MANILA, Philippines - Four weeks after their classic Governors Cup title duel, Barangay Ginebra and Meralco make their keenly awaited return, taking on separate opponents to start their quests in the 2016-17 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.
The Gin Kings begin their chase of a second straight crown following their Governors Cup finals conquest of the Bolts as they tangle with the TNT KaTropa Texters at 6:45 p.m.
Fresh from their first-ever finals appearance, the Bolts start their campaign in PBA Season 42 versus the Blackwater Elite at 4:30 p.m.
Blackwater is coming off a swashbuckling season debut on a 94-87 spanking of Phoenix Petroleum on opening day while TNT is reeling from an 87-101 blowout by Rain or Shine.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone hopes they get over first-game jitters early as he expects a tough grind against a TNT side that is likely to be eager to bounce back from its losing season debut.
“TNT didn’t shoot the ball well the last time out, but we expect them to shoot the ball a lot better against us,” said Cone.
“Hopefully, we get going right away as you can’t bear TNT without your ‘A’ game. I think we’re all looking forward to getting this thing started,” Cone added.
From their Governors Cup championship, the Gin Kings are coming back with a lineup souped up by new acquisitions Kevin Ferrer, Jericho de Guzman, Raymon Jamito and Paolo Taha.
Ferrer and Taha provide added firepower and stability at the backcourt while De Guzman and Jamito supply added ceiling and muscle at the paint on the continued absence of 7-foot-1 center Greg Slaughter.
LA Tenorio, Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Scottie Thompson, Sol Mercado, Joe Devance, Jervy Cruz and Dave Marcelo, vital cogs in their conquest of Meralco in the Governors Cup finale, are all coming back to help Ginebra in a quest for a rare successive title runs.
The franchise has previously achieved back-to-back championships in the 2004 Fiesta Conference and 2004 Philippine Cup under coach Siot Tanquingcen.
Cone is not new either to winning successive crowns, having annexed nothing less than grand slam championships with Alaska Milk and B-Meg/Star.
The initial goal is to get a triumphant season start versus the Tropang Texters.
Minus Jayson Castro who’s still in the process of getting into shape, the Texters groped for form versus the E-Painters.
It’s uncertain when Castro’s coming back from vacation.