Rendell Dela Rea
Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball
Exclusive: Rendell Dela Rea’s shooting touch sparks Masters Pinoy
Renowned for his sharpshooting from beyond the arc, Rendell Dela Rea aims to fuel Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball's campaign in the upcoming World Masters Tournament, set for May 17-30 in Taiwan.
In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Dela Rea shared on what he can bring to the table when this Philippine team composed of 45 years old and above basketball players face the battle in Taipei.
The sharpshooter out of Jose Rizal University (JRU) emphasized the team’s steady improvement as they familiarize themselves with Coach Arlene Rodriguez’s system.
“Our camaraderie and teamwork are strengthening every day. We encourage each other and embrace our roles. We’re like brothers here—that’s our team’s advantage,” Dela Rea said in Filipino.
“These practices are crucial. When we step onto the court in Taiwan, we need to be fully prepared. It would be tough to compete without proper preparation,” he added.
“The most important thing is to always pray to the Lord—that’s number one,” Dela Rea emphasized.
“We also ask our countrymen to rally behind us as we strive to bring honor to the Philippines. Even at our age, we are determined to give our 100 percent for the country.”
The Pampanga native also highlighted that outside shooting will be key to overcoming taller international opponents in the tournament.
“We’re up against bigger players, so our outside shooting will be a major weapon,” Dela Rea explained. “Everyone on our team can shoot from anywhere, making us unpredictable each game.”
He also stressed the importance of teamwork, acknowledging that basketball is not an individual sport. Chemistry and following the coach’s strategies, he said, will be crucial for success.
At 46, Dela Rea discussed the team’s commitment to fitness and conditioning.
“We must stay in peak condition. Even after practice, we continue stretching and individual training. We don’t settle for just one session—it’s already part of our routine,” he shared.
Fun Side of Dela Rea
Switching to a lighter note, Dela Rea was game for Scoreline.ph’s "on-court kulitan" segment. When asked about an iconic move from his childhood that he still uses today, he replied, “Fake and crossover jump shot.”
He also recalled slipping multiple times on the court, laughing, “Many times! As a wingman, I always sprint, so I’m prone to falling when the court is slippery.”
One of Dela Rea’s most unforgettable moments was completing a four-point play during his NCAA days. He described how he was fouled while taking a deep three-pointer, yet managed to sink the shot. The roar of the crowd and the energy from his teammates made it one of the highlights of his career.
Beyond basketball, Dela Rea also has a love for food. He shared that his favorite Filipino dishes are Adobo and Tinola. Adobo, with its savory and slightly tangy sauce, reminds him of home-cooked meals from his childhood, while Tinola, a comforting chicken soup, has been his go-to dish after long training sessions.
Message
Wrapping up, he delivered a heartfelt message to Filipinos, especially those in Taiwan, urging them to support Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball in the World Masters Tournament.
“The most important thing is to always pray to the Lord—that’s number one,” Dela Rea emphasized.
“We also ask our countrymen to rally behind us as we strive to bring honor to the Philippines. Even at our age, we are determined to give our 100 percent for the country.”
“Our ultimate goal is to win the championship and prove that Filipino talent and heart can still shine on the international stage,” he concluded.
News
Jamie Malonzo is heading back to Japan after signing with Earthfriends Tokyo Z for the 2026-27 season, the team announced in an Instagram post.
"Earth Friends Tokyo Z would like to inform you that we have reached a basic agreement with Jamie Malonzo for the 2026-2027 season," the club wrote.
Malonzo left Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in 2025 to pursue a professional basketball career abroad and signed with Kyoto Hannaryz last season. However, he was later waived by the team.
He played only five games in the organization before being released, averaging 1.5 points and 1.2 rebounds per game during his stint.
Dwight Ramos has agreed to a basic contract with the Levanga Hokkaido for the 2026-2027 season, the team announced on Instagram.
He averaged 12.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game during the previous season.
Ramos has been with the organization since 2022 after his rookie year contract with the Toyama Grouses expired.
Filipino-American NBA player Jordan Clarkson has re-signed with the defending champion New York Knicks on a one-year, $3.9 million contract.
Clarkson averaged 10.8 minutes per game during the Knicks' championship run. His role as a scoring spark off the bench helped ease the workload of the team's starters and provided valuable depth throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season.
His impact and influence played a crucial part in helping New York contend for and ultimately win the championship during the previous season.
The Knicks captured the 2026 NBA title against the San Antonio Spurs, ending a championship drought that lasted nearly half a century.
He also posted on his Instagram account following his extension with the Knicks.
"still in this dream, NY! run it back! love ," he wrote.
John Amores is returning to professional basketball after signing a one-conference contract with the Titan Ultra Giant Risers.
Titan welcomed him through a Facebook post, announcing his comeback representing the team.
"A NEW CHAPTER STARTS NOW. Welcome back to the PBA, John Amores. Welcome to the Titan Ultra Giant Risers family. Let’s get to work," they wrote.
Before his professional basketball license was revoked, Amores averaged 5.1 points and 1.6 rebounds per game for the NorthPort Batang Pier during the 2024-2025 PBA season.
John and his brother were involved in a shooting incident in Laguna in September 2024, which led the suspension from the PBA, along with revoking his license by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).
Earlier this week, he posted a video of himself at GAB, where he officially retrieved his license, and is now cleared to resume playing in professional leagues.
Ahead of his PBA comeback, Titan is set to face Terrafirma this Friday.
Alas Pilipinas Women's team shared photos on its Instagram account during training for the upcoming SEA V.League and the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games.
Taka Minowa, a former head coach in the Premier Volleyball League with the Akari Chargers, will take over as the new head coach of the nat'l team after being recruited by the POC for his service.
The roster is composed of setters with captain Jia De Guzman, Marionne Angelique Alba, Maria Angelica Cayuna; liberos Justine Ylizeth Jazareno, Jennifer Nierva, Dawn Nicole Catindig, Shaira Jardio.
They will also be joined by outside hitters Mhicaela Belen, Vanessa Gandler, Ejiya Laure, Alleiah Jan Malaluan, Angel Anne Canino, Shaina Marie Nitura; as well as middle blockers Janette Panaga, Dell Palomata, Thea Gagate, Mereophe Sharma, Amie Provido, Nina Ytang.
Completing the line-up are opposite hitters Alyssa Solomon, Erika Santos, and Arah Panique.
Alas secured bronze in the 2025 SEA V.League after sweeping Indonesia 25-17, 25-17, 28-26. The team also qualified for the Asian Games due to its current FIVB rankings among asian teams, standing at No. 10.
SEA V.League will take place in Vietnam on July 31 to August 2, while the Asian Games will be held in Japan beginning September 19.
