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The UAAP is ramping up health and safety protocols ahead of Season 88, which opens September 19, following the recent tragic deaths of two young basketball players during training.

UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag stressed at Wednesday’s preseason press conference that while emergency medical services and health protocols have long been in place, the league is now doubling down on caution—especially during training sessions. 

“We already have emergency medical services in place for competitions. But we’re making sure that athletes undergo proper pre-participation medical screening and reminding schools to be even more vigilant at their training venues,” Saguisag said. 

The renewed push for athlete safety follows the deaths of National University’s Ashlyn Abong, 18, who collapsed during training on June 28, and University of the Philippines recruit Israel Friday, 19, who died after collapsing at practice on August 20.

In response, member schools have also implemented stricter protocols. At UP, the Office of Athletics and Sports Development now requires all students, including athletes, to undergo medical evaluations before enrollment. 

Student-athletes must also pass a Pre-Participation Medical Sports Evaluation (PMSE) and additional cardiovascular screenings before joining their teams.

“They have to undergo tests. Even if they’ve completed the PMSE, further clearance is needed to detect any existing medical conditions,” explained UP’s Bo Perasol.

As Season 88 approaches, the UAAP is sending a clear message: while competition is central to collegiate sports, athlete safety remains the top priority.

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) will welcome the collegiate community as it hosts the UAAP Season 88 opening ceremony on September 19 at the UST Grandstand and Open Field, with a massive crowd of 25,000 to 30,000 expected to fill España for what promises to be a festive launch rivaling the school’s annual Paskuhan celebration.

“Now the gates of España are wide open. The stage has been set,” declared UAAP Season 88 president Rev. Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P., during the league’s pre-season press conference at the Dr. Robert Sy Grand Ballroom inside the UST campus. “To the UAAP community, we are more than ready to give it our all and release the loudest roar this season.”

UST continues its tradition of holding the season’s grand opening at home, unlike other schools that often opt for large arenas or coliseums. The following day, the spotlight shifts to the hardwood as the men’s basketball tournament takes center stage at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion with a jam-packed weekend of action.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that the UAAP has denied the league’s request to allow graduating and one-and-done players to join the upcoming September 7 PBA Draft while still completing their collegiate eligibility.

Marcial said he received a letter from UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag, who explained that the issue was thoroughly discussed by the UAAP Board of Managing Directors. 

“This matter involves a policy issue across all our sports programs. We are unable to favorably act on the request at this time. We must also ensure consistency in our regulations concerning student-athletes entering professional leagues,” Saguisag wrote.

As a result, graduating UAAP players will have to wait another nine months before they can apply for the next PBA Draft, potentially stalling their transition to the professional ranks and affecting their career momentum.

Saguisag also added that the matter would be referred to the UAAP’s sports and eligibility committees for further review and possible amendments in future seasons.

In contrast, the NCAA allows its graduating players to enter the PBA Draft as long as they finish their final collegiate season before turning pro—a policy seen as more supportive of athletes’ career development.

Among the UAAP standouts who could have entered this year’s draft are La Salle’s Michael Phillips, UP’s Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Reyland Torres, and several others. With the UAAP’s decision, these prospects must now wait until next year’s draft to begin their professional journey.

The UAAP has upheld its ruling barring players from joining the PBA Draft while retaining their collegiate eligibility, despite an appeal from PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial. 

UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag emphasized that the decision affects not only basketball but the entire UAAP sporting program.

“We can’t grant the request, at least for this season, because it has implications for our other sporting events,” Saguisag said.

He added that the UAAP Board must conduct a thorough review before allowing players to enter the PBA Draft mid-season.

“We’re committed to referring this matter to a committee for a deep study of its impact across all our 20 sporting events,” Saguisag explained. 

However, he noted that the UAAP isn’t closing its doors to the idea and may implement changes as early as Season 89.

Saguisag said Marcial and the PBA understood the UAAP’s need for consistency with its regulations. In the UAAP’s view, any player who enters the draft—even if undrafted and a free agent—is considered a professional and thus ineligible to continue playing at the collegiate level.

The ruling means top prospects like La Salle’s Mike Phillips and other graduating UAAP players will have to wait about a year before they can enter the PBA Draft if they wish to retain their eligibility this season.

Filipino-American guard Wilfrid Nado is officially joining the pool of hopefuls in the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft, bringing with him a mix of experience, leadership, and a high basketball IQ.

Born on June 26, 2002, in Vallejo, California, the 6-foot guard made his mark in the U.S. collegiate ranks. He first starred for Santa Barbara City College (JUCO), where he led the team in minutes and assists, earning First Team All-Conference honors. 

His ability to run an offense and make his teammates better stood out, establishing him as a reliable floor general.

Half Court Group earned a coveted slot in the FIBA 3x3 Manila Challenger this September after an impressive showing in the Pilipinas United 3x3 League (PUL) men’s division over the weekend.

Despite falling to Kuala Lumpur, 21-15, in the title game, the Filipino squad emerged as the top local finisher out of 12 teams, booking their place in the Manila Challenger.

Playing shorthanded in the finals after key import Adeshokan Odou went down with a knee injury in the semis, veteran Chester Saldua led the charge with nine points.

However, Kuala Lumpur’s Ting Chun Hong sealed the championship with a clutch putback, earning the Malaysian a slot in the FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger in October.

Half Court Group’s resilience was on display as they ousted Taho Story A, 21-14, in the quarters and survived Solaris, 20-17, in the semis. On the other hand, Kuala Lumpur stunned Taho Story B, 21-18, in the semis after dispatching SBB, 21-16, in the quarters.

With their Manila Challenger berth secured, the Half Court Group now looks to regroup and recover, ready to take on international 3x3 competition on home soil.

After years of steady growth and clutch performances, LJay Gonzales has officially declared for the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft, marking the next step in a career built on leadership, consistency, and grit.

A product of Far Eastern University, Gonzales rose to prominence as the Tamaraws’ reliable floor general, guiding the team through pressure-packed UAAP battles with his composure and playmaking. His collegiate career peaked with a Mythical Five selection in UAAP Season 86, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top guards.

Standing out for more than just his passing, Gonzales displayed a well-rounded game in his final year with FEU, averaging 14.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.0 steals per contest—numbers that highlight his ability to impact both ends of the floor. 

Known for his quickness, defensive instincts, and timely shot-making, he built a reputation as a closer capable of delivering in crunch time.

Standing at 6-foot-7, Mario Barasi Jr. is among the intriguing frontcourt prospects eyeing a breakthrough in the 50th season of the PBA Rookie Draft.

With his size, versatility, and steady rise through the country’s competitive basketball ranks, Barasi is primed to make his mark as a power forward and center.

The 24-year-old native of Lal-Lo, Cagayan carved his basketball path through notable programs at the collegiate and semi-professional levels. He first suited up for the University of Perpetual Help Altas in the NCAA, showcasing his potential as an inside presence.

His journey later took him to Adamson University, where he competed in multiple tournaments, including the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup, the UAAP with the Adamson Soaring Falcons, and the Pinoyliga Cup, further sharpening his skills against elite talent.

The NLEX Road Warriors capped their preseason with a championship run, capturing the 40th Kadayawan Invitational crown after defeating the Blackwater Bossing, 101-84, on Sunday night, August 26, at the University of Southern Philippines in Davao City.

After trailing by as much as 11 early in the game, NLEX turned things around with a blistering 34-12 surge in the second quarter, sparked by Robert Bolick, Dominic Fajardo, Tony Semerad, and Xyrus Torres, to grab a 52-36 lead at halftime.

Just weeks after being appointed as head coach of the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, LA Tenorio is already making bold moves — the latest being the blockbuster Javi Gomez de Liano–Jerrick Ahanmisi trade.

In the deal approved by the PBA, Gomez de Liano will now don the Magnolia jersey after previous stints with Terrafirma, the Korean Basketball League, and the Strong Group Athletics in the Jones Cup. Meanwhile, the sweet-shooting Ahanmisi will suit up for the Dyip. The trade also includes Magnolia’s second-round pick, which now belongs to Terrafirma.

With the transaction complete, one question lingers: Who really won the trade?

On paper and in the eyes of many analysts and fans, Magnolia appears to have the edge. Gomez de Liano offers a more complete package: size, versatility, and a well-rounded skill set.

That said, Ahanmisi’s scoring potential should not be underestimated. He has the ability to heat up and take over a game when given the opportunity, a weapon that was not fully maximized under his former coach. With Terrafirma, he could rediscover that spark and become a major offensive threat.

Joshua Yerro, the 6’1” versatile forward and former Adamson University captain, has officially declared for the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft, bringing a wealth of experience and proven clutch ability to the professional ranks.

Yerro’s basketball journey began in grassroots competitions with the UV Baby Lancers (CESAFI Juniors) before he made his mark with Team Cebu (NBTC).

Transitioning to the UAAP, he became a key contributor for the Adamson Soaring Falcons, earning the captaincy and showcasing leadership on and off the floor. One of his most memorable collegiate moments came last year when he executed a buzzer-eating alley-oop against the National University, a play that highlighted his timing, composure, and ability to perform under pressure.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has formally asked the UAAP to allow college players to enter the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft without losing their eligibility for the UAAP basketball season.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the request, which comes with the Rookie Draft scheduled for September 7—just 12 days before UAAP Season 88 tips off at UST on September 19.

Marcial assured that drafted players would still be able to complete their UAAP commitments before reporting to their PBA teams.

“We believe this is a win-win for both leagues. Players will be motivated to give their best in the UAAP, knowing their college exposure will help launch their pro careers,” Marcial said.

The PBA’s 50th season opens on October 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the Philippine Cup as the season-opener.

Marcial added that the league and its teams are prepared to assist student-athletes as they transition to the pros while fulfilling their collegiate duties.

“We’re open to extending support to UAAP draftees so they can compete at the highest level in the UAAP,” he added.

If approved, the proposal would allow top collegiate stars to explore professional opportunities without sacrificing their final UAAP campaigns—creating a smoother bridge between the country’s premier collegiate and professional basketball leagues.

The NLEX Road Warriors and Blackwater Bossing opened their campaigns in the 2025 Kadayawan Invitational Tournament with victories on Thursday, August 21, at the USEP Gym in Davao City.

In the first game, Sedrick Barefield powered Blackwater to a 94-81 triumph over the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

The 2024 second overall draft pick finished with 28 points built on six three-pointers, including three straight that stretched their 72-66 lead to a commanding 81-68 advantage.

Aside from Barefield, Jed Mendoza made an impressive debut with the Bossing, scoring 16 markers, while Troy Mallillin added 17 points and six rebounds.

On the other side, Jason Perkins and Kai Ballungay led Phoenix with 12 points apiece in the Fuel Masters’ first game under new head coach Willie Wilson, who took over from Jamike Jarin after he was elevated to team consultant.

The stage is set for a wide-open race as the maiden Pilipinas United 3x3 League (PUL) tips off this weekend at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Twelve men’s teams and eight women’s squads will battle for supremacy in this new halfcourt basketball showcase.

“Passion fuels every drive, every shot, every hustle, while purpose brings us together to push Philippine basketball to greater heights,” said PUL commissioner Eric Altamirano.

Local men’s teams include David Licauco’s Taho Story A, powerhouse Half Court Group (Hoopjeep), Sidney Onwubere’s YouGuard, and David Carlos’ Activate Sports, along with AMG Physical Therapy Clinic, Smile 360 Dental Clinic, Solaris, and Taho Story B. They will take on an international field featuring Ninja Airs and SBB from Japan, Dame Dolla from Vietnam, and Kuala Lumpur from Malaysia.

The men’s champion will earn a USD 5,000 prize and a ticket to the FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger in October, while the top local team secures a spot in the FIBA 3x3 Manila Challenger in September.

In the women’s division, two-time UAAP MVP Kacey dela Rosa leads Gilas Pilipinas Women U23, joined by Uratex Dream and Pilipinas Aguilas.

International contenders include Japan’s Maurice Lacroix, Malaysia’s Harimau Black and Yellow, Vietnam’s Hanoi 3x3 By Amigos, and Singapore’s Jumpshot—all vying for the USD 3,000 cash prize.

Fans can catch the action live on PusoP.com and on Solar Sports via Digital Free TV Channel 21 in Mega Manila, Cablelink Channel 58, Sky Cable Channel 70 in NCR, and over 200 Pay TV operators nationwide.

A major transition is underway for Gilas Pilipinas as veteran big man Japeth Aguilar nears the end of his storied international career, making way for the arrival of Quentin Millora-Brown.

Head coach Tim Cone confirmed that Millora-Brown—a 6-foot-10 former US NCAA Division I player with a brief stint at the University of the Philippines—has been officially cleared by FIBA to represent the Philippines as a local, after a successful appeal by his legal team. This means he joins Gilas without affecting the naturalized player quota, fulfilling his long-held dream of donning the national colors.

Millora-Brown’s addition bolsters an emerging frontline that now includes AJ Edu (6’10”) and Kai Sotto (7'3”), alongside veteran June Mar Fajardo (6'10”). Cone expressed excitement about the future, envisioning a formidable trio of Millora-Brown, Sotto, and Edu anchoring Gilas for years to come.

Japeth Aguilar, 38, has answered the call for the national team since 2009 and was coaxed out of retirement for the latest campaign after Kai Sotto’s injury.

“Japeth is a warrior. He’s stepped up for the country time and time again,” Cone said, expressing admiration for the veteran’s dedication.

With Millora-Brown’s skillset and basketball IQ, Cone believes he will seamlessly fit into Gilas’ triangle offense, the same system Cone runs at Barangay Ginebra. “He’ll fit well within our triangle system and will enjoy playing that role,” Cone noted.

As Aguilar’s era winds down, Gilas Pilipinas enters a new chapter—led by a young, athletic frontcourt trio ready to carry the nation’s basketball hopes onto the international stage.

The East Asia Super League (EASL) returns on October 8, 2025, with the season tip-off taking place in two venues—one in Taipei and the other in Tokyo.

At the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium, fans will be treated to a doubleheader. The first matchup features the B.LEAGUE champions Utsunomiya Brex against the P. LEAGUE+ runners-up Taipei Fubon Braves.

Utsunomiya will be spearheaded by veteran star Makoto Hiejima, while the Braves will rely on the leadership of Chinese Taipei legend Lin Chih-Chieh.

Australia claimed the gold for the third straight time in the FIBA Asia Cup after surviving a nail-biting finish against China, 90-89, on Monday morning, August 18 (PH time), at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The Boomers, who have been undefeated in the tournament since joining the Asia Cup in 2017, once again proved their resilience on the biggest stage. But before clinching their third consecutive crown, the Australians had to claw back from a double-digit deficit as they trailed by as many as 15 points through the first three quarters.

Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA Asia Cup 2025 campaign ended in the quarterfinals as Australia showcased its world-class talent, cruising to an 84-60 win on Wednesday night, August 13.

The Boomers came out firing, draining seven three-pointers in the opening quarter—including three from Jaylin Galloway—to take a commanding 29-12 lead. 

From there, the two-time defending champions maintained control, never allowing Gilas to mount a sustained comeback.

Despite the early deficit, Gilas fought valiantly with Dwight Ramos and Kevin Quiambao leading multiple rallies. However, each surge was quickly answered by Australia’s potent offense, which mixed deadly perimeter shooting with strong inside play.

“We made too many mistakes. Australia is one of the top teams in the world. If we want to compete with them, we need to be sharper in execution and preparation. But I think it will come in time,” Ramos admitted. 

The loss marked the end of a gritty run for Gilas, who reached the quarterfinals despite injuries, chemistry challenges, and inconsistency.

Still undefeated, world No. 7 Australia advanced to the semifinals and will face the winner of Iran versus Chinese Taipei. The game also marked the first official meeting between the Philippines and Australia since their infamous 2018 brawl, with both sides showing cooler heads this time.

With this experience, Gilas gains valuable lessons and a clearer sense of what it takes to compete with Asia’s best—especially as they prepare for another showdown with Australia in the upcoming FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach, Tim Cone gave some insights after the game and realized that their opponent is very superior in terms of athleticism and length, although they were trying to keep the pace slower, but they (Gilas) didn’t have the discipline to stick to that game plan. 

"The Australian athleticism and length, even though you see it on video, you realize that they are superior. We just had a hard time staying in front of them and challenging their threes, so they got up their shots quickly." We were trying to keep it at a slower pace, but we didn't have the discipline to do that," Cone stated.

"We really liked our time together. I like the way we play, I like the togetherness, they are all easy to coach, but I didn't like our performance tonight. I didn't think we stepped up as much as we wanted to," he added.

After a rollercoaster ride through the group stage, Gilas Pilipinas finds itself facing one of the biggest challenges of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup: a quarterfinal clash with powerhouse Australia.

Gilas' path to this do-or-die matchup was anything but smooth. Early losses to Chinese-Taipei and New Zealand pushed the team into a tough bracket. That left them with no choice but to face the tournament’s top seed far earlier than hoped.

But if there’s one thing head coach Tim Cone has learned, it’s that this team knows how to rise when it matters most.

“Australia is pretty much the No. 1 seed in the tournament, and for us to beat them it would be an upset,”  Cone admitted.

“But beating Iraq, and the way we won over Saudi Arabia, has given us some momentum. Hopefully, we can carry that into the Australia game.” he added.

That thrilling 95–88 overtime victory against Saudi Arabia — punctuated by a clutch game-tying three from Justin Brownlee with 3.7 seconds left — kept Gilas' hopes alive. Kevin Quiambao also made a strong case for a permanent spot in the rotation. He scored 17 points and hit two big threes in extra time.

Australia, winners of the last two Asia Cup tournaments (2017, 2022), have yet to drop a game in the continental competition. They swept Group A with dominant wins over South Korea, Lebanon, and Qatar. The team was powered by the stellar play of Jaylin Galloway (18 PPG, 3 RPG, 2.3 SPG).

Gilas knows what’s at stake — and who stands in their way.

“Losing the first two games of the tournament got us here. But we figured that if we’re going to do something special, we have to go through Australia at some point. And now that it’s here in front of us, we’re gonna do our best to get at them. We didn’t expect to play them this early,” Cone stated.

This quarterfinal isn’t just a battle for a semifinal berth — it’s also the first meeting between Gilas and Australia since the infamous bench-clearing brawl in 2018 at the Philippine Arena during the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

That incident drew global attention and led to heavy sanctions for both teams, leaving a dark mark on their history. But both federations have since moved forward.

“That was in the past. We understand that and we have learned from that. We just play basketball and that’s what we have to focus on.” said SBP President Al Panlilio.

Panlilio also noted that relations between the SBP and Basketball Australia have since improved, with the Aussies even expressing excitement over hosting Gilas later this year in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Gilas enters Wednesday’s 7 PM (Philippine time) showdown as heavy underdogs, but if there’s one thing this team has shown, it’s their ability to thrive under pressure. With momentum on their side, Gilas is determined to shock the world. 

A hard-fought 2025 MPBL Season matchup at Batangas City Coliseum turned troubling after a violent incident on Monday night, August 11.

Gensan’s Michole Sorela threw a punch at Mindoro’s Jonas Tibayan at the 7:34 mark, knocking him unconscious. Tibayan suffered a broken jaw, a busted lip, and a fractured shoulder after hitting the floor hard, and had to be stretchered out.

According to Mindoro Tamaraws team owner Pola Mayor Ina Raymundo, Tibayan will be transferred to a Manila hospital for further evaluation.

Meanwhile, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) also handed Michole Solera of the Gensan Warriors a lifetime ban and a ₱200,000 fine following a disqualifying foul that left Jonas Tibayan of the Mindoro Tamaraws hospitalized.

This strong sanction comes as the league reaffirms its stance on player safety and sportsmanship on the court.

"We condemn the incident, and the MPBL won't tolerate such actions. It compromises the player's safety and taints the league's image.

"I've seen the worst (in basketball) and this is one of them. The league has the full authority to impose sanctions on this deplorable behavior," said MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes.

Despite the incident, Bam Gamalinda paced Mindoro with 21 points and Wendell Comboy added 16, helping the Tamaraws secure the win.

We wish Jonas Tibayan a full and speedy recovery.