in the second half.

USA pulled ahead of the competition at 62-62 early in the third quarter before SGA ended the period on a 17-14 run for an 89-76 lead, which ballooned to as big as 22 points.

Incoming Ginebra rookie, RJ Abarrientos was the top local performer contributing 17 markers off four triples, Jordan Heading chipped in 11 points, while Ange Kouame and Allen Liwag scored 10 each.

Meanwhile, Future Sports leaned on Bowen Hammer as he led the pack with 18 points and six rebounds, while Marcus Elliott added 15 points.

On the heels of the most dominant victory, Strong Group-Pilipinas aims to continue its winning streak in the tournament when it tangles with Japan on Friday, July 19.

When the PBA Season 49 opens on August 18, a combination of familiar and new imports will be paraded in the season-opening conference, Governor’s Cup.

Among the familiar reinforcements is the six-time PBA champion and three-time best import awardee, Justin Brownlee of Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel.

Brownlee brought the Gin Kings to the promised land four times in the 2016, 2017, 2019 & 2021 editions of the said conference in. He also won championships with the crowd-favorite team in the 2018 & 2022-23 Commissioner’s Cup. He went 6-0 in all those finals that made him tie the record of Sean Chambers, another import who played for Coach Tim Cone during Alaska’s reign in the 90’s.

During the 2023 edition of the Governor’s Cup, JB tried to win another title for the Kings, etched a 7-0 legacy in a championship series, and immortalized himself as the PBA’s winningest import but they lost to TNT Tropang Giga in six games. TNT was led by former NBA player, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and interim Coach Jojo Lastimosa who won his first PBA title as head coach.

The Ginebra’s resident import will have another chance to win his 7th ring but he has to face a mixture of familiar foes and new oppositions.

In spite of the obstacles he needs to go through, Brownlee still has the edge against all of them by being the most experienced and successful. And that makes him still the standard amongst imports.

The De La Salle Lady Archers is getting its own share of basketball stars, as Gilas Girls powerhouse Princess “BJ” Villarin will suit up for the green-and-white beginning UAAP Season 87.

According to a report from the Tiebreaker Times, the 5-foot-6 Gilas star has chosen to commit to DLSU, ending her high school basketball career with the NU Lady Bullpups and the NU system in general.

DLSU management confirmed to Tiebreaker Times that the UAAP 3x3 and NBTC veteran will indeed make the jump from NU to DLSU.

During her high school career, Villarin was part of the Lady Bullpups 3x3 program. She also suited up for national team duty, having played in the 2022 FIBA Under-16 and Under-18 Asian Championship.

With Villarin’s incluision in the lineup, DLSU can find itself improving on its women’s basketball record after finishing the Final Four with a 7-7 record. She is expected to start in the upcoming Season 87 and play a full five-year term with DLSU, the Tiebreaker Times report said.

The De La Salle Green Archers have tapped the services of Fil-Am big man Dominic Sarmiento as its newest center.

The ex-Irvine Valley College freshman was announced to be heading to Taft after a US-based Filipino basketball org, Tumakbo United, posted about Sarmiento’s next big move.

A report from Tiebreaker Times showed that the 6-foot-8 center played in the States as part of the Orange Empire Conference of the California Community College Athletic Association.

Sarmiento played 15 games for the Irvine Valley Lasers in the league’s 2023-2024 season, averaging 1 point and 1 rebound in five minutes of playing time.

However, it will take some time before the Archers will tap its newest big man, as Sarmiento will need to fulfill a one-year residency period before he becomes eligible to play starting UAAP Season 88.

Sarmiento joins a star-studded transfer class to DLSU, which also includes Mason Amos, Luis Pablo, and Kean Baclaan. (PB)

Strong Group-Philippines obliterated Malaysia after a compelling fourth quarter surge to pull off an 89-54 win, staying unblemished in the 2024 William Jones Cup on Wednesday, July 17, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.

Strong Group improved to 4-0, in a tie with Chinese Taipei National Team A, while Harimau Malaysia fell to 3-1.

Five players from SGA poured in double digits with Chris McCullough continuing to anchor the Philippines’s offense netting 16 points and five rebounds while Rhenz Abando played his best game of the tournament by finishing with 14 markers and 10 rebounds, some of which coming the late third-quarter flourish.

Tajuan Agee finished with 12 markers, seven boards and four steals, while Ange Kouame contributed 11 and 10 rebounds in the victory that saw Strong Group pull away after a nip-and-tuck battle in the first three quarters.

The Philippines squandered a double-digit lead in the first two quarters as they went into the half with a four point lead, 40-36.

Malaysia then led 47-46 midway through the third frame before it fizzled out as Strong Group ended the game on a 43-7 run.

Filipino-American DJ Fenner scored 10, while Barangay Ginebra-bound RJ Abarrientos had an all-around effort of nine points, 12 assists and five rebounds. Dave Ildefonso, on the other hand, added eight points, all coming in the fourth quarter.

John Murray II topscored Malaysia with 25 points, seven rebounds, and three assists while Joseph Obasa, who previously suited up for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 86, registered 13 markers, six boards, and three blocks.

Strong Group returns to action on Thursday, July 18, against Future Sports USA, hoping to shoot for its fifth straight win. 

In the recently concluded PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft, Northport head coach Bonnie Tan drafted another controversial player just like he did last year.

The Batang Pier added Gerry Mahinay to their roster whom they picked at number 46 overall during the fifth round. Mahinay still has an issue with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB). He was suspended indefinitely by GAB for his “deplorable act” after undercutting Joey Barcuma during their game in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

Despite his act, Mahinay still took shot at the pro league and luckily for him, Coach Bonnie has a “tan” (ton) of second chances in him.

It was proven last season when the team drafted John Amores, who gained infamy for his rampage during his time with Jose Rizal University (JRU) in the NCAA. He was taken by NorthPort 51st overall and also in the 5th round.

Amores worked his way to be part of the lineup and he averaged 3.3 points, 1.5 rebound, 7.8 minutes in 19 games of play for the Batang Pier. 
Just like Amores, Tan clarified that Mahinay will have to work hard in order for him to secure a contract with them or in any other team that wants to give him a new lifeline while proving that he has really reformed himself for GAB to rescind his ban.

Another tour of duty is set for the 36-year-old Allen Durham as he is tapped by the Meralco Bolts to be their reinforcement in the season-opening Governor’s Cup.

Durham, the three-time best import of the said conference led the Bolts in 3 finals appearances (2016, 2017, 2019) only to succumb to eventual champions, Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel led by resident import Justin Brownlee.

Meralco finally won a championship last season by winning the Philippine Cup and the team now has experience on how to close out a championship series, which Durham also gained in his Japan B. League stint. The experience makes Durham and the Bolts a better opportunity to set some unfinished business.

Meralco is slotted with TNT, Magnolia, Northport, Terrafirma, and Converge in the Governors’ Cup.

In a recently shared post by a Magnolia Hotshots fan page from Vic Manuel’s IG story, he is seen working out and joking around with Magnolia forward Jackson Corpuz.

When the camera panned to the other side, it was also noticeable that another Hotshot, Russel Escoto was also present together with some of the team's personnel.

With the arrival of athletic forward Zav Lucero from their recent trade, are they looking to boost their front court furthermore by adding the “muscle man” to their line-up?

But who are they going to give up in order to land Manuel to their roster? Also, what team will be interested to be their conduit so that a trade may be pushed through? SMB and Magnolia cannot trade directly by being sister teams.

Is a trade really happening or are they just having a good bonding?

Things will be different when the PBA 49th Season Governor’s Cup opens on August 18 as it adopts a new format for the season-opening conference.

The new format will divide the 12 teams in two groups; Group A is composed of reigning Governor’s Cup Champion TNT Tropang Giga together with Meralco Bolts, Converge FiberXers, Northport Batang Pier, Terrafirma Dyip and Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots while Group B is composed of crowd-favorite Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel, together with Blackwater Bossing, Phoenix Fuel Masters, Rain or Shine Elasto Painter, NLEX Road Warriors and San Miguel Beermen.

Under the new setup that was announced by league Commissioner Willie Marcial, teams in each group will play each other twice in a double round robin.

The top four teams from each group will advance to the crossover quarterfinals, with No. 1 taking on No. 4 and No. 2 battling No. 3 in a best-of-five series.

The semifinals and finals will both be a best-of-seven affairs.

Meanwhile, the mid-season Commissioner’s Cup and season-concluding Philippine Cup will have the same format as used in the previous seasons.

Strong Group Athletics remained unblemished in the 43rd William Jones Cup after a 82-74 win over Ukraine on Monday, July 15, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.

Chris McCullough spearheaded the squad with a game-high 28 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one block while Jordan Heading poured in 24 markers built on four 3-pointers.

The team also drew brilliant playmaking from Kiefer Ravena, who notched 10 points and nine assists.

Ukraine led 72-67 before Strong Group went on an 11-0 tear highlighted by McCullough completing a three-point play, sinking a triple, and making a pair of free throws in succession to seize the upper hand at 78-72.

Free throws by Heading and Ravena then sealed the comeback win for SGA, which remained undefeated after back-to-back wins against UAE and Australia’s BSBL Guardians.

Anatoliy Shundel’s 17-point outing was all for naught while Rostylav Novitskyi added 12 for Ukraine.

Strong Group will look to solidify its hold on the top sport when it takes on Malaysia on Wednesday, July 16, at the same venue.

Strong Group Athletics continued its impressive start in the 43rd William Jones Cup, defeating the Brisbane South Basketball League (BSBL) Guardians of Australia 91-67 for its second win on Sunday, July 14, at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.

SGA cruised to a 2-0 win-loss card while keeping the Australians winless at 0-2.

American import Chris McCullough once again led Strong Group pouring in 23 points and hauled down seven rebounds as the team remained on track in breaking a five-year title drought in the tournament.

McCullough previously scored 15 points in Strong Group’s massive 107-49 victory over United Arab Emirates (UAE) on opening day last Saturday, July 13.

Also standing out for the Philippines were Gilas naturalized big man Ange Kouame chipping in 16 markers, 10 boards and one steal while Tajuan Agee contributed 14 points, four rebounds and two steals.

Meanwhile, Jesse Ghee paced the Australian team with his own double-double 19 points and 10 rebounds while Atem Bior scored with 14 markers.

Strong Group will aim for its third win when it battles Ukraine on Monday, July 15.

Gilas Pilipinas Women ended their 43rd William Jones Cup campaign with a tough 82-66 defeat to Chinese Taipei A on Wednesday July 10, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.

The nationals fell behind early, trailing 26-10 at the end of the first quarter and never recovered from that initial onslaught by the host country.

It did not help that Jack Animam was held down to just six attempts for eight points and nine rebounds, while Janine Pontejos and Afril Bernardino battled foul trouble the entire game.

Naomi Panganiban top-scored for them with 19 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Bernardino had 12 markers and six rebounds for Gilas Women.

Panganiban and Stephanie Berabe tried everything they could to spark a comeback, but Chinese Taipei’s lead proved to be too much to overcome.

Yu-Ting Lin led her pack with 15 points. Tieh Lin finished with 14 markers, Wenyou Lin contributed 10, while Shihan Xu and Mengxin Chen added nine points each.

With the loss, the Philippines finished fourth among six teams in the competition with a 2-3 slate while Japan bagged the title with a 5-0 record.

Gilas defeated Malaysia and Thailand, marking a one-game improvement from last year’s run.