Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone stated there is no rush for Kai Sotto to return to the national team after his ACL injury. Although Sotto is nearing full recovery, Cone emphasized that Sotto will travel with the team to the 2025 Asia Cup in Jeddah without playing or practicing, aiming for a long-term role in the team.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won his first NBA MVP award after leading his team to the best record this season. This win marks the seventh year in a row that a player born outside the U.S. has received the MVP title, highlighting the growing global influence in the NBA.
Ray Parks Jr. announced that his return to Japan’s B.League is still under negotiation, as revealed during the B.League Final Week Manila event. Parks, who has been part of the league for four years, is currently focusing on family and wedding preparations.
Dwight Ramos has extended his contract with Levanga Hokkaido for the 2025-26 season of the Japanese B.League. Following Kai Sotto and Kiefer Ravena, Ramos joins the list of Filipino players returning to the league. The team expressed confidence in Ramos’s ability to showcase his full potential in his fourth season with Levanga.
The University of Santo Tomas clinched its eighth consecutive general championship in the collegiate division of UAAP Season 87, while also achieving its ninth straight title in the high school division.
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs star, attended a Dallas Wings game, mingling with fans and supporting fellow athletes, showcasing NBA-WNBA connections.
Novak Djokovic, ahead of the French Open, has stated he is in no rush to replace Andy Murray as his coach. Djokovic, parting ways with Murray after a challenging season start, affirms that he currently does not need a new coach as he prepares for the Roland Garros warm-up event against Marton Fucsovics.
San Antonio Spurs’ Stephon Castle has been unanimously chosen for the NBA All-Rookie first team for the 2024-25 season. Castle, who is 20 years old, also received the Rookie of the Year award, averaging 14.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. Zaccharie Risacher and Jaylen Wells also made the All-Rookie team.
ASVEL Basket, owned by Tony Parker, faces financial instability deemed “not viable” by a public accounting body. Despite shareholder investments and state aid, the French basketball team reported losses in three of the last five periods. Parker seeks solutions amidst the fiscal challenge.
Manny Pacquiao returns to the boxing ring to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas, marking his first fight since retiring four years ago. Despite being an underdog, Pacquiao’s former rival, Juan Manuel Marquez, warns against underestimating the Filipino legend.