2022–23 PBA Commissioner's Cup

[Fredomago]

Meanwhile, there's this rumor circling in the community about Justin Arana getting traded to Ginebra and he'll be earning over a million per month. This kid must be special to earn that huge amount of money. Guys, Did you read about this rumor too?

If this would happen that means Converge has really no interest in winning a championship. Maybe they are just one of the farm teams now, and of course, we can really say that Arana is a good big man, he is still young and he does a lot of hassle inside. Ginebra already have a big man, but since Japeth is not the same anymore, they need a young big man to go with C. Stand in the paint. This is a great news for Ginebra but bad news for converge.

If that trade does take place, there's nothing to say but just confirm that converge now became a farm team, unlike with the original owner of that franchise, Alaska team manage to do everything to compete they put everything that they just to seek for the title, but time comes that they can't swallow how PBA is being controlled and manipulated by the two giant companies.

Converge had a strong start, they assume the players of Alaska but after that season, they decided to trade their key players like Jeron Teng and Ahamnissi, that was already a sign that they are not serious with winning a title.

And what we are witnessing now is another sign that Converse is no longer seeking for the title but just to go with the flow. If these rumors take place, nothing to say..

So they will add on the farm teams, and that will make it 3 in the league.
1-Blackwater
2- Terrafirma DYIP
3-Converge.

I thought Converge was like Phoenix, but I was wrong. 

When they start acquiring Alaska's franchise they seems to be a promising squad but after sending all those key players to both SMB and Gin kings, it's now showing their true colors, maybe they unable to manage the pressure inside the league or they just wanted to go with flow and let the dictatorship of both Boss Ramon and MVP to rise even more.

Not unless PBA will add more teams who can really compete and can really throw money, if they only allow choks2go maybe we might see another competitive team inside the league.

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[bhadz]

I agree that Cruz has been one of the greatest contributors of SMB. But it is CJ Perez that has been proclaimed as the MVP and he deserve it. Also, what a first experience for the head coach to become a finals champ together with the rookie Kyt although he's not really used but what agreat experience for all of them. Congratulations still to Magnolia for making it up to games 6. I thought that we're going to see one more game and that's why I am waiting for it but that was too close.

I saw a video clip about JMF cutting the long hair for Kyt. They probably had a deal that his hair will be cut once they won a championship. Other players are looking for a team to become a champion but Kyt got his first championship at his rookie year, what a lucky player although he hasn't played with good minutes yet.

The last to get picked and then the first rookie to get the championship. LOL, there really are players that can be considered as lucky charms of the team and maybe he's the one for SMB this time. He's part of the team so technically, he'd won the championship and I see a lot of hate on him but those haters can't even get picked on any team with their life times.

Meanwhile, there's this rumor circling in the community about Justin Arana getting traded to Ginebra and he'll be earning over a million per month. This kid must be special to earn that huge amount of money. Guys, Did you read about this rumor too?

Yes, I've read about that and that's a rumor but I don't think that it will be allowed by his team to get him traded.

[Maslate]

Meanwhile, there's this rumor circling in the community about Justin Arana getting traded to Ginebra and he'll be earning over a million per month. This kid must be special to earn that huge amount of money. Guys, Did you read about this rumor too?

If this would happen that means Converge has really no interest in winning a championship. Maybe they are just one of the farm teams now, and of course, we can really say that Arana is a good big man, he is still young and he does a lot of hassle inside. Ginebra already have a big man, but since Japeth is not the same anymore, they need a young big man to go with C. Stand in the paint. This is a great news for Ginebra but bad news for converge.

If that trade does take place, there's nothing to say but just confirm that converge now became a farm team, unlike with the original owner of that franchise, Alaska team manage to do everything to compete they put everything that they just to seek for the title, but time comes that they can't swallow how PBA is being controlled and manipulated by the two giant companies.

Converge had a strong start, they assume the players of Alaska but after that season, they decided to trade their key players like Jeron Teng and Ahamnissi, that was already a sign that they are not serious with winning a title.

And what we are witnessing now is another sign that Converse is no longer seeking for the title but just to go with the flow. If these rumors take place, nothing to say..

So they will add on the farm teams, and that will make it 3 in the league.
1-Blackwater
2- Terrafirma DYIP
3-Converge.

I thought Converge was like Phoenix, but I was wrong. 

When they start acquiring Alaska's franchise they seems to be a promising squad but after sending all those key players to both SMB and Gin kings, it's now showing their true colors, maybe they unable to manage the pressure inside the league or they just wanted to go with flow and let the dictatorship of both Boss Ramon and MVP to rise even more.

There's a possibility, afterall, it's business and they'll make sure that they'll benefit from owning a team. Unfortunately, they are just getting selfish because they are making money but they aren't satisfying the wish of the fans, like making it a competitive league like in the past. I'm sure fans are still gonna watch the game (not only in the playoffs or finals) if there's a major changes going to happen to benefit the fans, that should be their first focus as everything will just follow.

Not unless PBA will add more teams who can really compete and can really throw money, if they only allow choks2go maybe we might see another competitive team inside the league.

I heard rumors about this but it seems like the PBA are not interested with it. Although I believe they already know that the league  is losing popularity, they still keep the current set up of teams, and worst it looks like one farm team is confirm added.

[mirakal]

I heard rumors about this but it seems like the PBA are not interested with it. Although I believe they already know that the league  is losing popularity, they still keep the current set up of teams, and worst it looks like one farm team is confirm added.

They will loss control if they will allow that. And in most industry, they already have business. If they will open for more teams, maybe other liquor businesses will also join and create their team, that would be competiting on their business. Ginebra and SMB are very popular in the Philippines, they own majority of the market so why would they allow their competitors to be popular?

If the PBA would like a change, they need to replace the higher management as I believe they are working just like a puppet, it's still MVP and SMB who are controlling the league, so they have the final say.  If there's TNT, will they allow globe? I doubt.

[Distinctin]

I heard rumors about this but it seems like the PBA are not interested with it. Although I believe they already know that the league  is losing popularity, they still keep the current set up of teams, and worst it looks like one farm team is confirm added.

They will loss control if they will allow that. And in most industry, they already have business. If they will open for more teams, maybe other liquor businesses will also join and create their team, that would be competiting on their business. Ginebra and SMB are very popular in the Philippines, they own majority of the market so why would they allow their competitors to be popular?

If the PBA would like a change, they need to replace the higher management as I believe they are working just like a puppet, it's still MVP and SMB who are controlling the league, so they have the final say.  If there's TNT, will they allow globe? I doubt.

If they will think like that they'll go down with the league to the drain. Eventually this league will be outshine by the other league particularly the MPBL because it's more competitive, maybe more investors would help the league to improve as they already have the audience,  and the league is already a pro if I'm not mistaken. There has been a lot of rumors but nothing has came into reality, it's still the same league that people keep criticizing. Despite the criticism, we still watch the game but it's only fun to watch if we see the arena is full and it only happen during Finals. I wish one day we will see this league like the NBA where even during regular season the arena is full because people are supporting it.

[Fredomago]

I heard rumors about this but it seems like the PBA are not interested with it. Although I believe they already know that the league  is losing popularity, they still keep the current set up of teams, and worst it looks like one farm team is confirm added.

They will loss control if they will allow that. And in most industry, they already have business. If they will open for more teams, maybe other liquor businesses will also join and create their team, that would be competiting on their business. Ginebra and SMB are very popular in the Philippines, they own majority of the market so why would they allow their competitors to be popular?

If the PBA would like a change, they need to replace the higher management as I believe they are working just like a puppet, it's still MVP and SMB who are controlling the league, so they have the final say.  If there's TNT, will they allow globe? I doubt.

If they will think like that they'll go down with the league to the drain. Eventually this league will be outshine by the other league particularly the MPBL because it's more competitive, maybe more investors would help the league to improve as they already have the audience,  and the league is already a pro if I'm not mistaken. There has been a lot of rumors but nothing has came into reality, it's still the same league that people keep criticizing. Despite the criticism, we still watch the game but it's only fun to watch if we see the arena is full and it only happen during Finals. I wish one day we will see this league like the NBA where even during regular season the arena is full because people are supporting it.

If MBPL continue to improve maybe we might see that to happen, popularity wise PBA still have that decent advantage but with how MPBL keeps doing their best to catch up, we never know what will happen next, I like the concept but still needs to improve more, I've heard that MBPL is welcoming more PBA players, we might see lots of interesting games to offer.

Though PBA might open that idea in adding additional teams or maybe they will duplicate the concept of visiting teams, let see if what will be the adjustments that PBA will offer..

[ultrloa]

I heard rumors about this but it seems like the PBA are not interested with it. Although I believe they already know that the league  is losing popularity, they still keep the current set up of teams, and worst it looks like one farm team is confirm added.

They will loss control if they will allow that. And in most industry, they already have business. If they will open for more teams, maybe other liquor businesses will also join and create their team, that would be competiting on their business. Ginebra and SMB are very popular in the Philippines, they own majority of the market so why would they allow their competitors to be popular?

If the PBA would like a change, they need to replace the higher management as I believe they are working just like a puppet, it's still MVP and SMB who are controlling the league, so they have the final say.  If there's TNT, will they allow globe? I doubt.

If they will think like that they'll go down with the league to the drain. Eventually this league will be outshine by the other league particularly the MPBL because it's more competitive, maybe more investors would help the league to improve as they already have the audience,  and the league is already a pro if I'm not mistaken. There has been a lot of rumors but nothing has came into reality, it's still the same league that people keep criticizing. Despite the criticism, we still watch the game but it's only fun to watch if we see the arena is full and it only happen during Finals. I wish one day we will see this league like the NBA where even during regular season the arena is full because people are supporting it.

If MBPL continue to improve maybe we might see that to happen, popularity wise PBA still have that decent advantage but with how MPBL keeps doing their best to catch up, we never know what will happen next, I like the concept but still needs to improve more, I've heard that MBPL is welcoming more PBA players, we might see lots of interesting games to offer.

Though PBA might open that idea in adding additional teams or maybe they will duplicate the concept of visiting teams, let see if what will be the adjustments that PBA will offer..

Many fans like the format of MPBL and if this will be manage well also a lot of sponsors will came into their league then provably we can see a huge potential that they can defeat PBA in ratings especially that there are so many fans are not watching PBA anymore due to predictability.  Also see PBA players play there so there's high chance for this league to succeed especially that there are so many people watching and supporting their home teams.

PBA needs additional teams to stretch up the entertainment but they make sure that the new potential added teams will not  be a farm team again. For now PBA need a huge adjustment since gate attendance on that league is declining since this is bad to their business if everything will not be handled well by their personel.

[Distinctin]

I heard rumors about this but it seems like the PBA are not interested with it. Although I believe they already know that the league  is losing popularity, they still keep the current set up of teams, and worst it looks like one farm team is confirm added.

They will loss control if they will allow that. And in most industry, they already have business. If they will open for more teams, maybe other liquor businesses will also join and create their team, that would be competiting on their business. Ginebra and SMB are very popular in the Philippines, they own majority of the market so why would they allow their competitors to be popular?

If the PBA would like a change, they need to replace the higher management as I believe they are working just like a puppet, it's still MVP and SMB who are controlling the league, so they have the final say.  If there's TNT, will they allow globe? I doubt.

If they will think like that they'll go down with the league to the drain. Eventually this league will be outshine by the other league particularly the MPBL because it's more competitive, maybe more investors would help the league to improve as they already have the audience,  and the league is already a pro if I'm not mistaken. There has been a lot of rumors but nothing has came into reality, it's still the same league that people keep criticizing. Despite the criticism, we still watch the game but it's only fun to watch if we see the arena is full and it only happen during Finals. I wish one day we will see this league like the NBA where even during regular season the arena is full because people are supporting it.

If MBPL continue to improve maybe we might see that to happen, popularity wise PBA still have that decent advantage but with how MPBL keeps doing their best to catch up, we never know what will happen next, I like the concept but still needs to improve more, I've heard that MBPL is welcoming more PBA players, we might see lots of interesting games to offer.

They continue to improve actually, being on TV, getting more endorsers is one way to improve their income and they'll be able to pay their players with a competitive salary. It's been active for years, I thinkt there was a league before them with the same set up but didn't success, good thing they created this league and with the help of Manny Pacquiao and his business partners, they will be able to gather funds which is the main weapon to improve a league.  

This was in 2019, it was stated that the salary cap was Php50k max, but not lowe than Php15k. if we compare that to the PBA, clearly PBA paid bigger especially if a player is on a popular team. However, that was over 4 years ago, there must be an increase now already. And it was only in 2021 where the league was announce to become pro already.

https://www.spin.ph/basketball/mpbl-vows-strict-implementation-of-p50-000-monthly-salary-cap-for-players-a1373-20190607

Though PBA might open that idea in adding additional teams or maybe they will duplicate the concept of visiting teams, let see if what will be the adjustments that PBA will offer..

This is to see is to believe, it's hard to listen to their promises if they aren't putting an action to this. One example that they look bad is when a team is selling their franchise, like the Alaska Aces.

[Fredomago]

They continue to improve actually, being on TV, getting more endorsers is one way to improve their income and they'll be able to pay their players with a competitive salary. It's been active for years, I thinkt there was a league before them with the same set up but didn't success, good thing they created this league and with the help of Manny Pacquiao and his business partners, they will be able to gather funds which is the main weapon to improve a league.  

This was in 2019, it was stated that the salary cap was Php50k max, but not lowe than Php15k. if we compare that to the PBA, clearly PBA paid bigger especially if a player is on a popular team. However, that was over 4 years ago, there must be an increase now already. And it was only in 2021 where the league was announce to become pro already.

https://www.spin.ph/basketball/mpbl-vows-strict-implementation-of-p50-000-monthly-salary-cap-for-players-a1373-20190607

And with the help of those politicians who also loves the game, they are the one who helps this league, the current champion is from Pampangga and with the help of the province governor and the coach itself, we know how big Pineda's influence right, if more politicians showing their supports they might increase their popularities and earn more sponsors and supporters.

Though PBA might open that idea in adding additional teams or maybe they will duplicate the concept of visiting teams, let see if what will be the adjustments that PBA will offer..

This is to see is to believe, it's hard to listen to their promises if they aren't putting an action to this. One example that they look bad is when a team is selling their franchise, like the Alaska Aces.

Yeah right, but they will continue following what they are doing right now, SMC and MVP can cater the expenses and they keep getting money from these two big bosses.

[Maslate]

I heard rumors about this but it seems like the PBA are not interested with it. Although I believe they already know that the league  is losing popularity, they still keep the current set up of teams, and worst it looks like one farm team is confirm added.

They will loss control if they will allow that. And in most industry, they already have business. If they will open for more teams, maybe other liquor businesses will also join and create their team, that would be competiting on their business. Ginebra and SMB are very popular in the Philippines, they own majority of the market so why would they allow their competitors to be popular?

If the PBA would like a change, they need to replace the higher management as I believe they are working just like a puppet, it's still MVP and SMB who are controlling the league, so they have the final say.  If there's TNT, will they allow globe? I doubt.

That is what competition is for, they can't monopolize it because this league is for everyone. If there's a lot of politics within the league, we won't be able to get talented players that will represent our country in the international competition. So if these two big team owners will not influence the decision of those who run the league, they can choose the best players to represent our country, regardless on what team he is playing.

Have you observe that when coach Chot was still in charge on Gilas, most of the players are from TNT, now that Tim Cone is the coach, he's also getting the SMB players, but the good thing is they won a championship, so people did not complain on that.

[mirakal]

I heard rumors about this but it seems like the PBA are not interested with it. Although I believe they already know that the league  is losing popularity, they still keep the current set up of teams, and worst it looks like one farm team is confirm added.

They will loss control if they will allow that. And in most industry, they already have business. If they will open for more teams, maybe other liquor businesses will also join and create their team, that would be competiting on their business. Ginebra and SMB are very popular in the Philippines, they own majority of the market so why would they allow their competitors to be popular?

If the PBA would like a change, they need to replace the higher management as I believe they are working just like a puppet, it's still MVP and SMB who are controlling the league, so they have the final say.  If there's TNT, will they allow globe? I doubt.

That is what competition is for, they can't monopolize it because this league is for everyone. If there's a lot of politics within the league, we won't be able to get talented players that will represent our country in the international competition. So if these two big team owners will not influence the decision of those who run the league, they can choose the best players to represent our country, regardless on what team he is playing.

Have you observe that when coach Chot was still in charge on Gilas, most of the players are from TNT, now that Tim Cone is the coach, he's also getting the SMB players, but the good thing is they won a championship, so people did not complain on that.

That's given I guess because it's not the league that are supporting our national team since they cannot afford it. As we can see on the international games, they are wearing the company name of either TNT or SMB, depending who help them in that competition. So yes, there's a big influence by these giant owners to dictate the officials of the league, and that influence will continue as long as there's no changes on the current rules and set up.

Without MVP and SMB, this league might also not be able to give a decent salary to its players, because I believe that once a player sign with the SMB or MVP team, they are given bigger salalry compared to other teams. They say there's a salary cap but it was only on paper, it was not implemented.

[Hypnosis00]

Without MVP and SMB, this league might also not be able to give a decent salary to its players, because I believe that once a player sign with the SMB or MVP team, they are given bigger salalry compared to other teams. They say there's a salary cap but it was only on paper, it was not implemented.

It's hard to deny that, as it reflects reality. A league would only succeed if it garners a lot of endorsements, and people watch it with reasonable ticket prices. Regarding the PBA, since most of the games are in MOA, it becomes too expensive if people are not attending to watch. Based on my observation, there haven't been many people watching the games during the regular season or conference. This means they are generating money from their budget with less return.

[Shamm]

I don't know the finals MVP is, but I think it will be Jericho Cruz as he had some big shots to help the team to win.

Cruz has been one of the reason on the success of SMB in the Finals, but it was SMB who were consistent from game 1 to game 6, and he was named as the Finals MVP. Remember that Cruz didn't play well in game 5, so that's a big (-). CJ not only won the BPC but has also won the Finals MVP, he just proved that he is one of the superstar of MVP and he is lucky to have played with JMF who is a humble supertar, possibly GOAT when he retires.

Of course, that's why I expected him to win but I didn't consider the previous games where CJ was the one leading the team, I'm referring to game 1 and 2 where their import as well are still shooting with impressive percentage from beyond the arc. I'm happy for the success of CJ, if he wasn't acquired by SMB, he would not be able to win championship and achieve individual awards like you mentioned.

Now, they'll take a break on the PBA season but those that are part of the Gilas Pilipinas will only have a quick rest since they'll be training together with Brownlee for the  FIBA ASIA qualifier.  In February 22, 2024, they'll play with the Hongkong.

We can see the full schedule from this site https://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2025/qualifiers/games

All-stars player of the team contributes well but CJ is leading and by the help of Junmar then they got the trophy. About Junmar fajardo maybe you right that mate he will become a GOAT in the world of PBA cause his achievements and attitude in game is very good hamble and the kraken will release inside the court. Anyways for the upcoming Fiba game it's nice to hear that brownlee can play with us and one thing for sure it's will big help on us cause his presence is the team booster.

[Maslate]

I heard rumors about this but it seems like the PBA are not interested with it. Although I believe they already know that the league  is losing popularity, they still keep the current set up of teams, and worst it looks like one farm team is confirm added.

They will loss control if they will allow that. And in most industry, they already have business. If they will open for more teams, maybe other liquor businesses will also join and create their team, that would be competiting on their business. Ginebra and SMB are very popular in the Philippines, they own majority of the market so why would they allow their competitors to be popular?

If the PBA would like a change, they need to replace the higher management as I believe they are working just like a puppet, it's still MVP and SMB who are controlling the league, so they have the final say.  If there's TNT, will they allow globe? I doubt.

That is what competition is for, they can't monopolize it because this league is for everyone. If there's a lot of politics within the league, we won't be able to get talented players that will represent our country in the international competition. So if these two big team owners will not influence the decision of those who run the league, they can choose the best players to represent our country, regardless on what team he is playing.

Have you observe that when coach Chot was still in charge on Gilas, most of the players are from TNT, now that Tim Cone is the coach, he's also getting the SMB players, but the good thing is they won a championship, so people did not complain on that.

That's given I guess because it's not the league that are supporting our national team since they cannot afford it. As we can see on the international games, they are wearing the company name of either TNT or SMB, depending who help them in that competition. So yes, there's a big influence by these giant owners to dictate the officials of the league, and that influence will continue as long as there's no changes on the current rules and set up.

Without MVP and SMB, this league might also not be able to give a decent salary to its players, because I believe that once a player sign with the SMB or MVP team, they are given bigger salalry compared to other teams. They say there's a salary cap but it was only on paper, it was not implemented.

If that does not change in the future, then this league will slowly lose its credibility. When someone or a group of people has a significant influence on a certain league, it's likely that they can manipulate the outcome of the game as well. This is something that has never happened in the NBA, where team owners typically only own one team. Despite this, there are still rumors that the NBA uses referees to influence the game. If such rumors were to arise, how much more vulnerable would the PBA be with the kind of influence that big team owners have?

[goaldigger]

If that does not change in the future, then this league will slowly lose its credibility. When someone or a group of people has a significant influence on a certain league, it's likely that they can manipulate the outcome of the game as well. This is something that has never happened in the NBA, where team owners typically only own one team. Despite this, there are still rumors that the NBA uses referees to influence the game. If such rumors were to arise, how much more vulnerable would the PBA be with the kind of influence that big team owners have?

This league already loses its credibility, the only reason why they are still here is because of money.
We know how they manipulate the games and the PBA management can’t do anything to address this issues because of the rich people behind every teams, money talks in PBA. If they really want to improve the league then they should start cutting any under the table agreement with the teams, and start making rules that will benefit the league and the other stakeholders.

[Fredomago]

If that does not change in the future, then this league will slowly lose its credibility. When someone or a group of people has a significant influence on a certain league, it's likely that they can manipulate the outcome of the game as well. This is something that has never happened in the NBA, where team owners typically only own one team. Despite this, there are still rumors that the NBA uses referees to influence the game. If such rumors were to arise, how much more vulnerable would the PBA be with the kind of influence that big team owners have?

This league already loses its credibility, the only reason why they are still here is because of money.
We know how they manipulate the games and the PBA management can’t do anything to address this issues because of the rich people behind every teams, money talks in PBA. If they really want to improve the league then they should start cutting any under the table agreement with the teams, and start making rules that will benefit the league and the other stakeholders.

Sad reality and there's nothing that the league facilatators can do, it's the big bosses that runs the entire league, they can easily get whatever they want whenever they need it. Like what you said, the league's credibility has been long forgotten, with how the league being managed now, most of the time either SMC or MVP will be rewarded to whatever deals they wanted to be part even the deal is very far from the actual realization.

What the boss wants, is what PBA management will provide, same with your sentiment, is likely more about how money manipulates the system a corrupted organization that being ruled by corrupt billionaires.

[mirakal]

Not good news for Gilas, who will be playing in the FIBA Asia qualifying without JMF. It was reported today that he will be sitting out, and they will use Japeth as their big man. It's indeed a different scenario without Fajardo playing, but let's trust them. The positive note is that Brownlee is back and can still lead the team.

Here's the news.  https://www.spin.ph/basketball/fiba/japeth-aguilar-gilas-call-up-fajardo-sits-out-hk-qualifier-a795-20240219

JAPETH Aguilar has been called up by Gilas Pilipinas in the first window of the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers.

Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone said Aguilar will suit up for the games against Hong Kong on February 22 and Chinese Taipei on February 25 with June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu out due to injuries.

[Kelvinid]

Not good news for Gilas, who will be playing in the FIBA Asia qualifying without JMF. It was reported today that he will be sitting out, and they will use Japeth as their big man. It's indeed a different scenario without Fajardo playing, but let's trust them. The positive note is that Brownlee is back and can still lead the team.

Here's the news.  https://www.spin.ph/basketball/fiba/japeth-aguilar-gilas-call-up-fajardo-sits-out-hk-qualifier-a795-20240219

JAPETH Aguilar has been called up by Gilas Pilipinas in the first window of the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers.

Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone said Aguilar will suit up for the games against Hong Kong on February 22 and Chinese Taipei on February 25 with June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu out due to injuries.

I think JMF can play, but they are giving him a rest since they know they are capable of beating those two teams. JMF and AJ Edu were crucial during their Asian Games championship run, but now they won't be playing, and instead, Japeth will be on the court. While Japeth may not contribute as much on points, he can still be reliable in terms of defense, even if he isn't the same as before. However, with Tim Cone as the coach, I trust him to make the most out of this lineup and be successful in these two games.

[Maslate]

I think JMF can play, but they are giving him a rest since they know they are capable of beating those two teams. JMF and AJ Edu were crucial during their Asian Games championship run, but now they won't be playing, and instead, Japeth will be on the court. While Japeth may not contribute as much on points, he can still be reliable in terms of defense, even if he isn't the same as before. However, with Tim Cone as the coach, I trust him to make the most out of this lineup and be successful in these two games.

He was forced to play during the finals as they needed him. But this one might be too physical since there are lots of big guys, and he doesn't want to risk himself playing not at 100%. JMF has a lot of injury history already, and he is better when he is fully healthy, like as healthy as he was when they won a championship in the Asian Games. Honestly, I think Edu is more effective, but since he is also out, other bigs should step up, and hopefully, Japeth will turn back the time.

[Fredomago]

I think JMF can play, but they are giving him a rest since they know they are capable of beating those two teams. JMF and AJ Edu were crucial during their Asian Games championship run, but now they won't be playing, and instead, Japeth will be on the court. While Japeth may not contribute as much on points, he can still be reliable in terms of defense, even if he isn't the same as before. However, with Tim Cone as the coach, I trust him to make the most out of this lineup and be successful in these two games.

He was forced to play during the finals as they needed him. But this one might be too physical since there are lots of big guys, and he doesn't want to risk himself playing not at 100%. JMF has a lot of injury history already, and he is better when he is fully healthy, like as healthy as he was when they won a championship in the Asian Games. Honestly, I think Edu is more effective, but since he is also out, other bigs should step up, and hopefully, Japeth will turn back the time.

It will be a good test for Kai, as he will be playing most of the time since both JMF and Edu are out coach Tim will utilize him and knowing how good JBL he will also use Kai's advantage in terms of their offense, I'm not looking for Japeth as age and all those injuries might slow him he will be there to bring aid for Kai and for all those big young guns.

We will see how and what are the plans, good thing that they are preparing much earlier and PBA is letting them to work out and do the drills and practices to know more about the system that coach Tim wants to execute.