2026 PBA Governor's Cup

[Sanitough]

As for Syria, I cannot remember if Gilas already played against them before. I think they are just a weaker team compared to Iran.

yeah, they are ranked 74 based on the latest ranking.
https://www.fiba.basketball/en/ranking/men

Philippine at rank 36, while Iran at 28.

So with this ranking, I would expect Gilas to beat Syria in their matchup.

By the way, New Zealand was ranked 24, and we even matched up well against them, so let us stay positive despite those two losses. Next time, we are gonna bounce back, and hopefully by then Brownlee will already be fully healthy.

[Fredomago]

I think that I'm old when I remember the former Syrian player Haddadi who also punished the former Team Philippines. Anyway, we'll continue to cheer and hope for the better placing of Gilas on round 2.

Haddadi was not playing for Syria, he was playing for Iran, and they were really a tough rival of the Philippines aside from China. That was where the real competition was for the Philippines, and when Haddadi was still younger, Iran always dominated because of his height and how much stronger he made the team.

But we could still compete with them. Now that he is retired for sure, Iran is no longer the same team.

As for Syria, I cannot remember if Gilas already played against them before. I think they are just a weaker team compared to Iran.

Yeah, I used to remember that name, he's one of the great big man from the middle east and when he's still at his prime they dominated the league, same with what you said, they are also competitive so aside from China, this team Iran have their advantage with Haddadi's presence inside the paint, but those years are memories of the past there are teams now who can beat them and with how FIBA representives from each countries we need to bring everything that we have to bring our flag on the discussion topic.

[LogitechMouse]

yeah, they are ranked 74 based on the latest ranking.
https://www.fiba.basketball/en/ranking/men

Philippine at rank 36, while Iran at 28.

So with this ranking, I would expect Gilas to beat Syria in their matchup.

By the way, New Zealand was ranked 24, and we even matched up well against them, so let us stay positive despite those two losses. Next time, we are gonna bounce back, and hopefully by then Brownlee will already be fully healthy.

I also expect our Gilas to defeat Syria 2 times in the second round. The problem is the other 3 teams (New Zealand, Iran and Jordan). Let's disregard the Boomers already because we know they'll swept the group anyway.

Jordan and Iran are the top 2 teams in their group on the first round, and we can't disregard them because they're strong teams still especially Iran. If our Gilas wants to be in the World Cup, they must defeat these 2 teams with a 2-0 in order to get the 3rd spot and maybe increase their chances of getting that ticket. As for New Zealand, I know that there's also a chance that our team could defeat them as we've seen in their last game, but I believe that if our Gilas will get the "BEST OF THE BEST" players like Kai Sotto or QMB, the chances of us defeating them 2-0 will increase significantly.

I think now is the time for the Gilas to stop relying on Brownlee anymore. He's old, and injuries are piling up on him already. If there's a chance for our young guns to step up, now is the time. I just do hope that our Gilas will manage to get players like Kai Sotto and others and if that happens, I will not be surprised if we will at least get the 2nd seed. That's how high I look to our team, but provided that we will get our best players.

[tech30338]

I think that I'm old when I remember the former Syrian player Haddadi who also punished the former Team Philippines. Anyway, we'll continue to cheer and hope for the better placing of Gilas on round 2.

Haddadi was not playing for Syria, he was playing for Iran, and they were really a tough rival of the Philippines aside from China. That was where the real competition was for the Philippines, and when Haddadi was still younger, Iran always dominated because of his height and how much stronger he made the team.

But we could still compete with them. Now that he is retired for sure, Iran is no longer the same team.

As for Syria, I cannot remember if Gilas already played against them before. I think they are just a weaker team compared to Iran.

China is not a threat to PH during those times they only win the last time because of the Chinas tactics and i think because of the refs that is what i saw when calls are given, Haddadi is the one in the Philippines way couple of times if they don't have him PH would have won multiple times, but its basketball we could have done better but still proud of what the Philippines have accomplished during those times.

[Sanitough]

I think now is the time for the Gilas to stop relying on Brownlee anymore. He's old, and injuries are piling up on him already. If there's a chance for our young guns to step up, now is the time. I just do hope that our Gilas will manage to get players like Kai Sotto and others and if that happens, I will not be surprised if we will at least get the 2nd seed. That's how high I look to our team, but provided that we will get our best players.

They still need a naturalized player to lead the team. If that is your observation with Brownlee, which I also agree with, then I think they need to consider replacing him.

The competition in international basketball is very physical, so we have to watch that. After all, Brownlee has already contributed big time to the success of Gilas, especially when we beat Jordan in the finals of the Asian Games. And speaking of Kai, we really need him too, as he was one of the reasons why we were able to compete well in the FIBA World Cup, at least in some games, even against higher-ranked teams.

[bhadz]

I think that I'm old when I remember the former Syrian player Haddadi who also punished the former Team Philippines. Anyway, we'll continue to cheer and hope for the better placing of Gilas on round 2.

Thats everyone see they act like an NBA team that all are athletic and will gel immediately, they need to practice early like years, to join because we are not facing intertown team or inter brgy they are the elite teams almost all of them have nba players, or euro league champs, the closes we have is the era of castro alapag they were the best, although before we are already dominating asia but those days are over, we are left behind because of politics in the game, some teams don't want to allow players to play or join the pool, they even fake injuries unlike before when it comes to playing against they were one, now they were 2 kidding aside.

I think the system of defense has to change, nothing extravagant and fancy is needed for that. We can see how the other teams are playing simply and normally. They pass and rotate the ball and shoot it whenever they can. The politics is also too much in the Gilas pool because they're privately funded. It's smart that's give them the fund and that's why whoever has got that connection, they'll come in to the roster.

Haddadi was not playing for Syria, he was playing for Iran, and they were really a tough rival of the Philippines aside from China. That was where the real competition was for the Philippines, and when Haddadi was still younger, Iran always dominated because of his height and how much stronger he made the team.

But we could still compete with them. Now that he is retired for sure, Iran is no longer the same team.

As for Syria, I cannot remember if Gilas already played against them before. I think they are just a weaker team compared to Iran.

My mistake, I stand corrected. He played for Iran, and our former national team has got a hard time beating that team as well when he was still there. I hope that Gilas can win easily against Syria but they're not the real opponent and wall in the groups.

[Fredomago]

I think now is the time for the Gilas to stop relying on Brownlee anymore. He's old, and injuries are piling up on him already. If there's a chance for our young guns to step up, now is the time. I just do hope that our Gilas will manage to get players like Kai Sotto and others and if that happens, I will not be surprised if we will at least get the 2nd seed. That's how high I look to our team, but provided that we will get our best players.

They still need a naturalized player to lead the team. If that is your observation with Brownlee, which I also agree with, then I think they need to consider replacing him.

The competition in international basketball is very physical, so we have to watch that. After all, Brownlee has already contributed big time to the success of Gilas, especially when we beat Jordan in the finals of the Asian Games. And speaking of Kai, we really need him too, as he was one of the reasons why we were able to compete well in the FIBA World Cup, at least in some games, even against higher-ranked teams.

If I remember it right we do have another naturalized, Boatwright was awarded his naturalization right? not sure if it's possible to replace JBL while the league is ongoing since he's injured, but like what you have said, the gilas still needs naturalize who can aid them during this competition, we do have the talents but still needs help coming from the naturalize either from JBL or from Boatwright if he's possible to play.

[bisdak40]

So the games will commence tomorrow for the Governor's Cup. No movement of key players of each, they only trade that i know of is the transfer of Evan Nelle to NLEX which they say has the vindication of coach Jimmy Apalag as he think this guy could help them.

Meanwhile, John Amores who was involved in a shooting incident on the year 2024 if i'm not mistaken has already secured his professional licences back from GAB, meaning he could now play in the pro-league and the good news for him is that Titan Ultra has signed him to a one conference contract. This is head-shaking for me, is there not another player that Titan Ultra could get aside from John Amores or it is just a gesture of good will for the company that everybody deserves a second chance. Your thoughts?   

[mirakal]

Meanwhile, John Amores who was involved in a shooting incident on the year 2024 if i'm not mistaken has already secured his professional licences back from GAB, meaning he could now play in the pro-league and the good news for him is that Titan Ultra has signed him to a one conference contract. This is head-shaking for me, is there not another player that Titan Ultra could get aside from John Amores or it is just a gesture of good will for the company that everybody deserves a second chance. Your thoughts?   

Who would not remember this guy? He is a controversial one, and now he is again given an opportunity to play. Who knows what he can do next time. His numbers are not really impressive, so I do not understand why this team is signing him. For me, he should not be in the PBA if he is not professional at all.

Anyway, are you guys already excited for the next conference? I just checked and saw that it will start tomorrow.
What a timing, so I will not miss betting on the two games.

[Sanitough]

Anyway, are you guys already excited for the next conference? I just checked and saw that it will start tomorrow.
What a timing, so I will not miss betting on the two games.

Wow, finally the PBA will resume. Welcome to the 50th season of the PBA Governors’ Cup.

There will be imports, so this should be another exciting conference. We will also see how Jimmy Alapag will coach NLEX. Hopefully, he can really improve this team because last time, it was a disappointment when they lost even though they were already at the top.

With his talent and coaching experience, it is expected that the team will progress. Hopefully, they will also be able to get a good import.

[Questat]

With his talent and coaching experience, it is expected that the team will progress. Hopefully, they will also be able to get a good import.

Their import is a former nba player. Dequan Jones

https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/60258/dequan-jones

I think I remember this player, and as we can see here, https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jonesde01.html
he had one season with the Orlando Magic.

I don't want to expect a lot from him, my expectation is more on the coach as he is an NBA coach caliber now.

[Maslate]

Their import is a former nba player. Dequan Jones

https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/60258/dequan-jones

I think I remember this player, and as we can see here, https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jonesde01.html
he had one season with the Orlando Magic.

I don't want to expect a lot from him, my expectation is more on the coach as he is an NBA coach caliber now.

I think many of the imports are ex-NBA players, but that does not really ensure that they are already very good in the PBA. Even Brownlee, I believe, has not played in the NBA, but he won multiple championships in the PBA. And for me, only RHJ has really been able to beat him.

So I am hoping that RHJ will be available for TNT this conference. I heard last time he was not available due to injury.

[bisdak40]

There will be imports, so this should be another exciting conference. We will also see how Jimmy Alapag will coach NLEX. Hopefully, he can really improve this team because last time, it was a disappointment when they lost even though they were already at the top.

With his talent and coaching experience, it is expected that the team will progress. Hopefully, they will also be able to get a good import.

Speaking of NLEX, they have a game today against the come backing Macau Giant Pandas on the second game. Interesting to note that the Pandas are a 9.5 underdog base on the odds. For me this is a bit disrespectful since we have not seen yet how the Pandas will play this conference and yet they were placed as the underdog so with that i'm going with them.

[LogitechMouse]

---

They still need a naturalized player to lead the team. If that is your observation with Brownlee, which I also agree with, then I think they need to consider replacing him.

The competition in international basketball is very physical, so we have to watch that. After all, Brownlee has already contributed big time to the success of Gilas, especially when we beat Jordan in the finals of the Asian Games. And speaking of Kai, we really need him too, as he was one of the reasons why we were able to compete well in the FIBA World Cup, at least in some games, even against higher-ranked teams.

I've seen some news that the SBP is nearing the naturalization of Benny Boatwright already to become a naturalized player for the team, and if it happens before the second round even starts, there's a chance that Brownlee will be replaced by him assuming that Brownlee is still injured and isn't 100% healthy during that time. Also I've seen some rumors that Jordan Clarkson wants to play for the team since there's no NBA games right now, and he will be very helpful that's for sure, but the question is "How much?".

Having a naturalized player is a must for our team if we want to increase our chances of winning, and with how Brownlee played in the last 2 windows against the Tall Blacks, it seems like there's something that hinders him whether his age, or an injury or whatever it is. SBP needs to make big decisions now because it's the World Cup that we are talking right now. They need to get the best-of-the-best players that we have, and we need to get the best naturalized player that we could get, and I think Brownlee will understand it if the National team will try to find another naturalized player that will play in the second round.

As for Kai Sotto, there are no news coming from different sports outlets regarding him, and many wants him to play again, but right now, he's pursuing a path in the US and will play for college teams hoping that he can get a roster spot in the NBA in the future. Nothing bad about that if that's his dream.

[Fredomago]

As for Kai Sotto, there are no news coming from different sports outlets regarding him, and many wants him to play again, but right now, he's pursuing a path in the US and will play for college teams hoping that he can get a roster spot in the NBA in the future. Nothing bad about that if that's his dream.

And just like what CTC said the team respect Kai's decision to pursue his chance to play in NBA, they are not bothering him to play for the gilas, though as we witness wayback when he's playing for the Nationals there are big exposure for him, but for sure him and his handler already study the potential and if pushing his way to play either to college team of whatver that may bring his chance to be drafted as pure blooded pinoy that's an achievements to everyone, looking for forward for much better future success for this young star.

[tech30338]

Their import is a former nba player. Dequan Jones

https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/60258/dequan-jones

I think I remember this player, and as we can see here, https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jonesde01.html
he had one season with the Orlando Magic.

I don't want to expect a lot from him, my expectation is more on the coach as he is an NBA coach caliber now.

I think many of the imports are ex-NBA players, but that does not really ensure that they are already very good in the PBA. Even Brownlee, I believe, has not played in the NBA, but he won multiple championships in the PBA. And for me, only RHJ has really been able to beat him.

So I am hoping that RHJ will be available for TNT this conference. I heard last time he was not available due to injury.

He will be available according to news around September or October because of the injury maybe he will replace the import during those months but if the import perform very well in the rest of the season he will not replace the import, and will be available in the next season where import is available , recovering for the raptured Achilles injury, which needs some time to recovery from this injury, but i think they can do better at the moment without RHJ they been still to the finals, if officiating were fair they could have been the champion this year but we don't have control over it.

[mirakal]

The first game is over, the battle of the farm teams between Titan and Terrafirma. Terrafirma won by double digits. Now we go to the more exciting game, with the visiting team Macau Giant Pandas playing against NLEX, who also has a new head coach.

Which team are you guys betting on? Macau is +5.5 against NLEX. Is a possible upset going to happen tonight?

I noticed during the early games that even bad teams are being given a chance to win, so I might bet against NLEX here.

[arwin100]

The first game is over, the battle of the farm teams between Titan and Terrafirma. Terrafirma won by double digits. Now we go to the more exciting game, with the visiting team Macau Giant Pandas playing against NLEX, who also has a new head coach.

Which team are you guys betting on? Macau is +5.5 against NLEX. Is a possible upset going to happen tonight?

I noticed during the early games that even bad teams are being given a chance to win, so I might bet against NLEX here.

Lol, didn't even know that today is season opener of PBA. Miss to watch the first game but looking at what you have said that those farm teams are playing, well still good and I'm curious to watch Nlex and Macau in Youtube.

But for now I will not going to place any bet, since I don't feel doing that on early phase of this tournament.

Its good to see new visitor playing and this will test how good the teams in PBA.

[Russlenat]

Lol, didn't even know that today is season opener of PBA. Miss to watch the first game but looking at what you have said that those farm teams are playing, well still good and I'm curious to watch Nlex and Macau in Youtube.

But for now I will not going to place any bet, since I don't feel doing that on early phase of this tournament.

Its good to see new visitor playing and this will test how good the teams in PBA.

This is the live streaming link... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1bCCRHUh7U

And this is the same Macau team that had a very bad conference last time, so I do not expect them to be good this conference.

A bad team will likely remain a bad team, unless they show big improvement. Maybe they were invited as a guest team because it is almost guaranteed that they will not reach the finals, or maybe not even the playoffs.

For me, the line makes sense at -5.5. I would take NLEX all day on that spread.

[tech30338]

This is just a normal game, we know who will be in the semis, ill be watching once the semis starts since thats the only time the league will be exciting hoping that the big teams will be eliminated early lol thats a bit of a wish since we know who will be in the semis, but the league should let it happen, though we know there will be no fans going to watch its time to really make the league balance and bring it to other place just like before, currently its been destroying the league, yes online views are getting bigger but how long when fans finally realized what is happening.