BEWARE, THE PBA’S DARK HORSE TEAMS
IN the shadows they lurk, waiting in ambush for star-studded teams basking in attention that wander a little too far from the light.
Then they pounce.
The Air21 Express and the Barako Bull Energy Cola labor quietly in the mines, building up their rosters from once supernovas, spent castoffs and young turks, away from pre-season public adulation, hidden from the radar of pre-tournament forecasters.
They like it that way, when they are taken for granted and when opponents feel no dash of danger, nor any sense of urgency, around them. Then they make them pay the price.
The league’s dark horse teams will be looking to stomp on anybody that gets in the way in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup, and they have the entire 14-game elimination round to romp around in.
But first, they test each other’s mettle.
Air21 and Barako Bull clash today in the curtainraiser at 5:45 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Separately grouped, this will be the first of two such meetings before the playoffs.
The Express are bracketed with Alaska, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Petron Blaze, and Rain or Shine, while the Energy Cola are in the company of Meralco, San Mig Coffee, Globalport and defending champion Talk ‘N Text.
Taking a blow with the injury to hook specialist Mark Cardona, Air21, coached by Franz Pumaren, will nonetheless be led by PBA Most Improved Player KG Canaleta, Joseph Yeo, Bonbon Custodio, Wynne Arboleda, Renren Ritualo, sophomore Vic Manuel, Carlo Sharma, and ageless Asi Taulava.
Taulava has vowed to throw his weight around against younger centers coming into the league, pledging to give everybody a run for their money.
Pumaren was one of the three coaches considered by Globalport team owner to replace Junel Baculi before settling for ex-pro Richie Ticzon.
Taking up the cudgels for the Energy Cola, who let go of veteran Danny Seigle, the 2000 MVP, are comebacking Willie Miller, a two-time MVP, Mark Isip, Mick Pennisi, 3-point king Mark Macapagal, Dorian Pena, JC Intal, former Ginebra forward Willy Wilson, Jonas Villanueva, and Denok Miranda.
With the contract of Serbian consultant Rajko Toroman not renewed, Bong Ramos calls the shots on an interim basis.
Neither team had a first round pick during the draft. In the next turn, however, Air21 brought in Eric James Camson, the only rookie the Express signed up.
Barako Bull, on the other hand, after stockpiling on “tried and tested” material at the expense of three first round picks, took Jeric Fortuna in the second round.
Counting their 2-1 pre-season output, including victories over Alaska and Petron, Barako Bull could silence critics with an early tournament win over Air21 although that would be easier said than done.
Especially with Asi Taulava feverishly looking for a way to return to the light. (WJRHT)
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