WANGS SEEKS EARLY D-LEAGUE SOLO LEAD
Coming off an inspiring win to open the season, Wangs Basketball looks forward to another exceptional performance on Thursday when four more teams make their debut in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.
The Couriers opened their campaign with an impressive 96-78 demolition of AMA University on Monday. An opportunity to take the early lead should provide added motivation going into their second straight game against MP Hotel in their scheduled 2 o’clock encounter at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
Most of the attention though is focused on Cagayan Valley and MJM Builders – two teams that practically overhauled their rosters during the off-season – which collide at 12 noon. The other game pits newcomer Bread Story-LPU against Jumbo Plastic at 4 p.m.
“Nagbunga ang mga pinahirapan namin. The boys executed our plays very well at maganda rin ang nilaro nila sa depensa. Sana lang masustain namin,” said Wangs Basketball coach Pablo Lucas.
Up against a team that is visibly still learning the ropes in organized basketball, the Couriers should encounter little problem in disposing off the Warriors, who absorbed a 59-86 whipping against Café France on opening day.
“Mahirap makumpiyansa. Bilog ang bola,” Lucas warned.
Michael Juico, who scored 18 points to lead four Couriers in double figures on opening day, is again expected to be in the forefront of Wangs Basketball offense along with Mark Acosta, Rocky Acidre and Michael Miranda.
In the hope of making a quick rebound from Monday’s debacle, MP Hotel inserted PBA rookie free agent Rene Pacquiao in the lineup in lieu of Aldrenal Yusop. Rene is a cousin of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, playing coach of KIA basketball team and owner of MP Hotel basketball team.
Fireworks, though, are expected to be provided by Cagayan Valley and MJM Builders, two teams who are expected to figure prominently in the playoff race.
The Rising Suns have become a solid contender after snatching 6-7 Moala Tautuaa with their no.1 pick in the recent rookie draft. But the focal point of Cagayan Valley’s championship quest this season is not expected to join the Rising Suns until after he completes his tour of duty in the ABL that comes to a close in mid-November.
But even without the American born Fil-Tongan, the Rising Suns remains a potent challenge with veterans Don Trollano, Michael Mabulac, Jeric Hernandez, Adrian Celada and Jason Melano in the roster.
The Builders are no pushovers, either. The team is built around FEU’s seasoned stars that included Bryan Mendoza, Cris Tolomia, Roger Pogoy, Russel Escoto, Mac Belo and Anthony Hargrove. The addition of Gelo Alolino and Glenn Khobuntin of UAAP champion team NU, certainly provides the builders a lot of depth to match-up against the Rising Suns.
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