Grand Slam Denied

TNT Tropang Giga were on the verge of basketball immortality. Under Coach Chot Reyes and his new defensive philosophy, they carved out two straight championships—both at the expense of their long-time rivals, Barangay Ginebra. Back-to-back titles against the league’s most popular team? That alone was sweet, parang extra rice na libre sa karinderya. But what made it sweeter was the looming prize: a shot at the Grand Slam.

With Rondae Hollis-Jefferson doing a little bit of everything (scoring, rebounding, defending, at baka nagbabantay pa ng parking sa Araneta), Jayson Castro proving age is just a number, Rey Nambatac bringing extra firepower, and Jordan Heading joining the mix for the All-Filipino, TNT looked like they had the perfect recipe. Fans could already smell history—three straight titles, Grand Slam glory.

All Rise

Big Game
(Photo: Wikipedia)

You know how some names just ring differently? You hear it, and immediately you’re back to a time when the coliseum shook, when every possession mattered, when the lights seemed a little brighter. For Magnolia fans, for Purefoods lifers, for PBA diehards—it’s James Carlos Yap Sr. Or better yet: Big Game James.

Two-time MVP. Seven-time champion. Countless game-winners. Face of a franchise. Poster boy of a generation. James Yap isn’t just a player you cheered for; he was the player you bragged about. The guy who could pull up from deep with defenders hanging on him, and still swish it like he was shooting in the driveway.

Still the Man

Stanley Pringle
Photo: Inquirer Sports

In PBA circles, unrestricted free agency (UFA) is often viewed as the golden ticket—a chance for players to choose their own basketball destiny while enjoying the financial flexibility that comes with it.

So when 38-year-old Stanley Pringle signed with the Rain or Shine Elastopainters after completing his contract with TerraFirma Dyip, it felt like a refreshing change. Despite limited minutes with TF, he still produced solid numbers and proved he should have been on the radar of major contenders.

Pringle’s résumé speaks for itself: a former Best Player of the Conference, a four-time PBA champion, and a global basketball export. He remains healthy, explosive when needed, and effective in multiple tempos. Half court? He can orchestrate. Fast-paced transition? He can push the pace. His game isn’t reliant on sheer scoring—it’s about commanding the backcourt and shifting momentum.

2025 PBA Draft Reaction

Height is might in the PBA.
Geo Chiu 2025 PBA Draft 1st Pick
(Photo by OneSports.ph)

With the 2025 PBA Draft finally over, the dust settled and smoke cleared, Season 50 promises to offer a wave of excitement with a "new" team all set to make some noise.

And no, we are not talking about Pureblends/ Titan Maxx or whichever company decides to purchase NorthPort Batang Pier (should the sale push through in what local sports journos have been saying as a "lock, stock, and barrel" deal). We are talking about the Converge FiberXers, which appeared to be back in the hunt after looking a bit worrisome last season (following the exits of Jacob Lao and Charles Tiu). Lao of course, is back with the team, with Delta Pineda stepping in as head coach (armed with consultant Rajko Toroman).

But that's a long format entry for another day, today, let's focus on the up and coming future stars of the PBA. Let's go!

1. Geo Chiu, C, Terra Firma - during the combine, there was simply no denying that Chiu was a towering presence even if he didn't even break a sweat (literally, because he didn't participate in any of the physical activities). The kid is 6"9, has a strong looking build, and is mobile. Yes, he's raw, but he'll get time to develop on a team that you know, isn't really known for giving a F about winning. He's a project based on his whole college run, overseas run included, but still very young, looks like he's got a good head on him, and if he is able to put together 2-3 post moves, would still be okay in a league that doesn't really have a lot of locals standing over 6"7. At worst, he doesn't improve and simply fades away into obscurity. Grade: B-

2025 PBA Mock Draft

It’s that time of year again when team managers pretend they’ve watched college ball all season, agents slide into DMs, and fans pray their team won’t pick someone “for need.” Welcome to the 2025 PBA Draft—a smorgasbord of pass-first guards, system wings, and bigs who will either become rotation guys or footnote trivia in 2030.

We went deep into the archives, watched grainy Facebook Live streams, and scrolled through UAAP-NCAA highlights at 2AM to bring you this totally biased, occasionally logical, but mostly gut-feel mock draft.

O sige kayo na pogi, basta saken ang dateng.
Photo by FIBA basketball

Let’s go!

1. Terrafirma Dyip – Juan Gomez de Liaño, PG, Gilas / Everywhere Basketball Exists

The Dyip pick a player who actually has a chance of changing their franchise's fortunes. JGDL is him—crafty, confident, and clutch. Can run the break, shoot threes, and sell jerseys. May koneksyon kay coach, may following sa social media, may laro. Terrafirma finally drafts someone who doesn’t need 3 seasons to adjust. Yun lang, baka 1 season pa lang nalipat na.