HERE are the top sports news from Thursday.
Sports news December 29
Justine Baltazar to Korea?
Looks like Justine Baltazar’s overseas journey will continue.
After a cameo appearance in the Japan B.League, the Gilas Pilipinas forward could next play in the Korean Basketball League.
Baltazar is first making a local stopover at the Pilipinas Super League with the Pampanga G Lanterns.
“Inaayos muna ‘yung kontrata niya sa Korea. Habang hindi pa naaayos, lalaro muna sa atin,” Lanterns team consultant Alan Trinidad said.
Kai Sotto stats vs Brisbane
Kai Sotto’s starting gig continued to have a favorable result as the Adelaide 36ers held off the Brisbane Bullets, 87-84, to the delight of the home crowd at the Entertainment Centre.
The Pinoy center started his fourth straight game and contributed five points, four boards and one block in 11:48 minutes, most of them spent banging former NBA player Aaron Baynes of the Bullets.
The 36ers have been unbeaten since coach CJ Bruton elevated the 7-foot-3 Sotto into the starting lineup and moved two wins above .500 at 10-8 (win-loss).
Nick Young joins Balkman and Co. in Strong Group for Dubai tilt
The Strong Group parades not just one, but two NBA veterans as it seeks for the title in the 2023 Dubai International Championship next month.
Nick Young is set to reinforce the squad alongside returnee Renaldo Balkman as they banner the Philippine representative that also features Ange Kouame and Sedrick Barefield.
The Middle East tournament is set Jan. 27 to Feb. 5.
Balkman led Mighty Sports to the 2020 Dubai crown and coach Charles Tiu wants to replicate that level of success this time with a new crew.
"I’ve had two championships with Balk and I want to try to keep on rolling. He says he’s been in shape and is very eager to come back to the Philippines to come finish his legacy here," Tiu said.
Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Chery Tiggo part ways
Chery Tiggo is losing one half of the Santiago towers.
Dindin Santiago-Manabat has parted ways with the Crossovers after six years with the Foton-Chery Tiggo management.
"Thank you, Dindin! We wish you well in all your future endeavors," the management announced in a short Facebook post.
There was no reason given for the surprise parting of ways. Her sister Jaja Santiago is still listed in Chery Tiggo's lineup, although her status has become uncertain after Dindin's exit.
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