The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA)’s landmark 50th season is underway. Besides being its golden anniversary, it’s the longest in league history, at 14 weeks, to accommodate Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers and the 20th Asian Games.
Additionally, the league welcomed a new franchise, the Titan Ultra Giant Risers. Simultaneously, nine rules were modified, most significantly that calls not made on the spot will no longer be reviewed.
The 1st conference, the Philippine Cup, ran from October 5, 2025, to February 1, 2026. The finals were a showdown between the San Miguel Beermen and the TNT Tropang 5G. The Beermen captured their 12th Philippine Cup—the most of any team—in a tough 6-game series.
Meanwhile, the 2nd conference, the Commissioner’s Cup semi-finals, is underway. The four remaining teams are matched up as follows: TNT vs. Meralco and Barangay Ginebra vs. Rain or Shine. Let’s take a look at their strengths, weaknesses, and standout players.
TNT Tropang 5G
Hampered by injuries, TNT started the playoffs as the lowest-seeded team. But they overcame this roadblock thanks to 7’3” import, Bol Bol, shocking fans by eliminating top-seeded NLEX Road Warriors.
Strengths: One of the more versatile lineups in the league, equally at ease with passing, shooting, and defending, while possessing speed and perimeter shooting skills. Guards who can improvise mid-play make the team a difficult puzzle to solve.
Weaknesses: Mostly health-related issues. Bol Bol recently suffered a devastating Achilles tendon injury, forcing the team to quickly integrate new import, Chris McCullough. Additionally, the local big men are not as tall as those from other teams, making them easier to push around.
Standout Players: Calvin Oftana (SF/PF), Rey Nambatac (SG), Roger Pogoy (SG/SF), Jayson Castro (PG).
Meralco Bolts
The 4th-seeded Bolts held a twice-to-beat advantage over the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots. Magnolia won the first game, but the Bolts won the 2nd game to advance.
Strengths: A “defense first” mindset that breaks opponents’ wills, complemented by composure under pressure. Their physicality wears down opponents over the course of a game.
Weaknesses: Defensive mindset compromises offense, leading to inconsistencies in outside shooting. The team also tends to overly rely on Chris Newsome, making them predictable.
Standout Players: Chris Newsome (SG), Cliff Hodge (PF), Chris Banchero (PG), CJ Cansino (SG).
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Ranked number two after the eliminations, Ginebra needed only one game to beat the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.
Strengths: The deepest guard lineup in the league with versatile, taller perimeter players. Combined with coach Tim Cone’s signature “triangle” system, they handle pressure both offensively and defensively.
Weaknesses: The “triangle” system is relatively slow-paced, making the team vulnerable to high-tempo offenses. Coach Cone prefers a veteran-heavy rotation during critical games, an issue considering key players are getting up there in age.
Standout Players: Scottie Thompson (PG/SG), RJ Abarrientos (G), Japeth Aguilar (C/F), Stephen Holt (G/F), Justin Brownlee (PF – import).
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
The Elasto Painters finished the elimination round with a 9-3 record. Seeded #3, they utilized their twice-to-beat advantage to rout the San Miguel Beermen in just one game.
Strengths: Fast-paced play and a deep bench that wears down opponents while keeping the team fresh. Coach Yeng Guiao employs an “equal-opportunity” system that keeps opponents guessing rather than relying on a single star.
Weaknesses: Fast pace can work to their disadvantage when opponents slow the game down, forcing Rain or Shine to rely more on accurate passing rather than driving towards the basket.
Standout Players: Andrei Caracut (PG), Jhonard Clarito (F), Adrian Nocum (SG), Gian Mamuyac (SG).
The Commissioner’s Cup Semis is a best-of-seven series. With the series currently standing at 2 to 1 (Barangay Ginebra and TNT leading), the remaining games may potentially be needed to see who makes it to the finals.
The PBA Governor’s Cup: A Look Ahead
The league’s final conference, the Governor’s Cup, kicks off on July 10. This conference will have two breaks for Gilas Pilipinas international matches: August 15 to October 6, and November 9 to December 3. When the league returns, fans can expect a whole month of basketball action, which is scheduled to end on December 30.