Games today
(Malolos Sports and Convention Center)
4 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies
5 p.m. – Jumbo Plastic vs Mighty Sports
7 p.m. – Sta. Lucia vs Euro-Med
Jumbo Plastic, the inaugural staging champion of the Pilipinas Commercial Basketball League, begins its back-to-back title aspirations when it takes on newcomer but stacked Mighty Sports, opening hostilities of the second conference of this league billed as the Chairman’s Cup.
The Linoleum Giants battle Mighty Sports at 5 p.m. at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center right after the opening ceremonies of this event being supported by Ambucore, Accel, Hahn Manila, Gerry’s Grill and Spalding.
Sta. Lucia and Euro-Med collide in the main game at 7 p.m.
Parading with a solid core composed of ex-pros James Martinez, Marcy Arellano and AJ Mandani as well as Finals Most Valuable Player Jeff Viernes and the team’s pillar of strength JR Taganas, Jumbo Plastic is determined on its back-to-back aspirations.
But the Linoleum Giants will face a newbie squad that is loaded with talent.
No less than Kiefer Ravena, the reigning back-to-back UAAP MVP and considered as the best prospect among guards that will move up to the pro ranks next season, will banner Mighty Sports, which will be coached by former Adamson mentor Mike Fermin with ex-PBA coach Bo Perasol as consultant.
Aside from Ravena, another notable player joining the squad is former Rain or Shine guard TY Tang, who was plucked out of retirement but decided to strut his wares to provide leadership to this new team Mighty.
These local players are expected to steal the spotlight, but the league decided to field in Cameroonian and Nigerian imports playing in the collegiate leagues to spice things a bit.
Jumbo Plastic is bringing in Allwell Oraeme, who played for the Mapua Cardinals while Mighty Sports will bank on Bright Akhuetie, who suited up for the Perpetual Help Altas.
Southwestern’s Landry Sanjo will be the import of the Sta. Lucia Realtors while Euro-Med is still waiting for Centro Escolar’s Rodrigue Ebondo to wind up his commitment in another league.