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MANILA,
Oct. 4 (PNA) – Philippine Basketball Association, the country’s premier
professional basketball league, kicks off its 34th season on Saturday
with lone game between Coca-Cola and Talk ‘N Text right after
children-inspired opening rites at the Araneta Coliseum.
PBA
commissioner Sonny Barrios vowed to sustain the success of the previous
season with more vigor to promote the other side of each exciting game
that fans will enjoy the whole year.
”We
want to focus on the young ones because they are the future of the
country and to show that the PBA cares for the kids, we’re dedicating
the entire season for them,” said Barrios.
Child
actor Makisig Morales shares centerstage with the world renowned Las
Pinas Boys Choir and Cynthia Lora, winner of the World Championship of
the Performing Arts (WCOPA), during the elaborate, colorful opening
ceremony which starts at 4 p.m.
Also
joining them in the opening rite are 2008 UAAP Cheerdance competition
champion U.P. Pep Squad and the Koine Children's dance group.
The
league's activity for the youth already began last week as kids from
the Maharlika Village in Taguig visited the Purefoods Giants in their
practice at the Ynares Sports Arena accompanied by Barrios and US
Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney. The Giants later on held
a special basketball clinic for their young visitors.
The same group of children will also grace the opening ceremony along with Ambassador Kenney.
The
new-look Talk 'N Text franchise renews its rivalry with former star
player Asi Taulava and the Tigers, one of the only two teams that did
not acquire from the annual rookie draft. The other is Ginebra despite
having depleted line-up due to injuries.
Known
by their new monicker Tropang Texters, the telecommunication franchise
will parade four of its rookie acquisitions in the off-season – no. 2
pick Jared Dillinger, Jason Castro (no. 3), big man Rob Reyes (no.4)
and guard Pong Escobal (no. 11) against an intact Tigers squad.
The
Tigers remain undefeated against the Tropang Texters since the former
acquired Taluava from Talk ‘N Text, giving Coca-Cola a 4-1 edge in
their head-to-head encounter the last season.
Completing
the Tropang Texters’ line-up under coach Chot Reyes are Jimmy Alapag,
Harvey Carey, Mark Cardona, Yousif Aljamal, Ren-Ren Ritualo, Yancy de
Ocampo, Ali Peek, Don Allado and Gilbert Lao.
On
the other hand, the Tigers’ intact line-up include Nick Belasco, Cesar
Catli, MC Caceres, Aris Dimaunahan, Ranjay Buenafe, Floilan Baguion,
Mark Telan, RJ Rizada, Ricky Calimag, John Arigo, Alex Cabagnot, Mark
Macapagal, Lawrence Bonus and Taulava. Coke’s coach is Binky Favis.
The
following day, action shifts at the Astrodome as Fiesta Cup runner-up
Air21 clashes with top rookie pick Gabe Norwood and the Rain or Shine
Elasto Painters in the first game (4:30 p.m.) of an explosive Sunday
doubleheader.
The Alaska Aces take on the star-studded San Miguel Beermen in the main game set at 6:50 p.m. (PNA) |
