By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Today
(Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium)
7 p.m. – Quezon City vs Bataan
9 p.m. – Imus vs Bulacan
All eyes will be on former pro league star Gary David as he leads his hometown Bataan against Quezon City tonight in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Anta Rajah Cup at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in Malolos City.
Known for his scoring prowess during his heyday in a decorated 13-year PBA career, the 6-foot-2 David, 39, is expected to hog the limelight in their 7 p.m. showdown with the Capitals.
“Maganda naman ang kundisyon ko ngayon,” said the Dinalupihan, Bataan pride, a four-time PBA scoring champion winner.
“Basta ‘wag lang tamaan ng kahit anong injury, kayang kaya ko pa naman makipagsabayan sa mga bata.
“Siyempre kailangan makapaglaro ako at ang buong team ng maganda kasi pride ang usapan dito. Pride mo sa sarili mo, pride ng sariling bayan mo. Kaya excited ako na dalhin ‘yung bandera ng Bataan.”
Meanwhile, former pro league great Marlou Aquino is set to come out of his retirement as he suits up for pre-season champion Bulacan Kuyas who will open their title campaign against Imus Bandera at 9 p.m.
No less than Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes confirmed the development to Tempo-Bulletin yesterday, saying the 6-foot-9 Aquino, now 45, will try to prove that he still has enough juice left in his tank as the former Barangay Ginebra center lends his prestige in the home-and-away tournament initiated by Senator Manny Pacquiao.
Backing up Aquino, a three-time PBA champion and a seven-time PBA All-Star, are former University of the East standout James Martinez, burly San Beda product Jay-R Taganas and ex-San Sebastian stalwart Chris Baluyot.