76ers spend $400M in contracts for Paul George, Maxey

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FILE – Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13) dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks in Los Angeles, Sunday, March 17, 2024. George will sign a four-year, $212 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, a person with knowledge of the move told The Associated Press early Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, FIle)

PHILADELPHIA — Paul George ditched LA and decided to help form a new Big Three in Philly with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Of course, Maxey needed to stick around to complete the talented trio — and the Philadelphia 76ers went all in on lavish, long-term contracts to make that happen.

Up first, George agreed overnight to a four-year, $212 million free-agent contract after the nine-time NBA All-Star spurned the Los Angeles Clippers. Maxey was on deck, and the first-time All-Star soon agreed in principle by sunrise Monday to a five-year, $204 million extension.

The 76ers threw down the gauntlet while most of the NBA was sleeping — committing more than $400 million in salary to two players they believe position them as the top contender to dethrone the NBA champion Boston Celtics.

Here they come, team of the year?

Hold up.

READ: NBA: Paul George set to join 76ers on $212 million deal

The 76ers have been down this high-priced, high-expectations road before without a championship to show for their efforts. They have failed to find the right pieces to field a winner around their franchise player Embiid, falling short in their star hunting with Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, James Harden, Al Horford and a list that goes on and on.

They’ll try again, this time with George in tow — not as the elite centerpiece he was asked to be in the past with Indiana, Oklahoma City and the Clippers, but in a complementary role to Embiid, hopeful his 34-year-old legs can hold up over the long haul to ease some of the burden on the 2023 NBA MVP. The 76ers were a bottom feeder when Embiid was hurt last season — and he’s often injured — so rolling the dice on a player widely considered the best available on the free-agent market was a chance team president Daryl Morey was willing to take.

George and Maxey intend to sign their contracts shortly after the league’s moratorium on signings is lifted on Saturday, a person with knowledge of the deals told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not yet finalized. Though the ink hasn’t hit the contracts yet, the 76ers already are a sports betting darling, jumping to an 8-1 favorite to win the 2025 title behind Boston and Denver, per BetMGM Sportsbook.

“We’re planning on being the best team in the East next season,” Morey said last week during the draft.

George at least should keep them in the mix in the East and give them a viable No. 1 scoring option when Embiid is out.

READ: NBA: 76ers president Daryl Morey has big plans for Embiid, Maxey

The 76ers finished 31-8 in the regular season with Embiid — about a 65-win pace — and a woeful 16-27 without him.

The Sixers were a play-in tournament team this season and lost to New York in the first round. The Knicks also made an early splash in their bid to remain in the championship picture. They agreed to a $210 million deal with OG Anunoby and are set to acquire Mikal Bridges from Brooklyn in deals that only increased the pressure on Morey to take a big swing at the free-agent fence.

Morey and the 76ers devised this plan as far back as a year ago when they asked Maxey to play out the final year of his rookie contract and wait a summer for an extension to free up the salary cap space needed to pursue free agents. Morey then took on only expiring contracts and draft picks in his deals throughout the season — notably in trading Harden to the Clippers and signing veteran Kyle Lowry to a short-term deal — that left the 76ers with essentially only Embiid and Maxey as the lone key holdovers on the roster once the season ended and roughly $65 million in cap space this summer.

Philadelphia 76ers' Tyrese Maxey NBA

Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey (0) gestures after making a 3-point basket during the second half of Game 2 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, Monday, April 22, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

“This offseason’s a big one,” Morey said after the 76ers were knocked out of the playoffs. “I owe it to the fans, to ownership, to everybody to get this team where we’re in a place where we’re competing for championships.”

George — who has averaged 20.8 points over a 14-year career — wanted to move on from the Clippers and declined a player option in his contract for $48.8 million in 2024-2025 that ended a five-year stretch with the team in which he averaged at least 21.5 points each season.

READ: NBA: 76ers waste another season of Joel Embiid’s prime

The Clippers’ attempt at winning it all with their Big Three of George, Kawhi Leonard and Harden fell flat.

“The gap was significant,” the Clippers said Sunday night in a news release. ”We understand and respect Paul’s decision to look elsewhere for his next contract.”

He looked all the way across the U.S. to Philadelphia.

George joins a Sixers team that has been a perennial underachiever, even as Embiid blossomed into one of the top players in the NBA. Philadelphia has not won an NBA title since 1983 or even advanced out of the second round of the playoffs since 2001.

Embiid, set to play this summer for Team USA at the Paris Olympics, fueled rumors that George was headed to Philly during a TV appearance together during the NBA Finals.

“Hopefully this offseason, we find a way to get better, and you know,” Embiid said, pausing to side-eye George, “add some pieces.”

The 76ers did strengthen their roster with the expected addition of center Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon and the return of Kelly Oubre Jr. in more deals expected to be announced as early as Saturday. The 76ers are also high on first-round draft pick Jared McCain out of Duke. And George is an upgrade in talent over the departed — and much-maligned — Tobias Harris.

Maxey was named the league’s most improved player this season. His scoring rose for the third consecutive year, and he finished the regular season averaging 25.9 points, 6.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game — all career bests.

George is a six-time member of the All-NBA Team. He’s a four-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team and was the league’s most improved player in 2013. He was a finalist for both NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, when he led the league with 2.21 steals per contest. George also has never played in an NBA Finals.

Much like Embiid’s, George’s injury history should give the 76ers reason for some concern. George played 76 games last season, the first time he played more than 56 since 2018-19.

Still, with few available options, and money to burn, the 76ers had little choice but to chase an aging — yet still elite — star such as George.

“It’s a big offseason for us,” Morey said in May. “We obviously have two great studs to build around in Joel and Tyrese.”



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They hope they found a third one in George.

Geo Chiu ‘hurt’ over Mason Amos’ sudden Ateneo departure

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Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin and the Blue Eagles led by Geo Chiu and Mason Amos in the UAAP Season 86 opener. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Count Geo Chiu among the guys who were affected by the news of Mason Amos’s sudden departure from the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

During Strong Group Athletics’ training for the William Jones Cup, Chiu bared that he was quite hurt by the news of Amos leaving the Blue Eagles after just one season in the UAAP and

“Just like what everyone feels right now, of course, it’s painful,” said Chiu, a former Ateneo big man, at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong on Tuesday. “It’s like a cut here [in the heart]. Me, I just try to be in the middle as much as possible.”

READ: Mason Amos leaves Ateneo amid reported La Salle transfer

Chiu and Amos played together during Season 86 when the Blue Eagles finished with a Final Four spot before tumbling at the hands of the University of the Philippines in the semifinals.

After last year though, Chiu decided to forgo his playing years in Ateneo and turned professional in Taiwan with the Mustangs then most recently signing with Ehime in B2 of the Japanese B.League a few days ago.

Geo Chiu Strong Group Athletics Ateneo

Geo Chiu during an open training with the Jones Cup bound Strong Group Athletics team. -SGA PHOTO

Without Chiu, Amos was expected to be the Blue Eagles’ next big thing. Until he wasn’t, as Amos departed Ateneo on Monday in a stunning announcement and is reported to be moving to archrival La Salle.

READ: UAAP: Mason Amos showing steady improvement for Ateneo

Chiu, though said, he chose to understand the situation and Amos’ decision-making but couldn’t deny the disappointment as his older brother in the team.

“I get the other side but I’m also trying to understand Mason. There’s so many things going on right now for him but as a Kuya, I’m still worried for him and everything he’s been going through.”

“But it still hurts. ‘Di ko inexpect eh.”



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Amos is currently in Riga, Latvia, for Gilas Pilipinas’ run in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament while Chiu will also represent the Philippines in a few days with SGA in the Jones Cup.

Inquirer Sports has reached out to La Salle coach Topex Robinson for a comment on whether Amos is headed to Taft or not but there was no response as of writing.

Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers agree to 3-year extension

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FILE – Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates an offensive foul against the Orlando Magic during the second half in Game 1 of an NBA first-round playoff series, April 20, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Nick Cammett, File)

CLEVELAND— Donovan Mitchell isn’t taking his talents anywhere. Not yet, anyway.

The five-time All-Star guard has agreed to a three-year, $150.3 million contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Mitchell’s choice to commit to the Cavaliers had been expected for some time. Still, there was plenty of anxiety inside Cleveland’s fanbase, which cannot forget LeBron James leaving the franchise as a free agent in 2010 for Miami.

The 27-year-old Mitchell spent much of this past season saying he’s happy playing with Cleveland, which acquired him in a 2022 trade from Utah. The Cavs have made the playoffs in both seasons with Mitchell, one of the league’s best all-around guards.

READ: NBA: Donovan Mitchell’s future bigger priority for Cavaliers

He agreed to the extension in Los Angeles over the weekend, according to the person, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the NBA prohibits deals from being announced until its moratorium ends on Saturday. ESPN was first to report Mitchell’s agreement.

The extension includes a $54 million player option for the 2027-28 season, the person said. Mitchell was under contract for one more season. Technically, Mitchell’s new deal means he can become a free agent in three years, raising the Cavs’ urgency to compete for a title.

The new deal also allows Mitchell to reach a 10-year criteria, making him eligible for a next extension worth $380 million.

Shortly after word of Mitchell’s extension emerged, he posted a video on social media from the film “The Wolf of Wall Street” in which actor Leonardo DiCaprio profanely announces to his colleagues, “I’m not leaving.”

READ: NBA: Cavaliers owner thinks Donovan Mitchell will ink long-term deal

Mitchell was in LA hosting his “Spida Elite” basketball camp for some of the nation’s top high school guards. He was visited by Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman and Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson, who was formally introduced by the team at a news conference on Monday.

Atkinson, who was Golden State’s top assistant the past three seasons, said he and Mitchell chatted mostly about family during their time together. Altman said Mitchell reaffirmed his commitment to the Cavs.

“We feel good about Donovan,” Altman said Monday. “He’s in a great space mentally. He’s healthy. Really enjoyed the fact that him and Kenny could sit down and talk about the future, talk about the team.

“He’s invested. He’s really invested in what we’re doing. Hopefully soon we’ll have more of a decisive answer on that for you, but he’s been great. He’s been super involved and super collaborative and very, very much pro-Cleveland.”

The Cavs’ move to get Mitchell two years ago was a surprise. It appeared he was on his way to play for his hometown New York Knicks before Cleveland swooped in. Mitchell’s arrival accelerated the Cavs’ rebuild, which began when James left as a free agent for the second time in 2018 for the Lakers.

Mitchell averaged 26.6 points, 6.1 assists and 5.1 rebounds this past season, but he was limited to just 55 games because of a left knee injury. Mitchell was slowed by the injury in the playoffs and pushed through before sitting out Cleveland’s final two games in the Eastern Conference semifinals with a calf injury.

The Cavs were eliminated in five games by the eventual champion Boston Celtics and fired coach J.B. Bickerstaff a week later.

In two seasons with Cleveland, Mitchell has averaged 27.5 points, 5.2 assists and 4.6 rebounds. He scored a career-high 71 in his first season in a game against Chicago.

Atkinson understands his charge is to get the most out of Cleveland’s “Core 4” of players — Mitchell, guard Darius Garland, forward Evan Mobley and center Jarrett Allen. He also believes there’s another level to Mitchell’s game and wants to make him one of the league’s top five players.



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“Why not?” Atkinson said. “With the skill level and the athleticism and the human being, I don’t see why we can’t.”

Ronaldo says he is playing his ‘last European Championship’

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Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is seen after the win against Slovenia during a round of sixteen match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

HAMBURG, Germany — Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed this year’s European Championship will be the last of his career.

The Portugal superstar, who is 39, is playing at the Euros for a record sixth time and has helped his country reach the quarterfinals — where Kylian Mbappé and France await in Hamburg on Friday.

Speaking to Portuguese public broadcaster RTP after the penalty-shootout victory over Slovenia on Monday, Ronaldo said: “It is, without doubt, my last European Championship.

READ: Portugal beats Slovenia at Euro 2024 despite Ronaldo penalty miss

“But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by all that football means — by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me.”

Ronaldo, who is one of the most prolific scorers in soccer history and has a record 14 goals at European Championships, said his main motivation now was “making people happy.” He was reduced to tears during the Slovenia game after having a penalty saved in extra time.

“It’s not about leaving the world of football,” he said. “What else is there for me to do or win? It’s not going to come down to one point more or one point less.”



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Kiefer Ravena says leaving Shiga for Yokohama ‘hard’

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B.League player Kiefer Ravena during an open training with the Jones Cup bound Strong Group Athletics team. -SGA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Kiefer Ravena is looking for a change of pace to better himself and he did just that with his most recent move in the Japan B.League.

After a rollercoaster string of seasons with the Shiga Lakes, Ravena signed with the Yokohama B-Corsairs a few days ago, giving him a new opportunity far from what he’s already familiar with.

“Just like any decisions that you make, you have to leave something very familiar. It was hard but at the same time, basketball isn’t forever and I have to make something that would make my future better,” said Ravena during Strong Group Athletics’ training at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong on Tuesday.

“That move was going to Yokohama.”

READ: B.League: Kiefer Ravena signs with Yokohama B-Corsairs

Ravena’s final run with the Lakes was been memorable, to say the least.

While posting averages of 10.51 points, 4.0 assists and 2.59 rebounds per game, the Ateneo product helped Shiga return to the B1 division after being relegated to B2 a year prior.

To add even icing on the cake, Ravena helped Shiga win the B2 division championship with a 24-36 card.

READ: B.League: Kiefer Ravena, Shiga Lakes claim B2 crown

In the title-clinching win over Koshigaya Alphas a few weeks back, Ravena dropped 10 points, three rebounds and eight assists in the 89-87 squeaker.

After the end of their stellar run, Ravena will be suiting up for the B-Corsairs, a team that formerly had another Filipino in Kai Sotto.

Before that, he will be playing in the Jones Cup in hopes of improving himself while also representing the country again after his stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 Fiba World Cup.

“I’m now preparing here [for Jones Cup], trying to get myself in shape and see where it takes me in order to prepare for next season.”



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“I’m very proud, still. Whatever you say, SGA or Gilas, we’re still representing the Philippines when we go to the Jones Cup. What you’ll see there is still the Philippine flag.”

UP Fighting Maroons signs Gilas prospect Millora-Brown

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UP-commit Quentin Millora-Brown with UP OASD Dir. Bo Perasol. –HANDOUT PHOTO

University of the Philippines isn’t taking its last two runner-up finishes sitting down.

The Maroons continued building up their talent cache, inking Gilas Pilipinas prospect Quentin Millora-Brown, who is not only trying to reconnect to a school he has roots in but also wants to link up with the national program.

“We have been talking with Quentin for a time now. We’ve visited him a couple of times since 2019. We are beyond happy and really excited to finally have him in the team for next season,” said UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development director Bo Perasol.

READ: Fil-Am Jacob Bayla boosts UP title bid in UAAP Season 87

The 6-foot-10 Filipino-American averaged 11.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game in the US NCAA Division I, where he last played for The Citadel—the school that produced former PBA gunner Noy Castillo.

“My grandfather studied in UP,” Millora-Brown, who is eligible for Season 87, said in a press release shared by the Maroons. “It’s his dream to see me don the Fighting Maroons jersey and play for his alma mater. Right now, I’m just really excited to meet everyone as we’ve been in touch even before the pandemic. [I am] looking forward to spending time with my new teammates ahead of the UAAP season.”

Millora-Brown, who is expected to arrive in the country this month, also wants to hook up with the national program, which has been eyeing him for quite some time.

“Of course, aside from playing for UP in the UAAP, I also want to represent the Philippines with Gilas,” he said.



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Dave Ildefonso to declare for PBA Draft with his dad, bro in mind

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Dave Ildefonso during an open training with the Jones Cup bound Strong Group Athletics team. –SGA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Dave Ildefonso’s mind is set on the next step in his career and he has his family roots to thank for his decision.

After months of heavy thinking, Ildefonso has made up his mind to declare for the upcoming 2024 PBA Draft, wanting to follow the path of his father and brother’s n the league.

“I don’t have offers abroad and it’s been a dream of mine ever since I saw Tatay (Danny Ildefonso) playing in the PBA in every game. Of course, I want to follow his footsteps and try to achieve what he achieved,” explained the Ateneo product during Strong Group Athletics’ training at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong on Tuesday.

READ: Dave Ildefonso missing home, weighing options aside from KBL

“Of course, I also want to go against my Kuya (Shaun) so I’ll apply for this upcoming draft. Only problem is I haven’t submitted my application yet.”

Ildefonso will be suiting up for Philippine-side SGA in the upcoming William Jones Cup in Taipei, Taiwan, later this month.

In the build-up to his stint with SGA, his contract with the Suwon KT Sonicboom in the Korean Basketball League expired, leaving him without a next step after his first professional run overseas.

READ: Dave Ildefonso says decision to play in Korea also benefits family, national team

A few months ago though, the younger Ildefonso was seen during a PBA game in support of his older brother Shaun during one of his games with Rain or Shine.

Back then, Dave admitted that he was ”weighing his options” as his contract with Suwon neared its end.

After several consultations, Dave decided that he wasn’t fit to play for the Sonicboom anymore because of his limited minutes.



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“As a player, if you’re realizing that you’re not being used in the last year of your expiring contract, you begin to think of the future. What’s next? Plan A or B,” he said. “We (me and Suwon) were trying to negotiate but the team went in a different direction.”

Before the end of his contract with Suwon, they lost the KBL Finals just a few days ago at the hands of KCC Egis in a 4-1 series.

Alas Pilipinas at FIVB Challenger Cup

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Alas Pilipinas women’s team faces a tough test in the FIVB Challenger Cup, another world-class volleyball event hosted by the Philippines, from July 4 to 7 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The eight qualified teams – the host Philippines, Argentina, Belgium, Czechia, Kenya, Puerto Rico, Sweden and AVC Challenge Cup champion Vietnam – battle in the knockout quarterfinal round on July 4 and July 5.

READ: Alas Pilipinas women draw tough first FIVB assignment

This is followed by the do-or-die semifinal and final rounds.

The winner of the tournament–which was first held in 2018–qualifies for the Volleyball of Nations League (VNL) in 2025.

Alas Pilipinas at FIVB Challenger Cup schedule

Here is the schedule of all the games in the FIVB Challenger’s Cup including Alas Pilipinas’ assignment in the quarterfinals.

July 4,  Thursday

  • 3pm – Puerto Rico vs Kenya
    6:30pm – Belgium vs Sweden

July 5, Friday

  • 3pm –  Czechia Republic vs Argentina
    6:30pm – Philippines vs Vietnam

July 6, Saturday

  • 3pm – semifinals
    6:30pm – semifinals

July 7, Sunday

  • 3pm – battle for third
    6:30pm – Final

Alas Pilipinas roster for FIVB Challenger Cup

There were a few changes to the Alas Pilipinas roster that won the bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024 last month, with the addition of pros and UAAP stars.

Here is the Philippines roster for the FIVB Challenger Cup from the FIVB official website.

  • Faith Nisperos – O
  • Fifi Sharma – MB
  • Vannie Gandler – OH
  • Bella Belen – OH
  • Dawn Macandili-Catindig – L
  • Julia Coronel – S
  • Eya Laure – OH
  • Jen Nierva – L
  • Jia de Guzman – S
  • Angel Canino – O
  • Dell Palomata – MB
  • Alyssa Solomon – O
  • Arah Panique – O
  • Thea Gagate – MB
  • Sisi Rondina – OH
  • Cherry Nunag – MB
  • Jema Galanza – L


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Sprint king Jan Paul Morales rules Go For Gold Criterium Series 2

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Jan Paul Morales rules the Go For Gold Criterium Race Series 2 in Cebu City.

Jan Paul Morales blazed the road to victory in a thrilling, high-speed bunch finish during the Go For Gold Criterium Race Series 2 on Sunday at City Di Mare in Cebu City.

The reigning national champion from Standard Insurance continental team sprinted away in the final 50 meters to beat Esteve Hora Jr. of SIP team and Go For Gold’s Marc Ryan Lago.

Morales, a two-time local Tour champion and sprint specialist, clocked 55:00.79 in the men’s elite category after racing through 35 laps at the 1.1-kilometer course with Hora, the Go For Gold Criterium Race Series 1 champion early this year, and Lago less than a second behind.

“I waited for the chance [to pull away] and I got a good chance in the end,” said Morales in Filipino at the end of the day-long series of races that aimed to bring back the animated local atmosphere in the sport.

READ: Jan Paul Morales snatches leader’s jersey

Mathilda Krogg shared the limelight by topping the women’s open in 41:04.71 (20 laps) while her Standard Insurance teammates Raven Joy Valdez and Angela Joy Marie Bermejo checked in second and third with just a fraction of a second behind.

Steven Tablizo saw a narrow path to victory in the men’s under-23 category to the frustration of SIP’s Rrking Roque and James Paul Ryan Escumbien, while John Arwin Velasco cut loose in the last three laps to show the way in a 1-2 finish for Go For Gold in the men’s junior category.

Velasco soloed it home in completing the 22km top-acceleration pursuit in 32:03.37 followed by teammate Marvin Mandac (23.14 seconds behind) and UTB’s Clent Detalla (23.20).

Mary Gweniele Francisco nosed out Vianne Angel Pagnanawon in claiming the women’s junior title after racing for 16 laps in 36 minutes and 35 seconds.

READ: Go For Gold pulls off historic win in national cycling championships

Prince Jay Elbanbuena secured the men’s youth crown in 26:45.48 after beating Clyde Deiparine of Gealon Racing Team and Juanito Gilbuela III of MACYC, while Maritanya Krog ruled the women’s side after 12 laps (28:11.64) over Maria Louisse Alejado and Yvonne Alejado.

In the manager’s category, Philip Sainz rode solo to the finish in 27:25.71 for the win with Edgar Pastor arriving second (17.80) and Ryan Sayre placing third (33.70).

“Aside from organizing safe and well-run races to elevate the sport of cycling in the Philippines, these races serve as talent identification,’’ said Go For Gold founder Jeremy Go.

Veteran cyclist Ronnel Hualda zoomed to the finish in the last few hundred meters to topple Jessie Sanchez of Keith Defiebre Cycling Team and Ramonito Espinosa to rule the men’s 40 and above category in 32:21.36.

Roy Carbonera reigned supreme in the men’s 30-39 category over 20 laps (34:46.32) with Ramonito Espinosa at second and Albert Basirgo and third places.



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The final leg of this year’s criterium series will be staged in either September or October in Mindanao.

Gilas Pilipinas women set sights on Jones Cup after U18 success

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Gilas Pilipinas girls at the PSA Forum following their triumphant stint in the Fiba U18 Asia Cup.-PSA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The hard work continues for the successful Gilas women’s program following its masterful conquest of the Fiba U18 Asia Cup Division B in Shenzhen, China last week.

Program director Pat Aquino said the Gilas women (senior) take over when they see action in the Jones Cup in Taiwan set July 13 to 21 and the pre-qualifiers for the next Fiba World Cup set in Rwanda scheduled Aug 19 to 25.

“Then there’s the next SEA Games (2025). Kailangan makuha ulit natin ang gold sa SEA Games,” Aquino said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

READ: Gilas girls earn Division A promotion after whipping Lebanon

Aquino and head coach Julie Amos graced the forum along with members of the U18 team that swept Division B of the Asia Cup and earned a spot in Division A for 2026.

The development was welcome news for the Gilas program after its senior team, the Gilas women, previously made it to Division A as well as the U16 team in the Asia Cup.

“This is the future of our women’s basketball. Tingin ko wala na akong problema for the next years or so. We should continue the program for the 16-under and 18-under with the help of SBP (Sahahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) president Al Panlilio and executive director Erika Dy,” added Aquino.

However, Amos, a former key player for the national team, said all but one of the members of this U18 team will no longer be eligible for 2026.

“Isa na lang ang matititra (Tiffany Reyes) so I hope the SBP continues to help us,” she said during the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and ArenaPLus, the Philippines’ 24/7 sports app.

READ: Tough draw for Gilas women in Fiba World PreQualifiers

“But we have a good problem because more players are asking how they can join the team. It’s just a matter of identifying the talents that will fit the program,” Amos said.

Moving up to Division A for the U18 team was not a complete surprise, according to Aquino.

“We were expecting it. I knew the girls can do it. And it’s a mark for us now around Asia that we can play against the level of China, Japan and Korea,” he said of the campaign in Shenzhen where the Gilas girls went undefeated including a convincing win over Lebanon in the final.

Among the players who graced the forum were team captain Ava Fajardo, Naomi Panganiban, Margarette Duenas, Sophia Canindo, Gabby Ramos, Reyes, Alyssa Rodriguez, Alicia Villanueva and Audrey Lapasaran, Ashlyn Abong, Jolzyne Impreso, and Venice Quinte. With them was former champion coach Ryan Gregorio, special assistant to the SBP president.

Aquino said it’s bittersweet that most of the U18 players that ruled the Shenzhen meet will no longer be eligible for the 2026 edition.

“I hope that someday they can all represent the senior team,” he said.



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“And hopefully we’ll find new faces na magpapatuloy sa ating mga programa. Pero mas malaki na yung pool natin. Lumalaki ng lumalaki,” Aquino added.