Converge guard Juan Gomez de Liano in action against Titan Ultra in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–PBA IMAGES

RODRIGUEZ, Rizal—Juan Gomez de Liano returned to PBA duties on Sunday after making a strong impression for Gilas Pilipinas during the third window of the Fiba World Cup Qualifiers.

Gomez de Liano exceeded expectations, particularly against New Zealand, which many saw as a game that solidified his place on coach Tim Cone’s rotation.

“Performance-wise, I hope so,” Gomez de Liano said after Converge’s 105-74 win over Titan Ultra at Ynares Center Montalban here.

The double-overtime loss to the Tall Blacks saw Gomez de Liano hitting two big triples that kept Gilas in the fight on the road.

His first three sent the contest to its first extension, while the second almost won it for the Philippines. But New Zealand had other ideas, eventually pulling off an escape act in the second five-minute period.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas’ young core gives hope despite 2OT loss

One good window, however, doesn’t mean that Gomez de Liano should step his foot off the gas pedal.

“Those things are pretty much out of my control,” said the PBA rookie. “If I said it’s out of my control, If I get a call up, I’ll just do my thing and show up and just be there for the guys.

“It’s out of my control, but you know, I can’t say I’ll screw the spot. So, I’ll just stay calm,” added Gomez de Liano.

The next window is set late next month with the start of the second round, and Gilas is in a situation where it must win almost all, if not all games to qualify for next year’s World Cup.

Gilas has a 2-4 record entering the second round, sitting fifth behind Australia, New Zealand, Iran and Jordan in Group E. The Philippines will each face Iran, Jordan and Syria twice across three windows.

“I feel like must win games for us,” Gomez de Liano said. “I don’t think we can afford to lose, you know, those Middle Eastern teams. They know how to play basketball the right way.”

Meanwhile, Gomez de Liano scored just two points, but had nine rebounds and nine assists in 25 minutes as the FiberXers rolled past the Giant Risers to begin their Governors’ Cup campaign on a bright note.

Ten years ago, Argentina’s Lionel Messi was so wounded by his penalty misfire in the Copa America final that he briefly retired from international football.

Back then, Messi was two years older than United States attacker Christian Pulisic right now.

And today, he’s a universally beloved national hero, a 2022 World Cup winner and, at age 39, still the most important player for a 2026 semifinalist.

No one is confusing Pulisic with the greatest footballer who ever roamed the Earth.

But when you zoom out, the unprecedented criticism the 27-year-old AC Milan star is receiving after the USMNT’s embarrassing 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 resembles the turbulence Messi faced with his national team in his late 20s. And it suggests there is more time for the Hershey, Pa., native to rescue his image than the moment suggests.

Like Messi, Pulisic came of age during a time when his country’s fans were looking for someone to pick up the mantle carried by previous legends.

For Messi, it was Diego Maradona, the man who led Argentina to their second World Cup crown in 1986 and remained relevant through the 1994 cycle. For Pulisic, it’s Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, whose attacking partnership elevated the United States to a consistent knockout stage participant in the early part of this century. Donovan was even a breakout star on the 2002 team that reached the quarterfinals.

And like Messi, Pulisic’s introverted personality has been an awkward fit with the team leadership hoisted upon him, complete with the corporate visibility he has willingly accepted

When you listen to Donovan’s criticism of Pulisic’s camp, claiming they keep him at an unnecessary distance from the rest of the group, there are obvious echoes of the grievances against mid-2010s Messi, who by then had already achieved nearly everything possible in an FC Barcelona jersey, but hadn’t won a single major title for Argentina.

So we’d be foolish to discount a Pulisic second act, though he may face some obstacles that Messi hasn’t.

There’s his durability. Pulisic has now left three of his seven career World Cup starts before 90 minutes due to injury. In his club career, he is typically removed before full-time while Milan try to manage what has been described as a chronic hip issue.

It may also be difficult to find a coach as amenable to building a system around Pulisic’s strengths as Lionel Scaloni has catered to Messi since he took the job in 2018. It’s one thing to build an entire team around one of the world’s all-time greats. It would be something different to do so for someone who might not be his country’s most talented footballer by the time the 2030 World Cup rolls around.

But Pulisic also has advantages, mainly lower public standards. A return to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002 would be rightly hailed as a success. Even similar competitive results could be laudable if the final defeats came against better sides than a Belgium squad in decline.

Messi is not only uniquely great, but also uniquely effective in the latest years of a great career. Pulisic’s career resurrection will have to come sooner than at age 34, when Messi first won Copa America.

But there will be chances before then, potentially at the 2028 Copa America and definitely at the 2030 World Cup. And the burden of expectation will almost certainly be lighter than this summer at a home World Cup.

As is the case every offseason and summer, some former Minnesota Vikings players from the 2025 roster are having a rough time finding employment. This go-around is no different, with six players stuck on the free-agent wire.

Hope is fading for the following men to fetch contracts, but perhaps business will pick up at the end of the month when training camp hits.

Training Camp Offers the Last Real Path Back for 2026

Fabian Moreau (CB)

Moreau quietly performed well as the CB3 in 2025. In 11 games, he allowed a 54.2 passer rating and rarely became the weak link opposing quarterbacks hoped to exploit. Since Moreau isn’t a household name, his performance largely went unnoticed. Minnesota should strongly consider re-signing him if the price is right. Moreau would be a smart choice for a fourth or fifth cornerback, possessing enough experience to step up when injuries inevitably occur.

PurplePTSD‘s Brevan Bane wrote last month about a possible Moreau reunion: “The Vikings really feel like they could use another veteran in the room to be the CB4 behind Pierre. Fortunately, that potential veteran played for them just last season. Fabian Moreau has technically had two stints with the Minnesota Vikings. The first came in 2024, when he saw 86 coverage snaps, allowing 7 receptions and 2 TDs on 10 targets for a grand total of 67 yards, per PFF.”

“So, why not Moreau? Minnesota can keep roster spots open for one of these young bucks in the corner room to have a shot at some meaningful minutes. Worst case scenario, bring back Moreau and he already knows his role and how the defense operates.”

Based on his performance last year, Moreau should have a job in the NFL. He’s not washed.

Matt Nelson (OT)

Nelson spent most of his NFL career on the fringe of the league, bouncing between practice squads and emergency depth roles without ever becoming a recognizable name.

That explains his quiet free agency period. His next opportunity will likely arise closer to training camp, if at all. Once a team has a tackle injury or decides their current depth is insufficient, Nelson should receive another call.

Jeff Okudah (CB)

Okudah’s tenure in Minnesota was largely unsuccessful.

Plagued by concussions, his on-field performance was consistently poor, as opposing quarterbacks frequently targeted him with ease. So, the former third overall pick’s draft status has become a more prominent topic of discussion than his recent play. While he may secure a training camp invitation, the “2020 draft bust” label is likely to persist.

His career could be over.

Brett Rypien (QB)

Around this time last year, Rypien was the Vikings’ QB3. What a difference a year makes.

The Vikings’ quarterback room underwent a rapid transformation, leaving Rypien to seek new opportunities. His most likely path forward is securing an inexpensive QB3 role, ideally with a team that values an experienced professional during training camp. Rypien’s extensive knowledge of various offenses still makes him a valuable asset, even if a major role is no longer feasible.

John Wolford (QB)

Wolford emerged as Minnesota’s emergency option last season when the quarterback room faced injury challenges.

He is not expected to return for the 2026 season, and his market value is likely limited to a practice squad role. Alternatively, a team experiencing injuries might consider him as a standby. Wolford’s primary value lies in his familiarity with NFL systems and his readiness to serve as a depth quarterback — probably on a practice squad.

Contextual Note

Harrison Smith is technically a free agent, but he won’t sign with another team. It’s either return to the Vikings or retire, a decision that remains a mystery through six months of the offseason.

Former Vikings quarterback Kyle Sloter recently told our Steven Hoikkala, “I actually talked to Harrison probably daily … we probably didn’t talk too much football and what’s it looking like coming back and this, that, the other. There is fire. I would say that he, just from a body standpoint as well as mentally, he’s in a place where I think he’s probably moved on. Also, I’ll say this. I don’t think, and I’m not promising anything, I’m not speaking for him.”

“This is my guess based on everything: I think that players hate training camp. They hate OTAs. Don’t want to be there for that. Especially veterans, guys that are Hall of Famers, they don’t feel the need to be there. They know the system. They know how to play football at that point in their career. It’s about their body.”

Smith turned 37 in February.

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Ryu becomes the second golfer to go back-to-back at LPGA majors this season

Derek Chisora’s defeat to Deontay Wilder was expected to confirm his retirement, but ‘Del Boy’ is still yet to formally confirm that his career has come to an end. Now, the 42-year-old could be on the verge of a world title shot – an opportunity which would undoubtedly convince him to remain in the sport. 

Chisora had planned to walk away from boxing following his fiftieth bout, against Wilder back in April, but a split-decision defeat to ‘The Bronze Bomber’ appeared to leave him wanting more, with a potential rematch against the American tempting him to continue in the fight game.

However, that is not the only opportunity that could potentially postpone the retirement of the fan-favourite heavyweight, with a potential third challenge for the heavyweight throne, following unsuccessful attempts against Vitali Klitschko and Tyson Fury, possibly around the corner.

Speaking in a post-fight interview, after the maiden defence of his WBA heavyweight world title against Peter Kadiru, Murat Gassiev shared his interest in a possible clash with Chisora.

“If we can’t unify the belts in the near future, why not [fight Chisora]?

“Chisora and I have a good relationship. We’re friends. He’s a big name in boxing, and that fight would generate a lot of excitement.”

Gassiev halted Germany’s Kadiru after six rounds of one-sided action in Russia, but the 32-year-old has also previously called for a clash with highly-rated youngster, Moses Itauma, who fights Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic next month and is considered as the frontrunner to be Gassiev’s next opponent.

Major League Baseball’s Aug. 3 trade deadline is just a few weeks away and the standings remain a jumbled mess. Even so, certain contenders and likely sellers are already making plans for that important date on the MLB calendar. That means trade rumors continue to trickle in, especially now that we’re well into July. Sunday is no exception, and you can find the latest dose of trade talk just below. 

Rays ready to be buyers

Having logged back-to-back losing seasons, the Rays weren’t high on the list of expected contenders coming into 2026. More than halfway through the season, however, they lead the AL East and have the American League’s best record. And now they’re poised to be aggressive buyers at the deadline. Specifically, the Rays leading up to the trade deadline may be eyeing big names like ace Tarik Skubal of the Tigers, second baseman Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks, and Luis Arraez of the Giants, USA Today reports. In Marte’s case, he’s earned the right to approve all trades as a 10-and-5 player and isn’t likely to greenlight a move out of Arizona, though his name has been the subject of rumors for multiple cycles. 

Mariners shopping Castillo

The disappointing Mariners are still trying to find their footing in the lackluster AL West, and now they may be looking to trade from their rotation depth. Specifically, the M’s are shopping veteran right-handed starter Luis Castillo, USA Today reports. The 33-year-old Castillo has a 4.93 ERA and 4.16 FIP in 15 starts and three relief appearances this season. He’s owed a bit more than $24 million for 2027, and his contract includes a $25 million vesting option for 2028. In other words, Castillo probably isn’t going to net much of a return on the market. 

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Holmes open to extension with Mets

Right-hander Clay Holmes, who has undergone a successful reliever-to-starter transition since signing a free-agent contract with the Mets, could be on the move at the trade deadline, depending on how his rehab from a fractured fibula proceeds. The 33-year-old Holmes, though, hopes to stay in Queens instead and sign a contract extension with the Mets. “Definitely open,” Holmes told reporters, including The Athletic, about the prospect of re-upping with the Mets. “I know things are not the easiest right now and hard, but it’s not like I’m sitting here hoping to run away from it. If I can be part of the solution to make things better here, I would like that.”

Holmes’ contract also includes a $12 million player option for 2027. 

Orioles may look to sell 

The Orioles were hoping for a bounce-back season in 2026, but thus far that hasn’t happened, even if the low bar for contention in the AL remains a temptation for would-be sellers. The O’s, though, may take the longer view leading up to the deadline and undertake a partial sell-off, the Baltimore Banner reports. That means that the Orioles could shop names like outfielder Taylor Ward, lefty starter Trevor Rogers, and relievers Andrew Kittredge, Yennier Cano, and Rico Garcia. 

The PGA Tour made its way across the pond this week for the 2026 Scottish Open, held at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, where the best players in the world are sharpening their links golf skills before next week’s Open Championship. Last year, the Scottish Open provided a sneak preview of the leaderboard at The Open, with six of the top 12 on the leaderboard in Scotland finishing in the top 10 at the next week’s major. Follow 2026 Scottish Open leaderboard coverage live throughout Round 4 on Sunday.

As such, the field this week knows that success at The Renaissance Club will bode well for their chances after making the four-hour trek south to Royal Birkdale. It was headlined by the two best players in the world, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, but they have taken heavily divergent paths through the first 36 holes. While McIlroy stood as one of three leaders entering Moving Day, Scheffler missed his first PGA Tour cut in 79 tries, ending the fifth-longest made cuts streak in history.

Scheffler won last year’s Open for his first true links golf victory and will try to snap his winless drought since his first start of 2026 back in the United Kingdom next week. Chris Gotterup is the defending Scottish Open champion, entering fresh off his fifth career PGA Tour win at the John Deere Classic, and he has an opportunity to become the first golfer to go back-to-back at the Scottish Open in the tournament’s history. He will need to fight off Matt Fitzpatrick and a bevy of other talented challengers on Sunday, which will begin with the conclusion of Round 3 before moving into Round 4 later in the morning.

The Scottish Open has become one of the premier events on the summer schedule thanks to its position ahead of The Open, and fans stateside can watch the star-studded field battle it out in North Berwick with their morning coffee.

2026 Scottish Open TV schedule

All times Eastern

Round 4 – Sunday

Round 3 continues: 2 a.m.
Round 4 starts: TBD [Tee times]

PGA Tour Live: 2 a.m. – 3 p.m. — PGA Tour Live

Early TV coverage: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Golf Channel, GolfChannel.com

Live TV coverage: 12-3 p.m. on CBS, Paramount+
Live streaming: 12-3 p.m. on CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App

Radio: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — PGA Tour Radio