Strong Group Athletics continued its impressive start in the 43rd William Jones Cup, defeating the Brisbane South Basketball League (BSBL) Guardians of Australia 91-67 for its second win on Sunday, July 14, at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.SGA cruised to a 2-0 win-loss card while keeping the Australians winless at 0-2.American import Chris McCullough once again led Strong Group pouring in 23 points and hauled down seven rebounds as the team remained on track in breaking a five-year title drought in the tournament.McCullough previously scored 15 points in Strong Group’s massive 107-49 victory over United Arab Emirates (UAE) on opening day last Saturday, July 13.Also standing out for the Philippines were Gilas naturalized big man Ange Kouame chipping in 16 markers, 10 boards and one steal while Tajuan Agee contributed 14 points, four rebounds and two steals.Meanwhile, Jesse Ghee paced the Australian team with his own double-double 19 points and 10 rebounds while Atem Bior scored with 14 markers.Strong Group will aim for its third win when it battles Ukraine on Monday, July 15.

In a recently shared post by a Magnolia Hotshots fan page from Vic Manuel’s IG story, he is seen working out and joking around with Magnolia forward Jackson Corpuz.When the camera panned to the other side, it was also noticeable that another Hotshot, Russel Escoto was also present together with some of the team's personnel.With the arrival of athletic forward Zav Lucero from their recent trade, are they looking to boost their front court furthermore by adding the “muscle man” to their line-up?But who are they going to give up in order to land Manuel to their roster? Also, what team will be interested to be their conduit so that a trade may be pushed through? SMB and Magnolia cannot trade directly by being sister teams.Is a trade really happening or are they just having a good bonding?

The Philippines blasted Italy-FilCom Basketball Association, 76-49, to stay unbeaten in the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) Global Championship Challenge at the Victoria Sports Club on Wednesday, July 17.The country, represented by Davao-NTB Wolves, scored 30 points of the total 23 turnovers committed by Italy while also showing bench depth where the shock troopers produced a total of 51 points, 43 more than their opponents.The country’s Born 2004 division team also hammered its might where it scored 54 compared to only 14 from the Pinoy players based in Italy.With the win, the Philippines’ under-20 team will move on to the next round unblemished.The Philippines-Cebu, on the other hand, showcased equally impressive brilliance in the Born 2006 division as the homebased team also clinched its three-game sweep.The team, bannered by University of San Jose-Recolletos, outlasted the hapless New Zealand-Fil Nation Select NZ with a 89-35 victory,Four players delivered double figures for the Philippines with Shaun Grava anchoring the pack with 13 points, Jaylord Pepito scored 12, Gab Pasaol contributed 11 markers, while Shinrae Mansave tallied a double-double performance of 10 points and 11 boards.

The Philippine’s 22-man delegation is set to bring pride and glory to the country in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and fans will get an exclusive look at the athletes’ journeys through a new series of documentaries, starting Thursday, July 18.SMART Sports is set to release a four-part series entitled “Puso in Paris 2024” directed by Clev Mayuga.“I think our investment in the Olympics and in our athletes has a lot to do with our connection to these athletes. The main purpose of this series is to get to know them a little bit more so we can root for them, cheer for them, and be with them,” said PLDT and Smart Vice President Jude Turcuatco in an interview with Tiebreaker Times.The series opens with an episode on the Philippines’ golden boy artistic gymnastics, Carlos Edriel Yulo, who shares how this Olympics will be different after his struggles in last year’s Tokyo edition.The second episode, airing on Friday, July 19, will spotlight the boxers, including Tokyo 2020 medalists Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Marcial, and Aira Villegas, as they share how boxing has helped them rise from humble beginnings. The second part of the episode, meanwhile, centers on Tokyo 2020 Olympics silver medalist Carlo Paalam and first-time Olympian Hergie Bacyadan.The final two episodes will air the following Thursday and Friday, July 25 and July 26.The third episode will dive into the preparations of the first-time Olympian Vanessa Sarno, Elreen Ando, and John Ceniza and how they are upholding the legacy set by the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz.The series wraps with World No. 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena, who is on a quest to fulfill a new dream of becoming an Olympic gold medalist.The Philippines first joined the Olympic games a hundred years ago. For this year’s Summer Games, the Philippines will be represented by 22 warriors aiming for the podium finish.“Puso in Paris 2024” will be available for free on the Smart Livestream App.

Karl Benedict Wood stepped up in a big way for the Philippine U-20 team as it withstand North America, 82-73, in the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) Global Championships on Tuesday, July 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Wood exploded with 28 points as the Davao-NTB Wolves led opening-day in the PSL Global Challenge. Peter Adabo added 13 markers, Keith Marquez scored 12 while Most Valuable Player John Eimrod Rodulfa bucked an eight turnover night with 10 points.Joining the Philippines as opening day winner in the U-20 is Thailand’s Trail International School who brutally topscored over UK-Kampi Basketball, 106-72.Japher Kurihara and Don Wayde Basadre each tallied 27 points, with the former adding seven assists to spearhead Thailand’s explosive debut in the Pilipinas Super League’s flagship event.

National University added another diadem in their growing treasure chest by escaping Far Eastern University to capture a finals sweep in the Game 2 of the best-of-three series of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals on Tuesday, July 16, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Alas Pilipinas stars Bella Belen and Arah Panique carried the Lady Bulldogs’ 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 25-19, 15-10 conquest before flying to Japan for their national team duties.Panique topscored for the reigning UAAP Season 86 champions with a game-high 27 points on 17 attacks, while Belen sustained her fine form after hammering 23 markers of 25 attacks, while Kaye Bombita added 11 points for the Lady Bulldogs.Gerzel Petallo registered 20 points as FEU’s leading scorer, while Chennie Tagaod produced 18 points in the team’s first runner-up placing.Meanwhile, College of Saint Benilde captured the bronze medal over Colegio de San Juan de Letran in a nerve-wracking five-set victory, 23-25, 25-14, 19-25, 25-20, 17-15.Rhea Densing led the charge for the Lady Blazers with 24 markers, 20 coming off attacks, while Wielyn Estoque chipped in 18 points.Gia Maquilang paced Letran with 22 points highlighted by 19 kills, Nizelle Martin scored 15, while Judiel Nitura and Royce dela Cruz chipped in 10 each.The event concluded with the awarding of attendees.Belen, the reigning UAAP Season 86 Most Valuable Player, also bagged the tournament MVP and 1st Best Outside Spiker honor.The 2nd Best Outside Spiker was awarded to Wielyn Estoque from St. Benilde. The 1st and 2nd Best Middle Blocker were given to Zamantha Nolasco (St. Benilde) and Jean Asis (FEU), respectively.Marie Nitura from Colegio de San Juan de Letran took home the Best Opposite Spiker, while Shaira Jardio was given the Best Libero title and Camilla Lamina got the Best Setter award, both players hailing from National University.

The Nxled Chameleons rose past the Galeries Tower Highrisers in a five-set marathon to take the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference opener on Tuesday, July 16, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.The Chameleons overwhelmed Highrisers with 25-19, 22-25, 25-18, 25-27, 15-12 victory led by their American import, Meegan Hart, with 19 points on 12 attacks and seven blocks, while locals May Luna and Chiara Pementilla contributed 17 and 14 markers, respectively.“It was great, we got a win so it is always great but I am feeling really welcomed in the Philippines. So far, the experience has been awesome. I am really excited to be here with the team and win a lot of games,” Hart told reporters during the postgame press conference.Meanwhile, France Ronquillo paced the Highrisers with 17 points while Thai import Sutadta Chuewulim had 14 points and eight receptions. Middle blockers Roselle Baliton and Andrea Marzan scored 12 markers each.Nxled will have the chance to make it two wins in a row against Cherry Tiggo on Saturday, July 20, while Galeries can bounce back against PLDT at the same game date.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters are off to a winning start in Pool A of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference with Creamline Cool Smashers absorbing a rare-opening day loss on Tuesday, July 16, at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.The Rald Ricafort-coached squad snatched a 16-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19, 15-12 triumph against undermanned Creamline.Russian import Lena Samoilenko was the standout in the clash and took charge of the offense after tallying 34 points on 32 attacks and two aces, while Kath Arado displayed brilliance by protecting their side of the taraflex with 24 digs.Completing PLDT’s setup was Kim Fajardo who made the plays after tallying 19 markers.The High Speed Hitters played without Savannah Davison who is out due to a knee injury that would sideline her indefinitely. Also, not available were Rhea Dimaculangan who is on leave and Dell Palomata who is training with the national team.“That was absolutely a hard-fought win. That is what we prepared, to be mentally prepared in this type of competition,” Ricafort told the media during the post-game press conference.“We know it is troublesome to have less players available, even the Creamline team got inadequate numbers of players but they still proceeded with the match. Definitely, a good win for us,” he added.The Cool Smashers, on the other hand, played without stars Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos, while Jema Galanza’s absence was expected due to her commitment to Alas Pilipinas.Creamline American reinforcement Erica Stauton led her pack with 20 points and 10 receptions, while Bernadeth Pons and Michele Gumabao added 18 and 16 points, respectively.This marks the first time that Creamline lost a tournament opener in the PVL since 2019.Up next for PLDT is Galeries Tower on Saturday, July 20, while Creamline matches up with Farm Fresh on the same day. 

The National Capital Region emerged as the 2024 Palarong Pambansa champion as it once again proved to be the supreme destination for the Philippines’ top young athletes concluding the event with a collection of 98 gold medals, 66 silvers, and 74 bronzes on Tuesday, July 16, held in Cebu City.Region IV-A (CALABARZON) secured second place with 57 golds, 51 silvers, and 53 bronzes, while Region VI (Western Visayas) placed third overall with 56 golds, 41 silvers, and 41 bronzes.The country’s capital got its haul from gymnasts Elaiza Yulo winning five golds and Maxine Amira Bondoc (5), swimmers Sophia Garra (5), and Alessandra Therese Martin (5), all rising as some of the event’s most bemedalled athletes, while the NCR boys’ secondary basketball team also reclaimed the crown after a fight-marred 86-71 victory against Central Luzon.The closing ceremony was also marked by inspiring stories of athletes who showcased not only their exemplary skills but also their sportsmanship and dedication.Central Visayas runner Asia Paraase and SOCCSKSARGEN walkathon athlete Jerrymae Malinog were honored with the ‘Most Inspiring Story’ award.Paradise, a 17-year-old track star, won two Palaro golds and touched hearts by assisting her competitors after races, demonstrating her sportsmanship and empathy.Meanwhile, Malinog, a Grade 10 working scholar from Kiahe Integrated School in Sarangani, became the first athlete from Blaan Indigenous Cultural Community to represent Region XII.As the Palarong Pambansa 2024 concluded, Ilocos Norte now prepares for the 65th Palarong Pambansa in 2025, as the likes of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon accepted the hosting responsibilities during the closing ceremony.

The De La Salle Lady Archers is getting its own share of basketball stars, as Gilas Girls powerhouse Princess “BJ” Villarin will suit up for the green-and-white beginning UAAP Season 87.According to a report from the Tiebreaker Times, the 5-foot-6 Gilas star has chosen to commit to DLSU, ending her high school basketball career with the NU Lady Bullpups and the NU system in general.DLSU management confirmed to Tiebreaker Times that the UAAP 3x3 and NBTC veteran will indeed make the jump from NU to DLSU.During her high school career, Villarin was part of the Lady Bullpups 3x3 program. She also suited up for national team duty, having played in the 2022 FIBA Under-16 and Under-18 Asian Championship.With Villarin’s incluision in the lineup, DLSU can find itself improving on its women’s basketball record after finishing the Final Four with a 7-7 record. She is expected to start in the upcoming Season 87 and play a full five-year term with DLSU, the Tiebreaker Times report said. (PB) 

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)

Filipino-American Muay Thai rising star Sean Climaco hopes for his second straight win in ONE when he takes on Colombian fighter Johan “Panda Kick” Estupiñan at ONE 168: Denver inside Ball Arena on September 7.Climaco’s debut was a remarkable one when he knocked out Josue Cruz at ONE Fight Night 22 in May, engraving his name into the loaded flyweight Muay Thai division currently ruled by Rodtang Jitmunangon.Estupiñan, meanwhile, scored a first-round KO in his debut at ONE Friday Fights 64 when he knocked out Kouta Omori, before piling on his win count by trouncing Zafer Sayik at One 167 via decision in their clash last June.A win for either of the two could see them move up the flyweight division, which includes the likes of ONE Flyweight Kickboxing world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9, Denis Puric, and Dedduanglek TDed99.At ONE 168: Denver, the pair will join the best Muay Thai strikers in the world. Two-sport world champion Jonathan Haggerty will look to defend his bantamweight Muay Thai title against the previously mentioned Superlek.Also on the card is the long-awaited clash between two Muay Thai legends, Liam Harrison and Seksan Or Kuanmuang, who will meet in a 140-pound catchweight match.

Strong Group-Philippines obliterated Malaysia after a compelling fourth quarter surge to pull off an 89-54 win, staying unblemished in the 2024 William Jones Cup on Wednesday, July 17, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.Strong Group improved to 4-0, in a tie with Chinese Taipei National Team A, while Harimau Malaysia fell to 3-1.Five players from SGA poured in double digits with Chris McCullough continuing to anchor the Philippines’s offense netting 16 points and five rebounds while Rhenz Abando played his best game of the tournament by finishing with 14 markers and 10 rebounds, some of which coming the late third-quarter flourish.Tajuan Agee finished with 12 markers, seven boards and four steals, while Ange Kouame contributed 11 and 10 rebounds in the victory that saw Strong Group pull away after a nip-and-tuck battle in the first three quarters.The Philippines squandered a double-digit lead in the first two quarters as they went into the half with a four point lead, 40-36.Malaysia then led 47-46 midway through the third frame before it fizzled out as Strong Group ended the game on a 43-7 run.Filipino-American DJ Fenner scored 10, while Barangay Ginebra-bound RJ Abarrientos had an all-around effort of nine points, 12 assists and five rebounds. Dave Ildefonso, on the other hand, added eight points, all coming in the fourth quarter.John Murray II topscored Malaysia with 25 points, seven rebounds, and three assists while Joseph Obasa, who previously suited up for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 86, registered 13 markers, six boards, and three blocks.Strong Group returns to action on Thursday, July 18, against Future Sports USA, hoping to shoot for its fifth straight win. 

Cignal HD Spikers opened its Pool B campaign in the Premier League Volleyball (PVL) Reinforced Conference on a high note as they cruised past Choco Mucho Flying Titans, securing a 25-18, 25-21, 25-16 triumph at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.New HD Spikers MJ Perez and Judith Abil were clear-cut contributors in the sweep.Despite missing key players like Dawn Macandili-Catindig and Vanie Gandler, Cignal unleashed a potent offense led by their Venezuelan import Perez, anchoring the team with game-high 22 points off 19 attacks, two aces, and a block, while Abil proved herself worthy of a spot with 15 excellent digs and eight receptions.“It is very nice to be in a new team with new and young players. I feel happy because I can help them with my experience. Of course, I have good friends in the other teams, my former teammates, but it is really nice to come to a team who appreciates my work,” Perez said.“I know there is more to come because this is just the beginning and we will keep working for it,” she added.Meanwhile, Choco Mucho, hampered by the absence of Sisi Rondina due to Alas Pilipinas duties, struggled to find their rhythm.Greek import Zoi Faki took the scoring load for the Flying Titans with 13 points, 10 receptions, and eight digs while newly debuted Dindin Manabat-Santiago contributed eight markers.Cignal aims for another win against ZUS Coffee on Tuesday, July 23, while Choco Mucho seeks to rebound against Akari, both held at the same venue.

Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas retained its flawless record in the 43rd William Jones Cup in Taiwan after a 112-90 blowout over USA on Thursday, July 18, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei.Chris McCullough once again forefronted the Philippine team after unloading 24 points on top of 18 rebounds and seven assists. Tajuan Agee supported McCullough with 19 markers, while the rest of the local cast also delivered in the victory that saw Strong Group pull away in the second half.USA pulled ahead of the competition at 62-62 early in the third quarter before SGA ended the period on a 17-14 run for an 89-76 lead, which ballooned to as big as 22 points.Incoming Ginebra rookie, RJ Abarrientos was the top local performer contributing 17 markers off four triples, Jordan Heading chipped in 11 points, while Ange Kouame and Allen Liwag scored 10 each.Meanwhile, Future Sports leaned on Bowen Hammer as he led the pack with 18 points and six rebounds, while Marcus Elliott added 15 points.On the heels of the most dominant victory, Strong Group-Pilipinas aims to continue its winning streak in the tournament when it tangles with Japan on Friday, July 19. 

The Philippine Basketball Association announced the new format for the upcoming Governor’s Cup for PBA Season 49 which is set to kick off on August 18.PBA commissioner Willie Marcial had long revealed that the league is adopting a format where the 12 teams are divided into two groups for the elimination round.The Top 4 finishers of each group will advance to the crossover finals quarterfinals, slated to be a best-of-five series. The semifinals and finals of the season-opening conference would be in a best-of-seven series.Teams, however, are still only allowed to tap imports no taller than 6-foot-6.With PBA finally unveiling the groupings for the new tournament format, Group A will be led by the most-recent Philippine Cup champion Meralco and defending Governor’s Cup winners TNT Tropang Giga along with Magnolia, NorthPort, Converge, and Terrafirma.On the other hand, Group B will be spearheaded by Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel. NLEX, Rain or Shine, Phoenix and Blackwater are joining them as well.The change of the conference format was made as part of the league’s effort to garner fans’ interest and enthusiasm as they try to spice things up ahead of its 50th season.

Brooke Van Sickle and Wilma Salas joined forces to power the Petro Gazz Angels past the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference held at PhilSports Arena on Thursday, July 18.The Angels moved past newcomer Thunderbelles securing a spot in the win column of Pool B with a 25-16, 25-21, 25-21 victory to open Day 2 of the tournament.Sickle, last conference’s MVP, took charge after tallying 22 points on 18 attacks, three aces, and a block to go along with 11 excellent digs and six receptions.“I am excited to be back. It is the beginning of the season. It is super exciting. It was a great game,” Van Sickled told reporters after the game.Petro Gazz import Wilma Salas backstopped the winning cause with 15 markers. Chie Saet also made the plays, registering 12 astounding sets.This conference, the Angels are honoring Janisa Johnson with an angel wing placed beside her No. 10 on their kits. Johnson, a late import who alongside Salas led the team to the 2019 championship, passed away on May 24 after battling colon cancer. She was 32.“I am sad because of Janisa’s passing. I am dedicating this conference to her, so every point, every decision we make as a team, we can think about Janisa,” said Salas.Meanwhile, Japanese import Asaka Tamaru stepped up for the Thunderbelles netting 17 markers, eight receptions, and five digs. Michelle Gamit and Jade Gentapa supported her with seven points apiece.Petro Gazz will face Capital1 on Tuesday, July 23, while ZUS Coffee aims for their first win against Cignal on the same day, both at the PhilSports Arena.

When the PBA Season 49 opens on August 18, a combination of familiar and new imports will be paraded in the season-opening conference, Governor’s Cup.Among the familiar reinforcements is the six-time PBA champion and three-time best import awardee, Justin Brownlee of Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel.Brownlee brought the Gin Kings to the promised land four times in the 2016, 2017, 2019 & 2021 editions of the said conference in. He also won championships with the crowd-favorite team in the 2018 & 2022-23 Commissioner’s Cup. He went 6-0 in all those finals that made him tie the record of Sean Chambers, another import who played for Coach Tim Cone during Alaska’s reign in the 90’s.During the 2023 edition of the Governor’s Cup, JB tried to win another title for the Kings, etched a 7-0 legacy in a championship series, and immortalized himself as the PBA’s winningest import but they lost to TNT Tropang Giga in six games. TNT was led by former NBA player, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and interim Coach Jojo Lastimosa who won his first PBA title as head coach.The Ginebra’s resident import will have another chance to win his 7th ring but he has to face a mixture of familiar foes and new oppositions.In spite of the obstacles he needs to go through, Brownlee still has the edge against all of them by being the most experienced and successful. And that makes him still the standard amongst imports.

Multiple reports have indicated that Allen Durham will once again don the Meralco Bolts jersey after four years as they try to settle their unfinished business in the upcoming PBA 49th Season Governor’s Cup.Durham and the Bolts already entered the conference finals together three times but they always lost to Justin Brownlee and Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel in all of their series.This time, Durham has earned a championship pedigree already when he helped Ryuku capture the B. League crown and even won Finals MVP against the Chiba Jest. On the other hand, Meralco Bolts also won their first ever PBA title in the recently concluded Philippine Cup where they defeated the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen in six games. With AD and the Bolts having the feel of being champions, the season-opening conference will be their best chance to do it as a unit.However, the Bolts hulking 6-foot-6 import will have to go through a mixture of new opponents and familiar foes, including his consistent nemesis Justin Brownlee.