RISING TO THE OCCASION

Gilas SEAG wins, SMB's spoiler role stand out for year 2025

- By REYNALD MAGALLON

GILAS Men and Women team members pose with Team PH officials. (POC Media Pool)

(POC Media Pool)

In a country that lives and breathes basketball, 2025 has offered another eventful chapter. From the fiercest of rivalries in the PBA to the exploits, the struggles and the golden triumph of Gilas Pilipinas, it has been a memorable journey for the year that was.

TNT's Grand Slam Dream and San Miguel's spoiler role

TNT has put itself in a position to make history 14 years after failing in their first shot at achieving the coveted Grand Slam glory.

In an epic seven-game Finals series, the Tropang Giga asserted their mastery of the Barangay Ginebra Kings the same team that they defeated to rule the first conference with an 87-83 overtime win in the winner-take-all to wrest the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup title last March.

Playing on one leg due to cramps after playing for over 52 minutes, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson remained undefeated against rival Justin Brownlee in their third finals meeting.