Philippine basketball is a small world.

You never know when past opponents might suddenly become your teammates.

That’s exactly what’s happening with San Juan, as the “Maroon 4” — Gerry Abadiano, Reyland Torres, Harold Alarcon, and Terrence Fortea — now find themselves sharing the court with one of their UAAP rivals, Mike Phillips.

Phillips, the 6-foot-8 bruiser from La Salle, was the final signing for San Juan ahead of the 2026 MPBL season, which kicks off this Friday with the Knights facing Pasay at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

Though surprised by San Juan’s acquisition of Phillips, Abadiano knew it was always a possibility.

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

“Hindi namin hawak yung ganiyang desisyon. Bilog talaga yung bola at hindi natin alam yung dating kalaban natin, magiging kakampi natin ngayon tulad nung kay Mike Phillips,” Abadiano told Tiebreaker Times.

Over the past five years, the rivalry between UP and La Salle has been fierce, with the two teams meeting twice in the collegiate men’s finals.

The Fighting Maroons and the Green Archers alternated championships in UAAP Seasons 86 and 87 before Phillips led La Salle to triumph in his final year, ending the Maroon 4’s collegiate run in defeat.

Still, the former rivals are excited to play alongside the UAAP Season 88 Finals MVP.

“Happy lang kami na napunta sa amin si Mike at alam namin kung ano ang kaya niyang maitulong sa team. Nakita naman natin yung nilaro niya last season at nung finals. Sobrang excited namin na makalaro siya,” added Abadiano.

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

Phillips’ interior presence will be a huge boost for San Juan as they prepare to face defending champion Abra Solid North.

With Phillips on the roster, Torres believes San Juan now has the right pieces to end a five-year title drought.

“Buo yung team namin kaya siguro mas buo yung loob namin sa paniniwala na makukuha namin yung championship this season. Yung pagpasok ng mga newcomers tulad ni Mike Phillips,” said Torres.

“Alam natin na si Mike, may winning mentality na nandiyan talaga. Makakatulong ’yon sa team namin.”

The post Gerry Abadiano, Reyland Torres glad to call former rival Mike Phillips a teammate appeared first on Tiebreaker Times.

With Kevin Quiambao leading the way, Goyang Sono clinched a historic playoff berth in the KBL.

The Skygunners currently sit fifth in the league with a 28-25 record, with just one game remaining — a remarkable nine-game improvement from last season. This marks the first time in franchise history that Goyang Sono has reached the postseason.

“I’m super happy and blessed na makareceive ng ganitong opportunity, especially for me na bago pa lang sa professional basketball,” Quiambao told Tiebreaker Times.

“It means a lot to me, pero a lot of work to be done pa.”

In his sophomore season, Quiambao is averaging 15.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.

Nathan Knight leads the Skygunners in scoring with 18.0 points and 11.4 rebounds per contest, while Lee Junghyun is averaging 18.6 points and 5.2 assists per game.

If things stay on course, Goyang Sono is likely to face Ethan Alvano and Wonju DB in the quarterfinals.

But for Quiambao, making the playoffs is only the beginning.

“My goal, siyempre, is to win the championship, pero alam kong madaming pagdadaanan at pagsubok bago makuha ’yon,” he said.

“I just want to cherish this moment and focus on the present, one game at a time.”

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In a fitting tribute to its storied legacy, the Philippine Basketball Association is opening its doors to fans—literally.

The league announced that tickets for Wednesday’s Commissioner’s Cup doubleheader at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium will be free of charge, headlined by a marquee showdown between unbeaten Rain or Shine and perennial powerhouse San Miguel.

The move comes as the PBA celebrates its 51st anniversary, commemorating its historic launch on April 9, 1975 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum—a milestone that cemented its status as Asia’s first play-for-pay basketball league.

Fans eager to witness the midweek spectacle can claim tickets on a first-come, first-served basis, with added incentives awaiting those in attendance.

The league, along with its partners, will also be handing out basketballs, shirts, and other merchandise throughout the night.

Taking center stage is a clash between two of the conference’s early contenders.

Rain or Shine enters the 7:30 p.m. main event with an unblemished 4-0 slate, riding the momentum of a historic 151-95 demolition of Blackwater—a performance that set both league and franchise records.

On the other side, San Miguel comes in red-hot, winning back-to-back games, including a gritty 85-82 comeback triumph over Ginebra San Miguel last Sunday.

Earlier, Blackwater looks to regroup as it tangles with Terrafirma at 5:15 p.m., with both squads locked at 1-3 and eager to snap out of their early conference struggles.

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