PBA Philippine Cup Makes Bahrain Debut
TDT | Manama
Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com
Bahrain is set to witness a historic moment in Asian basketball as the Philippine Basketball Association holds its first official league games in the kingdom. The action begins tonight, on the eve of Bahrain’s National Day, with the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots taking on the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 7pm at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town. The excitement continues on Wednesday when Barangay Ginebra San Miguel faces Rain or Shine at the same venue and tip-off time, giving local fans two opportunities to see top-tier Philippine basketball in action.
These fixtures feature three of the league’s most prominent franchises and form part of the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup during the league’s 50th anniversary season. Rain or Shine arrive in Bahrain firmly in the championship picture, sitting second in the standings with a 7–2 record from nine games. They are tied with leaders San Miguel Beermen but trail slightly on point difference. Magnolia occupy fifth place at 6–3, while Barangay Ginebra are eighth at 5–4, with all three teams eager to build momentum as they climb the 12-team league standings.
The Bahrain trip was formalized in July when PBA commissioner Willie Marcial signed the agreement with Bahrain Basketball Association president Alaa Mudara. The deal was confirmed during a meeting that included BBA delegates such as Abdulla Malabes, father of national team veteran Bader Malabes. The teams arrived in Bahrain on Saturday night and received a warm welcome at Bahrain International Airport from BBA officials, including secretary general Ahmed Hafez and Ahmed Kaldari, along with a large crowd of fans. Ahead of tip-off, a press conference is scheduled at the Hilton Hotel Juffair at 2:30pm, giving local media the opportunity to hear from coaches and players.
Coaching expertise and player talent add another layer of intrigue to the series. Rain or Shine are guided by veteran tactician Yeng Guiao, Barangay Ginebra by current Philippine national team head coach Tim Cone, and Magnolia by former national team stalwart LA Tenorio. Rain or Shine’s roster features Gabe Norwood, Beau Belga, Caelan Tiongson, Leonard Santillan, Adrian Nocum, Gian Mamuyac, and Jhonard Clarito. Barangay Ginebra counters with Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, Troy Rosario, Stephen Holt, and RJ Abarrientos, supported by PBA legend Johnny Abarrientos on the coaching staff. Magnolia bring a balanced lineup led by Paul Lee, Zavier Lucero, Mark Barroca, Ian Sangalang, Jerom Lastimosa, and Chris Koon under the management of Hall of Famer Alvin Patrimonio.
These games mark the PBA’s first overseas league contests since 2019 and cap a year in which Bahrain has hosted several major basketball events, including the FIBA Mid-Term Congress, the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and the Manama Final of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.
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