Davao’s Elaine Etang Named to UAAP Mythical Team, Joins Gilas for FIBA 3×3 World Cup

 

DAVAO CITY — Rising basketball star Elaine Etang of Davao City continues to make headlines as she earns a coveted spot in the UAAP Mythical Team, a recognition given by the media covering the collegiate league in Metro Manila.

Etang, who plays for the Adamson Lady Falcons, was honored on June 30 for her outstanding performance in the recent UAAP season. Her selection to the mythical five highlights her impact on the court — showcasing not only scoring and playmaking abilities, but also leadership and consistency.

The recognition comes at a high point in Etang’s career, as she also recently secured a place on the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s team that will compete in the 2025 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup.

Etang was instrumental in the Philippines' impressive showing at the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League Asia-Pacific 1 held in Doha, Qatar, where the team dominated four out of six tournament stops and amassed 530 points — 50 ahead of second-placed New Zealand. Their strong performance boosted the Philippines to 14th in the world rankings, the highest-ever rank achieved by any Gilas 3×3 squad, and fourth in Asia behind basketball powerhouses Japan, Mongolia, and China.

For the young guard from Davao, being named to the UAAP Mythical Team and earning a Gilas call-up are major milestones that reflect years of hard work and dedication. Her success is a source of pride for Davaoeños and proof that Mindanao continues to produce top-tier athletic talent.

As she prepares to represent the country on the world stage, Elaine Etang is expected to bring the same passion and heart that earned her a spot among the UAAP’s best.(Bob Braceros)

College Hoops Clash in Agdao: San Antonio Barangay Hosts 2-Day Basketball Showdown

Barangay San Antonio Captain Roger Galido

DAVAO CITY — Basketball fever is set to heat up Barangay San Antonio in Agdao District as four exciting teams battle it out in a two-day basketball league in celebration of the 35th Araw ng Barangay on June 24-25.

Squaring off in this friendly but competitive tournament are three collegiate squads — the Ateneo de Davao University Blue Knights, Jose Maria College Kings, and the Philippine Women’s College team — along with the Barangay San Antonio Selection Team, proudly led by homegrown talent George Diamante, a former standout of the Letran Squires.

The games promise action-packed nights at the newly renovated Barangay San Antonio Gym beside the barangay hall. Matches will take place under the lights, creating an electrifying atmosphere for fans and residents.

Barangay Captain Roger Galido, a former baller himself, encouraged all San Antonio residents and Davaoeños to come and witness the tournament. “This is more than just basketball; it’s a celebration of community pride and local talent,” Galido said.

The stakes are high with a prize pool up for grabs: P15,000 for the champion, P10,000 for the runner-up, P7,000 for third place, and P5,000 for the fourth-placer.

With talent, pride, and bragging rights on the line, Barangay San Antonio is set for a basketball showdown that promises to be one for the books.(Bob Braceros)

Davaoeña Basketball Star Elaine Etang Joins Gilas Women for 2025 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup

 

DAVAO CITY — A rising basketball talent from Davao has earned a coveted spot on the international stage as Elaine Etang joins the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s team bound for the 2025 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup.

Etang played a crucial role in the Philippines' dominant campaign at the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League Asia-Pacific 1 held in Doha, Qatar. Her skill, composure, and teamwork helped Gilas rule four out of the six tournament stops, ultimately finishing with 530 points — a commanding 50-point lead over second-placed New Zealand.

The team’s stellar showing not only secured a World Cup ticket but also catapulted the Philippines eight spots up in the FIBA 3×3 world rankings, landing at 14th — the highest-ever rank achieved by any Gilas 3×3 squad.

This leap also established the Philippines as the fourth-best women’s 3×3 basketball team in Asia, just behind powerhouse nations Japan, Mongolia, and China.

Elaine Etang's inclusion in the national team is a source of pride for Davao City and a testament to the growing strength of grassroots basketball development in Mindanao.

As Gilas gears up for the global stage later this year, Etang is expected to bring her signature grit and heart to help the squad make history once again.(Bob Braceros)

UAAP schools target Agdao HS cager for collegiate basketball wars

 

Davao City---A promising high school basketball player from Barangay San Antonio Agdao here is set to bring his talents to the UAAP in the collegiate basketball wars.

According to reports, some UAAP schools are targeting to get the services of George Diamante, one of the members of the Lebran Knights back-to-back high school basketball crown at the NCAA to be part of its roster.

The Letran Knights for its part confirmed that Diamante is no longer part of its roster in NCAA collegiate basketball wars.

The Knights on its official Facebook page wished Diamante all the best on his next basketball journey.

Sources said Diamante decided to play somewhere else for better chances for his family.

George Diamante played huge in the title retention bid of the defending NCAA high school basketball champion.

Diamante is feeling good these days since he is ranked number 9 on the NBTC list.

Diamante is considered the top 9 best high school basketball player in the country due to his tremendous talent in both defense and offense.

In the current NCAA high school basketball season, Diamante is playing well in defense and offense.
This year, Diamante got three Best Player of the Game accolades for his team.

The lanky 6-5 forward, center is versatile in whatever role the coach gives him.(Romeo Braceros Jr.)

Two Davaoenos made the list of PH's top 24 high school basketball players

Davao City—Two Davaoenos have secured a spot on the competitive roster of the Philippines' top 24 high school basketball players.

Number nine on the list released by NBTC is George Diamante, a resident of Barangay San Antonio Agdao and one of the best players for Letran Squires, the current NCAA high school basketball champions.

Because of his exceptional skill on both offense and defense, Diamante is regarded as one of the nation's top 9 high school basketball players.

Diamante is having an excellent season as an offensive and defensive player in the current NCAA high school basketball league.

Diamante won three awards for his squad this year as the best player of the game.

The 6' 5 forward and center is adaptable to whatever position the coach assigns him.

Listed at number 22 on the list is Andre Lumanag, another Davaoeno (Romeo Braceros Jr.)

After a successful opening week, 6 games were played in the 2nd week of the HCCC Basketball Alumni Cup 2022!

 

After a successful opening week wherein three games were played after an excellent opening day program last May 15, six games were conducted in the second week of the Holy Cross College of Calinan Basketball Alumni Cup 2022 at the Calinan Gymnasium in Calinan, Davao City.

On May 22 at 10 in the morning, the millennial teams of HCCC batch 2011 and batch 2014 face each other in a battle of pride and honor.

HCCC Batch 2014 Hangovers showed that getting drunk is not a hindrance to beating their sharp opponent, Razorbacks, 58-46.

Graduating in an era where the small ball basketball is starting to get known, the Hangovers used their team work and defense to defeat their opponent by 12 points.

An hour later, the HCCC Batches 2013 and 2012 had their own face-off for pride and honor as well.

HCCC Batch 2012 used their camaraderie and sharp shooting as Braders to defeat the cute but feisty Space Jam team 61-55.

The Braders used their poise and experience in the end to defeat the Space Jam, whose second installment in the cinema starring Lebron Jame is a flop compared to the first one top-billed by Michael Jordan.

In the third game, the HCCC Batches 2006 and 2009 clashed with each other on the hardcourt.

After 20 minutes of play, the batch 2006 proved to be a much tougher team as they ended up winning 60-51.

Just like its logo of a mudfish, batch 2006 went deeper into its bag of tricks to defeat their younger opponents in their game.

In the fourth game, the 1990s HCCC batches 94 and 99 faced each other in what turned out to be a lopsided game.

Batch 94 is very confident of beating their opponent using the monicker Hoopers, which signifies basketball-loving souls.

However, Anarchy Game Farm 99 had other things in mind, without due respect to existing laws and taking in the personas of NBA 90s stars Shaq O'Neal and Michael Jordan, batch 99 annihilates batch 94 76-52.

In the second to last game, the oldie HCCC batches 85 and 86 face each other in a game of tactics instead of speed and talent.

Using the appropriate monicker of Lakers, Crow batch 85 beat batch 86 53-45.

The era of the 1980s is dominated by the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.

Batch 86, who uses the more popular monicker Bulls, ends up losing since the Bulls during the 1980s was a weak team it just became strong in the 1990s after years of losing in the 1980s.

In the penultimate game of the day, the millennial batches of 2004 and 2008 face each other in a tense and close match.

The Batch 2008, with the sharp claws of an eagle, prey on their opponent 62-58.

Just like their monicker, the Boss, batch 2004 fought hard, but in the end, the Brave Aguilas proved to them that they were a better team in the end.

The ongoing HCCC Basketball Alumni Cup 2022 is organized by HCCC Batch 1995.

As the organizer of this game, batch 1995 graduates make sure all the games are played well and fairly.

A group of medical personnel is always on standby to help if the need arises.

The referees officiating the game are always on their toes to make sure the game is played fair and square. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)