Tag: best bets

Lewis Hamilton wins British Grand Prix to end 3-year drought

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Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates with the trophy on the podium after winning the Formula One British Grand Prix at the Silverstone motor racing circuit in Silverstone, central England, on July 7, 2024. (Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL / AFP)

Lewis Hamilton claimed an emotional and long-awaited record 104th career victory on Sunday when he resisted Max Verstappen to triumph in vintage fashion at the British Grand Prix for a record ninth time.

The seven-time champion, who will turn 40 in January, cracked with emotion and was in tears as he spoke on Mercedes team radio on his victory lap, having finished 1.465 seconds ahead of Red Bull’s series leader and three-time champion.

In a roller-coaster race of changing weather and track conditions, Lando Norris came home third ahead of his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz of Ferrari and Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg with Lance Stroll finishing seventh for Aston Martin.

READ: F1: ‘Good to be back,’ says Lewis Hamilton after podium return

Hamilton, who had not won since the 2021 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, delivered a masterclass in tyre and race management to secure his 150th podium finish for Mercedes.

“I’ve been waiting for this,” shouted Briton Hamilton after crossing the line in his Mercedes to claim a ninth victory at Silverstone, breaking a tie with Michael Schumacher for most wins at one track.

“I can’t stop crying,” said Hamilton. “I think, since 2021, every day getting up, trying to fight, and to train, and to put my mind to the task and work as hard as I can with this amazing team.”

Hamilton is leaving Mercedes for Ferrari after this season.

“This is my last British GP with this team. I wanted to win so much for them. I love them so much. All the hard work they’ve been putting in.”

READ: ‘One of my worst races,’ says Lewis Hamilton after missing podium

Verstappen overtook Norris in the closing laps.

“We just didn’t have the pace today,” said Verstappen. “I was slowly dropping back when it mattered at the beginning. It really wasn’t looking great at one point, but we made the right calls.”

Norris had lost the lead after a misjudged pit stop.

“First of all, congrats to Lewis,” Norris said. “That crucial decision at the end, he just did a better job, so hats off to him and Mercedes, they deserve it. It was tough. It was fun battling these guys and these tricky conditions, risking a lot, on a knife-edge.”

Two-time champion Fernando Alonso was eighth in the second Aston Martin, ahead of Williams’ Alex Albon and Yuki Tsunoda of RB.

READ: F1: Lewis Hamilton says struggling Mercedes has found ‘North Star’

On a day of clouds and intermittent sunshine in central England a crowd of more than 120,000 witnessed three Britons starting their home race at the front of the grid for the first time since 1962.

George Russell started on pole and made a clean start with Hamilton moving in tight behind him to provide protection from Verstappen who had quickly passed Norris.

Russell settled and by lap six led by 1.6 seconds with Hamilton 1.4 seconds ahead of Verstappen and the two McLarens.

By lap 14, rain began to sweep across the old wartime airfield as Norris passed Verstappen to regain third. As the rain intensified, the McLarens came alive and Piastri passed Verstappen on lap 17.

‘The sun’s coming out’

Hamilton then overtook Russell for the lead as both Mercedes slithered in the rain. Norris, revelling in the conditions, passed Russell for second on lap 19 and then powered past Hamilton while Piastri made it a McLaren 1-2, on lap 21.

As the first shower relented, Verstappen was five seconds adrift in fifth.

By lap 28, Norris led Hamilton who was trying to preserve his tyres while hanging on to the rapid McLaren.



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Russell’s race ended on lap 34 when he was called in to pit and retire the car with a hydraulic problem.

With 15 to go, Hamilton reported that “the sun’s coming out” before on lap 39 he, Verstappen and Piastri pitted together. Norris pitted a lap later losing the lead to Hamilton who measured his final stint to perfection, ending 56 winless races to a tumultuous home reception.

Hamilton wept as he fell into the arms of his father as the home crowd roared.

Raducanu ‘stands by decision’ ending Murray’s Wimbledon career

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Britain’s Emma Raducanu reacts during her match against New Zealand’s Lulu Sun during their women’s singles fourth round tennis match on the seventh day of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 7, 2024. Sun won the match 6-2, 5-7, 6-2. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)

Emma Raducanu defended her controversial decision which ended Andy Murray’s Wimbledon career by withdrawing from their mixed doubles match on the eve of her fourth round singles defeat against Lulu Sun.

Raducanu was scheduled to play with former Wimbledon champion Murray on Saturday, but opted to pull out of the tie due to a stiff wrist.

The 2021 US Open champion wanted to avoid aggravating the problem prior to Sunday’s 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 loss to New Zealand qualifier Sun on Centre Court.

READ: End of an era as Andy Murray withdraws from Wimbledon singles

But the move provoked criticism as it shattered Murray’s hopes of one last appearance at the All England Club.

The two-time Wimbledon champion was unable to play the men’s singles as he was not fully recovered from surgery on spinal cyst, while he lost in the first round of the men’s doubles alongside brother Jamie.

Murray was said to be disappointed by Raducanu’s withdrawal, while the former world number one’s mother Judy described the move as “astonishing” on X, although she later claimed she was being sarcastic and understood the 21-year-old’s decision.

Asked if she regretted the move that ruined Murray’s Wimbledon farewell, Raducanu said: “Yesterday morning I just woke up with stiffness. I have to prioritise myself, my singles and my body.

“Of course, I didn’t want to take his last match away from him. But at the end of the day I think a lot of the players in a similar situation would have done the same thing, prioritising their body.

“I stand by the decision. Yeah, obviously it was a tough decision, though.”

Murray is now set to play for the last time in his career at the Paris Olympics, which start in later in July.

‘Put myself first’

“People are entitled to their opinions. Of course, there was a bit of a cloud around the decision,” she said.

“I think in this sport especially, as an individual, you have to make your own calls and prioritise yourself. Especially with my history, I just had to put myself first.

“Obviously disappointed because it’s his last match. But, yeah, what a champion. I think that hopefully he’ll play in the Olympics and have another farewell there.”

READ: Emma Raducanu confident she can return to top

Responding to Murray’s mother, Raducanu added: “I haven’t seen her reaction, so I don’t know. Was she sarcastic? I’m sure she didn’t mean it.”

Raducanu had come into Wimbledon in good form after a dismal period since her fairytale triumph as an 18-year-old at the US Open.

But she still needed a wildcard to enter the singles after falling out of the top 100, making it hard for her to imagine the eventual schedule conflict between the singles and mixed doubles.

“I think going into the tournament, I wasn’t expecting to make fourth round. So for me it was a no-brainer. I would have loved to have played with him,” she said.

“He didn’t ask me, If you’re still in the singles, are you going to play? That was never a question to be answered.”

Ironically, Raducanu was troubled by other injuries in her loss to Sun, as back and ankle problems played a role in her last 16 exit.

Despite the frustrating end to her Wimbledon run, Raducanu has finally rediscovered her passion for the sport.

“Honestly, it just makes me more determined. I think I really put myself first in the last few weeks. Tennis is the only thing that is really occupying my time, my mind. It’s all I want to do really,” she said.



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“I think that desire and fire is back. I just want to keep building on that.”

Giannis, Greece make Paris Olympics as Spain, Brazil also qualify

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Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, reacts as one of his children holds a sign after his team qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics eliminating Croatia, following a FIBA Olympic Qualifying basketball final, at the Peace and Friendship stadium, at Athens’ port city of Piraeus, Sunday, July 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Giannis Antetokounmpo steered Greece to an Olympic berth on Sunday as he overcame a slow start to score 23 points in an 80-69 qualifying tournament victory over Croatia in Piraeus.

The game was one of four finals on Sunday to determine the last qualifiers for the Paris men’s basketball tournament.

In Riga, Brazil beat hosts Latvia 94-69. In Valencia, Spain edged the Bahamas 86-78.

READ: Fiba OQT: Giannis, Greece beat Doncic-led Slovenia to reach final

In the Olympic tournament in Lille, Greece and Spain will play in Group A with Australia and Canada. Brazil will line up in Group B with France, Germany and Japan.

The final place in the Olympics went to qualifier hosts Puerto Rico, who upset Lithuania 79-68 in San Juan.

Puerto Rico advanced into Olympic Group C with the United States, South Sudan and Serbia.

Before the qualifying tournament started, Antetokounmpo had not played competitively since injuring a calf on April 9 playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.

He returned for the tournament opener in Piraeus on July 2 and, even though he was rested for Greece’s second game, ended up collecting the tournament most valuable player award.

READ: Tim Cone on Gilas’ Fiba OQT: Now we know we can compete

On Sunday, Croatia, with 7-foot-1 Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac at the heart of their defense, packed the paint to deny Antetokounmpo.

Croatia led by as many as four points in the first quarter. As Antetokounmpo began to penetrate and Greece went 12-of-32 on three-point attempts, the hosts took control. Antetokounmpo finished as the top scorer and also grabbed eight rebounds to ensure his first Olympic appearance.

‘One step at a time’

“It’s incredible. I don’t think the scenario could have been better. Being in your house, with people that support you. It’s an incredible feeling,” Antetokounmpo said. “Since I was a kid I always wanted to play the Olympic Games.”

“I don’t want to get ahead and be talking about medals,” he said at the press conference. “The last time we went to the Olympic Games was 2008. One step at a time.”

Zubac had 19 points and 13 rebounds for Croatia.

In Riga, Brazil hit eight out of eight three-point attempts as they took a 34-11 lead at the end of the first quarter and then cruised to victory.

Forwards Leo Meindl and Bruno Caboclo each scored 21 points.

Caboclo, who plays for Red Star in Serbia, was voted tournament MVP.

“I’m so excited, I’m so happy. These are the best plans I could imagine,” he said looking ahead to the Games.

In Valencia, Spain took the lead for the first time against Bahamas midway through the second quarter and nursed their advantage the rest of the way.

Guard Lorenzo Brown top scored for Spain with 19. He was matched by NBA guard Buddy Hield for Bahamas.

Rudy Fernandez scored nine points for Spain to book a record sixth trip to the Olympics at the age of 39. He is tied with six other men and four women on five Olympic basketball tournaments.



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At Puerto Rico, New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado scored 23 points and grabbed six rebounds while guard Tremont Waters, who played 45 NBA games from 2019-2022, added 18 points to spark the hosts to victory.

Rokas Jokubaitis led Lithuania with 16 points while Sacramento Kings star center Domantas Sabonis had 10 points, nine rebounds and four assists.

Draft finally takes place; salary cap resolution to follow

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Thea Gagate–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The first-ever PVL Rookie Draft happens Monday night at Novotel Hotel in Cubao, and the league can finally check off the first of two activities it wants to implement that would hopefully instill—and keep—parity across the field beginning with the upcoming Reinforced Conference.

Ex-La Salle standout and Alas Pilipinas middle blocking ace Thea Gagate looms as the No. 1 overall pick by ZUS Coffee, and unlike in the past when direct recruiting was allowed, the next 46 players in the pool will also go through the process of being drafted.

Unresolved salary cap

The second item in the PVL’s parity agenda remains to be unresolved at the moment, with the league and its team owners yet to come up with individual and team salary caps, something which is expected to be ironed out after the Draft.

“The good thing that I could see in the long-term is it brings out more excitement in the games. I hope that’s what the drafting does,” PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo told the Inquirer with a mix of Filipino on Sunday.

The PVL and the teams have agreed, however, on putting a cap on rookies, with the first five picks to be given a maximum of P150,000 on their first year. A uniform players contract (UPC), will also be asked of all teams for all its players, all of them to be submitted to the Games and Amusements Board and the Office of the Commissioner.

Other rules

Other than the UPC, the league has already discussed with the teams discipline regulations, team commitment agreements and code of ethics as early as December last year as the PVL looks to shift the calendar and start a new season in October and finish by September 2025.

League president Ricky Palou will soon propose a P50-million salary cap per year for each team.

“After the Draft ceremony, we’ll be sending out a survey to each team because based on the previous surveys, I think P50M [a year] is more or less okay,” Malonzo said. “It’s not too high, but it’s not too low also. It’s not an exorbitant amount for a yearlong program.”

The Draft proceedings will run until all of the 12 teams stop picking from the pool. INQ



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Looking lot like dad, Bronny James makes NBA Summer League debut

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James dribbles during the first half of an NBA summer league basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in San Francisco, Saturday, July 6, 2024. (Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

SAN FRANCISCO — Once that second-quarter layup went in and he finally had his first NBA points after a trio of misses, Bronny James could exhale and everything began to slow down.

He hardly expects to be perfect at this early stage of his professional career, and every touch and possession will provide an opportunity for growth and learning.

He sure felt the love and support Saturday, even playing in the Bay Area ruled by Stephen Curry and the Warriors.

“The atmosphere, it was more than I expected,” a grinning James said. “It’s a big game for me, but I didn’t know the people of Golden State would come and rep for me, so that was pretty nice to see.”

READ: NBA: Bronny James says he can handle playing with dad, Lakers

Oversized headphones on his ears and dressed in full Lakers gold as he geared up for his NBA Summer League debut Saturday, the rookie looked so much like his famous father, LeBron, it caused some at Chase Center to do a double-take.

Down to their familiar mannerisms, facial expressions and the way they run or shuffle back on defense. Bronny James took his place in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers and his professional career was formally underway, with plenty of scouts in the building to witness it as he wore jersey No. 9 — not to be confused with his dad’s former 6 uniform he sported before switching to 23.

“Every first game that I step on the next level there’s always some butterflies in my stomach, but as soon as the ball tips and we go a couple times down it all goes away and I’m just playing basketball,” he said. “It’s always going to be there but get through it.”

The younger James wound up 2 for 9 for four points, missing all three of his 3s, with a pair of assists, two rebounds and a steal in just under 22 minutes of court time — 21:43 to be exact — as the Lakers lost 108-94 to the Sacramento Kings.

James missed his initial two shots while playing nearly six minutes in his first action — grabbing a defensive rebound 1 minute, 20 seconds into the game then missing a 21-foot jump shot moments later. He came up short on a 26-foot 3-point try at the 4:23 mark of the opening quarter before getting a breather.

READ: NBA: Bronny James ready for pressure after ‘surreal’ Lakers move

There were cheers and a warm ovation when James returned to the court at the 8:17 mark of the second quarter. He was initially whistled for his first career foul on a 3-point attempt by Sacramento’s Xavier Sneed on the right wing with 7:23 remaining, and James argued briefly before the play went to replay review and was overturned. James missed a 3 off the front rim from the top of the arc at 7:04.

Then, at last, James scored his first NBA points on a driving layup 5:51 before halftime.

“Moments like that can slow the game down for you especially because I wasn’t as productive as I wanted to beforehand,” he said. “… I couldn’t get the 3-ball to fall, but all the reps it’s going to come more smooth.”

James missed a pair of free throws at the 4:43 mark of the third period in his first trip to the line.

At one point during his warmup routine, the 6-foot-2 guard stood with hands on hips in a resemblant position to one of his father. And during the game, the son leaned over by the baseline 3-point corner, gripping his knees while waiting for the offensive possession to begin.

READ: Bronny James, LeBron’s son, picked by Lakers in NBA Draft

The younger James was drafted by the Lakers with the 55th overall selection in the second round out of the University of Southern California.

He will get another chance to play Sunday, when the Lakers face the Warriors, again at the Chase Center. Coach Dane Johnson plans to give James plenty of chances to acclimate and gain valuable experience in the coming days and weeks.

“Hopefully he’ll play all the games, we’ll see how it goes,” Johnson said. “We’re going to try to integrate him and get him as many reps as we can. He needs more experience playing.”

Johnson applauded James’ keen court awareness, noting, “we all know he has good instincts already, so finding the consistency within those he’ll build as we keep going forward in the summer league and throughout the coming season. His instincts are there, we’ve just got to keep building habits.”

If all goes as planned, the 19-year-old James and his dad would become the first father-son pair to play in the NBA at the same time — and on the same team no less.

READ: Bronny James grateful as NBA dream in reach after health scare

“What he does in the California Classic and Summer League, it doesn’t matter if he plays well and it doesn’t matter if he doesn’t play well,” LeBron James said at USA Basketball’s training camp in Las Vegas. “I just want him to continue to grow, practices, film sessions, his individual workouts. You can’t take anything as far as stat wise from the California Classic and Summer League and bring it once the season starts. The only thing that matters is him getting better and stacking days.”

Bronny is NBA career scoring leader LeBron’s oldest son. He survived cardiac arrest last July 24 during an informal team workout at USC and it was later determined he had a congenital heart defect. The younger James signed a four-year contract that will pay him $7.9 million.



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He will remind himself along the way to stay aggressive and “believe in myself knowing I can make plays for myself and my teammates.”

“Looking at my mistakes and looking at the things I did right is really good for me,” James said. “But also just game by game growing that comfort in my playing my game, I feel like that’s a big part of why I come out here and get those reps in.”

Romualdez praises Gilas Pilipinas after Fiba OQT campaign

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Gilas Pilipinas ends its Fiba OQT run and dreams of making it to the Paris Olympics with a loss to Brazil in the semifinals. –FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed admiration for Gilas Pilipinas for demonstrating “unparalleled determination, skill and heart” despite losing to Brazil in the semifinals of the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga, Latvia.

“The journey of Gilas Pilipinas in this tournament has been nothing short of inspirational. Their victory against Latvia, a European team, was a historic moment for Philippine basketball and a testament to the team’s resilience and capability,” Romualdez said in a statement on Sunday.

READ: Marcos proud of Gilas despite loss to Brazil

“Although our bid for the Olympics ended, our players have proven their mettle by going toe-to-toe with world-class athletes and making every Filipino proud,” he added.

Gilas Pilipinas’ dream of reaching the Paris Olympics ended after a 71-60 loss to world No. 12 Brazil in the semifinals of the Fiba OQT.

Romualdez also commended Gilas coach Tim Cone and his coaching staff “for their exemplary leadership and dedication.”

READ: Tim Cone on Gilas’ Fiba OQT campaign: Now we know we can compete

“Their guidance and strategies have been pivotal in the team’s performance, bringing out the best in our players and instilling a sense of pride and confidence. The discipline and hard work that went into each game are truly commendable,” the lawmaker said.

“To the players of Gilas Pilipinas, your courage, sportsmanship, and passion have inspired countless Filipinos. You have shown heart and determination. Your journey has sparked a renewed sense of hope and pride in our nation, and for that, we are eternally grateful,” he added.

Aside from Romualdez, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also congratulated the team.

“It was a great fight, Gilas Pilipinas! You have made us Filipinos proud and made history! We will always stand behind you in support. Bida ang bayaning manlalaro! ” Marcos said in a social media post.



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Nambatac deal signals TNT transition to young core

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Rey Nambatac makes his debut for Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Philippine Cup.–PBA IMAGES

The recent acquisition of Rey Nambatac is seen more as a move to help TNT return to its perch as one of the PBA’s perennial contenders.

But Nambatac’s entry to the Tropang Giga camp from the Blackwater Bossing should also continue the transition to a younger core that would ease the responsibilities of those who brought the franchise to multiple championships.

“That’s the plan really,” TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa told the Inquirer after the Nambatac deal was given a go-signal by the league last Tuesday.

Getting Nambatac meant that TNT had to give up role player Kib Montalbo, big man Jewel Ponferada and a second round pick in the PBA’s 53rd season Rookie Draft which would likely be held in 2028.

Nambatac’s lone conference with Blackwater resulted in averages of 11.1 points on 35-percent shooting with 2.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.0 steals in 11 games during the Philippine Cup, showing why he can still produce after his minutes dwindled in his first PBA team Rain or Shine.

He put up 27 in his Bossing debut last February against the Meralco Bolts, and had five games of scoring at least 10 points the rest of the way. His offense at the backcourt position could benefit the Tropang Giga.

And it could also lessen the load carried by longtime guard Jayson Castro, who averaged 12.4 points after playing all 14 games in the Philippine Cup. But TNT knows the 38-year-old Castro needs all the help he can get.

“We don’t have much time for our vets, and we need to transition into younger players,” said Lastimosa.

That transition has been somewhat felt during the recent two-conference season which saw TNT failing to reach the semifinals in both the Commissioner’s Cup and Philippine Cup.

Calvin Oftana has emerged as the Tropang Giga’s go-to-guy on offense, with RR Pogoy, who missed a portion of the Commissioner’s Cup after dealing with a heart ailment, producing numbers as well.

Kelly Williams has taken a bigger responsibility, and has been efficient despite being 42, but TNT missed serviceable frontcourt players due to injuries in Poy Erram and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who was traded from NLEX before the Philippine Cup started.



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Ryan Garcia sorry for racial slurs, says he is going to rehab

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FILE–Ryan Garcia reacts after their WBC Super Lightweight title bout against Devin Haney at Barclays Center on April 20, 2024 in New York City. Al Bello/Getty Images/AFP

Ryan Garcia apologized in a series of social media posts on Friday after he used racial slurs against Black people and disparaged Muslims in livestreamed comments.

The 25-year-old Garcia, who was expelled by the World Boxing Council on Thursday over his remarks, also announced on the social media platform X that he was going to rehab.

“I take all responsibility for my words,” Garcia wrote in one post. “And it’s been a tough couple of months as everyone can tell but I AM SORRY.”

READ: Ryan Garcia expelled by WBC after racial slurs in livestream

Garcia added: “I struggle with substance abuse and it hard for me with everything going on.”

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.

After his apology, Garcia posted several more times. Among his comments: “I stand on the fact that a black man can be racist” and “In the hood everyone has said the N word.”

Garcia also complained that other fighters had made racist statements without being disciplined by the WBC.



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Farm Fresh names Japanese Shota Sato as new coach

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New Farm Fresh Foxies head coach Shota Sato.–FARM FRESH FOXIES PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Japanese Shota Sato has taken over the coaching reins of Farm Fresh ahead of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference starting July 16 at Philsports Arena.

The Foxies on Saturday announced that Sato replaced Jerry Yee, who took over their sister team, ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.

“Meet our new head coach who will call the shots for the Foxies starting in the Reinforced Conference, all the way from Japan, Shota Sato,” the team wrote. “We look forward to see the team continuously learn from you, coach! Let’s do this!”

READ: PVL: Farm Fresh taps Yeny Murillo for Reinforced Conference

Sato became the third Japanese head coach in the PVL after Taka Minowa, who started with Nxled before transferring to Akari, and Petro Gazz mentor Koji Tsuzurabara.

Sato, an assistant coach for reigning PVL Invitational champion Kurashiki Ablaze, has started working with Farm Fresh in the All-Filipino Conference as part of Yee’s coaching staff, which includes Japanese consultant Hideo Suzuki and deputy Shimizu Mikihiro and Asaka Tamaru, who will serve as ZUS Coffee’s import.

Sato will be inheriting young guns Trisha Tubu, Kate Santiago, Caitlin Viray, Alyssa Bertolano, Louie Romero, and Rizza Cruz as well as Colombian import Yeny Murillo.

READ: PVL Draft: Farm Fresh Foxies still mulling their picks

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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With second pick, Bossing looking to bolster PG spot

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

Blackwater, which recently traded Rey Nambatac to TNT, is looking to use the PBA Rookie Draft as an avenue to get someone to replace the southpaw guard.

“We are definitely looking into improving our team in the point guard position,” coach Jeff Cariaso told the Inquirer on Friday after the league officially released a list of 70 players initially qualified for the proceedings set July 14 at Glorietta in Makati City.

The Bossing will select after the Converge FiberXers, who own the top overall pick by virtue of having the lowest combined finish during the 2023-24 season that had just two conferences.

Converge had said that the process of selecting the player it feels as the one who could turn the franchise around would be a difficult one after a number of talented prospects were able to beat Thursday’s deadline.

Among the last-minute applicants was Ateneo product Kai Ballungay, joining a cast of notable draftees like Justine Baltazar, Sedrick Barefield, Dave Ildefonso, RJ Abarrientos and Caelan Tiongson.

Last Tuesday saw the Bossing deal Nambatac to the TNT Tropang Giga in exchange for Kib Montalbo, Jewel Ponferada and a future draft pick, ending a short stint for the ex-Rain or Shine mainstay who played for them only in the Philippine Cup.

Nambatac was acquired from the Elasto Painters last February.

The team’s needs

If Blackwater’s needs are asked, the prospect of having Abarrientos or Barefield—if Converge passes on either or both—is enticing. But there’s also the other thought of picking the best available talent.

“We are happy to see there are options to select from, so we’ll continue to do our homework on these guys while we look forward to the PBA combine,” said Cariaso.

The combine is set July 10 and 11 at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, a two-day event required of all draftees, barring any valid excuses.

The list is significantly lower from a field of 128 that entered the draft last year, with 79 of them getting selected.

Terrafirma selects third followed by Phoenix, NorthPort, NLEX, Rain or Shine (back-to-back picks), Magnolia, Barangay Ginebra, Meralco and San Miguel Beer.

Most of the draftees are coming from the UAAP and NCAA while 19 Fil-foreigners also placed their names in the pool.



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Under league rules, players considered Fil-foreigners only need to submit a Philippine passport to be considered eligible.