Except for Ascof Lagundi, the three other teams seeing action in the season-opening tournament are made up of stars of various collegiate teams, thus guaranteeing a fast-paced action with highlight plays – deadly crossover and aerial acrobatics – likely to provide extra thrill to the crowd.
With the PBL being considered as the final step before one turns pro, Commissioner Chino Trinidad is not discounting the possibility that rookies will get a piece of the limelight although a number of veterans are out to make a statement to boost their stocks when they join the pro ranks late this year.
“There are a lot of exciting players out there, even rookies are expected to make an impression in the coming tournament," said Trinidad.
After a 20-minute opening ceremony, Ascof Lagundi (formerly Pharex), which lost to Oracle Residences (Harbour Centre franchise) in a tense and dramatic title duel in last year’s Unity Cup, battles Excel Roof – a team made up of the core of NCAA champion San Sebastian College.
Clashing in the second game are Fern-C and Cossack Blue – a team bannered by players of University of the East.
Set to welcome guests and officials of eight participating teams are PBL chairman Ding Camua, Deputy Commissioner Tommy Ong and Executive Director Butch Maniego.
San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito has also been invited to do the ceremonial toss. He will be assisted by Camua, the board representative of Pascual Laboratories.
Cobra’s Paul Lee and Fern-C’s John Wilson will lead the Oath of Sportsmanship.
Aside from Ascof Lagundi, also considered as the team to beat is Cobra Energy Drink, which will be spearheaded by Lee, last year’s top rookie, Parri Llagas, former UAAP scoring champion Patrick Cabahug and Ateneo star Jai Reyes.
Cobra will debut against AddMix on Thursday while Pharex-B, the second team of Pascual Laboratories in the league, battles the Ani-FCA Cultivators.
Excel Roof’s offense is likely to revolve around NCAA Finals MVP Jimbo Aquino whose devastating mix of jumpers helped the Stags stun San Beda College in the finals. Out to provide extra juice on offense is high-leaping Calvin Abueva.
Ascof Lagundi, on the other hand, will again rely on the inside plays of JR Gerilla, Raymond Aguilar, and Marc Canlas and the outside shooting of Sean Co, Fritz Bauzon and new recruits James Mangahas and Bam Gamalinda.
Edwin Asoro, who played a key role in Harbour Centre’s seven championship run, will beef up Ascof Lagundi’s frontcourt rotation along with Ian Mazo.
Handled by former Ginebra star Bal David, Fern-C will have to depend much on the experience and versatility of Wilson to hurdle its opening assignment. Also expected to shine are veterans Hans Thiele, Allan Evangelista and Anthony Espiritu.
Games Tuesday (The Arena in San Juan)
1:40 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies
2 p.m. – Ascof Lagundi vs Excel Roof
4 p.m. – Fern-C vs Cossack Blue
Source: Author Unknown | GMANews.TV
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