FREEGO Jeans coach Leo Austria believes he has a competitive team under his disposal.

With a core composed practically of the same Adamson players he coached in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, chemistry is the least of his worries even though the new recruits are still finding their way in.

Of course, it would be a lot better if the new players would jell quickly and adopt to his system sooner than later.

“I’m very optimistic we have a pretty good chance this conference. Our new recruits shore up our backcourt and wing spots. Hopefully our new additions would be able to adapt to my system over a short period of time,” said Austria, who expects his team to make the top four.

He said their shaky backcourt was a concern during the inaugural tournament of the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League, but that has been addressed with the inclusion of Jaralen Tampus, Alwyn Elinon and Jason Escueta.

That will be interesting to note when Freego Jeans takes on PC Gilmore at 2 p.m. on Thursday as the D-League officially opens its season at the Ynares Arena in Pasig.

Also making its debut in the Aspirant’s Cup, which serves as the first conference of the fledgling league, are Blackwater and Boracay Rhum which collide at 4 o’clock.

Now coached by Art de la Cruz, PC Gilmore also underwent massive buildup in preparation for this season, putting premium on speed and height. Eric Agas, Mark Acosta, Mark Sarangay and Jet Vidal are the only holdovers.

A pair of six-foot-sevens from National University named Spencer Eman and Marion Magat will man the frontcourt for the Wizards along with Sarangay and Filipino-American Kelly Nabong.

In the case of Blackwater, coach Leo Isaac said his present team is a lot better “as compared to our roster last conference.”

Notwithstanding, Isaac and the Elite are expecting a tough challenge against the Boracay Rhum Waves, who boast of six-foot-nine center Jericho de Guzman.

Isaac said their modest goal is to win as many games as they can. “Then we’ll see where it would lead us,” he said.