Goyang Sono coach allays fears on Kevin Quiambao ankle injury

Goyang Sono Skygunners head coach Son Chang-hwan provided a reassuring update on Gilas Pilipinas forward Kevin Quiambao, saying his ankle injury was not as serious as initially feared.

Quiambao hurt his ankle during the third quarter of Goyang’s 88-79 loss to the Suwon KT Sonicboom in the Korean Basketball League on Friday after landing awkwardly while defending in mid-air.

The Filipino forward was visibly in pain and signaled for a substitution. He did not return to the court in the fourth quarter.

Despite the concerning scene, Son downplayed fears over the severity of Quiambao’s injury.

“As for Quiambao, it isn’t as serious as expected,” the Goyang coach said in an interview published on Naver Sports.

Quiambao is currently playing in South Korea as he continues to develop
his professional career, following his stint with De La Salle University Green Archers in the UAAP. (Adrian Co)

(**META/FACEBOOK BLURB)

NO REASON TO WORRY!

The coach of Goyang Sono Skygunners has assured fans that the ankle injury Kevin Quimbao suffered was not as serious as initially feared.

The Gilas Pilipinas mainstay hurt his ankle during the third quarter of Goyang’s 79-88 loss to the Suwon KT Sonicboom in the Korean Basketball League on Friday after landing awkwardly while defending in mid-air.

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Green Archers team manager Raffy Villavicencio named among check recipients during VP Sara impeachment trial

Rafaelito “Raffy” Villavicencio, one of the team managers of the De La Salle University Green Archers, was identified as a recipient of a P6.7-million check during the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

The disclosure came during the presentation of financial records by the House prosecution panel on Friday, which is examining transactions allegedly linked to Duterte-Carpio and her husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio.

Financial forensic analyst Alexander Cabrera identified Villavicencio among several individuals listed as recipients of check payments from a BDO checking account ending in 2743, based on records presented during the proceedings.

Other individuals named in the documents included Lourdes Lebosada, Duterte-Carpio’s dentist and business associate, who allegedly received P11.35 million; Dexter Cicero Latayan, P9.6 million; and Pedro Nino Lascano, P4 million. The records also listed a P23-million payment under “Pay to the Order of Cash.”

Villavicencio’s name drew attention on social media because of his role with the Green Archers, where he served as team manager along with Carpio, Terry Capistrano and Andres Reyes, Jr.

The documents were presented as part of the prosecution’s effort to scrutinize financial transactions associated with the Vice President and her inner circle. The defense has challenged aspects of the forensic testimony, including the basis of the findings.

The inclusion of Villavicencio’s name in the records does not, by itself, establish wrongdoing. Villavicencio has not yet issue a response to the disclosure. (By the Staff)

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Abarrientos knocks down 6 triples, 3 four-point shots in Ginebra triumph

Rhon Jay Abarrientos erupted for 34 points, while new import Jordan Murphy made an impressive debut with 30 points as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel crushed the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 129-111, in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Friday.

Abarrientos knocked down six triples, converted three four-point shots and dished out nine assists while adding three steals to lead the Gin Kings to a commanding victory.

Murphy complemented the explosive performance with 13 rebounds and seven assists, giving Ginebra an immediate boost in its bid to climb the Group B standings.

The Gin Kings came out firing, unloading 40 points in the opening quarter while limiting Rain or Shine to just 19. Ginebra connected on eight triples in the first period, with Stephen Holt accounting for four of them.

Ginebra sustained its offensive assault throughout the contest, maintaining control and stretching its lead to as many as 33 points.

Holt and Jeth Troy Rosario chipped in 14 points apiece for the Gin Kings, who improved to a 3-4 record.

Rain or Shine struggled to keep pace despite a team-high 23 points from import Aaron Fuller. Vince Cuajao added 19 points, Adrian Nocum scored 15, Michael Malonzo contributed 14 and Andrei Caracut finished with 12.

The Elasto Painters dropped to 4-3 following the defeat. (Adrian Co)

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Gilas Girls kiss FIBA U19 World Cup dreams goodbye with loss to China

The Gilas Pilipinas Girls’ campaign for a spot in the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup came to an end on Thursday after China dealt the Philippines a 112-49 beating in the FIBA Women’s U18 Asia Cup at the Karisma Arena in Seremban, Malaysia.

The loss came just days after the Philippines produced one of its biggest wins in the tournament, beating New Zealand, 69-64, to advance to the knockout stage.

Against China, however, the Gilas Girls struggled to match the Chinese team’s pace and firepower.

The Philippines entered halftime trailing 29-50 and could not mount a comeback as China continued to pull away in the second half.

Grace Marina Curley led the Philippine side with 17 points, but the rest of the team struggled to generate enough offense against China’s defense.

China was led by Li Yuanshan and Sun Hanyun, who finished with 21 and 19 points, respectively.

The Gilas Girls will close its campaign with a classification game against Chinese Taipei for fifth place today, Friday. (Adrian Co)

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Polish President Nawrocki trains with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao

Polish President Karol Nawrocki shared the ring with Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao during his visit to the Philippines, taking part in a training session that highlighted their meeting.

Footage of the session was posted on Pacquiao’s social media account, showing Nawrocki and the eight-division world champion working out together inside a boxing ring.

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A post shared by Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao)

The encounter gave Nawrocki an opportunity to experience the sport alongside one of its most accomplished figures.

Pacquiao remains one of boxing’s most decorated champions. He is the only fighter in history to win recognized world championships across eight weight divisions and competed professionally across four decades.

The Filipino currently has a professional boxing record of 62 wins, eight losses and two draws.

Beyond boxing, Pacquiao also pursued a career in Philippine politics. He served as a senator from 2016 to 2022 and later ran for president. After an unsuccessful Senate bid in 2025, he announced his retirement from politics and returned his attention to boxing.

Nawrocki’s meeting with Pacquiao was part of his Philippine visit, with their joint training session becoming one of the notable moments of the trip. (Adrian Co)

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Zidane begins France reign unbeaten and brimming with optimism

Zinedine Zidane’s first two weeks in charge of the French national team were eagerly awaited after 14 years under Didier Deschamps, and the new manager came through the international window unbeaten in the Nations League, with a few glimmers of promise.

The 1998 Ballon d’Or winner was the first France men’s coach to win his debut game since Aime Jacquet in 1994, with a 1-0 victory in Turkey, and the first to go undefeated in his first four matches since Raymond Domenech in 2004.

After a laboured win over Turkey, France beat Belgium twice and were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy on Friday in Zidane’s first home game in charge.

“We were pretty good in our matches even though we can always do better,” Zidane told a press conference on Monday.

“We did this over 15 days, in a first international window. It’s encouraging and I’m very optimistic for what comes next. We worked really well, and it was important to put in fifteen days of real quality,” he added.

NOT MANY CHANCES

Les Bleus struggled with the same issues across their four games: plenty of control — an average of 62% possession — but too few chances and not enough cutting edge in the final third.

“Even if not everything from the first half should be thrown away, we lacked penetration in the final thirty meters, something that let us down in the other three matches,” Zidane said.

Playing without captain Kylian Mbappe for the last three matches after he was injured after scoring the winner against Turkey, France did not score in the first half during their last eight games.

But Zidane’s squad have shown character, with Michael Olise snatching a late winner in Belgium and substitutes Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki and Olise turning the second clash against the Belgians on its head in the final 15 minutes.

“I’m happy with the reaction from the whole team, and to finish these fifteen days on a very, very positive note. I think it’s deserved given everything we’ve done,” Zidane said.

Zidane has changed his line-up from one match to the next. He gave first international caps to six players: Guillaume Restes, Jeremy Jacquet, Andy Diouf, Lucas Da Cunha, Esteban Lepaul and Leny Yoro.

“For this international window, it was planned. We played four matches in fifteen days and the players have only just started their season. I also wanted to see everyone,” Zidane said.

Liverpool defender Jacquet and Como midfielder Da Cunha were among the players who staked a claim for the future, while Ousmane Dembele struggled. The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner failed to make an impact, whether used as a striker or on the right wing.

Olise was the attacking leader of the side, with four goals and two assists in four matches.

“What he’s doing is just exceptional,” Zidane said.

France visit Italy before hosting Turkey next month with a Nations League quarter-final spot on the line.

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Klopp’s Germany are putting in the effort but not getting results yet

When Germany coach Juergen Klopp walked off the pitch in Thessaloniki just before midnight on Sunday he knew that one win in his first four international matches in charge was hardly living up to the euphoria of his appointment, but he has noted that progress had been made since their disappointing World Cup exit.

Germany fans had been hoping for an immediate impact when the hugely popular former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund coach took over in July following another early World Cup elimination.

Apart from a 2-0 win over Serbia last week, however, results have been disappointing with a home defeat by Greece before Sunday’s 0-0 draw and a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in Group A2.

“Overall, it was evident that many aspects of their game weren’t quite clicking yet,” said Germany’s 1990 World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaeus. “It was clear that the young players thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Unfortunately, the points we got were not at that level. We cannot be satisfied with the points haul.”

Germany are third on five points, with the Dutch and Greece top on eight. The Germans did, however, look more aggressive than in recent years, playing at times Klopp’s trademark high tempo attacking game.

“I am very satisfied because I know where we’ve come from,” Klopp said following Sunday’s game, the last of the set of four internationals this month.

“I wouldn’t have believed we could play a first half like that after just one week. The lads put in a top-notch performance; their movement and positioning were outstanding.”

RAISED EYEBROWS

The 59-year-old had raised eyebrows and earned widespread praise when he named 44 players for the four matches — all Nations League games — with two separate squads of 22 players for two matches each.

He called up 16 newcomers as he sets out to restore the four-times world champions international reputation.

“I am very impressed with the team and the way we went about it. Everyone stepped up over the past two weeks and justified their selection,” Klopp said. “When we defend collectively like that, the lads can really play football.”

Defender Philipp Treu and winger Derry Scherhant were among those newcomers who made strong debuts.

Germany, under Klopp’s predecessor Julian Nagelsmann, suffered a shock round-of-32 loss to Paraguay at the World Cup in June, their third early exit following first-round eliminations in 2018 and 2022. The Germans last won the World Cup in 2014.

Klopp knows that wins must start coming more frequently when they travel to Serbia on November 13 and host the Dutch three days later if they are to stay in contention for a top-two finish. (Reuters)

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ArenaPlus users rally behind 2026 Asiad double gold winner Carlos Yulo

Carlos Yulo can finally call himself an Asian Games gold medalist.

This after Yulo became the first Filipino gymnast to win two gold medals in the Asian Games after ruling the floor exercise and vault events in Japan.

Those were also the first two gold medals for the country in the recently concluded continental multi-sport spectacle.

Yulo lorded over the men’s floor exercise after scoring 14.666 points. The two-time Olympic champion posted an 8.966 execution score and 5.7 difficulty score to edge Kazakhstan’s Milad Karimi, who also registered 14.600 points for silver.

Japan’s Shoma Tsukiyama completed the podium with 14.566 points.

Interestingly, more ArenaPlus users backed Yulo to win the floor exercise final, but more money was staked on the rest of the field.

Yulo remained the clear favorite by number of picks, accounting for 54 percent of the total bets, compared to 46 percent for the field. However, when it came to the total amount staked, the split went the other way, with 67 percent of the money wagered going on the field.

The difference was largely driven by a handful of larger bets placed on the field. In other words, while more ArenaPlus users picked Yulo to win, a smaller group of users backed the field with significantly larger wagers, pushing its share of the total amount staked higher.

The numbers, then, tell two sides of the story: Yulo was the more popular pick among users, while the field attracted the larger share of the money staked.

In the end, Yulo delivered the result that mattered most, putting together a golden performance to secure the Philippines’ first gold medal of the Asian Games.

For ArenaPlus head Ethan William, professionally known as Layson, Yulo’s performance underscored the excitement surrounding one of the country’s most accomplished athletes.

“Carlos Yulo continues to give Filipino fans plenty to celebrate on the biggest stages,” said Layson.

“His performance in the floor exercise was a tremendous display of skill, precision, and composure, and we’re proud to see an athlete of his caliber represent the Philippines.”

Yulo was far from finished.

He followed up his floor exercise triumph by adding another gold medal in vault, posting an average score of 14.599 after scoring 14.733 on his first vault and 14.466 on his second.

Iran’s Mahdi Olfati took silver with 14.533, while Hong Kong’s Ka Ki Ng claimed bronze with 14.116.

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Fil-Am volleyball star Jordan Lucas makes waves with power, personality

Fil-Am volleyball player Jordan Lucas is drawing attention not only for his play at the net but also for the flair and personality he brings to the court.

The 22-year-old has become known for his energetic celebrations, including spikes, hair flips, finger snaps and air kisses that add plenty of character to his performances.

SoCal’s 22-year-old sensation Jordan Lucas plays with his entire personality. FUCKING FIERCE. https://t.co/yzaR3HOgWM

— Nicole Minét (@mouvement33) September 25, 2026

Lucas also has a connection to the Philippines, having trained with the Philippine national team after taking a break from volleyball.

His stint with the national program added another chapter to a career that has taken him from Southern California to the international volleyball scene.

Now playing for Cal State Northridge, Lucas continues to showcase the same confidence and enthusiasm in Southern California.

His on-court presence has made him a player to watch, with his performances combining athleticism and showmanship. (Adrian Co)

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Rene Baterbonia museum drawing mockery over display of underwear

A display of what appeared to be Rene Baterbonia’s underwear inside the late Ateneo de Manila University basketball player’s mini-museum has become a new target of online mockery.

Photos of the museum circulating online showed several pieces of Rene’s basketball memorabilia, awards and jerseys, along with mannequins and other personal items.

Among the displayed items was what appeared to be a pair of underwear placed alongside the collection.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14s7ELfXeHk/

The unusual exhibit quickly caught the attention of social media users, with some making jokes about the inclusion of the personal garment.

One of the post’s commenters asked, “Pwede bang amuyin yung brief? Hahaha,” referring to the displayed underwear.

Other also joined the discussion, with one asking, “Pati brief talaga? hahaha.”

The posts generated further reactions, including comments mocking the decision to include the underwear among Rene’s memorabilia.

The display is part of a growing collection of items being preserved in memory of Rene, who died on June 8 during an off-campus Ateneo team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Rene’s mother, Rovelyn Baterbonia, previously explained that the family’s mini-museum charges a ₱30 entrance fee to help cover maintenance costs. She also clarified that the fee applies to the museum and not the family’s merchandise store.

The latest discussion adds to the continuing online attention surrounding the Baterbonia family’s efforts to preserve Rene’s memory following his death. (By the Staff)

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Alas Pilipinas Men finish 13th in Asiad volleyball

Alas Pilipinas Men officially finished 13th in the 20th Asian Games after Kyrgyzstan forfeited their scheduled classification match on Saturday in Nagoya, Japan.

The Technical Delegate confirmed that Kyrgyzstan would not take the court for Match No. 42 against the Philippines, handing Alas Pilipinas an automatic 3-0 victory with all three sets recorded as 25-0.

The forfeiture allowed the Philippine men’s volleyball team to close its Asian Games campaign with consecutive victories after finally earning its first on-court win against Uzbekistan.

Alas Pilipinas defeated Uzbekistan, 25-19, 25-15, 23-25, 25-17, in their previous classification match behind captain Bryan Bagunas’ 26-point performance.

Joshua Magalaman contributed 13 points, including six blocks, while Peng Taguibolos added 11 for the Philippines.

The victory over Uzbekistan ended a four-match losing skid for Alas Pilipinas, which suffered three defeats in Pool D before also falling to Indonesia in the classification round. (Adrian Co)

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Vice Ganda draws flak for ‘Rene Baterbonia pose’

Jose Marie “Vice Ganda” Viceral has drawn criticism from some supporters of late Ateneo student-athlete Rene Baterbonia after a video showing the comedian’s pose circulated online.

Several netizens noticed similarities between Vice Ganda’s pose in the video and the viral pose associated with a life-size tribute sculpture of Baterbonia.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19hr6FPHst/

The sculpture has become the subject of a social media mocking dubbed the “Rene Baterbonia Craze,” with some users making fun of Baterbonia by recreating its distinctive pose in photos and videos.

Some Baterbonia supporters reacted negatively to Vice Ganda’s video, with some viewing the pose as disrespectful to Rene and his family.

There has also been no direct statement from Vice Ganda confirming that the pose was deliberately based on the viral Baterbonia sculpture.

The video nevertheless continued to generate discussion online, with users focusing on the apparent resemblance between Vice Ganda’s pose and the one associated with Baterbonia’s tribute sculpture.

Baterbonia was among the two Ateneo student-athletes who died during an off-campus team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8. (Adrian Co)

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“Dad, what am I doing wrong?” Alex Eala’s frustration evident during semifinals loss

Alexandra Eala could not hide her frustration during her Asian Games semifinal defeat to China’s Xiyu Wang on Thursday in Nagoya, Japan.

According to GMA News’ JP Soriano, the Filipina tennis star even turned to her father at one point of the match and asked, “Dad, what am I doing wrong?”

The moment came as Eala struggled to regain control after a strong start against Wang at the Higashiyama Tennis Center.

Eala opened the match in commanding fashion, racing to a 5-0 advantage and appearing poised to take charge of the contest. Wang, however, gradually settled into the match and turned the momentum around.

The Chinese player eventually completed the comeback, ending Eala’s bid for a place in the gold medal match.

The defeat left Eala with the bronze medal, which she is scheduled to receive during Friday’s awarding ceremony.

The setback was particularly disappointing for Eala, who entered the competition as one of the leading contenders for the women’s singles title.

Still, the Filipina star has another podium finish to show for her Asian Games campaign and continued to receive strong support from Filipino fans despite the semifinal setback.

Eala later acknowledged that her inconsistency played a major role in the loss.

“I think [Wang] was more consistent,” Eala said. “I think I had a couple ups and downs during the match. It’s something I have to talk with my team about.”

The bronze adds to Eala’s Asian Games medal collection after she also reached the podium in the previous edition in Hangzhou.

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Alex Eala named to TIME100 Next 2026, only tennis player on list

Alexandra Eala has earned another major recognition after being included in the TIME100 Next 2026, a list highlighting emerging figures considered to be shaping the future.

The Filipina star was the only tennis player selected for this year’s list and was placed in the Innovators category, alongside rising figures from various fields.

Eala received a notable endorsement from 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, who wrote about the Filipina’s development, composure and approach to improving her game.

“One of her greatest strengths is precisely her ability to listen, learn, and keep improving,” Nadal wrote.

The Spanish tennis great also praised Eala’s character away from competition, describing her as “warm, approachable, and humble” while noting the challenge of dealing with rapid success at a young age.

Nadal has known Eala since she joined the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2018 at age 13. He also recalled that Eala was the first player he hit with after his retirement from professional tennis.

Eala has made significant strides in the rankings over the past year and a half. After rising from No. 140 in the WTA rankings, she climbed as high as No. 18 while establishing herself among the leading players on tour.

Her breakthrough performance came in 2025 when she reached the Miami Open final as a wildcard after defeating three Grand Slam champions during her run.

She followed that performance with her first WTA Tour title in Washington, D.C., earlier this year, further raising her profile internationally.

Eala’s rise has also generated a growing following in the Philippines and abroad, while making history as the first Filipina to break into the WTA Top 100.

Her inclusion in TIME100 Next adds another distinction to a 2026 season marked by major results and milestones. (Adrian Co)

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France snatch late winner in Belgium, Italy thrash Turkey 4-1 away

France substitute Michael Olise scored two minutes from time as the visitors snatched a late 1-0 win against Belgium in the Nations League on Monday, while Italy returned to winning ways with a thumping 4-1 away triumph over Turkey.

Fortunes ebbed and flowed in Brussels but Olise kept up France coach Zinedine Zidane’s winning start to his new job with a surging run from midway inside the Belgian half before a superb finish to win the Group A1 fixture.

France were without captain Kylian Mbappe and Zidane made nine changes to the side that edged Turkey 1-0 last week but it was after bringing on the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Rayan Cherki and Olise that the French turned the game in their favour.

“We played a good game, we deserved to win, and we are all relieved by Michael’s goal,” said France debutant Lucas da Cunha. “My performance? The coach gave me his full confidence and told me to express myself, to do what I do at club level. I felt good on the pitch.”

Desire Doue was a persistent danger as he took on the home defence and twice hit the woodwork but Belgium will rue the opportunities they spurned with Mika Godts outstanding for them.

“It is a pity, especially because the goal came so late. We created chances ourselves, looked dangerous, and gave very little away. A draw would have been a fairer result,” said Belgium centre back Brandon Mechele.

Italy lost last Friday’s opening fixture of their Nations League campaign 2-0 at home to Belgium in a false start for Roberto Mancini on his return to the coaching job, but in the rain in Bursa they looked a very different outfit.

Alessandro Bastoni gave the visitors a ninth-minute lead from a corner and 13 minutes later Davide Frattesi pounced on a rebound after Michael Kayode’s shot from the left was parried by goalkeeper Altay Bayındır.

Italy were 3-0 up in the 27th minute as debutant Kayode hit home a low effort and the visitors finished the half with 10 attempts such was their dominance.

FRENETIC GAME IN THE RAIN IN TURKEY

The frenetic nature of the game continued after the break as Barıs Alper Yılmaz pulled one back for Turkey, who made three substitutions at halftime, but Italy’s three-goal advantage was restored as Pio Esposito headed home a fourth in the 50th.

“The team played well, pressed high, kept possession and played the ball through. We had to focus on this match, which was a difficult one,” said Mancini, whose team go to Paris on Friday to face the French.

Bosnia registered an emphatic 4-2 win away to Romania in Bucharest in Group B4 as former great Gheorghe Hagi suffered another setback on his return to the manager’s post.

But Sweden lead the group two points above Bosnia after a second home win, this time 3-1 over Poland in Stockholm.

The two Group B2 fixtures ended goalless with Ukraine away in Georgia and Northern Ireland home to Hungary.

Montenegro’s Aleksa Latkovic scored a last-minute winner as they won 3-2 in Armenia to move three points clear of their opponents on six points atop Group C2 where Latvia and Cyprus drew 0-0 in Riga to each pick up their first point. (Reuters)

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Giannis Antetokounmpo begins Miami Heat chapter with iguanas as unexpected challenge

Giannis Antetokounmpo is preparing for a new chapter with the Miami Heat, but his first adjustment to South Florida life has come from an opponent he never encountered during his years in Milwaukee – iguanas.

The two-time NBA MVP recently shared a video showing the large reptiles appearing around his new home, including near his swimming pool. The unexpected encounters quickly became a talking point as Antetokounmpo settles into Miami.

“If the iguanas keep on coming, I’ll probably move, maybe get an apartment. No pools, no grass, none of that stuff,” Antetokounmpo said.

“When I came here in July somebody told me they were kind of cute. They’re not cute. They’re not cute. It’s scary. But I’ll get used to it, hopefully. We’ll see.”

The iguanas, however, are hardly the biggest adjustment facing Antetokounmpo.

Miami officially began its new era Tuesday as training camp opened in Boca Raton, Florida, with Antetokounmpo at the center of a major offseason overhaul.

The Heat acquired Antetokounmpo during the offseason and also brought in Klay Thompson, Bobby Portis and Tim Hardaway Jr. to join a roster featuring Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, Pelle Larsson and Davion Mitchell.

For Antetokounmpo, the move means adapting to a new coaching system, teammates and defensive responsibilities after spending his entire NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks.

“This is all new for me,” Antetokounmpo said Monday during his first Heat media day.

“I’m trying to learn defense. I’m learning offenses. I am trying to fit in the locker room with new faces. I’m trying to be able to play with players that I’ve never played before. It’s all new for me. It’s exciting.”

Antetokounmpo said he intends to approach the transition through hard work, regardless of the outcome.

“I know that I’m going to put in the work. Succeed or fail, I’m going to fail by working, or succeed by working. And the goal is to win a championship. That’s the goal.”

Antetokounmpo enters his Miami tenure with 21,531 points, 8,882 rebounds and 4,484 assists over his NBA career. Those totals rank fifth in points and rebounds and 13th in assists among players during the period since he entered the league in 2013.

“I really do believe that if not the best, I’m one of the best players in the world,” he said. “I know when I’m at my best, when I’m locked in, when my body is right, I really do believe that I can dominate the game and I can impact the game in both ways, offensively and defensively. I think I’ve shown it over the years.”

For now, Antetokounmpo has a new team, a new city and plenty of new teammates to learn — along with an unexpected group of backyard visitors. (Adrian Co)

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No playoffs, but plenty at stake as Mets, Nationals close season

The New York Mets and Washington Nationals are out of the playoff race, but their season finale Sunday still offers a few reasons to watch.

Mets rookie Carson Benge gets one last chance to strengthen his case for National League Rookie of the Year, while Washington stars James Wood and CJ Abrams will try to finish career-best seasons on a high note.

Benge, 23, has been one of New York’s hottest hitters down the stretch. He had three hits and made a diving catch in Saturday’s 7-1 victory over Washington, raising his batting average to .280.

Over his past nine games, Benge is batting .441 with two home runs and six RBIs. He has recorded multiple hits in six of his past 12 games.

Winning Rookie of the Year “would be amazing,” Benge said, while acknowledging a crowded field that includes Mets pitcher Nolan McLean.

New York will also be keeping an eye on star Juan Soto, who was hit on the right hand by a pitch in the ninth inning Saturday. He left the game, but X-rays were negative.

For Washington, Wood enters the finale one home run shy of matching his career high of 31. Abrams has already set career highs with 33 homers and 105 RBIs.

The Nationals will start DJ Herz, who is trying to secure a place in their 2027 rotation after returning from Tommy John surgery. The 25-year-old left-hander allowed four runs over four innings in his first start since 2024.

Veteran Sean Manaea will start for New York. The 34-year-old left-hander is 6-7 with a 4.67 ERA and has one season remaining on his three-year, $75 million contract.

The Mets won Saturday behind rookie A.J. Ewing’s three-run homer and two home runs from Ronny Mauricio.

Washington also got an encouraging debut from left-hander Connelly Early, who pitched three scoreless innings.

With neither team headed to the postseason, Sunday’s finale is less about October and more about what comes next.

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Maroons’ sluggish start proves costly as UP absorbs first loss of season

University of the Philippines guard Jacob Bayla pointed to a sluggish start as the main reason the Fighting Maroons suffered their first loss of the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament against the National University Bulldogs.

UP entered the game unbeaten but struggled from the opening quarter as NU built a commanding advantage. The Maroons were unable to fully recover despite making a late push in the fourth period.

“Slow start, I’d say. We didn’t really get our guys going. Especially defensively, they had a huge lead and a huge margin in the first quarter. So that kinda made it hard for us to come back in the second half,” Bayla said.

“And just bouncing back with this is what’s on my mind,” he added.

UP showed more urgency in the fourth quarter and gradually cut into NU’s lead, something Bayla attributed to a stronger effort from the team.

“We just wanted it more in the fourth quarter compared to the first. We started off slow, really slow in the first quarter,” Bayla said.

The UP guard credited his teammates for refusing to give up and helping reduce the deficit late in the contest.

“And I wish we started really good in the first quarter. But the guys in the fourth quarter, they did their job. Kudos to them for making the lead shorter,” he added.

With UP absorbing its first setback, Bayla said the Maroons will use their next practices to address the details that hurt them against NU.

“Just going to practice with an open mind. Just focusing more on the little things. Because those things cost us the game,” Bayla said.

The Fighting Maroons will attempt to bounce back against Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Sunday, October 4, at the Blue Eagles Gym. (Adrian Co)

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Ateneo guard Ian Espinosa credits teammates’ trust in breakout game

Ateneo de Manila University guard Ian Espinosa credited his teammates’ trust and the Blue Eagles’ discipline after contributing a key scoring boost in their victory over Adamson University Falcons.

Espinosa finished with 10 markers as Ateneo held off the Falcons, 73-68, on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to improve to 2-1 in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.

With the game separated by one point and Ateneo relying heavily on its group of point guards, Espinosa said the coaching staff reminded the guards to stay composed and make the most of their opportunities.

“Before the game, coach Sandro (Mendoza) and I talked. He said, let the game come to you. He said that since coach Louie (Alas) wanted it, it’s our responsibility to defend the offense,” Espinosa said.

He also expressed appreciation for head coach Louie Alas’ confidence in the team’s guards.

“I appreciate coach Louie for trusting us. And that’s it, I’m just looking for the advantage that we have in the team. And maybe that’s it, it’s good that we scored points there,” he added.

Espinosa said he made a conscious effort to improve offensively after Ateneo’s previous game against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, where he felt he was unable to make a significant impact on offense.

“Maybe personally, after the UP game, I wasn’t really effective offensively. So I really doubled-time to prepare for the Adamson game,” Espinosa said.

Rather than forcing the issue while holding an advantage, Espinosa said Ateneo focused on ball movement and clock management in the closing stages.

“I told the team that we shouldn’t be in a hurry. We have an advantage and the lead is okay, but let’s not stop the ball. Let’s run the clock by moving the ball. And we trusted each other,” he said.

The Blue Eagles will return to action next Saturday, October 3, against National University Bulldogs at the Blue Eagles Gym. (Adrian Co)

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Dedma sa mga medalya! Angelica Yulo silent as sons Caloy, Eldrew win 2 golds, 1 bronze

CARLOS Edriel and Karl Eldrew Yulo’s medal-winning performances at the 2026 Asian Games are surely not a proud moment for their mother, Angelica Yulo.

Instead of publicly congratulating them, Angelica continued with her usual activities on social media, including sharing a TikTok video of herself dancing with friends and promoting her live-selling business.

Carlos has so far captured two gold medals in Nagoya, ruling the men’s floor exercise and vault finals. Karl Eldrew won a bronze medal in the men’s horizontal bar event.

Angelica’s silence comes amid the long-running family rift involving Carlos, which became public following the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Carlos and his parents, Angelica and Mark Andrew Yulo, have been estranged for several years. Carlos previously said he had forgiven his parents but maintained that they would not be invited to his wedding with content creator Chloe San Jose, explaining that he wanted an intimate celebration centered on the couple.

Carlos eventually chose to live separately from his parents and continued his relationship with San Jose, who has remained a prominent figure in his life and career.

The family dispute has played out publicly on social media and in interviews, with both sides previously sharing their perspectives about their strained relationship.

Karl Eldrew, meanwhile, had previously been seen alongside his parents and brother during his gymnastics career. In earlier interviews, he said he and Carlos had different styles and paths despite the comparisons between them.

More recently, however, reports have surfaced claiming that Karl Eldrew has also moved away from his parents and joined Carlos and San Jose.

Despite the family issues, Carlos and Karl Eldrew represented the Philippines together at the Asian Games, putting their performances on the international stage at the center of attention. (By the Staff)

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