PBA: Earl Gilmore finding groove with Titan, says Aris Dionisio

Titan Ultra Giant Risers’ Michael Earl Gilmore during a game against Blackwater Bossing in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—After five games in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Titan Ultra’s Aris Dionisio is finally feeling that their import Michael Earl Gilmore is buying into the Giant Risers’ system.

Following Titan Ultra’s 102-98 win over Blackwater Bossing at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, Dionisio said the import has shown better integration compared to the team’s first few games.

“At the start, in our first two games, we kept telling him even in practice that he needs to share the ball even if he’s the import,” he told the Inquirer in Filipino.

“We all knew that everyone in this team could score so we just needed to share the ball and find the open shots for better executions.”

Titan’s system paid off for Gilmore against the Bossing, as he produced a double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds on 17 shot attempts.

In contrast, Gilmore took 33 shots to score 33 points in Titan’s 112-82 loss to Terrafirma Dyip in its conference opener.

Now building better chemistry with the locals, Gilmore has earned Dionisio’s respect even more.

“In the beginning, you can really feel the competition, he wanted to prove himself as the import,” Dionisio said after finishing with 11 points and six rebounds against Blackwater. “He just needed to fit in our system to play better and he’s finally doing it as our games go.”

Thanks to Gilmore’s efforts, Titan Ultra got back in the win column of the conference with a 2-3 record.