Category: Uncategorized

Sisi Rondina soaks in lessons from Alas Pilipinas loss to Vietnam

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Sisi Rondina leads Alas Pilipinas in scoring in the loss against Vietnam in FIVB Challenger Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Sisi Rondina stood tall against the Vietnamese leading the gallant stand of Alas Pilipinas in the last two sets only for their FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup campaign to end after just one game.

Rondina led Alas’ charge with 15 points, especially in keeping Vietnam within striking distance but the Filipinos still absorbed a 14-25, 22-25, 21-25 loss after her missed attack in the final set Friday evening before a soldout Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The former PVL MVP chose to look at the bright side of the loss, soaking in the learnings from regional power Vietnam, which will stand in the way of Alas Pilipinas’ quest to win a medal in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.

HIGHLIGHTS: Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

“We are extremely grateful that we faced Vietnam; we learned a lot. There are many areas where we still need to improve,” said Rondina. “We are very happy because many people watched, especially our fellow Filipinos here in the Philippines. I am thankful for all the support.”

The 5-foot-6 spiker from Choco Mucho never wavered against the taller Vietnamese as she had a couple of through-the-block kills and spikes above her blockers, fueled by the motivation of team captain Jia De Guzman.

“Ate Jia just said that we shouldn’t think about anything else. We just need to show what we can do, and we know we have abilities that they can’t match. Even if we fell short, the fight was still there,” she said.

READ: Alas Pilipinas loses to Vietnam, bows out of FIVB Challenger Cup

Rondina was convinced with the team’s improvement with some key additions and more preparation time despite missing Eya Laure and Jen Nierva in the tournament. 

“We improved especially in our skills and weakness because of all the advice our coaches gave us,” she said. 

Rondina and Alas will head to Japan next week for a training camp before seeing action in the SEA V.League in August.



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Jema Galanza happy to join Alas Pilipinas despite minor injury

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Jema Galanza during Alas Pilipinas game against Vietnam in the FIVB Challenger Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Jema Galanza was grateful for the chance to suit up for Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup despite the last-minute changes to her position due to a minor foot injury in practice.

Days before the tournament, Galanza rolled her ankle in practice, which led to her returning to a spiker position despite being initially listed as libero in time for their game against Vietnam. Middle blocker Cherry Nunag taking the second libero role.

The reigning PVL Finals MVP saw limited action as a service specialist playing in the last two sets in Alas’ 14-25, 22-25, 21-25 loss to Vietnam on Friday evening at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

HIGHLIGHTS: Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

“Of course, we didn’t expect what happened within our team, so we focused on how to solve the problem,” Galanza told reporters. “As for me, I’ll do my best and my part to help the Philippines with whatever the coach gives me to do.”

Galanza, who wasn’t able to join Alas in the AVC Challenge Cup due to Creamline’s trip to Spain, made special mention of Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen and her development since the last time they crossed past. The Vietnamese star poured in 30 points to advance to the semifinal against Czechia on Saturday. 

“I played against her with Ate Alyssa [Valdez] and Ate Ces [Molina]. She didn’t play the whole game back then. This game, she played heavier minutes and performed really well against us. We saw how many points she contributed to their team,” she said. “We saw and felt her impact.”

READ: Alas Pilipinas’ Jema Galanza won’t play libero in Challenger Cup

The do-it-all spiker, who represented the country in the past two Southeast Asian Games, is still honored to return to Alas despite the limited action, seeking to contribute more in the next national team stints. 

“I’m happy to be part of Alas Pilipinas again and to be with the younger players. They’ve improved a lot and this team will get even better,” Galanza said. “I’m proud to be part of this. This is the time to improve and grow as a player and I can learn more from my teammates.”



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Vietnam star T4 all praises for Alas Pilipinas, Jia De Guzman

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Vietnam star Thi Thanh Thuy Tran, popularly known as T4, in a game against Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Challenger Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

MANILA, Philippines — Trần Thị Thanh Thúy had nothing but praises for Alas Pilipinas, especially setter Jia De Guzman, after their showdown in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup.

Thuy, dubbed as T4, returned to action from injury and only scored two points but still made a huge impact for Vietnam, which eliminated the host Philippines, 25-14, 25-22, 25-21, on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“The Philippines’ performance is very well because they have a good connection with the setter,” said Thuy, who checked in midway through the second set and started in the third.

HIGHLIGHTS: Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

“[It was] a very interesting match-up because she played in Japan and she played a lot. So I think it was a good match.”

De Guzman has been instrumental in Alas’ improvement with the eight-time PVL Best Setter sharing her experience from the Denso AiryBees in the Japan V.League with her younger teammates.

Alas Pilipinas' Jia de Guzman in a game against Vietnam in the FIVB Challenger Cup.

Alas Pilipinas’ Jia de Guzman in a game against Vietnam in the FIVB Challenger Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Besides Alas’ vastly improved game compared to their past international duels, Thuy admitted she felt a little nervous playing in front of an ecstatic Filipino crowd.

“Before the match,  [I’m] a little scared because playing in the Philippines you have the audience very enthusiastic [so] I’m very nervous. So we have to try to relax, focus, and enjoy the game,” she said.

READ: Alas Pilipinas loses to Vietnam, bows out of FIVB Challenger Cup

The Vietnamese star, who didn’t play in their title run in the AVC Challenge Cup Manila last May, said she’s not yet at a 100 percent but she’s thrilled to share the court with her teammates again.

“I felt a little nervous when I got back because I’m not in my 100 percent so I just try my best to have fun again with the team,” said Thuy.



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Thuy and Vietnam battle Czechia in a knockout semifinal on Saturday, seeking to inch a step closer to the Volleyball Nations League.

Bella Belen, Angel Canino relish first team-up at Alas Pilipinas

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Bella Belen and Angel Canino team up for Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Challenger Cup. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — From UAAP rivals to national team teammates, Bella Belen and Angel Canino relished their first team-up despite Alas Pilipinas losing to Vietnam in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup on Friday evening at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Philippines witnessed the first team-up of the two UAAP rookie MVPs in their 14-25, 22-25, 21-25 loss to Vietnam in front of a soldout crowd.

Although Alas’ Volleyball Nations League (VNL) qualifier ended in just a game, the newly-formed duo showed a glimpse of what they can offer with Canino pouring in 12 points and Belen only scoring two on top of a steady floor defense in the first two sets.

“I am very happy because I am now with Angel in the national team. Before, we were opponents in the UAAP, but now we are teammates,” said National University’s two-time MVP Belen, who has been going up against Canino and La Salle for the past two seasons.

HIGHLIGHTS: Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

Canino, who beat Belen and the Lady Bulldogs in the Season 85 finals last year, would rather have Belen as her teammate than a rival. 

 “I’m happy because I told them that I would rather choose Bella as my teammate because I’ve been wanting to team up with her again for a long time. I’m very happy that she’s my teammate now,” said the Season 85 MVP and Rookie of the Year.

Despite the one-and-done Challenger Cup stint, Canino and Belen look forward to more team-ups in the future as they seek to elevate the level of Philippine volleyball, playing in the SEA V.League next month. 

“I think our connection will become stronger with longer training. I believe we can bring out the best in each other,” Belen said.

READ: Alas Pilipinas hit with reality check ahead of Challenger Cup

Belen, who came from South Korea with NU, was pleased with their gallant stand against Vietnam but she needs more time for their build up. The Nationals train in Japan next week until July 25.

“I think we did our best, but maybe Vietnam has been training for a long time. For us, especially me, I just came from vacation. I think we can compete, we just need longer preparation,” said Belen. 

Canino also stayed positive despite the results choosing to look at the lessons from the Vietnamese, who also ruled the AVC Challenge Cup in Manila two weeks ago.

“We all gave our best, and while we’re sad about the result, we’re also happy because we learned something. You don’t go home a loser if you’ve learned something—you always gain knowledge. Especially now, facing Vietnam, we feel like we know where we stand and what we still need to improve as a team,” said the La Salle star.



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“We will continue preparing for the SEA V.League, and of course, we look forward to giving our best always and bringing our A-game. It’s another opportunity for us to learn and for the team to showcase our talents,” she added.

Justine Baltazar, RJ Abarrientos lead PBA Rookie Draft aspirants

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FILE– Justine Baltazar is vying for a spot in a PBA team. UAAP PHOTO

Seventy players submitted applications to take part in the PBA Rookie Draft set July 14 at Glorietta in Makati City, the league said Friday.

Justine Baltazar, Sedrick Barefield, Dave Ildefonso, RJ Abarrientos, Caelan Tiongson and Kai Ballungay were among the prominent names expected to be the top picks from the list which has a significantly fewer number of aspirants than last year’s record field of 128.

Converge owns the top pick followed by Blackwater, Terrafirma, Phoenix, NorthPort, NLEX, Rain or Shine with two picks, Magnolia, Barangay Ginebra, Meralco and San Miguel Beer.

Baltazar was initially tagged as a cinch of being chosen by the FiberXers, but the entry of other fancied talents may shatter those expectations.

READ: As deadline expires, PBA Draft pool suddenly ‘interesting’

Other familiar players were able to turn in their draft papers, namely Jerom Lastimosa, Ben Phillips, Evan Nelle, CJ Cansino, Jonnel Policarpio, Paolo Hernandez, Mark Nonoy and Brandon Ramirez.

The list could be trimmed after next week’s draft combine at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City as the league will screen all requirements submitted.

Applicants are mandated to take part in the two-day combine, provided they have valid excuses.

READ: Converge has franchise find as Justine Baltazar enters PBA Draft

Barefield, Tiongson and Ballungay are among the 19 players listed by the league as Filipino-foreigners, needing only to submit a Philippine passport to be eligible.

Other draft applicants are Roel Alcaide, Peter Alfaro, Ronelle Jordan Arciaga, Jordan Bartlett, Darwish Vince Bederi, Romulo Victor Berjay, Jared Brown, CJ Catapusan, Miguel Corteza, Jason Credo, Mark Neil Cruz, Lugie Cuyos, Robbie Darang, Franz Diaz, Miguel Johannes Educalani and Martin Enriquez.

Francis Escandor is also joining the draft along with Patrick Feliciano, Aaron Matthew Garcia, Alfren Gayosa, Bill Geolingo, Ahmad Didat Hanapi, Pao Javillonar, Jeff Daniel Jose, Felix Lemetti, Pio Longa, JP Magullano, Germy Mahinay, Michael John Malonzo, Agem Miranda, Derohn Mitchell, Chino Mosqueda, Avan Nava, Toan-Anh Nguyen, Khenn Osicos, Adrian Partosa and Francis Patricio.



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CJ Payawal, David Kenneth Penney, Keith Pido, Jayson Puray, Jielo Razon, Kurt Reyson, Ralph Robin, Ronan Santos, JP Sarao, Abdul Wahad Sawat, Jade Talampas, Xyrus Torres, John Lawrence Uduba, Conner Verdugo, Marko Adonis Villorente and Denzel Wong complete the list.

Farm Fresh taps Yeny Murrilo for Reinforced Conference

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Yeny Murrilo is Farm Fresh Foxies’ import for the PVL Reinforced Conference.

MANILA, Philippines — Farm Fresh parades Colombian outside spiker Yeny Murrilo in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference starting on July 16 at Philsports Arena.

The Foxies on Friday evening announced their reinforcement for their first-ever import-laden tournament since joining the league last year.

Murillo, who turned 25 on Friday, is already in Manila, training with Farm Fresh.

The 6-foot spiker, who played for Arizona Western College and Grand Canyon University, is bringing her experience from seeing action in overseas club leagues in Greece, France, Cyprus, and Czechia.

READ: PVL Draft: Farm Fresh still mulling its picks

Murillo will bolster the young Foxies Trisha Tubu, Kate Santiago, Caitlin Viray, Alyssa Bertolano, Louie Romero, and Rizza Cruz.

The Foxies will pick fourth overall in the Rookie Draft on Monday at Novotel.

Farm Fresh opens its campaign against Chery Tiggo on July 16.

The Foxies are slated in Pool A, which includes All-Filipino champion Creamline, PLDT, Galeries Tower, and Nxled.



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Forcing OT vs Georgia wasn’t an option for Gilas, says Tim Cone

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Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone’ after the Philippines’ loss to Georgia in the Fiba OQT group phase. –FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone said he didn’t want to risk going overtime against Georgia to try and salvage a win even with the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) semifinal berth secured.

When Gilas trailed Georgia, 93-96, with 14 seconds remaining, Cone called a timeout and decided with his coaching staff not to force extra regulation. The Filipinos then milked the clock before Chris Newsome drew a foul from Giorgi Ochkhikidze with 2.8 ticks left.

Newsome made his first shot but missed the second with Goga Bitadze even attempting to score off the putback in a bizarre move. Georgia won over Gilas, 96-94, but didn’t qualify for the next round, failing to win by 19 points.

SCHEDULE: Gilas Pilipinas at Fiba OQT semifinals 2024

“We couldn’t go into overtime. We had an opportunity to shoot a three at the end to try and get us into overtime and play,” Cone said after the loss. “We just felt we didn’t want to give them an opportunity to try to extend the lead in overtime.” 

Cone, however, took the blame for Bitadze’s final attempt to force overtime.

“He missed a dunk follow-up, that was a bad coaching decision on my part. I should’ve had Newsome hold the ball and not even shoot that second free throw and get a violation,” Cone said. “That would’ve been a smart move. I blanked out and did not think about it. We were lucky we didn’t go into overtime.”

READ: Tim Cone says Gilas star Justin Brownlee ‘should be in the NBA’

Despite losing and finishing Group A with a 1-1 record, Cone is grateful to make it to the semifinal against Brazil on Saturday, inching two wins closer to the Paris Olympics.

“It’s the first time I felt good about losing and I just want to compliment our guys… they went down 20 and it could have been an easy panic time and they worked their way back into the game,” said Cone lauding his wards’ comeback from a sluggish first half.

“One little streak here or there, we could’ve been down by 30 and we’re going home, using those [flight] tickets we have for tomorrow. But they really showed their resilience.”



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Buddy Hield traded to Warriors from 76ers

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FILE – Philadelphia 76ers guard Buddy Hield (17) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden during the first half of an NBA basketball game March 24, 2024, in Los Angeles.  (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

PHILADELPHIA— Buddy Hield played in 632 regular-season games and established himself as one of the top 3-point shooters in the NBA before he finally played a postseason game. He can thank the Philadelphia 76ers for ending his dubious distinction of most NBA games without a playoff appearance by an active player.

If he wants to get there again, he’s going to have to try again in California — alongside Stephen Curry, no less.

The 76ers continued one of the busiest offseasons of any team in the league — thanks in large part to salary-cap space to spare — and orchestrated a sign-and-trade deal on Thursday that sends Hield to the Golden State Warriors for a 2031 second-round pick it received from the Dallas Mavericks, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press. ESPN reported that Hield was set to sign a two-year, $21 million contract with the Warriors.

READ: NBA playoffs finally beckon for 76ers’ Buddy Hield after 632 games

The Warriors were in the market for another dependable perimeter threat following the loss of Klay Thompson, who agreed to join the Mavericks as part of a sign-and-trade of a three-year, $50 million contract involving the Warriors, Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets. The 76ers are essentially getting a free second pick for helping facilitate that deal.

The Hield trade will become official after the league’s moratorium on signings is lifted on Saturday, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal cannot be announced by NBA rule until that time.

The 76ers on Thursday also announced they signed first-round draft pick Jared McCain. The Duke product is scheduled to participate in July in both the Salt Lake City Summer League and the NBA 2K25 Summer League 2024 in Las Vegas. McCain was selected by Philadelphia with the No. 16 overall pick in last month’s draft.

READ: Klay Thompson heading to Mavericks in NBA free agency

Golden State has continued adding to its roster in an offseason that general manager Mike Dunleavy has said will be important to rebuild the team after missing the playoffs. The Warriors and free agent forward Kyle Anderson were working to complete a three-year, $27 million contract, a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations told the AP earlier in the week.

The 2022 NBA champion Warriors are trying to get back into the title hunt after missing the playoffs this past season.

The 76ers want to advance past the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2001.

Paul George and the Sixers agreed to a $212 million, four-year free agent contract on Monday and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey agreed in principle to a $204 million, five-year extension with the team.

READ; NBA: Kyle Anderson, Warriors completing $27 million, 3-year deal

The 34-year-old George spurned the Los Angeles Clippers and declined a 2024-2025 player option in his contract with them to join a Sixers team that has been a perennial underachiever, even as Joel Embiid blossomed into one of the top players in the NBA.

The 76ers know that star shooters aren’t necessarily guaranteed to have success in Philadelphia.

Hield was acquired at last season’s trade deadline from Indiana for Marcus Morris Jr., Furkan Korkmaz and three second-round draft picks.

Hield had been one of the top 3-point shooters in the NBA for years in both volume and makes. He hit at least 260 in four straight seasons with the Sacramento Kings and made a career-high 288 in 2022-203 with the Pacers. He averaged 12.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists last season.

He never found his groove in Philly. After Hield missed a total of four 3-point attempts in the first three games in the playoffs against the New York Knicks, coach Nick Nurse benched him in Games 4 and 5. Hield returned to the lineup for a Game 6 loss and shot 6 of 9 from 3-point range for 20 points.

It would be his last game with the Sixers.



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The 31-year-old Hield played in 57 games with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016-17 and in 385 games for the Kings. He played in 158 games with the Pacers and 32 games with the Sixers before he made the postseason debut. Because of the trade, Hield actually played in 84 games last season. He also played for the Pacers in the In-Season Tournament title game in December, Game No. 85, which didn’t count toward the official total. Game No. 86 — the 76ers’ play-in win over Miami — pushed him into the playoffs.

Czechia sweeps Argentina for semis berth

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Czechia celebrates a point against Argentina in the FIVB Challenger Cup knockout quarterfinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Czechia sent Argentina packing with a 25-15, 25-22, 25-16 sweep to advance to the FIVB Challenger Cup semifinal on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Michaela Mlejnkova led the charge for the Czechs with 14 points off 13 attacks and a block, while Gabriela Orvosova backstopped her with 12 points including two blocks.

“It’s great because this was the hardest game I think of the competition. It’s a really important game because if you win you stay, if you lose you go home. So for us, it’s really important and yeah, I’m so happy we won,” said the 27-year-old outside spiker.

LIVE UPDATES: Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

Helena Havelkova and Magdalena Jehlarova chipped in 10 and eight points, respectively. Czechia battles the winner of the Alas Pilipinas-Vietnam quarterfinal match in the knockout semis on Saturday.

Czechia star Michaela Mlejnkova

Czechia star Michaela Mlejnkova. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“If you want to qualify for the VNL, you have to beat everyone so actually it doesn’t matter for us,” said Mlejnkova. 

 Mlejnkova is looking forward to experiencing the Filipino culture during their stay.

READ: FIVB Challenger Cup: Puerto Rico ousts Kenya to advance to semis

“It’s really interesting to see how this country is working and I think it’s good to see the country. We didn’t have much time to see something because we are in the hotel but yeah, I think maybe we’ll have time on Monday,” she said.

After dominating the first set, the Czechs needed to stave off a tough second-frame duel against the Argentinians, breaking a tie at 22- all. Katerina Valkova’s 1-2 play put Czechia ahead, 23-22, before Orvosova’s back row hit and Silvie Pavlova’s ace to take a commanding two-set lead en route to a dominant third-frame performance.

Argentina ended its Challenger Cup stint with just a game with Candelaria Lucia Herrera being the lone double-digit scorer with 10 points.



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Ryan Garcia expelled by WBC after racial slurs in livestream

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FILE – Super lightweight boxer Ryan Garcia speaks during a news conference at the MGM Grand hotel-casino Thursday, April 20, 2023, in Las Vegas. He was expelled by the WBC  on Thursday after he repeatedly used racial slurs against Black people and disparaged Muslims in comments livestreamed on social media. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP, File)

Ryan Garcia was expelled by the World Boxing Council on Thursday after he repeatedly used racial slurs against Black people and disparaged Muslims in comments livestreamed on social media.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced the penalty against Garcia on the social media platform X.

“Exercising my authority as president of the WBC, I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization,” Sulaiman posted. “We reject any form of discrimination.”

READ: Ryan Garcia suspended for a year; win over Haney ruled no-contest

Garcia posted an apology of sorts on X.

“I was trolling I want all the killing to stop,” Garcia wrote. “I love everyone sorry if I offended you.”

An attorney representing Garcia did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Last month, Garcia was suspended for a year by the New York State Athletic Commission, which also ruled that his April 20 victory over Devin Haney would be considered a no-contest after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

He was also arrested on felony vandalism charges last month for reportedly causing around $15,000 worth of damage at a hotel in Beverly Hills.

The boxer also mocked George Floyd, the African-American man murdered by police in Minneapolis in 2020 whose death sparked worldwide protests. –With reports from Agence France-Presse



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