2025 PBA Governor's Cup

[Maslate]

Gilas will be having a hard time this time around as they will battle New Zealand, Iraq and Chinese Taipei.
Though they won against New Zealand last time but i think New Zealand will come prepared for the Gilas this time.
Hope that Gilas will win against Taipei and Iraq so that they could advance to the quarterfinals.

They really need Kai Sotto this time. I’m not sure if he’s fully recovered yet, but having him alongside JMF would be a huge boost for the team. And, looks like Brownlee will still be our naturalized player, that guy's reliable, so let’s just trust him and enjoy whatever happens in the game.

As for the rankings, we’re currently at number 7: https://www.fiba.basketball/en/ranking/men

New Zealand is ranked number 3, so it’s definitely going to be a tough challenge.

[Japinat]

New Zealand is ranked number 3, so it’s definitely going to be a tough challenge.

Looking forward to this game, but Chinese Taipei is still a threat even if the Philippines has a better ranking. And yes, Kai Sotto is a big asset for the team. Last time he wasn’t available, they really struggled, especially during the FIBA World Cup. Let’s just hope he’s ready to play now. But if not, they’ll have no choice but to rely on the Kraken. He’s the best in the PBA, no doubt, but to be honest, he plays just like an average player in international competitions.

[bisdak40]

Looking forward to this game, but Chinese Taipei is still a threat even if the Philippines has a better ranking. And yes, Kai Sotto is a big asset for the team. Last time he wasn’t available, they really struggled, especially during the FIBA World Cup. Let’s just hope he’s ready to play now. But if not, they’ll have no choice but to rely on the Kraken. He’s the best in the PBA, no doubt, but to be honest, he plays just like an average player in international competitions.

Agree on the bolded text. There is no one in the PBA right now that can contain him one-on-one as he is taller and stronger than the bigs of the opposing team but that will change in the international scenario as most centers are as big as him or even bigger.

____________

Though not yet officially announce but there are news right now that LA Tenorio will coach the Magnolia Hotshots. I think this is long overdue as Magnolia have been struggling in the last three seasons if i'm not wrong. Injecting a new system into the Magnolia's style of play is very needed at the moment.

[Japinat]

Looking forward to this game, but Chinese Taipei is still a threat even if the Philippines has a better ranking. And yes, Kai Sotto is a big asset for the team. Last time he wasn’t available, they really struggled, especially during the FIBA World Cup. Let’s just hope he’s ready to play now. But if not, they’ll have no choice but to rely on the Kraken. He’s the best in the PBA, no doubt, but to be honest, he plays just like an average player in international competitions.

Agree on the bolded text. There is no one in the PBA right now that can contain him one-on-one as he is taller and stronger than the bigs of the opposing team but that will change in the international scenario as most centers are as big as him or even bigger.

I really miss Jason Castro and Terrence Romeo, they were so fun to watch, even if their time with the team wasn’t that successful.
And JMF, I’m not sure why he’s not playing aggressively. Other bigs can do it, even Sotto and AJ Edu show more aggression. Maybe he’s just being cautious, trying to avoid injury or something.

But still, I think he needs to show more fight. He should try to bully the opposing bigs and just play harder overall.

Though not yet officially announce but there are news right now that LA Tenorio will coach the Magnolia Hotshots. I think this is long overdue as Magnolia have been struggling in the last three seasons if i'm not wrong. Injecting a new system into the Magnolia's style of play is very needed at the moment.

good move, so they will not be called as introboys. maybe coach Chito now can consider the offer coaching overseas.

[Fredomago]

Looking forward to this game, but Chinese Taipei is still a threat even if the Philippines has a better ranking. And yes, Kai Sotto is a big asset for the team. Last time he wasn’t available, they really struggled, especially during the FIBA World Cup. Let’s just hope he’s ready to play now. But if not, they’ll have no choice but to rely on the Kraken. He’s the best in the PBA, no doubt, but to be honest, he plays just like an average player in international competitions.

Agree on the bolded text. There is no one in the PBA right now that can contain him one-on-one as he is taller and stronger than the bigs of the opposing team but that will change in the international scenario as most centers are as big as him or even bigger.

Though we've seen JMF's improvement playing internationally but I agree that he's going to be a tough game to him knowing that their upcoming opponents  do have Big centers who can cover him and give him tough defense, seeing the lineup Kai might still in his resting period, we don't see him during practice games but even without him, the team needs to help each other to fill him up, young talents like KQ, Tamayo and Edu, fresh legs who experienced international games needs to have decent minutes to showcase their skills and capabilities.

Though not yet officially announce but there are news right now that LA Tenorio will coach the Magnolia Hotshots. I think this is long overdue as Magnolia have been struggling in the last three seasons if i'm not wrong. Injecting a new system into the Magnolia's style of play is very needed at the moment.

Yeah, the introvoys needs to recreate their system, they still got the core and the talents they just need to have new mentors who'll be able to inject new sets of game play that may increase their chance to move forward and bring the franchise back to reached the finals.

[Ziskinberg]

Game’s live now, and it looks like Gilas is struggling, currently down by 14 points in the 2nd quarter. Macau’s 3-point shooting is really on point, and I’m honestly getting tempted to place a live bet on them.

I still believe Gilas will bounce back strong in the 2nd half with better defense though.

Score's now 30-44, actually.

[Russlenat]

Score's now 30-44, actually.

The second half is about to start, hopefully they can bounce back, because the result of this game will definitely be used as a barometer for their chances in the upcoming official matches. If they lose here, I honestly don’t expect them to go far or even reach the semifinals. Gilas is supposed to shoot well, especially since they don’t have much height advantage, but it looks like they’re getting a dose of their own medicine this time.

[dimonstration]

Score's now 30-44, actually.

The second half is about to start, hopefully they can bounce back, because the result of this game will definitely be used as a barometer for their chances in the upcoming official matches. If they lose here, I honestly don’t expect them to go far or even reach the semifinals. Gilas is supposed to shoot well, especially since they don’t have much height advantage, but it looks like they’re getting a dose of their own medicine this time.

Surprisingly, they bounce back on the 4th quarter with a very good ball movement and very solid performance of JB. I thought they are already than on the first half but somehow they manage to build the chemistry to have a good ball movement and tighten their defense in able to stop Macau to easy score.

90-85 score now in favor to Gilas. I don’t want to jinx them but I think they got this already. They already counter the offense of Macau while they are unstoppable on offense.

Let’s go PH.

[Fredomago]

Score's now 30-44, actually.

The second half is about to start, hopefully they can bounce back, because the result of this game will definitely be used as a barometer for their chances in the upcoming official matches. If they lose here, I honestly don’t expect them to go far or even reach the semifinals. Gilas is supposed to shoot well, especially since they don’t have much height advantage, but it looks like they’re getting a dose of their own medicine this time.

Surprisingly, they bounce back on the 4th quarter with a very good ball movement and very solid performance of JB. I thought they are already than on the first half but somehow they manage to build the chemistry to have a good ball movement and tighten their defense in able to stop Macau to easy score.

90-85 score now in favor to Gilas. I don’t want to jinx them but I think they got this already. They already counter the offense of Macau while they are unstoppable on offense.

Let’s go PH.

Yup, they managed to win this game, great game for the whole gilas squad they comeback strong on the last period both offense and defense really shows how confident they are with each other, Ramos-Perez-Edu and JBL combination that pressures they bring and that great ball movements, they shared the ball and we've seen how great they finish it to make a basket, looking to see same type of game play that eagerness to win gave fans the entertainment they've paid for..

[dimonstration]

Score's now 30-44, actually.

The second half is about to start, hopefully they can bounce back, because the result of this game will definitely be used as a barometer for their chances in the upcoming official matches. If they lose here, I honestly don’t expect them to go far or even reach the semifinals. Gilas is supposed to shoot well, especially since they don’t have much height advantage, but it looks like they’re getting a dose of their own medicine this time.

Surprisingly, they bounce back on the 4th quarter with a very good ball movement and very solid performance of JB. I thought they are already than on the first half but somehow they manage to build the chemistry to have a good ball movement and tighten their defense in able to stop Macau to easy score.

90-85 score now in favor to Gilas. I don’t want to jinx them but I think they got this already. They already counter the offense of Macau while they are unstoppable on offense.

Let’s go PH.

Yup, they managed to win this game, great game for the whole gilas squad they comeback strong on the last period both offense and defense really shows how confident they are with each other, Ramos-Perez-Edu and JBL combination that pressures they bring and that great ball movements, they shared the ball and we've seen how great they finish it to make a basket, looking to see same type of game play that eagerness to win gave fans the entertainment they've paid for..

I become nervous on the last 4 minutes mark since the leas was cut to 1 points only while Macau already gained the momentum.

Luckily, we have JB that is still on fire and never choke until the end. I notice that Gilas is always performing bad handling back court pressure while they shouldn’t be hasty on passing the ball.

Macau manage to close the gap due to the turnover. They still can lose that game if there’s no JB on their roster.

[Russlenat]

I become nervous on the last 4 minutes mark since the leas was cut to 1 points only while Macau already gained the momentum.

Luckily, we have JB that is still on fire and never choke until the end. I notice that Gilas is always performing bad handling back court pressure while they shouldn’t be hasty on passing the ball.

Macau manage to close the gap due to the turnover. They still can lose that game if there’s no JB on their roster.

It was JB time for sure, he was clutch and easily the biggest reason for that win. But we also have to give credit to Edu; when he was on the floor, the defense tightened up big time, and Macau started struggling with their outside shooting. That’s the kind of defense we’d like to see from Gilas moving forward. And you can still see that “never say die” attitude in them.. imagine being down by 21 points and still managing to pull off a comeback.

[Mr. Magkaisa]

LA Tenorio will be out for Ginebra and will do another JOB for SMB group.
He is now the Head Coach of the magnolia team. It was a devastating out foor the Magnoliia last conference as they started the league with  straight wins.
The a trade came and changes which led the team to consecutive losses. Now the management is moving and making changes.

[Fredomago]

I become nervous on the last 4 minutes mark since the leas was cut to 1 points only while Macau already gained the momentum.

Luckily, we have JB that is still on fire and never choke until the end. I notice that Gilas is always performing bad handling back court pressure while they shouldn’t be hasty on passing the ball.

Macau manage to close the gap due to the turnover. They still can lose that game if there’s no JB on their roster.

It was JB time for sure, he was clutch and easily the biggest reason for that win. But we also have to give credit to Edu; when he was on the floor, the defense tightened up big time, and Macau started struggling with their outside shooting. That’s the kind of defense we’d like to see from Gilas moving forward. And you can still see that “never say die” attitude in them.. imagine being down by 21 points and still managing to pull off a comeback.

Yup, thanks also to Dwight as he started that run and after that everything went well for the whole squad, and like what I mentioned those players who finished the game they shows great defense, same with your observations, Edu gave tough game for the visiting team, he's presence inside contest each attempts, looking to see him more healthier in these upcoming games.

[blockman]

LA Tenorio will be out for Ginebra and will do another JOB for SMB group.
He is now the Head Coach of the magnolia team. It was a devastating out foor the Magnoliia last conference as they started the league with  straight wins.
The a trade came and changes which led the team to consecutive losses. Now the management is moving and making changes.

I was also looking for this news and I thought that it's just a rumor. But it looks a real thing that LA Tenorio will no longer be the player that we used to know. If he becomes the head coach of Magnolia, that's another milestone for him and he's going to that point already since he's the coach also of the Batang Gilas. Congratulations to our team that they've won against Macau and I hope that they'll continue to win and able to put a lot of lead against Chinese Taipei next week.

[Maslate]

Yup, thanks also to Dwight as he started that run and after that everything went well for the whole squad, and like what I mentioned those players who finished the game they shows great defense, same with your observations, Edu gave tough game for the visiting team, he's presence inside contest each attempts, looking to see him more healthier in these upcoming games.

It was really their defense that sparked the comeback. They weren’t hitting much from the outside, but once they locked in defensively, you could see their confidence slowly come back, and the crowd fed off that energy, helping push them all the way to a comeback win. That’s exactly the kind of Gilas team I’d like to see in the upcoming FIBA Asia tournament, the type you’d actually feel confident risking money on. IIRC, the live odds when they were down by double digits went as high as x5, a steal for anyone who believed and took the risk.

[bisdak40]

LA Tenorio will be out for Ginebra and will do another JOB for SMB group.
He is now the Head Coach of the magnolia team. It was a devastating out foor the Magnoliia last conference as they started the league with  straight wins.
The a trade came and changes which led the team to consecutive losses. Now the management is moving and making changes.

And LA Tenorio might be a good move to change what was happening in Magnolia right now. I would not be surprised if one day Christian Standhardinger or Mikey Williams will end up playing for the Hotshots as these two players are not interested on playing on their mother teams but if a deal landed on SMC teams i think they will play.

[Ziskinberg]

And LA Tenorio might be a good move to change what was happening in Magnolia right now. I would not be surprised if one day Christian Standhardinger or Mikey Williams will end up playing for the Hotshots as these two players are not interested on playing on their mother teams but if a deal landed on SMC teams i think they will play.

So much hype around him right now, but honestly, it’s still his first time as a head coach, so there’s no guarantee yet that Magnolia will really improve. It’s a big challenge because if the team still struggles, his debut as a head coach won’t look good. I’ve heard he’s a good coach, but PBA is a different ball game. Just like Coach Chot, he’s a great coach with TNT but looked bad as Gilas’ head coach.

[Sanitough]

For those who missed the game, here are the highlights of Gilas vs Macau Black Bears:

GILAS PILIPINAS VS MACAU BLACK BEARS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | 2025 GILAS SEND-OFF SHOWDOWN | JULY 28

This one’s really fun to watch. we were down by double digits, but Gilas never lost their spirit. even if it was just a friendly match, they played like it was a do-or-die game. honestly, I didn’t expect them to pull off a comeback win against an opponent that was almost full of imports. Impressive performance from the boys.

[Japinat]

Kai is not available this time as he is still in rehab process..

Kai Sotto still waiting for docs' clearance on return to practice

The 7-foot-3 Gilas Pilipinas center has yet resume practicing since going down with an ACL injury in his left knee last January. And in as much as he would like to be with the team in its coming FIBA Asia Cup campaign, Sotto said he chose to stay in the country and continue with his rehab.

“Hindi ako makakasama kasi kailangang tuluy-tuloy ko yung rehab ko. Kapag sumama ako mahihinto yung program ko and pinapapunta na rin ako ng team ko sa Japan (B.League),” said Sotto, who showed up at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Monday night for Gilas Pilipinas’ friendly against the visiting Macau Black Bears.

I think the final 12 hasn’t been announced yet, but I’m really hoping Fajardo gets to play now that Kai isn’t available. I saw him last night but he didn’t suit up. We badly need a big man like him, because against teams like China with that kind of height, it’s tough to compete if we only have one true big in the lineup.

[tech30338]

Kai is not available this time as he is still in rehab process..

Kai Sotto still waiting for docs' clearance on return to practice

The 7-foot-3 Gilas Pilipinas center has yet resume practicing since going down with an ACL injury in his left knee last January. And in as much as he would like to be with the team in its coming FIBA Asia Cup campaign, Sotto said he chose to stay in the country and continue with his rehab.

“Hindi ako makakasama kasi kailangang tuluy-tuloy ko yung rehab ko. Kapag sumama ako mahihinto yung program ko and pinapapunta na rin ako ng team ko sa Japan (B.League),” said Sotto, who showed up at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Monday night for Gilas Pilipinas’ friendly against the visiting Macau Black Bears.

I think the final 12 hasn’t been announced yet, but I’m really hoping Fajardo gets to play now that Kai isn’t available. I saw him last night but he didn’t suit up. We badly need a big man like him, because against teams like China with that kind of height, it’s tough to compete if we only have one true big in the lineup.

One problem that Gilas need to patch is the big man, since other countries has big men, we can't let smaller guys, guarding big man it will hurt them in a long run, since that is not their position, adding junmar will be a great help and also boost the team moral, since they know they can count on rebounds and can concentrate in their role, giving them a sight of relief when they are taking shots outside, hoping we can have a better big man, and not injury prone, to be able to compete on the level of other countries hopefully we develop them.