REIGNING Philippine Cup champion San Miguel and TNT leave for Japan today to carry the Philippine flag and pride in the East Asia Super League Champions Week in Japan.
Led by six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, the Beermen will play in the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa while veteran guard Jayson Castro and the Tropang Giga head for the city of Utsunomiya for their respective campaigns in the March 1-5 tournament featuring champion teams from top basketball leagues in Asia.
The Tropang Giga of coach Jojo Lastimosa kicks off the country’s bid in the regional meet on opening day against host team Utsunomiya Brex.
Towering Daniel Ochefu and Jalen Hudson, a replacement for Governors Cup regular import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, will reinforce the team. Hollis-Jefferson failed to secure his Japan visa in time for the tournament.
TNT is in Group B along with Utsunomiya, Seoul SK Knights, and recent PBA Commissioner’s Cup guest team and runner-up Bay Area Dragons.
On Thursday, the Beermen make their debut against a Ryukyu Golden Kings side that features three-time PBA Best Import Allen Durham and young Gilas Pilipinas stalwart Carl Tamayo.
Cameron Clark and Jessie Govan serve as imports for San Miguel, coached by Jorge Gallent.
San Miguel is in Group A with Ryukyu, Taipei Fubon Braves, and Anyang KGC.
The Tropang Giga return to action on Friday against the Knights, while the Beermen face former NCAA Rookie-MVP and Gilas member Renz Abando and Anyang the following day.
The top two teams in Group A and B will dispute the championship and the $250,000 prize purse that comes with it, while the No. 2 teams in each group battle for third place.
The runner-up will receive $100,000 and third placer $50,000.
The championship round will be played in Okinawa.
