NLEX DeQuan Jones: Harvester of Explosive Scoring Points

Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized star Justin Brownlee will be sidelined from the team’s upcoming basketball games as he recovers from pneumonia, team officials confirmed.

Brownlee, a key contributor in recent international campaigns, is currently undergoing medical treatment and observation. According to the Gilas medical team, his health remains the top priority, and he will return to action only once fully cleared by doctors.

Meralco Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo noted, “We’re waiting for Justin, he is our naturalized (player) so he’s an option to play. He would be a big help if he was here.”

The development comes as Gilas prepares for the next phase of training and competitions, with head coach Tim Cone emphasizing that Brownlee’s recovery takes precedence over the schedule.

“Justin’s health is our main concern. We want him to get back to 100% before stepping on the court again,” said Cone.

Unbeaten Filipino middleweight contender Weljon Mindoro is keeping the door open to representing the Philippines in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games — a move he and his team consider a great honor.

Mindoro, alongside handlers Gerry Balmes and Orly Barcelango, are awaiting official communication from the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) or the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to formalize his inclusion.

During Monday’s presentation of the 3rd Asian Youth Games medalists, POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino mentioned Mindoro’s possible addition to the national boxing lineup.

“Wala naman kaming ihi-hindi. Sa tingin ko mas maganda kung maging pormal na lang yung pagmi-meeting diyan,” said Barcelango during the PSA Forum. “Hindi namin ipagdadamot si Weljon dahil isang karangalan yun makapagsilbi para sa bayan.”

A native of Zamboanga del Sur, Mindoro previously competed in Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa, but never made it to the national team. Competing in the SEA Games, he said, would be a dream come true.

“Excited ako diyan na makalaban sa SEA Games. Kung manalo ako sa SEA Games, mas maganda kung makalaban ako sa Olympics,” he added.

Mindoro and his team are set to train in Japan for stronger sparring partners. Trainer Joven Jimenez and former champion Jerwin Ancajas have also expressed support for his SEA Games prospects.

Mindoro recently served as a sparring partner for Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial in the Thrilla in Manila 50th Anniversary event. His team hopes he’ll soon officially join the national squad, eager to chase gold and represent the country on a bigger stage.

Vietnamese volleyball star Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen has been ruled out of the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand following a recurrence of an abdominal muscle injury.

Her absence was confirmed after her name was left off the official Vietnam women’s national team roster for both the training camp and the tournament.

Bich Tuyen, known for her explosive scoring and power, had also skipped the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship earlier this year, initially citing personal and family reasons as well as issues related to new FIVB eligibility rules. However, reports now reveal that her lingering injury has once again flared up, sidelining her from international competition.

The setback is a major blow for Vietnam, which will look to adjust its lineup as it aims to stay competitive in the regional volleyball scene.

Meanwhile, team captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy (4T) and middle blocker Tran Thi Bich Thuy are set to join the national team’s training camp in early December, once they conclude their ongoing stints in Japan’s V.League.

Both players are expected to bring veteran leadership and international experience to bolster Vietnam’s campaign in the upcoming 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.

Filipino combat sports standout Chino Sy Tancontian continues to make waves on the international stage after clinching the silver medal in the men’s -100kg division of the Oceania Judo Open held last weekend in Gold Coast, Australia.

The Davaoeño International Olympic Committee (IOC) Solidarity scholar also achieved a new career milestone, leaping to No. 74 in the world judo rankings following his stellar performance.

Tancontian powered through a tough field, defeating Indonesia’s Gene Kalbu Soethama via ippon, American Tokuzo Takahashi with two yuko, and Australian Jack Rigby in the semifinals to earn a spot in the title match. In the final, he opened strong with a quick waza-ari, but Great Britain’s Oliver Barratt mounted a rally midway through the bout and secured the gold with an ippon finish.

Despite falling short of the top podium, the multi-medaled Sambo and judo athlete once again proved his consistency and competitive edge, adding another accolade to his growing list of international honors.

With the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand fast approaching, Tancontian will undergo a month-long intensive training camp in Japan, honing his skills under elite coaches to prepare for the regional battle.

“This silver medal is another step forward. The goal remains the same—to keep improving and bring pride to the country,” Tancontian said.

The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles preserved their unblemished record after staging a spectacular reverse sweep victory, 25-23, 22-25, 23-25, 25-12, 15-7, over the Akari Chargers in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Tuesday, November 4, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Living up to their growing reputation as comeback specialists, the Thunderbelles dug deep after trailing two sets to one, flipping the momentum with a dominant fourth frame before sealing the deal in the fifth. The win pushed ZUS Coffee to a perfect 5–0 record, solidifying their grip on the top spot in Pool B.

American import Anna DeBeer once again led the Thunderbelles’ fiery charge, erupting for 33 points built from 32 attacks and a block, while also anchoring the floor defense with 8 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions, earning her Player of the Game honors.

Veteran opposite spiker Jovelyn Gonzaga showcased her trademark versatility, turning in an all-around outing of 11 points, 13 excellent digs, and 13 excellent receptions to lead the charge for the Thunderbelles. Rookie middle blocker Riza Nogales made an immediate impact off the bench, tallying 11 markers highlighted by four emphatic kill blocks that helped shift the momentum.

Chinnie Arroyo continued to shine in her reserve role with 10 points, while AC Miner chipped in seven markers, delivering timely hits during ZUS Coffee’s fiery start in the decisive fifth set.

Running the offense with poise, setter Cloanne Mondoñedo dished out 27 excellent sets and added four points of her own, while libero Alyssa Eroa anchored the defense with 20 excellent digs, ensuring stability in the backline.

Akari, meanwhile, dropped to a 3-2 record but still secured a spot in Pool C alongside the unbeaten Thunderbelles and defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers.

Despite a fiery start that saw them take control in the opening two sets, Akari faltered down the stretch, undone by 32 costly errors that proved too much to overcome.

Annie Michem spearheaded the Chargers’ offense with a stellar 27-point output built on 25 attacks and two kill blocks, while also contributing 17 excellent receptions on defense. Eli Soyud followed with 15 markers, while Grethcel Soltones and Ced Domingo added 11 apiece. Soltones also anchored the floor defense with 19 excellent receptions and nine digs, providing her usual steady presence at the back.