Next on our Profiles Series is the 1978 PBA Most Valuable Player, Robert Jaworski Sr.Known as the “Living Legend” of Philippine basketball, Jaworski earned this iconic nickname thanks to his enduring popularity, unmatched legacy, and profound impact on Philippine sports. His influence spans generations, resonating not only with those who witnessed his prime but also with younger fans who grew up hearing his name.In 1975, the University of the East standout entered the PBA in its inaugural season, suiting up for Toyota—a team he had already played for since 1973.His most significant season with the franchise came in 1978, when he bagged his lone MVP award after averaging nearly a triple-double: 20 points, 12 assists, and close to 9 rebounds per game.

On Sunday, May 4, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, Rizal, the TNT Tropang 5G finally found their groove after dropping their first three outings, while the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots continued to dominate the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, capturing their fifth straight victory.TNT’s 89-84 upset over the San Miguel Beermen was less about precision and more about pride.“We're a different team now,” admitted TNT head coach Chot Reyes, acknowledging the absence of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson—due to the All-Filipino format—and team leader Jayson Castro, who remains out with an injury. “We said, ‘Let’s write our own story.’ This win is just the first chapter.”Calvin Oftana led the charge with 23 points and a career-high 21 rebounds, delivering both the numbers and the intangibles.

Stephanie Bustrillo transitioned from a standout player at the University of the Philippines to a promising rookie with Akari in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference. Drafted as the sixth overall pick in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft, Bustrillo wasted no time making an impact in her professional debut.Known for her scoring ability and unshakable determination, Bustrillo was determined to bring more than just volleyball skills to Akari’s lineup. Drawing from her experiences at UP, she was ready to apply the lessons learned both on and off the court.Joining a revamped Akari roster with players like Ivy Lacsina, Kamille Cal, and Dani Ravena, Bustrillo embraced the challenge of filling the void left by Faith Nisperos and Fifi Sharma, who were away with Alas Pilipinas.

The Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour — Nuvali Futures concluded on a high note on Sunday, May 4, after four days of thrilling action on the sand that saw top-tier talent from around the world collide with fierce competition.In the women’s division, it was Shaunna Polley and Olivia Macdonald of New Zealand who stood tallest, claiming gold after an impressive campaign. The Kiwi pair displayed superior teamwork and consistent play throughout the tournament, culminating in a finals’ victory, 21-18, 21-14, over Japan’s Sakura Ito and Mayu Sawame, who clinched silver.Meanwhile, the bronze medal went to Lithuania’s Ieva Dumbauskaite and Gerda Grudzinskaite. They outplayed Romania’s Beata Vaida and Francesca Ioana Alupei, 21-19, 19-21, 19-17, in the third-place match to round out the podium.

De La Salle University (DLSU) clinched the twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Final Four after a gritty four-set win over University of Santo Tomas (UST), 23-25, 25-20, 30-28, 29-27, on Wednesday, April 30, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.The Lady Spikers recovered from a slow start and leaned on clutch performances in the final sets to edge out the Golden Tigresses in a tightly contested playoff for the second seed. With the win, DLSU earned the upper hand as the two squads arranged to face off again in the semifinals on Saturday, May 3.

As we continue our Player Profile series highlighting the icons of Philippine basketball, we now shine the spotlight on one of the league’s most underrated yet highly decorated players—Alfredo “Freddie” Hubalde, the 1977 PBA Most Valuable Player. Known as a silent operator, Hubalde built a legacy not through fanfare but through consistent excellence, smart plays, and championship-caliber performance across 16 seasons in the PBA.

Many may be surprised to learn that Lewis Alfred Tenorio has been placed on Barangay Ginebra's unrestricted free agent list, with rights to salary. In his place, Jayson David has been reactivated to the Gin Kings' active roster.This decision came just a day before Ginebra’s matchup with the NorthPort Batang Pier on Wednesday, April 30, at the Philsports Arena, following a tough 93-104 defeat to the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen.Tenorio's playing time has been limited this season, particularly after Ginebra secured the services of RJ Abarrientos during the draft.The four-time Finals MVP saw limited action during Ginebra’s recent Commissioner's Cup Finals series, where the team fell to TNT in a hard-fought best-of-seven series that even stretched into overtime.

Ysa Bakabak defied the usual path taken by many sports journalists.While others often turned to reporting after unfulfilled dreams of becoming professional athletes, Bakabak managed to pursue both—breaking into the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) as middle blocker for the Akari Chargers while she continued her role as a sports writer for The Lasallian, De La Salle University’s official student publication.The 22-year-old stood out not just for her height and skill on the court but for her ability to balance athletics, journalism, and academics.Bakabak had been part of the DLSU Lady Spikers’ training pool but was never officially fielded in collegiate leagues. Despite the limited exposure and absence of high-profile playing experience, she took a bold step by joining the inaugural PVL draft.Her name was not called during the draft, but she remained undeterred. She later reflected that she wasn’t discouraged, understanding that teams might have prioritized players with greater public visibility. She believed that her lack of collegiate play limited her exposure, but not her potential. Confident in her abilities, she trusted that she could succeed at the professional level and expressed gratitude that Akari recognized that and signed her as a free agent.Her signing with Akari marked a significant turning point, especially after overcoming challenges in her athletic journey. 

As we kick off our Player Profile series highlighting the pioneers and icons of Philippine basketball, we begin with a name synonymous with scoring brilliance and resilience—William “Bogs” Adornado.

Cathrine Almazan has officially taken her talents to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), suiting up for the Akari Chargers during the 2024 Reinforced Conference. Making her professional debut on July 18 against the Capital1 Solar Spikers, the 25-year-old outside hitter is one of the league’s intriguing new faces to watch.Before stepping onto the pro stage, Almazan made waves as a standout scorer for Emilio Aguinaldo College in the NCAA women's volleyball tournament. Known for her explosive attacks and relentless energy, she carried the Lady Generals through several memorable runs during her collegiate career.

After four seasons with PLDT in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), Erika Santos has officially moved on from the team.The 25-year-old outside hitter took to Instagram on Monday night, April 28, to share a heartfelt message, thanking the High Speed Hitters for their unwavering support and the memorable journey she experienced with the squad.“After three unforgettable years representing PLDT, the time has come for me to turn the page and embrace a new chapter. I’ve been honored to compete alongside incredible teammates and guided by dedicated coaches,” said Santos.“To my teammates, coaches, and management who became family — pushing me to improve, sharing laughter, and never letting me settle for less than my potential. And to the PLDT fans, your encouragement after a loss lifted our spirits, and your celebrations after a win became memories we’ll cherish forever. I am profoundly grateful for each of you,” she added.

Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu Volleyball Club completed a flawless campaign at the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, emerging as champions after a 3-1 victory, 25-14, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18, over Vietnam’s VTV Binh Dien Long An in the gold medal match held Sunday, April 27, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.Zhetysu, the nine-time Kazakhstan Women’s National League champions, showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, going undefeated and dropping just one set—the second frame of the final—on their way to the title.The Kazakh squad showcased their firepower and height advantage, out-blocking the Vietnamese side 15-2 and delivering 10 service aces to just one from their opponents. The match lasted 87 minutes.

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots captured their fourth straight victory in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup after dominating the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 118-99, on Friday, April 26, in Zamboanga.Hometown hero Mark Barroca delivered his best performance of the conference so far, thrilling his fellow Chabacanos with 16 points (7/14 FGs), six rebounds, five assists, and one steal.Peter Alfaro, another proud Zamboanga native, chipped in six markers and two boards while helping orchestrate the Hotshots’ offense.Before tip-off, Barroca—who celebrated his 39th birthday yesterday, his first in Zamboanga in 20 years—expressed gratitude to his kababayans, joined by Alfaro and Phoenix’s RR Garcia in thanking the home crowd.

The Pilipinas Aguilas captured the inaugural Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) championship after dismantling the UST Growling Tigresses in a thrilling do-or-die Game 3 Finals, 54-45, on Wednesday night, April 23, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.Lexi Pana led the charge for the Aguilas in the deciding game, finishing with 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals. She was named the first-ever WMPBL Finals MVP.Speaking about their title-clinching performance, Pana said:“I couldn’t have done it without my teammates. Chack (Cabinbin) does a really good job being a point guard—I mean, she’s arguably the best in the Philippines. It’s really nice playing with her, and also just how my teammates focused on defense. We got the stops we needed. So, a lot of credit goes to them, not just to what I can do.”Mar Prado was also instrumental in the victory, contributing 16 markers on 7-of-13 shooting, grabbing 12 boards, while tallying three steals and three blocks. Cheska Apag had her best performance of the series, finishing with 13 points—including three triples—along with four rebounds, five assists, and four steals.

Petro Gazz reignited its campaign in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League with a commanding straight-sets victory over Hong Kong’s Hip Hing, 25-8, 25-12, 25-12, on Tuesday, April 22, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.The win not only marked their first in the tournament but also secured them the final quarterfinal berth, setting up a high-stakes clash with Chinese powerhouse Beijing Baic Motor.After dropping their opening match to Pool B leader Kaohsiung Taipower in four sets (15-25, 16-25, 25-19, 20-25), the Angels bounced back in emphatic fashion, delivering a near-flawless performance against the winless Hong Kong side. From the first whistle, Petro Gazz established its dominance, allowing Hip Hing no room to build momentum during the swift one-hour, 13-minute match.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters showcased grit and determination but ultimately fell short against Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima Volleyball Club in a thrilling five-set match, 24-26, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20, 9-15, in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League on Tuesday, April 22, at the Philsports Arena.After falling behind two sets to none, the High Speed Hitters mounted an impressive comeback, winning the third and fourth sets behind the efforts of Savi Davison and Cuban import Wilma Salas. Davison spearheaded the third-set resurgence, while Salas provided crucial support in the fourth to force a deciding set.PLDT appeared poised for a breakthrough in the fifth set, pulling even at 8-all. However, a center line fault swung the momentum back to the Thai side, sparking a decisive 7-1 run from Nakhon Ratchasima that sealed the match. The rally was capped by a service ace, ending PLDT’s spirited challenge.

Fresh off their historic Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Championship win, the Petro Gazz Angels were brought back down to earth in their first match on the continental stage, falling in four sets to Chinese Taipei’s Kaohsiung Taipower, 15-25, 16-25, 25-19, 20-25, at the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League on Monday afternoon, April 21, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.Despite the momentum of a landmark local title just over a week ago, the Angels couldn’t find their rhythm against the well-drilled and youthful Taipower squad. The nine-time Top Volleyball League champions leaned on the consistency of 21-year-old outside hitter Hsu Wan-Yun and 23-year-old wing spiker Tsai Yu-Chun to maintain their unbeaten record (2-0) and clinch the top spot in Pool B.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters kicked off their 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League campaign after overcoming a shaky start against the Australia’s Queensland Pirates, 25-19, 25-12, 25-12, on Sunday, April 20, at the PhilSports Arena.Savi Davison powered the High Speed Hitters with 14 attack points while also registering eight excellent digs and three excellent receptions, earning the Player of the Match honors.The Pirates dictated the early tempo, going on a 6-1 run in the opening frame. But the tide turned when Wilma Salas’s service ace shifted the momentum and handed PLDT their first lead of the match. Despite the Pirates’ efforts to regain control, the High Speed Hitters responded with urgency. Fiola Ceballos stepped up in the clutch, giving PLDT a 20-16 cushion. Although an out-of-bounds attack momentarily disrupted PLDT’s flow, Kim Kianna Dy’s relentless offense pushed the lead to 23-17. Dy eventually sealed the set with a powerful attack, completing the comeback.

The Creamline Cool Smashers began their 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League campaign with a dominant straight-sets win over Al Naser Club, 29-27, 25-20, 25-19, on Sunday, April 20, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.After a shaky start in the opening frame, the Cool Smashers showed poise under pressure. Trailing 14-18 due to early miscues, they turned the tide with a 6-1 run to take the lead at 20-19. Jema Galanza delivered two key hits late in the set, and Pangs Panaga sealed it with a decisive block on Natiele Marques Gonçalves.Riding the momentum, Creamline dictated the pace in the second set. With the score tied at 5-all, the Cool Smashers gradually pulled ahead. A scoring burst, led by three straight attacks from Anastasiya Kudryashova and an ace by Panaga, widened the gap and gave Creamline a commanding 2-0 lead.

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala continued her impressive form as she marched into the Round of 16 at the Oeiras Ladies Open in Portugal, overcoming Dutch player Anouk Koevermans in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, on Tuesday, April 15 (Manila time).Despite a lengthy rain delay that interrupted their first-round match, the 19-year-old top seed in the WTA 125 event kept her composure. The match, originally set for Monday, was halted with Eala trailing 2-4 in the second set. Once play resumed, she flipped the script and surged ahead to close out the win efficiently.“There were definitely some challenges,” Eala shared after her victory. “I’m happy how I came back out on the court.”