Category: Uncategorized

Almonte aims to redeem self in PVL after down year with Adamson

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Lucille Almonte, center, during the PVL Rookie Draft combine.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Lucille Almonte is raring to redeem herself after a subpar final year with Adamson in the UAAP as she hopes to prove her worth in PVL.

Almonte, who had a reduced playing time when Adamson missed the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball Final Four, may not have the best exit in her collegiate career but she’s hoping to move forward and regain her lethal offensive form in the pros.

“My mindset is to work harder because the games here in the pros have a different intensity. So I have to continue striving and making sacrifices,” Almonte, who is among the 46 aspirants in the upcoming PVL Rookie Draft on July 8 at Novotel, told the reporters in Filipino after the first day of the combine at GameVille Ball Park in Mandaluyong City.

READ: Unheralded player from Marinduque chases PVL dream

The former Adamson captain said her coaches, led by JP Yude, encouraged her to turn pro for a chance to take her game to the next level.

“My coaches told me that I have to turn pro.  So I can spread my wings in the PVL. And I also need to come out of my comfort zone,” said Almonte, who played three seasons in the UAAP.

Her batchmates Louie Romero, Rizza Cruz, and Kate Santiago as well as one-and-done star Trisha Tubu are already in the pros after they left Adamson last year following a bronze medal finish in the UAAP Season 85.

READ: Julia Coronel shines in PVL Rookie Draft combine

Almonte chose to stay with her teammates and showed her loyalty to the school. But now, she’s moving on to the next chapter of her career with her fellow Lady Falcons AA Adolfo, Ishie Lalongisip, Nikka Yandoc, Angge Alcantara, Karen Verdeflor, and Sharya Ancheta.

After a tiring first day at the combine, the reality of being a pro player has sunk into Almonte’s mind and she’s up for the challenge of competing with her fellow aspirants for a PVL roster spot.

“This draft combine may be tiring but this is the reality of being a pro player. This will boost our confidence since this is the biggest volleyball league in the country,” Almonte said. “I hope everyone gets a chance and opportunity to play for the PVL teams.”



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Julia Coronel shines in PVL Rookie Draft combine

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Julia Coronel during the PVL Rookie Draft combine.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas setter Julia Coronel shone brightly in the PVL Rookie Draft Combine anthropometry for body measurements, as well as strength, jump, speed and agility, anaerobic, and speed endurance tests on Tuesday at Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong City.

Her La Salle and Alas teammate Thea Gagate may be the top pick of ZUS Coffee but Coronel was impressive on the first day of the combine, where she showed her impressive leaping abilities, topping the standard vertical jump at 27.78 inches, and placing second in the vertical jump with approach and standing broad jump, with distances of 316.0 centimeters and 248.9 cm, respectively.

The ZUS Coffee-bound Gagate stood the tallest at 189 centimeters and had the longest wingspan at 185 cm. She also ranked first in the vertical jump with approach, tallying 317.0 cm.

READ: Thea Gagate to be picked No. 1 by ZUS Coffee in PVL Rookie Draft

The shortest draft applicant was Lian Macasiray, a former libero from DLSU-Dasmariñas who stands at 148 cm.

Meanwhile, Filipino-Canadian Aleiah Torres, a libero, excelled in several tests, achieving a group-best 50 reps in the one-minute pushup and recording the fastest time in the modified agility T-test with 5.98 seconds.

Setter Angelica Alcantara of Adamson University was the fastest in the 60-meter shuttle run, completing the course in just 14.01 seconds.

Pierre Abellana, a wing spiker from the University of Santo Tomas, also performed well, leading in pushups (43 reps), standing vertical jump (25.0 inches), and 60m shuttle run (14.35 seconds) ahead of the inaugural rookie draft set for July 8 at the Novotel Ibis Styles, the official venue partner of the country’s only professional volleyball league.

ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee, Creamline’s Sherwin Meneses, Choco Mucho’s Dante Alinsunurin, Cignal’s Shaq Delos Santos, Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara and program director Oliver Almadro, PLDT’s Rald Ricafort, and representatives from Galeries Tower, Akari, and Farm Fresh scouted the combine, which also featured 11 free agents in the morning session.

READ: Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel headline PVL Rookie Draft

Eyeing for a direct hiring consideration, Mer Jauculan, formerly of Strong Group, stood out.

Jauculan, a 5-foot-4 spiker, topped five of the six tests, including 50 reps in the one-minute push-up, 32.18 inches in the standing vertical jump, 265 cm in the standing broad jump, 6.67 seconds in the modified agility t-test, and 14.34 seconds in the 60-meter shuttle run.

Other participating free agents included Judith Abil, Jan Cane, Chumcee Caole, Lhara Clavano, Dana Del Rosario, Cathrina Dizon, Sheeka Espinosa, Elaine Juanillo, Pia Sarmiento, and Menchie Tubiera.

Three free agents, AJ Jingco, Menchie Tubiera, and Souzan Raslan were absent on Day 1, while all the 47 rookies were present.

Day 2 on Wednesday will see all the draft hopefuls and free agents compete in scrimmage matches.



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ZUS Coffee will select Gagate at No.1. Capita1 will pick at No.2, followed by lottery teams Galeries Tower and Farm Fresh. 

Nxled holds the fifth pick, followed by Akari, Cignal, PLDT, Chery Tiggo, Petro Gazz, runner-up Choco Mucho, and All-Filipino Conference champion Creamline.

‘Fully recovered’ Leila Cruz gets chance at comeback

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Leila Cruz during the PVL Rookie Draft combine.-MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — After recovering from an ACL injury, Leila Cruz is determined to continue her volleyball journey in the pros through the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft on July 8 at Novotel.

Cruz, who injured her ACL last year when La Salle ruled the UAAP Season 85, decided to throw her name in the draft after bidding farewell to La Salle since she’s almost done with her undergrad studies and ready to open a new chapter in her volleyball career, which was stopped for a year.

“My recovery progress was very slow but it was okay. That’s why I wasn’t able to play last season. But now, I’m fully recovered [since February],” Cruz told reporters in Filipino on Tuesday at the Draft Combine at GameVille Ball Park.

READ: Thea Gagate to be picked No. 1 by ZUS Coffee in PVL Rookie Draft

“One big factor I left La Salle is because I’m almost done with my undergrad. I think it’s time to take the next step, which is turning pro.”

The La Salle starting opposite spiker, who sat out this year, said the Lady Spikers including coach Ramil De Jesus accepted her decision like Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel, and Maicah Larroza.

“It was super okay for them because the first thing I did was to talk properly to my coaches and teammates. Our relationship is super ok,” she said.

Cruz is grateful to have the combine for giving her a chance to prove herself, especially in the scrimmage on Wednesday, since she has not seen action for more than a year.

READ: La Salle’s Leila Cruz suffers right knee ACL injury

“I didn’t have any appearance last season. I guess it’s my chance tomorrow to show my skills and training for the past few months,” she said.

Cruz said a team has expressed its interest in her but didn’t name the squad.

Regardless of the team that will choose her on draft day, Cruz is ready to play her heart out.

“What I can offer is my willingness, especially since I’m just coming back from an injury. I know that I still have to learn so I will show my willingness to learn and to be a better player so I can help my team,” she said.



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Thea Gagate eager to help ZUS Coffee rise after winless campaign

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Thea Gagate shows her leaping ability during the PVL Rookie Draft combine in Mandaluyong.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Thea Gagate is honored to be chosen by ZUS Coffee as the No.1 overall pick in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft on July 8 at Novotel, vowing to repay the team’s trust by giving her all to elevate the team’s level of play.

ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee on Tuesday revealed at the draft combine that they will be picking the Alas Pilipinas middle blocker in the league’s upcoming inaugural draft.

The 6-foot-2 Gagate is elated to embark on a new chapter in her volleyball career with the NCAA three-peat champion College of Saint Benilde players, led by Season 99 MVP and Best Setter Cloanne Mondoñedo, Finals MVP Gayle Pascual, Jade Gentapa, and Michelle Gamit.

READ: Thea Gagate to be picked No. 1 by ZUS Coffee in PVL Rookie Draft

“Of course, I’m very honored na ako ‘yung first choice nila and I’m grateful for it, sobra. I just hope na I will go there soon,” Gagate said. “Masaya kasi nakikita nila ‘yung efforts ko as a player and na-aappreciate nila ‘yun. Hopefully, mapakita ko (pa ‘yung skills ko) sa future team ko.”

The La Salle stalwart, who won three straight 1st Best Middle Blocker awards and a Season 85 title last year, is determined to help the Thunderbelles improve from a 0-11 stint in the All-Filipino Conference.

“I’ll just really do my best na matulungan ‘yung team na umangat ‘yung ranking nila sa PVL. There’s always gonna be pressure but I’ll put that aside and just focus on working hard on myself and I’ll be good,” Gagate said. “It’s gonna be challenging talaga kasi pero very exciting din kasi coming into the national team, I also wish to bring new learnings to my new team sa PVL para matulungan kong umangat ‘yung ranking nila.”

Gagate, who was part of Alas Pilipinas’ historic bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup, isn’t sure about her availability in the Reinforced Conference due to the FIVB Challenger Cup next week and SEA V.League in August. But she’s hoping she could make her debut in the import-laden tournament.

READ: Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel headline PVL Rookie Draft

“Very surprising kasi hindi ko talaga inexpect na ganito ‘yung mangyayari this year. My last collegiate season didn’t end well but I’m very grateful as well na nakasama ako sa national team and we also won bronze. I hope things will go better for the rest of the year,” she said.

Although she ended her UAAP career by missing the finals, Gagate remained grateful for La Salle and coach Ramil De Jesus.

“Nagpaalam talaga kami nang maayos to maintain a good relationship with everyone kasi the volleyball community is really small so kailangan namin mag-maintain ng good relationship,” said the Cebuana middle blocker. “On my part, they already expected it even before Season 86. I’m thankful din kay Coach (Ramil) na pinayagan niya ako wholeheartedly.”

Gagate is looking forward to face the finalists of the past two All-Filipino, Creamline and Choco Mucho. But right now, her focus is with the national team against Vietnam in the Challenger Cup on July 5 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.



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Thea Gagate to be picked No. 1 by ZUS Coffee in PVL Rookie Draft

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Thea Gagate will be picked number one by the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the upcoming PVL Rookie Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee revealed the Thunderbelles are selecting Thea Gagate as the top pick in the PVL Rookie Draft on July 8 at Novotel, barring any change of heart from the management.

Yee on Tuesday bared to the reporters that they’re eyeing the projected top prospect of the 2024 class, Gagate, who will be taking her height and experience from La Salle and Alas Pilipinas to the pro scene.

“Consensus naman yun kung sinong number one jan kasi mas kailangan mo yun e. Height, mobility,” said Yee, referring to the 6-foot-2 Gagate.

“Wala pang approval ng management but we all agreed on the first name we wanted, si Thea sana. So I’m here to look at the 13th pick.”

READ: ZUS Coffee gets top pick for inaugural PVL Rookie Draft

With a 40 percent chance of getting the top pick, the Thunderbelles were drawn by reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP Brooke Van Sickle of Petro Gazz as the No.1 overall pick in the lottery on Monday evening at TV5 Media Center.

Yee, the former Farm Fresh coach who moved to ZUS Coffee, is confident that the management will approve their decision on picking the three-time UAAP 1st Best Middle Blocker, who won a championship with the Lady Spikers last year.

“I think the management they have long been in contact. Naguusap naman sila,” Yee bared.

However, Gagate’s availability is up in the air in the Reinforced Conference as she’s part of Alas Pilipinas, which will compete in the FIVB Challenger Cup on July 5 and SEA V.League in August.

READ: Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel headline PVL Rookie Draft

Yee said they are also eyeing to tap Japanese spiker Asaka Tamaru, who led guest team Kurashiki to last year’s Invitational championship.

“Si coach Shota Sato yung wife niya is Asaka Tamaru and nakita ko sa Japan. Pwede.  Talking kami with her and the new girls and a new chance to be here,” said Yee of Tamaru, who is part of Farm Fresh’s coaching staff.

More than selecting Gagate, Yee is seeking to draft more players from the 13th pick and the succeeding rounds. 

“Hopefully, hindi masyadong kumuha ng younger players yung other teams. Pero at ZUS marami pa kaming slots na pupunuin, one on each position pa lang ang meron or two. Usually you have to have three, four per position,” the ZUS Coffee coach said.

Gagate and the 46 aspirants graced the first day of the combine to undergo anthropometry, which includes a one-minute push-up, standing vertical jump, vertical jump with approach, standing broad jump, modified agility t-test, and 60m shuttle run.

ZUS Coffee, formerly Strong Group Athletics, lost all its 11 games in its debut in the All-Filipino Conference with Yee, who transferred from Farm Fresh to its sister team, bringing NCAA ‘three-peat’ champion College of Saint Benilde players led by Season 99 MVP and Best Setter Cloanne Mondoñedo, Finals MVP Gayle Pascual, Jade Gentapa, and Michelle Gamit.

“Challenging kasi kumbaga hindi na pwede yung sasabihin bagong team ka tapos ganun yung reason mo para panget yung performance mo. At least for us, ayaw namin ng ganun,” said Yee. “Laban lang. Dito nagsisimula, makakuha kami good pieces and from there  you build on that and let’s see kung pano kami [magwork].



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“Ang importante sa amin is yung chemistry namin. Confident sa training , program, sipag na nandito kami present, yung results hindi namin hawak yun excited kami. Gusto na namin magsimula,” he added.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch gets contract extension

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Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch listens during a news conference after Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

The Minnesota Timberwolves took care of one bit of business before the NBA draft and free agency begin by signing coach Chris Finch to a four-year extension that will run through the 2027-28 season.

It marks the third contract Finch has signed since becoming head coach in February 2021. On Finch’s watch, the Wolves have made the playoffs in three consecutive seasons and are coming off their first appearance in the NBA Western Conference finals since 2004.

Financial terms were not disclosed. The NBA draft is Wednesday and Thursday before free agency negotiations start this weekend.

“I’d like to thank [owner] Glen [Taylor], Becky [Taylor], and the entire organization for their continued support and commitment to me and the team,” Finch said in a statement. “I’m proud of the way we’ve been able to establish a great culture here with the Timberwolves and I look forward to continuing to lead this organization and make our fans proud.”

Finch is the second-winningest coach in franchise history, behind Flip Saunders, with a record of 160-127. His winning percentage of .557 is the best of any coach in franchise history.

READ: Timberwolves advancing further in NBA playoffs comes with cost

He previously signed an extension toward the end of the 2021-22 season. Finch finished third in this season’s Coach of the Year voting as the Wolves finished third in the Western Conference, and he has made an unconventional frontcourt of both Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert work while overseeing Anthony Edwards’ ascension into an All-NBA player. Finch also coached the Western Conference in this season’s All-Star Game.

Finch coached the last two rounds of this season’s playoffs after rupturing his patellar tendon in Game 4 of the team’s first-round series against Phoenix when point guard Mike Conley collided with him on the sidelines. Finch sat behind the bench or off to the side as assistant Micah Nori, who has interviewed for multiple head coaching jobs this offseason, roamed the sidelines.

Finch developed his reputation as a great offensive assistant coach in Houston and New Orleans before Gersson Rosas hired him to succeed Ryan Saunders in February 2021. But Finch oversaw the league’s No. 1 defense this season.

Finch has worked in unusual circumstances in his first four seasons as coach, as he has had three different bosses running basketball operations for the Wolves during his tenure — Rosas; executive vice president Sachin Gupta, who was the interim president after Rosas’ firing, and President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly for the past two seasons. Connelly and Finch previously worked together in Denver, where Finch was an assistant.

READ: NBA: Timberwolves coach Chris Finch to have knee surgery

Despite criticism last season as the Wolves struggled in the first season after the Gobert trade, Connelly never wavered in his commitment to Finch and often referred to him as an “elite” coach.

“Chris is a wonderful coach, and an even better person,” Connelly said in a statement. “We are thrilled that he is being rewarded with a well-earned extension. Under his guidance the team has improved every year, he’s the perfect leader for our organization.”

Connelly recently restructured his deal to push back a buyout in his contract until after next season as the ownership situation between Taylor and Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore plays out in arbitration over the next few months.



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Kings nearly pulled off trade to acquire Alex Caruso–report

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FILE – Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso gestures after making a 3-point shot during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, March 31, 2024, in Minneapolis. Caruso has been traded to Oklahoma City for Josh Giddey. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, file)

The Sacramento Kings nearly pulled off a big trade last week while shopping their first-round pick in Wednesday’s NBA draft in an effort to improve their roster.

League sources told The Athletic the Kings were close to making a trade for Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso, a two-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection. The Kings reportedly offered the No. 13 pick as the “key chip” in trade talks with Chicago, but the Bulls instead chose to send Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a deal for Josh Giddey.

Caruso, 30, is a 6-foot-5, 186-pound shooting guard who would have added a lockdown defender to a Sacramento backcourt that features De’Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Malik Monk, Davion Mitchell and Keon Ellis. He was an NBA All-Defensive First Team selection in 2023 and an All-Defensive Second Team selection in 2024.

Caruso averaged a career-high 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks for the Bulls last season. He shot a career-best 46.8% from the field and 40.8% from 3-point range on 4.7 attempts per game.

The Kings have been active and aggressive in trade talks since general manager Monte McNair and assistant general manager Wes Wilcox came to Sacramento in September 2020. In February 2022, they pulled of a blockbuster deal to acquire Domantas Sabonis in a trade that sent Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield and Tristan Thompson to the Indiana Pacers.

READ: NBA: Thunder trade Josh Giddey to Bulls for Alex Caruso

The Kings have also had a few near misses over the past three years. In July 2021, they were on the verge of trading Hield for Kyle Kuzma before the Los Angeles Lakers chose to send Kuzma to the Washington Wizards in a deal for Russell Westbrook. In February, the Kings were close to acquiring Pascal Siakam before the Toronto Raptors traded him to the Pacers.

Recent reports have linked the Kings to Kuzma and Bulls guard Zach LaVine. In July 2018, the Kings signed LaVine to an offer sheet before the Bulls matched the offer to keep him in Chicago. LaVine is entering the third year of a massive five-year, $215 million contract that will pay him $43 million in 2024-25, $46 million in 2025-26 and $49 million in 2026-27.

Kuzma is entering the second year of a much more team-friendly four-year, $90 million contract with a declining salary scale. He is owed $23.5 million in 2024-25, $21.5 million in 2025-26 and $19.4 million in 2026-27.



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Alyssa Valdez says PH now a ‘volleyball country’

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A general view of the crowd during a game between Team USA and Japan in the VNL 2024 at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Alyssa Valdez believes that the Philippines has become a volleyball country after a successful hosting of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) and soldout gate attendance in the local leagues, PVL and UAAP as well as Alas Pilipinas games.

“I think, I’m gonna say it but I think right now, we’re a volleyball country, we’re a volleyball nation,” Valdez told reporters after watching the conclusion of the VNL Manila leg between USA and Japan on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“It’s so nice to see a jampacked arena.”

READ: VNL 2024: Experience makes USA’s Manila stint a ‘great success’

The three-time PVL MVP of Creamline was among the 12,000 fans on the final day of VNL Week 3 and she had a fan-girl moment with USA’s Micah Christenson and Erik Shoji and Japan’s Yuki Ishikawa and Kento Miyaura.

“It’s so nice that they’re all cheering for both USA and Japan. It’s a great scenario and situation inside the MOA Arena,” Valdez said. “We’re just really hoping that the support of the volleyball community here in the Philippines and all over the world will continue.”

Valdez, who also serves as the Spikers’ Turf president, said this kind of international hosting will continue to help Philippine volleyball grow

READ: VNL 2024: USA star Taylor Averill wants to come back, explore PH

She also hopes the VNL will encourage more fans to support the local men’s volleyball league.

“Hopefully, this will help us improve And I hope that this will inspire more fans to watch the Spikers’ Turf and other volleyball games as we support the other teams here in the VNL,” she said.

Valdez will be leading Creamline’s bid to end a six-year Reinforced Conference title drought in July.



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USA stars rave about VNL Manila stint, relish Filipino crowd

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USA’s Taylor Averill during a game against Japan in the VNL Manila leg.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philipines — Having a blast in their first time playing in Manila in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) was an understatement for USA stars Taylor Averill and Erik Shoji.

Averill, who expressed his love to Filipino fans on his social media posts, even wore a Team Philippines jacket during the warmup of their match against Japan, which beat them in straight sets on Sunday in front of 12,000 fans at Mall of Asia Arena.

“I’m so honored. This is the coolest jacket. Such a cool token to have of appreciation and I’m blessed to wear it,” said Averill, only one of two starters along with Shoji who played in the US’ final game in Manila.

READ: VNL 2024: USA star Taylor Averill wants to come back, explore PH

“I’m blessed again for the fans that came out. You guys don’t understand. In the States we don’t get this kind of love for what we do so it means a lot to me. I don’t take it for granted.”

Despite Team USA not making it to the Final Eight with a 5-7 record, the American middle blocker was thrilled to experience the Filipinos’ love for volleyball.

Erik Shoji Team USA VNL 2024 Manila

Team USA’s Erik Shoji.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“I’m so excited to come back here. I’ve had way too much fun here. The volleyball community here is like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I’m just so grateful. I don’t know how many. Apparently, it was sold out. Definitely sounded like it. I had a blast. It was so much fun,” said Averill. “I don’t know how many more times I can say it. I freaking love it here. I don’t want to leave. Thanks guys. Appreciate it.”

Shoji also savored the chance to meet the men’s and women’s players of Alas Pilipinas.

READ: VNL 2024: Experience makes USA’s Manila stint a ‘great success’

“It’s the best experience that I think we’ve had in the VNL in a while. Obviously, we wanted to win but the crowd was awesome and It was a stretch game for both teams as you can see but, Japan was a little bit better than us,” the American libero said. “The atmosphere was really intense so we’re hoping for a crowd like this one in here in Manila when we play in Paris.”

Averill urges the Filipino fans to continue supporting Team USA in the Paris Olympics and hopes to reunite with them in the FIVB Men’s World Championship in 2025

“Don’t be afraid to support us from afar this Olympics. We would appreciate your support. Otherwise, we’ll see you guys next year. Thank you so much. I love you guys,” he said.



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Gilas coach Tim Cone praises ‘ageless’ Alex Cabagnot

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FAMILIAR FACES. (From L-R) Taiwan Mustangs coach Chris Gavina, Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone, Taiwan guard Alex Cabagnot and Gilas assistant Richard del Rosario catchup during Gilas’ exhibition game against the Taiwan Mustangs at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone felt the nostalgia in the air at Philsports Arena on Monday.

Cone had a chance to catch up with some familiar faces when Gilas faced the Taiwan Mustangs in an exhibition game. One of those names was former PBA star Alex Cabagnot, who now plays for the Mustangs after starring in nine championship runs with San Miguel Beer.

“Alex is ageless,” said Cone of the 41-year-old veteran after Gilas beat Taiwan, 74-64.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas beats Taiwan Mustangs in tune-up before OQT

“He’s absolutely ageless. He can step into a team right now and still contribute any way he wants to at this point.”

Cone, the most decorated coach in the PBA with 25 championships, has had countless battles with Cabagnot ever since the heady guard entered the league as the second overall pick by defunct Sta. Lucia in the 2005 PBA Draft.

Alex Cabagnot Tim Cone Gilas Taiwan Mustangs

Taiwan Mustangs guard Alex Cabagnot watches the ball during a tune-up game against Gilas Pilipinas as coach Tim Cone looks on at Philsports Arena in Pasig.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

On Monday, Cone was reminded of just how difficult it was to slow down Cabagnot.

READ: Gilas coach Tim Cone says Scottie Thompson presence ‘irreplaceable’

Cabagnot finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists for Taiwan.

“He’s been an awesome player after all these years. He’s just really tough to defend, a lefty and crafty. He’s tough,” said Cone.

Cone and Gilas now head to Latvia for the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where the Filipinos shoot for a spot in the upcoming Paris Olympics.



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