After nearly six years of learning and growing in the NBA, Jimmy Alapag believes the time is finally right to come home.The former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) superstar officially faced the media on Tuesday following his appointment as the new head coach of the NLEX Road Warriors, describing his return to the Philippines as a "big move" for both his career and his family.Alapag recently concluded his stint as a player development coach with the NBA's Sacramento Kings in April, bringing with him valuable experience gained at basketball's highest level."I think it just felt like it was the right time," Alapag said during his introductory press conference at Dave & Buster's in Opus Mall, Pasig. "Almost six years in the NBA, I've had an opportunity to see a lot, to learn a lot, and I know how much it's allowed me to grow—not just as a husband, as a father, but also as a coach."The 47-year-old returns to Manila alongside his wife, actress LJ Moreno-Alapag, and their four children. Alapag also shared that their fourth child was born during the family's stay in the United States.Before ultimately accepting the NLEX coaching job, Alapag revealed that Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Erika Dy initially reached out to gauge his interest in joining the Gilas Pilipinas coaching staff.Instead, the six-time PBA champion embraced the opportunity to take charge of an NLEX squad eager to become a contender."To be able to come back home and pour all of that knowledge and all that wisdom that I've gained in the NBA back into Philippine basketball, it felt like now was the right time," said Alapag, who starred with Talk 'N Text from 2003 to 2015.Alapag succeeds veteran mentor Jong Uichico and inherits a talented roster led by Robert Bolick, Kevin Alas, Schonny Winston, LJ Gonzales, and Xyrus Torres.His coaching debut will come immediately on the opening day of the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup on July 10, when the Road Warriors face guest team Macau Giant Pandas in the second game of a doubleheader at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.For Alapag, the return home is more than just another coaching assignment—it marks the beginning of a new chapter, one where he hopes to translate years of NBA experience into success for NLEX and help shape the future of Philippine basketball.

Alas Pilipinas will head into the 2026 Asian Games without three of its biggest stars after injuries sidelined reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP Vanessa "Vanie" Gandler, veteran libero Jennifer Nierva, and rising spiker Shaina Nitura.Gandler opted to skip national team duties to focus on recovering from a lingering injury sustained after months of continuous competition, while Nierva is also undergoing rehabilitation for an injury.Nitura, meanwhile, was officially ruled out after undergoing ankle surgery. The Philippine Olympic Committee said the young standout is expected to spend around three months in rehabilitation before returning to action.The national team's injury woes were evident when Gandler and fellow MVP Erika Santos were absent from Capital1's recent friendly match against the visiting Dominican Republic squad.Adding to the challenge, two other players in the Alas Pilipinas women's pool are reportedly still undecided about joining the national team due to concerns over losing compensation from their respective club teams during national duty.Despite the setbacks, Alas Pilipinas continues its preparations with the remaining members of the training pool as it sets its sights on a strong campaign in the 20th Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.The absence of three key contributors leaves the Philippine squad with a difficult task, but the team remains determined to compete at its best on one of Asia's biggest sporting stages.

Alas Pilipinas Girls U18 defeated Iran in its first match of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship, 29-19, 19-25, 25-23, 25-18, today in Thailand, July 1.In the match, which lasted more than two hours, Xyz Ellen Rayco led the team's offense with 19 points, including 14 attack points.Joining the 15-year-old Rayco was Ma. Ellanie Lorraine Gonzalvo, who also contributed 15 points, highlighted by 12 attack points and two aces.Philippines head coach Rey Karl Dimaculangan emphasized the importance of maintaining the right mindset."We need to be more focused on the game and be more aggressive, especially on the floor," he said.Alas Pilipinas will next face Japan on Thursday before taking on India on Friday.

Alas Pilipinas secured the bronze medal after beating Indonesia, 27-25, 27-29, 18-25, 25-22, 15-11, in the 2026 Southeast Asian Girls' U18 Volleyball Championship. This marks their second consecutive Bronze Medal after they clinching the first in last year's tournament.Ella Gonzalvo also won the Best Outside Hitter Award in the tournament. Meanwhile, Thailand successfully defended their title against Vietnam, 25-23, 29-27, 25-22, and was crowned champion once again in the Princess Cup. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a 3-year contract extension, retaining him to be a key part of the team until the 2028-2029 NBA season. The extension will pay him $75 million in new money for the next three years, with a total of $134 million guaranteed over the next five years with OKC.The German center's impact on this young OKC team has extended beyond the stat sheet, as he played a significant role in helping the franchise win the 2025 NBA championship. During his two years in Oklahoma, he averaged 10.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game as their starting center.

The long-awaited rematch between Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr., originally scheduled for September 2026, has been postponed, according to Manny Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur, made the announcement on Friday.Pacquiao camp stated the postponement was caused by volatile mix of federal lawsuits, scheduling overbooks, and financial gridlock completely surrounding the Mayweather camp.Among the the reported legal disputes is a lawsuit filed by Events company CSI against the american boxer, alleging he and his camp failed to fulfill the agreement granting the exclusive promotional rights for the rematch, and an exhibition match between him and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. The lawsuit reportedly involves at least $4.65 million for the american boxer to recover. The possibility of this rematch will likely happen on early 2027, should the Mayweather camp and CSI be fully resolve their internal contract disputes out of court.Furthermore, Pacman, who just came out of retirement last year and fought Marrio Barrios that ended in a draw, has begun exploring other options for his next fight this year. 

Gilas Pilipinas forward/center Jack Danielle Animam will be playing for Energa Toruń, a Polish women's basketball club. Ahead of her debut in the Orlen Women's Basketball League this coming season, the management expressed their excitement to have her on the team. "We are delighted to officially announce that Jack Danielle Animam is the newest player of our club! Standing at 193 cm (6'4"), the center/power forward (born in 1998) will make her debut in the Orlen Women's Basketball League this coming season, writing a brand-new chapter in the history of basketball in Toruń," they wrote. Animam, consistently known as a double-double machine wherever she plays, is expected to play a significant role on her new team as they try to compete for a championship.

The Philippines experienced contrasting fortunes in the qualifying rounds of the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Ulaanbaatar Stop 2026 as Team Manila advanced to the main draw while Team Philippines bowed out of contention.Team Philippines struggled in Pool A, dropping both of its assignments against tough international opposition. The Filipinas first suffered a 21-13 defeat to New Zealand before falling in a closely contested match against Paraguay, 20-18. The two losses ended their campaign and denied them a place in the tournament's main draw.Despite the setback, the team gained valuable experience competing against seasoned squads in one of the premier stops of the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series.On the other hand, Team Manila delivered an impressive performance in Pool B to keep Philippine hopes alive in the tournament.The squad opened its campaign with a dominant 15-5 victory over Lion City of Singapore before following it up with a convincing 21-13 win against host team Sukhbaatar of Mongolia.With back-to-back victories, Team Manila finished atop its qualifying group and secured a coveted berth in the main draw, where tougher competition awaits against some of the world's best 3x3 teams.The strong showing highlighted the team's chemistry and offensive firepower, giving Philippine fans reason to be optimistic as the tournament progresses.As Team Manila moves forward in the competition, the focus now shifts to sustaining its momentum and carrying the Philippine flag deeper into the prestigious international event.

Philippine Sambo Team Primed for Historic Run in Asia-Oceania ChampionshipsThe Philippines is set to take center stage in the international sambo scene as the country's top grapplers begin their campaign in the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Backed by months of intensive preparation, the 40-member national team enters the prestigious tournament with high hopes of delivering strong performances against nearly 500 athletes from 22 countries across Asia and Oceania.National head coach Ace Larida expressed confidence in the readiness of the Filipino delegation, emphasizing that the athletes are physically and mentally prepared for the challenge after six months of rigorous training.Hosting the continental competition for the first time in years presents a unique opportunity for Team Philippines to showcase its progress in the combat sport while competing before a home crowd.Leading the national squad are reigning champions Sydney Sy and Aislyn Agnes Yap, who are determined to defend their respective titles. Sy will seek another gold medal in the women's +80kg sport sambo division, while Yap aims to retain her crown in the women's -80kg combat sambo category.Also expected to contend for podium finishes are world-ranked standout Jomary Torres in the women's -50kg combat division and promising young athlete Sophia Novino in the women's -47kg youth class.Another athlete drawing attention is former Southeast Asian Games judo bronze medalist Carl Aneseta, who will make his international sambo debut in the men's +98kg sport sambo event. Aneseta believes his judo background will help him adjust quickly to the demands of the sport as he seeks to make an immediate impact on the international stage.Tournament organizers have also received praise for their preparations. Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio commended the organizing committee led by Pilipinas Sambo Federation President Paolo Tancontian, noting that the event is expected to become another milestone in Philippine sports hosting.The four-day championship not only highlights the country's growing strength in sambo but also reinforces the Philippines' reputation as a premier destination for international sporting events. With athletes arriving from countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, the tournament is expected to provide world-class competition and valuable exposure for local athletes.As competition officially begins, the spotlight now turns to the Filipino grapplers who carry the hopes of the nation and the opportunity to make history on home soil.

The Ateneo community and local residents gathered in deep mourning as student-athlete Rene Baterbonia was laid to rest in his hometown of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.Baterbonia was buried yesterday, June 24, with emotions running high as his mother, Rovelyn, was seen overcome with grief while saying her final goodbye to her son.Family members, friends, teammates, and supporters of the young athlete came together to honor his life and celebrate his contributions both to his community and to the Ateneo de Manila University basketball program.As a final tribute, supporters lined the streets as the funeral convoy passed through, offering prayers and messages of farewell to the late athlete.His parents, siblings, relatives, and teammates attended the burial, joining the community in a solemn moment of remembrance and respect for his life and legacy.Baterbonia was interred at the newly opened Talacogon Municipal Memorial Park, becoming the first individual to be laid to rest in the cemetery.His passing leaves a deep void in the Ateneo sports community, where he is remembered not only as an athlete but also as a valued teammate and friend.  

The remains of late student-athlete Divine Adili have arrived in Nigeria on June 25, according to the Ateneo de Manila University.The university confirmed that Adili’s remains were transported from Manila on Monday, following a candlelight service, daily Masses, and a public wake held in honor of the Ateneo Blue Eagles big man.Ateneo also sent two representatives to accompany the return of Adili’s remains as part of its support for the grieving family.Meanwhile, the university continues its 40-day mourning period for Adili and Rene Baterbonia. During this period, the Ateneo flag will remain at half-mast, and daily Masses will be held in their memory.The university said it continues to coordinate with authorities regarding separate investigations into the deaths of the two student-athletes. The Philippine National Police, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and the National Bureau of Investigation are expected to release findings that may help clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.The return of Adili’s remains to his family marks a significant step in the mourning process, as the Ateneo community continues to grieve and honor his life and contributions to the team.

AJ Dybantsa has officially been selected by the Washington Wizards with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and the 19-year-old prodigy is already looking ahead to this next chapter of his basketball journey.Speaking during the NBA Draft press conference, Dybantsa reflected on what it means to achieve one of basketball's biggest milestones while acknowledging that his job is not yet finished."I know I have a lot of work to do, but obviously, this night is just a celebration of all the hard work I've done in the past, so tonight I'm gonna celebrate. But, you know, I got to get to the plane tomorrow morning, and I'll probably work out tomorrow if I can, if they let me," he said.Dybantsa's selection was also a historic moment for Brigham Young University (BYU). He became the first player in school history to be drafted No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft, an achievement that means a great deal to him."It means a lot. They welcomed me with open arms... I'm giving my most thanks to BYU for believing in me. BYU family all around."As he begins his NBA career, Dybantsa believes having experienced veterans around him will be essential to his development as a player. He specifically pointed to former All-Stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis as players he hopes to learn from."Just coming to the league and not having any vets is probably tough. But having vets, like All-Star guys like Trae Young and Anthony Davis, guys who've won championships like Anthony Davis, I think I can pick their brains to get easy knowledge," he said.Dybantsa also expressed confidence in the overall 2026 draft class, highlighting the years of competition and brotherhood made among many of the players selected."I've been playing against or with these guys since we were about 13 or 14 years old. I've been going to NBA camps, Nike Academy, and seeing the same faces. It shows credit to our hard work, discipline, and focus that we're able to do this for such a long time."I think down the road we can continue to do this. They've been comparing us to certain draft classes, and obviously, we're going to have to see how it plays out and how we do in the league. But if we're talking in existence, that would be very special."Dybantsa enters the NBA carrying high expectations as he prepares to lead the Wizards into a new era, with an exciting and thrilling future still waiting to unfold.

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala and seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams opened their partnership in impressive fashion, cruising into the quarterfinals of the Bad Homburg Open doubles competition with a straight-sets victory on Tuesday.The newly formed tandem defeated Alexandra Osborne and Catherine Harrison, 6-3, 6-4, on Court 1 to secure a winning start and move one step closer to a deep tournament run.Eala and Williams immediately established control of the match, breaking early and racing to a commanding 4-1 lead in the opening set. Their aggressive play and strong court coverage kept their opponents under pressure as they comfortably claimed the first set, 6-3.The second set presented a tougher challenge. Harrison and Osborne found their rhythm and capitalized on key opportunities to take their first lead of the contest at 2-1. The unseeded pair continued to battle, matching Eala and Williams point for point and eventually drawing level at 4-4.With the match hanging in the balance, the Filipino-American duo showcased their experience and composure. Eala and Williams elevated their game in the closing stages, winning the final two games to seal the victory and complete a dominant debut performance together.The win sets up a quarterfinal clash against second-seeded pair Tereza Mihalikova of Slovakia and Olivia Nicholls of the United Kingdom.For Eala, the victory marks another significant milestone as she continues to share the court with one of tennis' greatest champions. Their successful opening performance has generated excitement among tennis fans, with the pair now aiming to build momentum as they pursue the Bad Homburg Open doubles crown.

The Philippine Olympic Committee has officially suspended the Philippine National Volleyball Federation following the latter’s suspension by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball, POC president Abraham Tolentino announced yesterday, Wednesday June 24.According to Tolentino, the suspension was unanimously approved during the POC Executive Board meeting held Monday in Parañaque City, noting that the move automatically follows the international federation’s sanction against its national member body.The FIVB suspended the PNVF effective May 29 under Article 13.1.1 of its Disciplinary Regulations. The sanction stems from serious governance concerns and multiple alleged violations currently being investigated by the independent FIVB Ethics Panel.Prior to the international suspension, the Philippine Sports Commission had already halted all funding for the PNVF, citing governance issues and non-compliance with policies governing financial assistance for national sports associations.Despite the suspension, the PNVF recently conducted leadership changes, removing TonyBoy Liao as president and naming businessman Frank Lao as his replacement along with a new set of executive board members.However, Tolentino declared the election invalid, stressing that the POC was not notified and did not send an observer to oversee the proceedings as required.“Their latest election, for the POC, is invalid—no notice to the POC and no observer from the POC,” Tolentino said.As a result of the suspension, the PNVF is barred from participating in all POC activities, including the General Assembly. The POC is also awaiting further action from the FIVB, particularly the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee tasked with overseeing volleyball affairs while the federation remains under suspension.The development adds another chapter to the ongoing governance crisis in Philippine volleyball as stakeholders await the outcome of the FIVB investigation and the future direction of the sport’s national governing body.  

Denice Zamboanga has officially relinquished the ONE Women's Atomweight MMA World Championship after welcoming her first child with husband Fritz Biagtan.In a social media post on Tuesday, the reigning champion announced her decision to vacate the title, citing her desire to focus on motherhood while allowing other athletes in the division the opportunity to compete for the championship.Known as “The Menace,” Zamboanga became the first Filipina MMA world champion and said the decision came after careful prayer and reflection.She acknowledged that stepping away from the throne was not easy but emphasized that it was the right choice for this chapter of her life and for the contenders pursuing their dreams in the division.Zamboanga’s decision marks the end of a historic reign, as she shifts her focus from defending a world title to embracing a new role as a mother while leaving a lasting legacy in Philippine mixed martial arts.

Arena Fitness Dojo and Wushu Arena Philippines Recognized by Mandaluyong LGU Following UN ECOSOC Feature and Hong Kong Championship VictoryArena Fitness Dojo and Wushu Arena Philippines continue to earn both national and international recognition as they bridge grassroots martial arts development with global advocacy initiatives.Following their outstanding performance at the 21st Hong Kong International Wushu Championships last March 2026, the Philippine delegation was formally received during a courtesy call with the Mandaluyong Sports Development Office and the Mandaluyong City Public Information Office — a meaningful recognition of the team’s achievements and contributions to inclusive sports development.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━International Success: Hong Kong Wushu Championships 2026The team delivered an exceptional showing on the international stage, bringing home:24 Gold Medals3 Silver Medals3 Bronze MedalsThe achievement reflects the growing strength of Philippine Wushu and the success of a training system that welcomes athletes from all walks of life — including beginners, working adults, youth competitors, and non-traditional martial arts entrants.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Global Platform: UN ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026Beyond competition, Arena Fitness Dojo has also gained recognition for its advocacy in inclusive martial arts and movement education.Head Coach Arra Jeuneze Corpuz was featured as a speaker during a virtual side event of the United Nations ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026, organized by the Martial Arts Coalition for Sustainable Development (MCS).In her presentation titled “Movement Is for Every Body,” Corpuz introduced a community-based framework challenging traditional barriers in fitness and sports participation.Her message emphasized that:• Movement should be accessible regardless of age or ability• Inclusion is not charity, but a practical and necessary system• Martial arts can directly contribute to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-BeingThe presentation showcased real-world applications of this philosophy through programs serving senior citizens, neurodivergent students, beginners, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━MCS Certification: Philippines on the Global MapArena Fitness Dojo is now officially recognized as a member of the Martial Arts Coalition for Sustainable Development, becoming the first and only Philippine organization included in this global network.This certification connects the dojo to an international community of organizations using martial arts to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in health, education, inclusion, and community development.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Local Recognition: Mandaluyong LGU Courtesy CallThe courtesy call with the Mandaluyong LGU highlights the growing importance of community-based sports initiatives and inclusive athlete development programs.It underscores the value of:• Grassroots sports development• Youth and athlete empowerment• Inclusive martial arts systems aligned with both national and global prioritiesThis milestone demonstrates how local initiatives can evolve from community training halls into platforms for international competition and global policy conversations.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━A Model for Inclusive Martial Arts in the PhilippinesArena Fitness Dojo and Wushu Arena Philippines continue to develop a martial arts system where training is not limited to elite athletes, but made accessible to:• Beginners starting later in life• Working professionals with limited schedules• Senior citizens seeking mobility and wellness• Neurodivergent individuals and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)Their approach positions martial arts not only as a competitive sport, but also as a tool for lifelong movement, inclusion, and sustainable community development.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━From Grassroots to GlobalFrom winning medals in Hong Kong…to speaking at the United Nations…to being recognized by local government—Arena Fitness Dojo and Wushu Arena Philippines continue to demonstrate how a community-based initiative can grow into a platform for national representation and global impact.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━About Arena Fitness Dojo & Wushu Arena PhilippinesArena Fitness Dojo is a Philippine-based martial arts organization offering training in Wushu, Aikido, Taichi, and movement education. It is home to Wushu Arena Philippines and Arena Aikido Club, led by Coach Arra Jeuneze Corpuz.The organization advocates for the principle: “Movement Is for Every Body” — promoting accessible, inclusive, and sustainable martial arts training aligned with global development goals.

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)

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 sett;e some unfinished business.Meralco is slotted with TNT, Magnolia, Northport, Terrafirma, and Converge in the Governors’ Cup.

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.

In a heartfelt send-off, the senate committee on sports, Senator Bong Go, reminded the country’s national athletes of the immense pride and hope they bring as they head into international competitions.“Always remember, you carry not just your name, but the spirit of every Filipino,” Go said. “When you win, the whole nation wins with you. No matter the result, you already carry the pride and admiration of the Filipino people.”Reassuring the athletes of his unwavering support, the official added, “My office is always open for you. If you need anything—whether a solution or a problem—just come to my office.”As the delegation prepared to embark on their journey, he encouraged them to fight with determination and honor the country. “Fight with all your heart. Bring home the bacon. The honor you bring to the country—you will carry it for the rest of your life. It is engraved in the history of the Philippines.”He closed by urging the team to give their best, stay united, and make every Filipino proud: “Show the world how strong and united Filipinos can be.”