THE STANDS - An INQUIRER Sports Newsletter

 

January 10, 2025

Barangay Ginebra is looking for consistency. (PBA IMAGES)

Hey there sports fan, First off, Happy New year everyone! The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) welcomed 2025 with a flurry of action, as teams hit the court determined to restart their Commissioner's Cup campaigns on a high note.  Fans were treated to a mix of resilience, comebacks, and dominant displays in a week that highlighted the league’s competitive spirit. Barangay Ginebra is working to find its rhythm, with coach Tim Cone emphasizing the need for consistency to guide the team through an already challenging start. Cone’s vision for an “even-keeled approach” comes as Ginebra aims to build a foundation for lasting success. This philosophy, he believes, will be critical to sustaining their competitiveness throughout the season. Read more here. Meanwhile, the Meralco Bolts started the year with a spark. Shaking off injuries and a two-game losing streak, the Bolts battled their way to a gritty win over Eastern. Their performance showcased a healthy roster’s potential, proving that resilience and determination remain key ingredients for their 2025 campaign. Full story here. Elsewhere, the Phoenix Fuel Masters lit up the court to break free from their early struggles. Inspired by their import player’s leadership, Phoenix defeated Terrafirma, snapping a frustrating slump. Their determination to rally as a team underscores their readiness to turn things around and climb the standings. Read the highlights. On a roll of their own, Rain or Shine continued their remarkable form, notching a fifth consecutive win with a commanding performance against Blackwater. The Elasto Painters have emerged as early-season standouts, blending teamwork and consistency to dominate their opponents. Catch the details. With grit, strategy, and excitement on full display, fans can look forward to a basketball season brimming with promise. Here’s to an unforgettable 2025 on the hardwood! And if you want to start the year testing you sports knowledge, here's a trivia question: LeBron James set the record for most 30-point games in the NBA, surpassing which NBA legend? Answer can be found below.

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Carlos Yulo, the country's golden boy. (REUTERS)

Meanwhile... We weren't idle during the holidays and continued churning out content for our sports audience. You may have missed out on our yearenders in the last few days of 2024, but The Stands has got you covered. Two, in particular, that you should read: A stranglehold is broken in the PBA. The ups and downs in the Paris Olympics. What we're up to next: We will continue covering the Commissioner's Cup and update you on a brewing issue with the national women's futsal team. And as we count the days to the restart of the PVL, we will provide you a few features along the way.  Number of the Week: 52 Years passed since the Philippines beat Thailand in football.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I realized that age is really just a number.” —Alyssa Valdez, Creamline superstar, on how 2024 was a rollercoaster ride for her.

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Michael Jordan. That's the answer to our trivia question above. If you think you can ace this week's quiz, head over to our Viber community, where you can also stay updated on sports headlines! Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read. See you next Friday! Francis Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).THE