Reigning MVP Mark Caguioa on one side and three-time scoring champ Gary David on the other side. Two-time MVP winner Willie Miller on one corner and one-time best of ‘em all Jayjay Helterbrand on the other.
These are among elite matchups that will be in focus with crowd darling Barangay Ginebra and newcomer Global Port taking on each other in the opening game of the 38th PBA season at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
The two teams clash at 6:00 p.m. proceeding the inaugural rites starting at 4:30 p.m.
“We have to focus on playing fundamentally sound basketball with premium on defense and sharing the ball offensively,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen, not looking far ahead though believing they’ve improved with their offseason acquisitions.
“Maganda ang outlook ng team pero kailangan namin makapag-jell ng maayos,” Tanquingcen pointed out.
“Against Ginebra in our first game, it’s early baptism of fire for us in the PBA,” said Global Port team owner Mikee Romero.
It will be a night to remember with a spectacle of songs, dances and colors highlighting the elaborate opening ceremonies that precede the opening game.
After the parade, the league fetes Smart Gilas Pilipinas II, saluting coach Chot Reyes, his staff and the players for their title run in the Jones Cup and third runner-up honors in the FIBA Asia Cup.
Then the league’s official business begins.
Ginebra presents its lineup strengthened by the addition of LA Tenorio, Elmer Espiritu, Chris Ellis and Keith Jensen while Global Port finally sets foot on the PBA floor with a team built around David and Miller.
“David and Miller will be our main men. Ang problema we didn’t have enough preparation for our first game with the two guys,” said Romero.
The young businessman/sportsman is realistic it’s hard to win a championship in the PBA overnight. He would be happy seeing his team play close games.
“At least, kung close game, may chance kami manilat,” said Romero, whose coaching roster includes Glenn Capacio as head coach, Joe Lipa as consultant and Ricky Dandan, Johnedel Cardel, Louie Gonzales and Charles Tiu as assistant coaches.
Powerade holdovers Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Rudy Lingganay, Jondan Salvador, Romel Adducul and Josh Vanlandingham and rookies Vic Manuel, Angelus Raymundo, Alfred Mandani and Jason Deutchman also make the Global Port team, the league’s newest franchise coming after Meralco in 2010. (SB)
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