TNT import Bol Manute Bol will be on top of Meralco’s concerns. —PBA IMAGES

TNT found the perfect blend of local and import contributions in its PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal series against NLEx.

Even so, Tropang 5G veteran Jayson Castro knows the challenge only gets tougher against Meralco.

“For sure, it’ll be hard for us,” said Castro, who recently joined the PBA’s 10,000-point club.

“Hopefully, we get through, but knowing Meralco, they’re a defensive team. So let’s see how far we go.”

Fresh off adding another milestone to his decorated career in Game 1, Castro helped TNT close out NLEx with a 118-112 victory in their do-or-die quarterfinal clash at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo on Saturday night.

But if there’s one person who truly holds the team’s fate in his hand, it is import Bol Bol, who has learned to strike a balance between scoring the ball and getting his teammates involved.

“I give credit to Bol because he realized we need to play as a team and, at the same time, he has to share the ball,” Castro said.

The shifty guard finished with 14 points, eight assists and four rebounds. But he wasn’t the only one who got going for TNT.

“The locals also stepped up, which I think was big in supporting Bol,” he said.

Roger Pogoy, who returned to the starting unit for the first time in the import-laden conference in the decider, once again proved his worth with 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Calvin Oftana, TNT’s most consistent local throughout the eliminations, also delivered with 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

The collective effort from the locals helped lighten the load for their NBA-caliber import, who still wound up with 35 points and 13 rebounds.

For Castro, those contributions—along with that Game 1 win where Bol also got a lot of local support—prove one thing.

“I think we’re getting the team chemistry at the perfect time in these last few games,” he said. “In the eliminations, we may have lost a lot, but our game is coming together here in the playoffs.”

That kind of chemistry and local contribution will be crucial against Meralco during their semifinal duel that kicks off on Wednesday.

Bol’s ability to score is beyond question, but his ability to get his teammates involved will matter a lot against a team known for its ability to zero in on defensive targets.

“The attention is almost always on Bol, so he’s been involving us in the offense. He can score anytime, but he’s sacrificed a lot to find us and make us threats as well.”

TNT opens its semifinal duel with sister team Meralco on Wednesday, in Game 1 at the same venue. INQ

After squandering another early lead in a series finale, the momentum at the plate plateaued down the stretch for the Oregon Ducks on Saturday.

The Ducks had just three hits in extra innings, two of which came as the Ducks played small ball to rally and conquer USC for a 6-5 walk-off win. The hero? Oregon catcher Burke-Lee Mabeus, who put down a bunt after 14 innings in the squat.

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As the Oregon dugout emptied and chased Mabeus to the center field wall, there was a palpable feeling of shock and awe. What just happened?

Assistant coach Jack Marder served as head coach for the Ducks on Saturday with Mark Wasikowski out of town for his daughter’s graduation. According to Marder, the play that sealed the crucial series win for the Ducks never should’ve happened at all.

“That was definitely not the plan,” Marder said after the game with a smile. “But, Burke’s a really good bunter. He’s proven that in his work. It’s a left-on-left matchup. Matson had been dominating us, and it’s a really tough angle for him. I actually thought Burke was going to find a way to do it, no matter what.”

Freshman first baseman Brayden Jaksa reached base on an infield single to shortstop and stole second base. After moving over to third base on a groundout, the Ducks had the winning run just 90 feet away with two outs.

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Bunting with two outs is always a risky play, and the roll has to be perfect. Oregon initially wanted Mabeus to show a bunt to draw the infield in and give Mabeus a chance to swing away.

“Worst case, if he shows (bunt) and it’s a ball, it puts a little bit of stress on them on the defensive side,” Marder said. “It opens up a hole where Burke’s flat and he can hit a ball to that backside, like he showed earlier in the game. I was good with all that.”

Mabeus squared to the pitch and laid the bunt down perfectly up the third base line. Jaksa crossed the plate, and USC pitcher Sax Matson couldn’t field the ball and make the throw cleanly from an awkward angle. After the chaos dispersed, Mabeus was told one key detail that he had missed.

Leonie Harm was given less than a 1% chance of survival when she was hit by a car in 2013.

Thirteen years later and the German has won her maiden Ladies European Tour title with a one-shot victory at the German Masters.

It caps a remarkable back story for the 28-year-old.

Harm had been out jogging when she was hit by a car travelling 70km/h (44mph)., external

It was the paramedics at the scene who gave given her a very slim chance of surviving.

She was put in a coma but despite severe brain injuries and multiple bone fractures she returned to the golf course just seven weeks later.

A year later and she won the National Women’s Amateur title, going on to win several amateur titles before she moved to the US to study biochemical and biophysical Sciences at the University of Houston.

Her passion to work in that field was personal as her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and died two years later., external

In 2018, Harm was the first German to win the Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship – the world’s oldest women’s golf tournament.

Her debut major appearances followed and she turned professional in 2020.

But then came the Covid pandemic and while sport was put on hold, Harm worked as a intern at a company developing a vaccine candidate against the coronavirus.

Despite runner-up finishes on Tour in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, she struggled with her game and considered quitting in 2024., external

On Sunday, she finally broke her professional title drought at her home tournament at Green Eagle Golf Courses, just south of Hamburg with a birdie on the last to beat South Africa’s Casandra Alexander.

Harm improved on her second place finish at the tournament in 2022 as she finished on 10-under-par having shot a course record eight-under-par 65 in the first round.

“I’m really happy I got it over the line this time after coming close in 2022 and just out here with all the German fans,” she said.

Harm added: “Resilience is a good thing, and I have shown this at times, but I believe right now I’m in a good spot mentally and for it to then be paired with success in golf is such a great feeling because I didn’t have to be miserable.

“I could’ve been happy this whole time and it would have worked with a lot of the times where you get impatient and to be more forgiving to yourself.

“A good takeaway there is to be your own best friend eventually and hopefully then be successful in working with yourself rather than against it which I’ve done for probably most of my life.”

Two members of the Denver Broncos‘ staff are set to participate in the NFL’s accelerator program at the Spring League Meeting in Orlando this week.

Broncos special teams coach Darren Rizzi and co-director of player personnel Cam Williams are on the list of participants, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

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Rizzi, who joined Denver’s coaching staff last year, has experience as an interim head coach from his time with the New Orleans Saints. Rizzi has interviewed with four NFL teams for head coach openings in recent years, and he could be a candidate to land a HC role down the road.

Williams, who joined the Broncos’ front office in 2025, served as a director of college scouting with the New England Patriots before getting a promotion in Denver. He could be a candidate for general manager openings in the future.

As NFL clubs seek head coach and GM candidates in the coming years, Rizzi and Williams will be names to watch.

Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.

This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL accelerator program: Broncos coach and executive included

Pretend you’re Jalen Brunson for a minute … Hey, it’s not all that unrealistic.

I mean, the guy claims to be 6-foot-2. Yeah, in pumped-up Shaq shoes.

He’s left-handed, which gives you an intellectual advantage.

His mom played college volleyball. Which means she’s tall and can jump, two things her son isn’t and can’t do.

And he’s been a basketball player all his life. Which means if you need a sub for your slowpitch softball team, a fourth for your golf scramble or, heck, you’re looking for a partner for beginner’s pickleball, he’s not your man.

Make no mistake, Jalen Brunson is a great basketball player. Well, half of one.

There’s a reason opponents circle the Knicks on their calendar. And it’s not to get an autograph from Spike Lee or a selfie with Kylie Jenner.

It’s because Brunson, one of the shortest and slowest guards in the NBA, has to guard somebody. And if you play poorly enough the game before facing the Knicks, maybe you win the matchup lottery and get Brunson assigned to you.

I know what your Brunson persona is thinking: Man, I’m a loser. Why can’t I be Donovan Mitchell for a minute?

Sorry, but for this exercise, we have to be realistic.

As you (as Brunson) sit down to watch tonight’s Cavaliers-Pistons game, the one that will determine the Knicks’ opponent in the Eastern finals, you have to be a bit conflicted.

On one hand, it would be nice to draw the Cavaliers, meaning you would have the home-court advantage. But here’s the problem with that: There is no worse backcourt matchup for you than the Cavs.

You’re too short to guard James Harden. He’s your speed, but he would shoot right over you.

And you’re too slow to guard Mitchell. He’s about your size, but he would dribble circles around you.

You’re going to get torched either way.

You don’t have that problem with the Pistons. In fact, of all teams in the NBA, they might provide you the best defensive matchup, being that Ausar Thompson is arguably the worst shooting guard in the league. You live to guard guys like that.

But be careful what you wish for, because Thompson is one of the best defensive guards in the NBA. He’s been doing a number on Mitchell in the Eastern semis, and he’s certainly capable of doing the same to you.

So who you rooting for …

The team that hands you the home-court advantage and a chance to put up big numbers, all while getting embarrassed defensively?

Or the team that gives you a chance to rest on the defensive end, which would allow you to put maximum energy into your favorite part of the game – offense – while being draped nonstop by the Human Bearhug?

Tough one, huh?

I’m guessing you – and Brunson himself – would opt for the Cavaliers. After all, he’s achieved elite status in the NBA by scoring a ton of points against tough defenders and, most importantly, hitting more clutch shots than anybody in recent history.

And who wouldn’t want more of that?

If Brunson scorches the Cavs for 34 points, like he did in a Christmas Day win, nobody’s going to notice that Mitchell also scored 34, like he also did on Christmas.

Brunson aside, neither potential matchup in the NBA Final Four is a good one for the Knicks. They were, after all, designed to beat the Celtics, and neither the Cavaliers nor Pistons resemble the traditional Eastern power.

When the Knicks imported OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, it was with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in mind. The Cavaliers and Pistons don’t have anything close, rendering the defensive aces somewhat useless.

Unlike the Celtics, each has a quality big man. Which means foul trouble and a lot of unwise 3-point shooting for Karl-Anthony Towns.

And only the Pistons have a Jrue Holiday, a limited offensive player who Brunson could adequately defend.

Bottom line: You might think those dreadlocks would look good on you. And being left-handed could be kinda cool.

But, trust me, you don’t want to be Jalen Brunson right now.

Enjoy Sunday’s big game. He won’t.

Chelsea have officially announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new manager, with the Spaniard set to begin his role on July 1, 2026, after agreeing a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

The appointment immediately becomes one of the biggest managerial stories in European football, with Chelsea turning to one of the game’s most highly-rated young coaches in a bid to restore stability and challenge again at the top of English football.

Alonso arrives in London with a growing reputation following his historic spell at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, where he guided the German side to their first-ever Bundesliga title and transformed them into one of Europe’s most tactically admired teams.

From Real Madrid Sack to Chelsea Opportunity

Before taking the Chelsea job, Alonso endured a difficult spell at Real Madrid, where he was dismissed midway through the season following inconsistent results and mounting pressure at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Despite the setback, his reputation across Europe remained strong due to the tactical identity and success he had previously built at Bayer Leverkusen.

Chelsea’s decision to appoint Alonso reflects the club’s desire to build around a younger, progressive coach capable of developing talent and implementing a clear football structure.

Alonso’s Tactical System Could Suit Chelsea’s Squad

One of the biggest reasons Chelsea supporters are excited is the possibility of finally seeing a defined football identity return to Stamford Bridge.

At Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso built one of Europe’s most tactically impressive sides, combining controlled possession, aggressive pressing, flexible back-three systems, and rapid attacking transitions.

Those ideas could fit many of Chelsea’s current players.

Footballers such as Enzo Fernandez, Moisés Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Reece James, and Levi Colwill could potentially thrive in Alonso’s structured possession-heavy system.

His tactical flexibility may also help maximize Chelsea’s younger core, something the club has struggled to fully achieve in recent seasons.

No European Football Could Benefit Chelsea

If Chelsea fail to qualify for European competition, Alonso could actually benefit from having fewer matches during his first season.

Without Champions League or Europa League football, Chelsea would have more training time, reduced fixture congestion, and greater opportunities to fully implement Alonso’s tactical ideas.

That scenario could mirror the advantage enjoyed by clubs in previous Premier League title races when able to focus primarily on domestic football.

Alonso’s Liverpool History Adds Another Layer

Alonso’s arrival at Chelsea also adds another interesting storyline given his history with Liverpool.

The Spaniard remains a hugely respected figure among Liverpool supporters following his successful playing spell at Anfield, where he won the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FA Community Shield.

He later enjoyed further success with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich before establishing himself as one of Europe’s brightest young managers.

Now, Alonso returns to English football on the opposite side of one of the league’s biggest rivalries — a storyline certain to add intrigue whenever Chelsea face Liverpool next season.

Football Figures Have Long Backed Alonso’s Coaching Potential

Alonso’s rise in management has been praised across European football in recent years.

Former Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge previously described Alonso as one of football’s brightest young coaches following his success at Bayer Leverkusen, while several pundits and former players have praised his tactical intelligence and calm leadership style.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had also publicly spoken highly of Alonso’s football intelligence during his playing career, with many Liverpool supporters once viewing him as a potential future manager at Anfield.

Football analysts including Gary Neville have also suggested Chelsea are bringing in a coach with a clear football identity and modern tactical approach — something the club has lacked during recent managerial instability.

Pressure Will Still Be Massive at Stamford Bridge

Despite the excitement surrounding the appointment, Alonso will immediately face enormous pressure at Chelsea.

The club’s recent managerial instability, expensive squad rebuild, and demands for instant success mean patience may still be limited.

However, Chelsea supporters will hope Alonso can finally provide:

• Tactical clarity
• Squad stability
• Youth development
• Long-term identity
• A return to consistent top-level football

After years of inconsistency, Chelsea are betting that one of Europe’s brightest young managers can finally bring direction back to Stamford Bridge.

Former Arsenal star Mikael Silvestre believes one Gunners star could leave the club at the end of the season.

Gabriel Martinelli is Arsenal’s longest-serving current player, having made almost 300 appearances for the Gunners. Despite playing over 100 games in the last 2 years, he has largely been used as a substitute. He has made only 10 starts in the Premier League this season.

Mikael Silvestre was asked which players are likely to leave the Gunners at the end of the season. The former French international believes the Brazil winger could seek a move away from the North London club at the end of the season. Speaking to Betpack, he said (via Metro):

“Gabriel Martinelli might be the one who wants to trigger a transfer because of the game-time, he’s a Brazil international, he wants to play, and Leandro Trossard gets more game time than him.

“So, he could be looking elsewhere because he’s been there a long time as well. Leaving after winning the league would be good timing for him, maybe a good decision, but he needs to find the right place, and then you need a replacement. Other than that, I don’t see an obvious position where there is a need to go and buy.”

When asked who they should replace Martinelli with, Silvestre named Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola as a potential option:

“If Martinelli was to make space, then Bradley Barcola could definitely be one that should compete with Trossard. If he improves his finishing, then he would become a complete player because in terms of 1v1 and creating space for himself and delivering assists and key passes, he is very impressive and very difficult to defend against.”

Arsenal are set to play Burnley on May 18 (Monday) at home in their penultimate Premier League fixture of the season. This is followed by a game away from home against Crystal Palace. If Arsenal win their remaining games, they will be crowned PL champions.

Arsenal favorites to sign Bradley Barcola ahead of Liverpool: Reports

Arsenal are reportedly the favorites to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola this summer. PSG could look to offload the French attacker to bring in a new forward.

Liverpool were also reportedly interested in the PSG winger, but are not so keen anymore due to the emergence of Rio Ngumoha. The Reds are more interested in signing a new right winger as Mo Salah is set to leave the club.