The Iron Men, who made back-to-back semifinal appearances last season, beefed up their already formidable squad by acquiring Ateneo’s Jai Reyes and former UAAP scoring champion Patrick Cabahug.
Together with last year’s Rookie of the Year winner Paul Lee of the University of the East, they will form the team’s deadly trio when they battle the AddMix Enforcers at 2 p.m.
Also with the team are La Salle’s Peejay Barua, Jose Rizal University’s Marvin Hayes, Mapua’s Allan Mangahan, and UE’s Pari Llagas.
Cobra could become more dangerous if Ateneo allows wily guard Eric Salamat to join the team. But despite being labeled as the team to beat, Chongson downplays their chances.
“Tama lang itong team namin, hindi naman masyadong malakas, di naman mahina," Chongson said. “We don’t know how far we can go, but one thing’s for sure, we’re going to play our best each game. This is a short tournament, so each game is each important."
They will play the Transformers, bannered by players from Adamson University before newcomers Ani-FCA and Pharex B Complex collide in the second game at 4 p.m. with both teams out to keep abreast with Excelroof and Cossack Blue.
The Excelroof 25ers leaned on NCAA Finals MVP Jimbo Aquino and the hardworking Calvin Abueva to defeat Ascof Lagundi, 82-73, while the Spirits relied on a double-double effort of JR "Baby Shaq" Taganas to defeat Fern-C, 81-77.
AddMix coach Leo Austria, who coached the Falcons to a fifth-place showing in the UAAP, is hoping that his squad that will be led by Jan Colina and NCAA Mythical Five member Gio Ciriacruz has what it takes to upset the Iron Men.
“Cobra is a very strong team, but we will rely on our own system. We need a total team effort on the defensive end to beat them,” said Austria, who coached Shark Energy Drink and Welcoat to PBL titles early in the last decade.
Meanwhile, Pharex-B will be led by players from University of the Philippines in Smart-Gilas member Magi Sison, ex-RP Youth standout Mark Lopez, and ex-UAAP players Nestor David of UP and Ford Arao of Ateneo.
The Ani-FCA Cultivators will lean on a pair of former cagers from Jose Rizal University in 6-foot-6 James Sena, a first-round pick in the recent PBA draft, and point guard Marc Cagoco.
Games on Thursday (Ynares Sports Arena)
2 p.m. — Cobra vs AddMix
4 p.m. — Agri Nurture vs Pharex B Complex
Source: Jonas Terrado | Manila Bulletin
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