Rondae Hollis Jefferson is finally back for TNT as the Tropang 5G prepare for the PBA quarterfinals. Golden State is leaning toward a smaller opening lineup, while the UAAP has imposed a major disciplinary sanction.
1. Hollis Jefferson returns as TNT sharpens for the quarterfinals
Rondae Hollis Jefferson has been activated by TNT and is set to return against the Macau Giant Pandas tonight at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, replacing temporary import Nick Hornsby on the roster. The three time PBA Best Import spent most of this year recovering from the Achilles injury he suffered last December while playing for Meralco in the East Asia Super League. TNT has already qualified for the quarterfinals at 6 wins and 4 losses, so the Macau game offers Hollis Jefferson a useful chance to rebuild timing before the elimination rounds become more demanding. Hornsby helped secure that position by producing 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals in Saturday's 116 to 98 victory over San Miguel, the result covered in our recent look at TNT's quarterfinal clincher. Calvin Oftana and Jayson Castro have also returned from injuries, giving coach Chot Reyes an opportunity to reconnect several important pieces before the crossover phase.
2. Kerr leans toward a small Warriors starting group
Steve Kerr is leaning toward opening the regular season with Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, rookie Yaxel Lendeborg and Draymond Green, according to fresh reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle. The choice puts Green at center and reflects both encouraging preseason chemistry and Golden State's uncertain frontcourt availability. Kristaps Porzingis remains out indefinitely with a health issue and is due to meet the team's medical staff, while 40 year old Al Horford is expected to play about 20 minutes per game rather than carry a regular starter's workload. The smaller group has enough passing and cutting to create space, but asking Green to battle larger centers could become costly over a full season. It also gives greater responsibility to Podziemski after the organization recently explained how Curry's contract sacrifice supports its roster plans. Kerr said Curry is expected to increase his minutes against the Lakers in Las Vegas, making that preseason meeting the next useful test of the proposed lineup.
3. UAAP suspends NU assistant Paul Du for the rest of Season 89
The UAAP Basketball Commissioner's Office has suspended National University assistant coach Paul Du from all basketball activities for the remainder of Season 89 following an incident involving University of Santo Tomas assistant Arsenio Dysangco. The confrontation occurred during the handshake line after UST defeated NU 90 to 66 in women's basketball on Saturday. Video showed Du extending an elbow toward Dysangco's shoulder, after which the UST coach fell and required medical attention. The sanction covers both five player and three player basketball across every division and took effect immediately. NU retains the right to appeal, while the UAAP Board may consider additional penalties. That distinction matters because the announced suspension is final at the commissioner level but the broader disciplinary process may not be finished. The incident overshadowed an important result between programs that contested the previous three women's finals, with UST moving to 3 wins without a loss and NU taking its first defeat.
4. Jumamoy and Dela Rosa earn UAAP weekly honors
National University guard Reinhard Jumamoy and Ateneo center Kacey Dela Rosa were named UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Press Corps Players of the Week for games from October 7 through October 11. Jumamoy recorded 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists in an 85 to 66 win over Adamson, then delivered 19 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists against UST, including the decisive three pointer in an 87 to 85 overtime victory. Those wins lifted the Bulldogs to a 4 and 2 record. Dela Rosa powered Ateneo's women's team back from an 0 and 2 start with consecutive double doubles, posting 26 points and 13 rebounds against La Salle before collecting 25 points and 16 rebounds against Far Eastern University. She also totaled 11 steals and 4 blocks across the two games, production that drove Ateneo to a 2 and 2 record and showed why she remains one of the most influential two way players in Philippine college basketball.
Important Games to Watch This Week
All dates and times below are in Philippine time.
| Date | Matchup | Location | Quick Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 13, 2026, 7:30 PM | PBA: Macau Giant Pandas vs. TNT Tropang 5G | Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, Philippines | Hollis Jefferson is set for his TNT return before the quarterfinals |
| October 14, 2026, 10:00 AM | NBA: Warriors vs. Lakers | T Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, United States | Golden State tests its likely small starting lineup |
| October 15, 2026, 7:30 AM | NBA: Hornets at Celtics | TD Garden, Boston, United States | Boston continues refining its rebuilt rotation |
| October 17, 2026, 7:00 AM | NBA: Celtics at 76ers | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, United States | The rivals meet again after Boston's decisive win |
| October 17, 2026, 10:00 AM | NBA: Trail Blazers at Warriors | Chase Center, San Francisco, United States | Golden State closes its preseason at home |
| October 17, 2026, 10:30 AM | NBA: Nuggets at Lakers | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, United States | The Lakers finish preseason against a strong Western opponent |
| October 18, 2026, 7:30 PM | PBA: Barangay Ginebra vs. Phoenix | Ynares Center, Antipolo City, Philippines | Ginebra needs a victory to protect its quarterfinal hopes |
The first thing to watch is how comfortable Hollis Jefferson looks after his long recovery, followed by Golden State's smaller lineup against the Lakers. Which development matters more to you, RHJ's return for TNT or Kerr putting Green at center beside Curry?
Exclusive Sources
Story 2: San Francisco Chronicle
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