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The 'Small Power Forward'
As we continue to fantasize about building twin towers for our national team, successful teams in the NBA are redefining positions to fit the modern game. The Golden State Warriors redefined the game in 2015 and made it a shooting league, and the paradigm of the typical starting five has changed drastically. Height Not Might? The adage of “height is might” has been floated since basketball began. After all, it is clearly a vertical sport with a 10-foot rim. Being tall allowed one to reach the goal quicker and easier. Thus, the early dominant players in the sport were centers, and the best example is George Mikan of the Minneapolis Lakers. After Mikan, new generations of big men emerged like the rivalry of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. The 1980s saw Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, and David Robinson. Up until the 1990s, being tall pretty much guaranteed a ticket to the NBA. Nowadays, being tall is no longer much of an advantage, and it’s not just in the NBA. As seen in the recent Asian games, the tallest team (China) got walloped by Akatsuki Japan, a team well-entrenched in the modern style of play. Skillset Over Positional Size It’s ironic to brush off height these days now that Victor Wembanyama has become a dominant force. Having a unicorn type center still matters, and more Wemby-types are on the way. Teams still need a center, but the traditional frontcourt mate has evolved. In the recent NBA Finals, the starting power forwards were OG Anunoby and Julian Champagnie. Both were 6’7, and were more attuned as small forwards rather than the traditional power forward. LeBron James, Pascal Siakam, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant were former All-Stars as small forwards. That doesn’t mean there is no more space for tall power forwards. Chet Holmgren is the power forward in the OKC Thunder’s twin tower starting combo. But Holmgren is the modern big–mobile, with three-point shooting range and able to play facing the basket. The game has changed and there are less post-up plays and more three-point shots. That results in long rebounds and more fastbreak attempts. Even tall players need to be quick and run back on defense. It can be recalled that Anthony Davis famously complained about being played as a center, and demanded a trade. He can’t avoid that now, as it would be considered a waste of a position to place him with a big bruiser. Fortunately, young starter Alex Sarr has European-developed skills. Athleticism, lateral quickness, and strength override height. For the international game, that’s what Gilas should look for, more than seeking someone who’s simply 6’10. Younger players with those skills like Scottie Barnes and Jalen Johnson started as small forwards, but are now converted. For Gilas, players like Carl Tamayo and Zavier Lucero could play that role. PBA Draft 2027 Prospects The PBA Draft 2027 is a couple of months away, and it has a deep bag of talent including two graduating seasons of the UAAP. Here is a list of the realistic prospects which PBA teams could choose from. This is by no means final since the deadline to declare is still far off. FIl-foreign players who are not FIBA eligible like Kymani Ladi are here since they also would not qualify for the B.League or KBL. Mike Phillips, who is already in the B.League, is not listed anymore. Some of the local prospects here could get their aspired call-up as Asian imports (Mason Amos is rumored), while other names like Remy Martin, Kihei Clark, and Kamaka Hepa are still longshots at this time. Bigs Kymani Ladi, Raven Gonzales, Mason Amos, Allen Liwag, Gani Stevens, Sean Alter, Ced Manzano, PJ Palacielo, EJ Kapihe, Tucker Molina, Drex delos Reyes, Kenshin Padrones, Drew Jimenez Wings Nic Cabanero, Jake Figueroa, DJ Fenner, Landyn Jumawan, Travis Roberts, Patrick Sleat, Jomel Puno, Cholo Anonuevo, Chris Hubilla, Justine Sanchez, Landyn Jumawan, Shawn Tuano, Paul Francisco, RC Calimag, Dominic Escobar, Jolo Manansala, Earl Abadam, Josh Barcelona Point Guards Harold Alarcon, Forthsky Padrigao, Terrence Fortea, Jacob Cortez, Rey Remogat, JD Cagulangan, Rey Torres, Matt Montebon, Kean Baclaan, Reinhard Jumamoy, John Abate, JC Macalalag, Donovan Sevilla
PVL: All-to-play format gives deep Nxled ‘very good weapon’
MANILA, Philippines — Nxled coach Ettore Guidetti is relishing the luxury of having a deep, talent-rich roster in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series, where the all-to-play format has played to his team’s advantage. With three-time MVP Brooke Van Sickle returning from her shoulder injury, Nxled flexed its depth by sweeping Invitational bronze medalist PLDT,
Dwyane Wade takes in UAAP action, thanks fans for warm welcome
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 89 basketball tournament – first round MANILA, Philippines—NBA legend Dwyane Wade was in attendance during the match between University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday. Wade did a little bit of everything courtside, from watching the game
T1 clubs sustain defeats in ACL Elite duels
It was a bleak Tuesday night for Thailand in the AFC Champions League Elite, with Ratchaburi and Buriram United each beaten 1-0 by goals from substitutes.
Thai hopes suffer double Odense blow
Two Thai mixed doubles pairs bowed out in the first round of the US$950,000 BWF Denmark Open in Odense on Wednesday, a day after men's top seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn suffered a shock early exit.
UAAP: UST cools off FEU with Dwyane Wade at courtside
MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas returned to its winning ways in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament after stopping streaking Far Eastern University, 81-69, at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday. With Dwyane Wade sitting courtside, the Growling Tigers snapped the Tamaraws’ four-game winning streak to climb to 3-2 following a heartbreaking overtime loss to National
PBA: Meralco keeps pace in crowded quarterfinal chase
MANILA, Philippines–Meralco knows anything can still happen, even as it gained ground in the wild chase for the three remaining quarterfinal spots in Group B of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. The Bolts came away with a 120-115 win over the Blackwater Bossing on Tuesday to climb into fourth with a 4-5 record going into
NLEX blasts Titan Ultra, boosts top seed bid
MANILA, Philippines — NLEX stepped on the gas in the last two quarters to pulverize Titan Ultra, 147-115 for its ninth win in 11 starts, putting the team in a better position to seal the top seed in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup playoffs. The Road Warriors exploded for 37 and 45 points in the second half, thanks to their firepower that came from the bench that sent the Giant Risers reeling to their ninth loss against just two victories, thus tying the Macau Giant Pandas at the bottom of the Group A standings. Deonte Burton, playing in just his second game in an NLEX uniform since replacing injured DeQuan Jones, led the Road Warriors with 21 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks in a huge all-around effort. Robert Bolick added 20 points, five rebounds and eight assists, Kevin Alas added 19, while rookie LJ Gonzales and Robert Herndon chipped in 17 and 16, respectively. NLEX outrebounded Titan Ultra, 55-40, scored 30 off its opponents’ 16 turnovers. The boys coach coach Jimmy Alapag also held a massive 82-37 advantage in bench points. Titan Ultra, already out of playoff running, drew 33 points from Joshua Munzon, while import Tirrell Brown scored 29.
Titans seek solo lead versus Thunderbelles
CHOCO Mucho aims for a second straight victory and an early grip on the solo lead as it battles debuting ZUS Coffee, while Capital1 and Akari look to bounce back from opening-game defeats in the PVL All-Filipino Siklab Series at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Thursday. The Flying Titans launch their bid at 6 p.m. on the heels of a stirring comeback against the Capital1 Solar Spikers, rallying from two sets down to pull off a stunning victory before a full house at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena in last Saturday’s season-opening matches. The triumph underscored Choco Mucho’s resilience and ability to turn adversity into opportunity, but the Flying Titans face a different challenge against a ZUS Coffee side eager to make an immediate impact in its league debut. Led by Eya Laure, Choco Mucho will also lean on Sisi Rondina, Maddie Madayag, Kat Tolentino, Caitlin Viray, Lorene Toring, Des Cheng and Isa Molde as it seeks to sustain its winning momentum against a ZUS Coffee lineup featuring Cess Robles, Kate Santiago, Chinnie Arroyo, Jolina dela Cruz, Fiola Ceballos, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Riza Nogales and Chai Troncoso. ZUS Coffee will also parade middle blocker Angela Jackson, a 20-year-old UPIS alumna and the youngest draftee in the PVL, who hopes to make an early impression with her grit and raw potential. While both teams have the firepower to make their mark, execution and defensive discipline could prove decisive. Choco Mucho displayed both in its comeback against Capital1, overcoming an early deficit to seize control and complete the turnaround. “Whatever I can do to help the team [win], I will do it so that Choco Mucho can start off well again,” said head coach Dante Alinsunurin. “They were challenged [by Capital1]. I’m very thankful for how they responded, and I hope this isn’t just for today. I hope we can do a lot more in our next game,” he added. Capital1, meanwhile, gets an immediate chance to redeem itself when it faces Akari at 1 p.m. in a matchup that carries added importance for two teams coming off opening-game losses. The Solar Spikers appeared poised to live up to their pretournament billing after taking the first two sets against Choco Mucho, with the vaunted trio of Bella Belen, Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler delivering as expected. But Alinsunurin made the necessary adjustments, and his wards responded to turn the match around in dramatic fashion. Capital1 will need to rediscover its early form and sustain its intensity across the match against an Akari side likewise eager to get back on track after a disappointing debut. The Chargers struggled to find answers to the dominant showing of the Creamline Cool Smashers in their opening assignment. Only Ivy Lacsina reached double figures with 12 points, as Fifi Sharma, Faith Nisperos, Grethcel Soltones, Jyne Soreno, Chenie Tagaod, Mary Rhose Dapol, Nicole Ancheta and Eli Soyud struggled to make an impact on both ends of the floor. The opening series is a single-round-robin tournament, with the top four teams advancing to the crossover series. The top two finishers will enjoy twice-to-beat advantages, making every match crucial in the race to the Final Four. Meanwhile, action in the Spikers’ Turf resumes with debuting 3B Event Masters taking on Clear Skin at 3:30 p.m. TMT
Heading inks fresh 3-year deal with TNT
SWEET-SHOOTING Filipino-Australian guard Jordan Heading is staying with TNT after signing a fresh three-year deal. The Tropang 5G announced the left-handed Heading’s re-signing Tuesday night on the team’s social media account. The 6-2 southpaw guard’s new deal allows the Tropang 5G to keep their core as announced by TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa. “The extension keeps Heading in the fold as TNT builds on its core and looks to sustain its success in the PBA,” the team said in its statement. Heading scored 11 points, along with three rebounds, four assists and two steals as TNT zoomed to its seventh win in 11 starts following its lopsided 142-87 rough housing of Macao on Tuesday. Heading landed at TNT after being shipped by Converge in exchange for Mikey Williams in June 2025, just three months after the Tropang 5G ruled the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup finals. Heading has helped TNT reach the finals the last three conferences, but in all three occasions, the Tropang 5G fell short of winning a championship. RICHARD DY