All news tagged RogerYap

The Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball squad emerged victorious in the 45-up division at the World Masters Games, clinching the gold medal after a hard-fought 103-92 win over Mongolia on Monday, May 26, at the Fujen Catholic University Gymnasium in Xinzhuang, New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Veteran leadership and experience powered the Filipinos to the top. 

Team captain Gilbert Malabanan led by example, putting up an impressive stat line of 25 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. His all-around performance and court command anchored the team throughout the championship game.

Sharp-shooting guard Rendell Dela Rea added firepower from the perimeter, knocking down four three-pointers on his way to 24 markers, providing a steady offensive boost and keeping the defense on their heels.

Inside the paint, Marlon Basco delivered a commanding performance with a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds, along with four assists, two steals, and a block. His physical presence and relentless effort on both ends of the floor were key in fending off Mongolia’s inside attacks.

Guiness Nabung also made valuable contributions in the starting rotation, finishing with four points, two rebounds, and two assists, adding balance to both ends of the court.

The steady hand of Roger Yap proved vital in the gold medal game. The veteran guard served as the team’s stabilizer, orchestrating plays and maintaining composure under pressure. Yap flirted with a triple-double, tallying nine points, seven rebounds, and a game-high 13 assists. His floor leadership was instrumental in guiding the team from a nine-point deficit to a decisive 11-point win.

The Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball has officially arrived at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan to compete in the World Masters Games 2025, which runs from May 17 to May 31.

The team is accompanied by its full coaching staff, including Head Coach Arlene Rodriguez, along with a roster of notable Filipino basketball legends such as Roger Yap, Gilbert Malabanan, Marlon Basco, Paul Reguera, Oliver Agapito, Guinness Nabung, Arvin Aguila, Edwin Manabat, Ricky Ricafuente, Estong Ballesteros, Romel David, Rendel Dela Rea, Milo Bonifacio, and Justice Jose Midas Marquez.

Veteran coach Rodriguez shared how the Masters Pinoy Pilipinas 45UP were formed and began in October of last year in collaboration with Team Manager Architect Rey Punongbayan, and assistant coaches Dann Michael Ceneba and Albert Valbuena. The team officially began their practice and training in mid-December and continued into January 2025.

“The Masters Pinoy, we started last October. But we started practice the second week of December, then we had a conversation. Then we decided to start it again this January,” said Coach Rodriguez.

The team’s primary goal is to proudly represent the Philippines in this prestigious international event. Coach Rodriguez expressed confidence in their preparation and emphasized their commitment to bringing pride and honor to the country.

Coach Rodriguez is confident that they have prepared adequately for the said tournament and that they will try to bring honor to the country.

“We’ve trained hard, and we’re ready. We’re here not just to compete, but to showcase Filipino talent and spirit,” he added.

PBA legend Roger Yap was known as “The Predator” during his time in the pro league, a moniker he carried with pride every time he stepped on the court.

But this time, Yap will take on a new role as “The Director” of the Pinoy Masters Pilipinas Basketball team, which is set to compete in the World Masters tournament from May 17-30 in Taiwan.

In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, the four-time PBA champion shared his contributions to the team as they represent the country on the hardcourt.