THREE teams with new coaches launch their bids today with their sights trained on one thing — get off to a fast start.
Converge, now under Aldin Ayo, squares off with Terrafirma as the PBA Commissioner’s Cup returns at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The match is set at 3 p.m. before NLEX and new coach Frankie Lim take on Rain or Shine and comebacking strategist Yeng Guiao, who called the shots for the Road Warriors for six years but parted ways early this month, at 5:45.
Officially named as Guiao’s replacement last Wednesday night, Lim is raring to buckle down to work in the mid-season tourney.
“I want the team to be stronger, better, and more competitive to ensure the win,” Lim was quoted as saying in the team’s website.
“We can implement some changes so the team can improve and be better in the soonest possible time,” he added.
NLEX is expected to pin its hopes on the likes of import Earl Clark, Don Trollano, Kevin Alas, JR Quinahan and Justin Chua after it shipped rising star Calvin Oftana and big man Raoul Soyud to TNT via Blackwater for this year’s top rookie pick, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, in a trade greenlighted only last Monday.
The Road Warriors wound up sixth after the eliminations and reached the quarterfinals of the last Philippine Cup where they fell short in three games to Magnolia.
Equally determined are the Elasto Painters, who finished with a 4-7 mark for ninth in the season-opening meet.
Guiao’s old reliable players such as Gabe Norwood, Beau Belga, and Jewel Ponferada will be counted upon along with reinforcement Steve Taylor and young guns Rey Nambatac, Leonard Santillan, and Mike Nieto.
The FiberXers finished with a 5-6 slate for seventh in their maiden foray in the pro league and lost to the Tropang Giga in one game in the quarterfinals.
Import Quincy Miller will carry the fight for Converge along with locals Jeron Teng, Abu Tratter, Maverick Ahanmisi, Kevin Racal, and new acquisition Aljun Melecio.
The Dyip went winless in 11 outings in the import-less tilt and will lean on returning reinforcement Lester Prosper, Joshua Munzon, Juami Tiongson, Javi Gomez de Liaño, and Aldrech Ramos to break that slump.
