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. 

Aaron Fuller is returning to the PBA as the import of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters for the Season 49 Governor’s Cup. He will be reunited with Yeng Guiao, who coached him during his stay with the NLEX Road Warriors.The PBA confirmed through its website that The Iowa and University of Southern California product will be playing for his fourth team in the PBA. He suited up for NLEX from 2017 to 2028, Blackwater in 2019, and TNT in 2022.Fuller played recently for Fuerza Regia in Mexico, Urunday Universitario in Uruguay, and Gigantes de Guayana in Venezuela.With the combination of the 34-year-old Fuller international experiences, steady veterans and a bunch of quality rookies that they drafted this year, the Elasto Painters is set to go deep once again in the PBA battlefield just like they did in the Philippine Cup last season where they reach the semifinals for the time after five years of waiting.Fuller and ROS might have a strong chance to go deep but they still have to face the four-time Governor’s Cup champion Justin Brownlle, three-time conference best import awardee Allen Durham and a bunch of new reinforcements for the season-opening conference.

Gilas Pilipinas Youth clinched a berth in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup after Indonesia defeated Malaysia 77-64 last Saturday in the SEABA Qualifiers held at the MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Earlier, the Gilas U18 squad defeated Thailand 87-53 to have a clean slate during the tournament and assured them one of the top two spots when Indonesia won their own battle.The Philippines and Indonesia became the top two teams with 2-0 records after the Saturday games. Having been on top of the standings, they already qualified for SEABA in the FIBA U18 tournament to be held from September 2 to 7 in Amman, Jordan.The two teams will join reigning champion South Korea, host Jordan, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Mongolia, Chinese Taipei, Lebanon, Kazakhstan, India, and Iran.Already assured of the slot, Gilas Youth still swept the tournament by dealing Indonesia their first loss. Guard Andy Gemao led the team with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists in their 87-64 win while Wilham Cabonilas added 17 points and grabbed nine boards.

As the Alas Pilipinas Women made their way to Japan for their training camp, the nationals will be missing the services of De La Salle University's Angel Canino due to duties and responsibilities with the Lady Spikers.Canino, who played a pivotal role in the Philippines’ historic bronze finish at the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup earlier this year, will miss the two-week training camp, which serves as the team’s preparation for the Southeast Asian Volleyball League (SEA V.League) next month.National head coach Jorge de Brito confirmed the development as questions were raised about Canino’s absence from the Alas squad photo upon their arrival in Kansai, Japan.“She has her duties with DLSU and we support her commitment there. Sure, we would love it if she could join the national team camp, but it is all good,” said de Brito.The national team will have mainstays Jia De Guzman, Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Jema Galanza, Jen Nierva, Vanie Gandler, Fifi Sharma, Faith Nisperos, Dell Palomata, Cherry Nunag, Thea Gagate, and Julia Coronel.Fresh off winning the Shakey’s Super League National Invitational tournament, National University’s Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Arah Panique are also in the squad.Alas Pilipinas also welcomed two Filipino-Americans, setter Tia Andaya and libero Hannah Stires, to the training pool from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) tryouts in the United States.Vietnam will host the first week of the women’s SEA V.League 2024 from August 2 to 4, with Thailand providing the venue for the second week from August 9 to 11.

The Philippines-Davao NTB Wolves barely broke out a sweat after outclassing New Zealand-Fil Nation Select, 81-44, in the PSL Global Championship Challenge on Thursday, July 18, at the Victoria Sports Club in Quezon City.Seth Abiendo led the charge for the Philippines Born 2004 team, which remained undefeated in four games. Abiendo finished with 16 markers on a perfect 7-of-7 shooting from the field.Davao NTB Wolves will next face UK-KAMPI on Friday, July 19.Over at the young division, the Philippines Born 2006 team, represented by Cebu-University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJR), picked up its fourth straight win after hammering UK-KAMPI Basketball over a 104-67 victory.Jan Vince Oringo showcased another excellent performance as he exploded with 26 points to go along with six rebounds and four assists and powered the Philippines Under-18 squad to another convincing win.North America, on the other hand, scored a repeat win over previous contender, Philippines-Pampanga, 85-68 in the Born 2008 division.Dominic Tuason tallied 5-of-9 3-point shots on his way to finishing with 27 points to lead the charge for the young Filipino cagers of the North American Basketball Association (NABA) - Intercity supported squad.

The Philippine Sports Commission has begun the preparations for the 11th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Friendship Games scheduled in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on December 1 to 5.The tournament aims to foster excellence and camaraderie in sports among young people in the sub-region.PSC commissioner Walter Torres on Thursday, July 18, assured the successful production of the games, which features athletics, archery, badminton, karate, swimming, sepak takraw, pencak silat, and e-sports.City Tourism Department (CTD) chief Demetrio Alvior Jr. said representatives from BIMP-EAGA visited the country last May to discuss the friendship games, as there are specific requirements that need to be met, particularly because most of the attendees will be Muslims.One of the requirements is halal certification, which Puerto Princesa City and Palawan currently do not have. However, according to Alvior, they are already taking measures to address this issue before the friendship games.“The only challenging part for us is accommodating those coming from Muslim countries since we don’t have a large halal restaurant here. However, we already have strategies in place to address this,”said Alvior.The CTD chief also mentioned that the federation handling the event initially wanted all food to be halal and uniformly served to all Muslim delegates, regardless of the hotel they are staying.“This is a significant and somewhat delicate event, but it is also a test to see if we are serious about advancing in sports. We need to participate in these major events to identify what we still lack and what needs improvement,” he added.Puerto Princesa City will host the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games for the second time. The first was in 2003.Brunei Darussalam’s capital Bandar Seri Begawan played host in the last edition of the games. 

The Philippine Sports Commission has begun the preparations for the 11th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Friendship Games scheduled in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on December 1 to 5.The tournament aims to foster excellence and camaraderie in sports among young people in the sub-region.PSC commissioner Walter Torres on Thursday, July 18, assured the successful production of the games, which features athletics, archery, badminton, karate, swimming, sepak takraw, pencak silat, and e-sports.City Tourism Department (CTD) chief Demetrio Alvior Jr. said representatives from BIMP-EAGA visited the country last May to discuss the friendship games, as there are specific requirements that need to be met, particularly because most of the attendees will be Muslims.One of the requirements is halal certification, which Puerto Princesa City and Palawan currently do not have. However, according to Alvior, they are already taking measures to address this issue before the friendship games.“The only challenging part for us is accommodating those coming from Muslim countries since we don’t have a large halal restaurant here. However, we already have strategies in place to address this,”said Alvior.The CTD chief also mentioned that the federation handling the event initially wanted all food to be halal and uniformly served to all Muslim delegates, regardless of the hotel they are staying.“This is a significant and somewhat delicate event, but it is also a test to see if we are serious about advancing in sports. We need to participate in these major events to identify what we still lack and what needs improvement,” he added.Puerto Princesa City will host the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games for the second time. The first was in 2003.Brunei Darussalam’s capital Bandar Seri Begawan played host in the last edition of the games.

Magnolia will try to break their six-year title drought by bringing in the 2017 NBA slam dunk champion Glenn Robinson III.Robinson, the son of former NBA All-Star “Big Dog” Glenn Jr., was a second-round pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2014 draft. He also suited up for the 76ers, Pacers, Pistons, Warriors, and Kings.The Hotshots are determined to win another Governor’s Cup title, which they won in 2018, led by another former NBA veteran, Romeo Travis. It was also the first and only championship title of Chito Victolero as head coach of the team.In PBA’s 48th Season, Magnolia went to the finals and tried to break their title slump in their Commissioner’s Cup campaign, but they bowed down to the San Miguel Beermen. In the Philippine Cup, the Hotshots failed to enter the Final Four after bowing to longtime rival Barangay Ginebra.The high-flying import might have all the inspiration to win it all with the Hotshots, but he has to face the veteran reinforcements Justin Brownlee, Allen Durham, Aaron Fuller, and a bunch of PBA first-timers just like him.

Young Filipina golfing star Rianne Malixi won the US Girls’ Junior Championship at the El Caballero Country Club in Los Angeles on Saturday, July 20 (Sunday, July 21st in Manila).Just a year after finishing as the runner-up, the Filipina golfer defeated Asterisk Talley in the final.Malixi claimed victory in record-setting fashion, with her 8-and-7 win over the American marking the largest winning margin in the tournament's history. At 17, Malixi redeemed herself from last year's narrow one-hole loss to Filipino-American Kiara Romero, becoming the second golfer representing the Philippines to win the championship, following Princess Superal’s 2014 achievement.“I’m getting pretty emotional right now because I know how much hard work I’ve put in over the past years,” said a teary-eyed Malixi in an interview with Rappler. “I’m not the only one who made a lot of sacrifices. I’d like to credit my family, especially my dad.”Malixi dominated the first half of the 36-hole match, taking a commanding 6-up lead by the 18th hole with nine birdies. Although Talley cut the deficit to 5-up by the 24th hole, Malixi sealed her victory by birdying the 25th and 27th holes and parring the 29th, which Talley bogeyed, clinching the title with seven holes remaining. Malixi finished with 14 birdies and no bogeys.Her triumph over Talley earned Malixi a spot in the 2025 US Women’s Open, where Japan’s Yuka Saso, who won the major for the Philippines in 2021, will defend her title. Malixi plans to attend Duke University in 2025. (PB)

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) held its annual Rookie Draft on Sunday, July 14, as the league enters its 49th season.Justine Baltazar has been drafted by the Converge FiberXers as the top overall pick in the 2024 PBA Rookie Draft at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati.The 6-foot-7 big man, who was linked to the franchise even before he declared for the league’s annual proceedings, expressed his delight to play for his former college coach and current Converge mentor Aldin Ayo eight years after they steered De La Salle University to the title of UAAP Season 79 in 2016.“I am very happy because I already worked with Coach Aldin in UAAP. I already know his system so I am excited to work with him again,” Baltazar told ABS-CBN in an interview.Since playing for Coach Ayo with the Green Archers, the 27-year-old has received a call-up to the national team and made a name for himself in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League with Pampanga Giant Lanterns where he won Season and Finals Most Valuable Player awards. He also had a brief stint with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B.League.These stints made Baltazar one of the most prized prospects in recent years.Now at Converge, he will bolster a frontcourt that also features reigning Rookie of the Year Justin Arana as well as Jeo Ambohot and Patrick Maagdenberg as the FiberXers look to bounce back from back-to-back last place finishes in the past two conferences.Among the other notable players in the class are Filipino-American guard Sedrick Barefield, who went to Blackwater at No. 2. RJ Abarrientos was picked third overall by Barangay Ginebra while Kai Ballungay, a versatile forward out of Ateneo, was chosen by Phoenix at No. 4.Selected fifth by NorthPort was Dave Ildefonso while the youngest in the draft 22-year-old Jonnel Policarpio of La Salle joined NLEX Road Warriors at No. 6.Former Alab Pilipinas standout Caelan Tiongson and Filipino-Swedish guard Felix Lemetti landed with Rain or Shine at 7th and 8th, respectively.Meanwhile, former Adamson star Jerom Lastimosa got picked by Magnolia at No. 9 followed by other UAAP standouts Mark Nonoy joining Terrafirma at No. 10 and CJ Cansino favored by Meralco at No. 11.Avan Nava, a Filipino-Canadian guard, completed the first round as he joined San Miguel as the 12th overall selection.