San Miguel, Talk N’ Text consensus teams to beat
In the eyes of the PBA governors, San Miguel and Talk N’ Text, the last two teams to have won the title, are the teams to beat this coming 2016 PBA Philippine Cup.
“It’s San Miguel and Talk ‘N Text,” said Star governor Rene Pardo on Tuesday during the PBA Pre-Season press conference.
“San Miguel is really the team to beat because it’s the team with three starting fives,” said Blackwater governor Silliman Sy.
San Miguel governor and PBA chairman Robert Non, for his part, acknowledged that the league would definitely be watching the every move of the Beermen.
He, though, hopes that his team can sustain the success it garnered in the past season.
“I admit yung pressure nasa amin. The players are excited pero nadagdagan pa ng pressure,” he said.
But it’s no easy task for the Beermen as they were plagued with injuries during the off season.
“Hopefully, June Mar (Fajardo) will be able to have his full practice and hopefully, he can recover. Sana rin completely healed na yung hamstring ni Marcio (Lassiter) come our game sa GlobalPort,” he said.
The Tropang Texters, meanwhile, are the talk of the town with the acquisition of top neophytes Mo Tautuaa and Troy Rosario.
“Nakuha nila yung mga rookies na malaki so lalakas talaga sila,” said Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua.
Aside from San Miguel and Talk ‘N Text, other teams have also improved its rosters in the hopes of being even more competitive this year.
“We’re very excited this season. We have a younger and stronger roster with our rookies,” said Rain or Shine alternate governor Edison Oribiana, whose camp welcomes Maverick Ahanmisi and Don Trollano to its fold.
Ginebra also revamped its roster with coach Tim Cone now at the helm and seasoned forward Joe Devance joining him.
Coach Jason Webb, meanwhile, leads a rebuilding Hotshots squad who still have old reliables like James Yap and PJ Simon.
Meralco did its share of movements, acquiring veteran Jimmy Alapag to bring in leadership in the Bolts side.
“The biggest difference maker is Jimmy Alapag. He will stabilize our team, gain maturity, and hopefully, we’ll gain greater grounds,” said Meralco alternate governor Ryan Gregorio.
But one contender which will be banking on continuity will be two-time finalists Alaska.
“Everyone beefed up their lineup this year, but we didn’t really do much moves,” said Aces governor Dickie Bachmann.
Also seeking to surprise this season are GlobalPort, NLEX, Barako Bull, Blackwater, and Mahindra.
The 41st season of the PBA opens on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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