TOP pick Stanley Pringle debuts for GlobalPort which tests the mettle of newcomer NLEX in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The highly touted Pringle, a product of Penn State University, and Batang Pier face the Road Warriors, a squad that inherited the core of the Air21 franchise, in the first game at 4:15 p.m.
Powerhouse teams Rain or Shine and San Miguel Beer clash at 7 p.m.
After disappointing campaigns in its first two seasons, Pringle is pinned upon to turn things around for Batang Pier which now have one of the toughest backcourt combinations in the league with Alex Cabagnot and Terrence Romeo.
Head Coach Pido Jarencio called the troika “three headed monster” and they are definitely the main asset of GlobalPort, which aims to make the semifinals this season, Nonoy Baclao, Jojo Duncil and rookie Roider Cabrera (Adamson University) are the other new faces for GlobalPort which prepared for the season with a series of games in South Korea.
“It was a good experience for us,” GlobalPort Governor Eric Arejola said of their South Korean trip. “All 14 players were handpicked by us so we believe this is a fighting team.”
The Road Warriors will be handled by Interim Coach Adonis Tierra while Head Coach Boyet Fernandez takes care of unfinished business with San Beda College in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Finals against Arellano University.
NLEX, winner of six of seven titles in the Developmental League, will be bannered by ageless Asi Taulava, Mark Cardona, Niño Canaleta and Enrico Villanueva. The rookies for the Manuel V. Pangilinan franchise include Raul Soyud (University of the Philippines) and Jeckster Apinan and John Bryon Villarias (Jose Rizal University).
The Beermen, meanwhile, are parading a new head coach in Leo Austria, San Miguel’s fourth mentor in the last three seasons. Austria won for San Miguel the Asean Basketball League two years ago.
San Miguel will be bannered by Gilas Pilipinas center and reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Sol Mercado, Marcio Lassiter and Rico Maierhofer. The new faces on the roster are veteran forward Nelbert Omolon and rookie Ronald Pascual of San Sebastian College.
“So far, we’re doing well in implementing the system that I want especially on defense. I’m very particular about defense. I want them to play according to the system, not through their individual defense,” Austria said. “You can’t win by offense alone.”
Rain or Shine will play minus Gilas standout Gabe Norwood and guard Chris Tiu. Head Coach Yeng Guiao said Norwood is arriving on Tuesday night after a much-deserved break from the United States while Tiu is nursing a pulled hamstring.
“We are excited to start our season. The team is moving well and in great shape. We hope to convert this optimism to success on the court,” said Guiao who is bringing an intact roster with Jericho Cruz (Adamson) as the lone addition.
The Elasto Painters have a No. 2 overall pick in Kevin Alas in the last rookie draft but traded him to Talk ‘N Text to secure a couple of first-round picks next season.
Image credits: PBA Image