ELITE – ACES TUSSLE KICKS OFF GOVERNORS’ CUP BATTLES
Familiarity breeds chemistry, and for Blackwater, pinning its hopes on Marcus Douthit for a longer run might bring the Elite the coveted fruits of their labor they envisioned when they joined the PBA at the start of the season.
Entrusting its season-ending conference still with the naturalized Filipino slotman, Blackwater is positive that it could eclipse the three wins it recorded in the Commissioner’s Cup.
And it all starts with Douthit, as the big man averaged 22.0 points, 14.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.1 blocks and 1.2 steals in 10 games for the Elite.
Adding to that positive vibe is the return of Reil Cervantes, an original Blackwater player from the D-League who figured his way back to its fold after a trade with Kia in exchange for Alex Nuyles.
Also, the emergence of Brian Heruela and Bryan Faundo gives coach Leo Isaac a more potent rotation as Blackwater slowly figures itself up in the pro ranks.
However, starting the conference right won’t be that easy of a challenge, as Blackwater will be facing a team which has already built a sturdy foundation in Alaska.
Parading ex-Lebron James AAU teammate Romeo Travis, the Aces want to atone their quarterfinal exit in the Commissioner’s Cup and come back stronger in the third conference.
“He’s adjusting to his new teammates well. He is what I expected him to be: a good teammate and a smart player,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton of Travis.
Also a problem for Blackwater would be the hunger of the Alaska core, bannered by Calvin Abueva, JVee Casio, and Sonny Thoss.
The two teams open the festivities for the 2015 Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the game tipping off at 4:15 p.m.(RL)
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