Hoopjunkie

NCAA rookie star Aaron Manansala is set to sign with ANTA Philippines, sources told HoopJunkie.

The incoming Arellano Chiefs standout is expected to become the latest Filipino athlete to join the ANTA Basketball family.

The highly touted rookie was among the players who participated in the ANTA Shockwave 8 Invitational, giving fans an early look at one of the country’s brightest young basketball prospects.

Manansala showcased his explosiveness, athleticism, and shot-making throughout the event, where he also got to experience the ANTA Shockwave 8 on court.

The appearance now comes ahead of what is expected to be his official signing with the brand.

The ANTA Shockwave 8 is engineered for explosive guards, featuring NitroEdge cushioning, a full-length carbon plate, and a lightweight upper built for speed, responsiveness, and stability.

JRU is one win away from its first-ever FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup title. 🏆

The Heavy Bombers took Game 1 of the best-of-three finals after defeating San Beda, 70-59, on Monday.

Lawrence Mangubat led the way with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal, while Christopher Hubilla added 19 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals in the victory.

JRU now has a chance to close out the series in Game 2 and capture the 19th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup championship.

📸 FilOil EcoOil / Vyn Radovan, All-Star Magazine

SPAIN ARE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD! 🇪🇸🏆

Ferran Torres delivered the winner in extra time as Spain defeated defending champion Argentina, 1–0, to capture the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This was no overnight rise.

Spain won the UEFA Nations League in 2023, conquered EURO 2024, and have now reached the summit of world football in 2026.

Three trophies in four years, a dominant run built on control, depth, youth, and fearless football.

Sixteen years after winning it all in South Africa, La Roja are world champions once again.

Spain’s second star is secured. ⭐️⭐️

BREAKING: Former San Beda Red Lion and NCAA champion JV Gallego has passed away at the age of 28 following a vehicular accident.

Gallego also represented the Philippines in the 2016 FIBA Asia U18 Championship and was part of San Beda’s NCAA Season 99 championship team.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, teammates, and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV. 🕊️

BREAKING: EJ Gollena parts ways with La Salle, NCAA transfer possible. A four-time UAAP champion is on the move.

After winning two UAAP men’s basketball championships and two UAAP 3x3 titles with De La Salle University, EJ Gollena is officially parting ways with the Green Archers after three seasons.

The 6-foot-3 swingman has completed his UAAP eligibility, but he still has two years of collegiate eligibility remaining should he decide to continue his career in the NCAA.

Gollena was part of one of La Salle’s most successful runs in recent years, appearing in 48 UAAP games while providing valuable minutes for the Green Archers.

His next destination has yet to be announced.

Where do you think EJ Gollena should play next? 👀

SNEAKER NEWS: For the first time, Filipino basketball fans will be able to check out the Way of Wade line at a physical retail store in the Philippines.

After years of copping these sneakers overseas, select Li-Ning Basketball performance models are set for a limited release at Toby’s Sports BGC on July 17.

The lineup is expected to include the Way of Wade 12, LI-NING 808 5 Ultra V2, All City 14, and other basketball models.

For many hoopers, this marks the first opportunity to see the Way of Wade lineup in person before deciding on a pair.

📍 Toby’s Sports BGC
📅 July 17, 11:00 AM

SALAMAT, MANONG. 🇵🇭

From representing the Philippines with the RP Youth U16 team to playing on the world stage at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Manila, Kiefer Ravena’s national team journey has come full circle.

After years of wearing the country’s colors, Kiefer is retiring from Gilas Pilipinas.

What a ride.

B.LEAGUE-eligible Rhyle Melencio is officially transferring from the De La Salle Green Archers to the José Rizal University Heavy Bombers.

As a Japanese local, Melencio is eligible to play in Japan’s B.LEAGUE, making him one of the few Filipino collegiate players with that pathway available.

The former UAAP standout has signed with Bridge Sports Global (BSG), which will represent him as he continues pursuing his dream of playing professionally in Japan.

Could JRU be the final stop before the B.LEAGUE? 👀🇯🇵

THE DECISION 4.0. 👑

LeBron James is preparing for the next, and potentially final chapter of his legendary NBA career.

So where should The King take his talents next?

A STORYBOOK RETURN TO CLEVELAND? 🏠

LeBron already delivered the Cavaliers their first NBA championship.

Could he return home one last time, chase another title and finish his career exactly where it began?

LEBRON TO MINNESOTA? 🐺

Anthony Edwards is ready to take over the league, but imagine him learning how to win from LeBron.

The King, Ant-Man, LaMelo Ball and a team built to compete immediately? That would be must-see basketball.

LEBRON AND JOKIĆ IN DENVER? 🃏👑

One of the greatest basketball minds ever teaming up with the best passing center the game has ever seen.

LeBron cutting, Jokić finding him and both controlling every possession? Basketball perfection.

TAKING HIS TALENTS BACK TO SOUTH BEACH? 🌴

Miami helped turn LeBron into a champion.

A reunion with the Heat would bring back the memories, but could LeBron and the Heat Culture create one more championship run together, this time with Giannis Antetokounmpo?

LEBRON TO PHILLY? 🔔

LeBron alongside Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid would give Philadelphia another elite playmaker, leader and proven postseason performer.

Maxey. Edgecombe. Brown. Embiid. LeBron.

The fit comes with risks, but the championship ceiling would be difficult to ignore.

WHAT WOULD WE DO? 🤔

If I were making the decision, we would choose Philadelphia.

LeBron would have star power beside him, a legitimate opportunity to compete and the chance to bring a championship to one of basketball’s most passionate cities.

Julo’s choice? Minnesota.

A younger team, an established defensive identity and the opportunity to help Anthony Edwards reach the next level.

Where would you send LeBron? 👇

AND OF COURSE, WE HAD TO SHOW OUT. 👟🔥

Big shoutout to for the AE 2 “Magpakitang Gilas” sneakers!

The perfect pair for debating The King’s next move. 🇵🇭

IT’S OFFICIAL. 🏹💚

Gilas Pilipinas Youth standout Joaquin Tovera is headed to Taft after officially committing to the De La Salle Green Archers.

Following his departure from the UP Fighting Maroons, Tovera begins a new chapter with one of the programs that strongly recruited him before his initial commitment to UP.

The move also adds another layer to the growing recruitment battle between the two UAAP rivals. UP recently secured Filipino-Canadian guard Irish Coquia, who suited up for DLSU during the offseason at AsiaBasket’s National Student Athletes Championship.

Two highly regarded guards. Two rival programs. 👀

How big could these moves become for the future of La Salle and UP?