ZUS Coffee sweeps Galeries behind AC Miner’s all-around game

Scottie Thompson made the mistake that everyone saw.

But apparently, some fans also missed everything else he did.

The Gilas Pilipinas veteran became an easy target after committing a crucial five-second inbound violation with seven seconds left in the Philippines’ thrilling 82-81 win over Jordan. The error gave Jordan one final chance to steal the game—only for Kai Sotto to come up with the game-saving block.

The mistake was real. The criticism is understandable.

But reducing Thompson’s entire performance to one turnover? That’s where the criticism misses the bigger picture.

Head coach Tim Cone knows exactly what Thompson brings, and it goes far beyond scoring.

He rebounded. He chased loose balls. He defended Jordan’s best guards, including Jalen Harris and Freddy Ybrahim. More importantly, his presence helped settle Gilas after the team fell behind by a staggering 18 points, 26-8, in the first quarter.

Thompson finished with a +13 efficiency, another indication of the impact that doesn't always appear in the traditional box score.

As Cone put it, people tend to dismiss the “Scottie things”—the dirty work, the defense, the rebounds and the little plays that help a team win.

And that may be the biggest misunderstanding about Thompson.

He doesn't have to be the star to be important.

Basketball isn't always about who scores the most. Sometimes, it's about who does the jobs nobody else wants to do.

So yes, criticize the five-second violation.

But don't let one mistake erase everything Scottie Thompson contributed to the comeback.

Gilas didn't need another scorer that night. It needed a worker. And Scottie did what Scottie does.

Gilas Pilipinas is proving that this team is not one that folds when the pressure rises.

The Nationals overcame another double-digit deficit and stormed back to beat Iran, 68-56, on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, securing their second straight victory in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

It was far from a perfect performance, but that may be exactly what makes the win more impressive.

After escaping Jordan in an overtime thriller, 82-81, last Friday, Gilas once again found itself in trouble early. Instead of panicking, however, the Filipinos responded with the kind of defensive intensity and composure that ultimately turned the game around.

The victory gives Gilas its fourth win in eight games in Group E and, more importantly, another confidence boost heading deeper into the qualifying campaign.

Two games, two comebacks, two statement wins.

Gilas may still have plenty to fix, but one thing is becoming increasingly clear: this team has learned how to fight back.

And when the Philippines plays with that kind of heart and hustle, no lead feels completely safe against Gilas.

The comeback kings are making noise again. 🇵🇭🏀🔥

Michael Martinez may no longer be competing on the ice, but his impact on Philippine figure skating is far from over.

After being offered a coaching role by the Philippine Skating Union, Martinez has embraced a new chapter as a figure skating coach, mentoring young Filipino skaters and sharing the knowledge he gained from years of competition.

And honestly, there’s something inspiring about that transition.

Michael admitted that he still wants to skate, especially when he watches his students and other athletes compete. But coaching has given him a different kind of fulfillment — helping young skaters improve and preparing them for the future.

“As a skater, I get to represent and show what I can really do. But when you’re a coach, you get to share your knowledge.”

That may be Michael Martinez’s next legacy.

He once carried the Philippine flag on the world’s biggest skating stages. Now, he’s helping prepare the next generation of Filipinos who might one day do the same. 🇵🇭❤️

The champion may have stepped off the competitive ice, but he never really left the sport. He’s simply helping others find their own way to shine. ⛸️✨

Leila Cruz is beginning a new chapter with the PLDT High Speed Hitters, but the 26-year-old opposite hitter admitted that leaving Capital1 Solar Spikers remains an emotional experience.

Cruz spent her first two professional seasons with Capital1 after being selected No. 2 overall in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft. Her move to PLDT marks the first transfer of her professional career.

The former La Salle standout said she thought she had already processed the decision before PLDT officially unveiled her. However, the reality of saying goodbye to the team that welcomed her into professional volleyball brought the emotions back.

“Super hirap talaga, as in. Sobrang tagal ko talagang grineve… After yesterday, parang bumalik ulit ‘yung emotions and sobrang sad pa rin,” Cruz said.

While the separation was difficult, Cruz sees her move to PLDT as an opportunity to revive her career and develop her game in a new environment.

“Napili ko ‘yung PLDT because I feel like super mahe-help nila ako talaga mag-improve,” she said.

Joining a championship-caliber organization was also a major factor in her decision. PLDT provides Cruz with a deeper and more experienced environment as she looks to earn a bigger role moving forward.

Her playing time with Capital1 had been limited, with injuries and competition for positions affecting her opportunities. The move therefore gives the former second overall pick a chance to reset and showcase her potential.

Cruz will not be entering an entirely unfamiliar environment. She is set to reunite with several former La Salle teammates and fellow Lady Spikers, including Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Mika Reyes and Jessa Ordiales. She will also join former La Salle teammate Alleiah Malaluan.

Cruz said the warm reception from her new teammates has helped make the transition easier.

“Very welcoming ‘yung pagtanggap nila sa akin and super thankful ako na talagang gina-guide ako ng mga ates and mga teammates ko,” she said.

Despite the sadness surrounding her departure, Cruz is choosing to embrace the change rather than dwell on the past.

“I trust na lang na everything happens for a reason,” she said, adding that she will still have opportunities to see her former Capital1 teammates during training.

For PLDT, the addition of Cruz adds another option to an already experienced roster as the High Speed Hitters prepare for the new PVL season. For Cruz, it represents an opportunity to rebuild momentum and establish herself in a new system.

After two seasons with Capital1, the former No. 2 pick now hopes that a fresh environment with PLDT can bring out the best in her game.

A difficult goodbye has given way to a new beginning—and Cruz is ready to make the most of it. 🏐💙

Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Taka Minowa believes Asian volleyball must improve the transition of young talents from grassroots programs to the senior level to sustain the region’s success internationally.

Minowa raised the concern during the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship in Chile, where several Asian teams, including the Philippines, reached the Round of 16.

“The challenge for Asian volleyball… is that although many Asian countries are among the strongest in the world at the grassroots level, they tend to be overtaken by other countries as players move up through the age categories,” Minowa said.

The Alas Girls reached the knockout stage after wins over Mexico and Tunisia but fell to China, Peru and Venezuela in the group phase. They were later defeated by South Korea in the Round of 16 and are set to face Japan in the classification round.

Minowa noted that Asia’s youth strength is evident from the previous U17 World Championship, where three of the four semifinalists were Asian teams. He urged countries to openly examine gaps in player development after the grassroots stage and work together to build a stronger pathway to the senior ranks.

Japan currently leads Asian women’s volleyball at No. 6 in the world, followed by China at No. 7, Thailand at No. 17 and South Korea at No. 28.

The development of young Filipino players has long been a priority for Minowa. In 2024, he helped guide the country’s youth teams in regional and Asian competitions, where the Philippines won bronze at the Princess Cup and finished 10th at the Asian U18 championship.

Now leading the senior national team, Minowa has already overseen a breakthrough as Alas Pilipinas Women captured a historic silver medal in the second leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup.