TNT, Blackwater, SMB begin T12 campaign

MANILA, Philippines — Blackwater, San Miguel and Talk ‘N Text begin their quest for international glory today when they represent the PBA in the East Asia League Terrific 12 at the Tap Seac Stadium in Macau.

The Elite, bannered by Marqus Blakely and Alex Stepheson, will be first to plunge into action when they face Korean club Seoul SK Knights in Group A action at 3 p.m.

At 7 p.m., the Lester Prosper and Dez Wells-led Beermen take on Shenzhen Aviators in Group B play to be followed by a Group D collission between the KaTropa and CBA champ Liaoning Flying Leopards at 9 p.m.

TNT will be spearheaded by ex-Mighty Sports reinforcement McKenzie Moore together with Governor’s Cup import KJ McDaniels and top guard Jayson Castro.

Out to backstop Stepheson and Blakely, who replaced injured Aaron Fuller for the Elite, is Bobby Ray Parks Jr., who returns to international stage after his fruitful ABL stint highlighted by one championship and three MVP awards.

For the Beermen, the reigning Philippine Cup and Commissioner’s Cup champions in the PBA, to lead the charge are Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross, Christian Standhardinger, Arwind Santos and Terrence Romeo.

SMB’s other stars in June Mar Fajardo (ankle) and Marcio Lassiter (MCL sprain) remain as doubtful starters.

But all eyes will be on TNT, which is expected to have its hands full against the stacked Liaoning squad led by Asia’s best point guard Guo Ailun and veteran NBA player Lance Stephenson.

Only the top team from each group will progress to the knockout Final Four of this Asian invitational tourney.