New-look Alaska hopes to start its campaign on the right track against CJ Perez and Columbian in the opener of the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Jeffrey Cariaso makes his coaching debut in the 4:30 p.m. opener as he’ll try to steer the Aces to victory after undergoing multiple changes since being eliminated by TNT KaTropa in the Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.
Cariaso was elevated from being an assistant after the resignation of Alex Compton last month while Alaska acquired Maverick Ahanmisi and Abu Tratter in separate trades with Rain or Shine and Blackwater.
Reinforcing the Aces will be Justin Watts, a member of the University of North Carolina’s 2009 US NCAA championship team.
Watts came in after Branden Dawson exceeded the maximum height limit of 6-foot-5.
Alaska is expected to have its hands full against Columbian, with Perez looking to build on his impressive showing for Gilas Pilipinas in the recent FIBA World Cup in China.
Khapri Alston will serve as import for coach Johnedel Cardel and the Dyip, who are eager to finally make the playoffs after going 4-7 and 3-8 in the season’s first two conferences.
Rain or Shine and NorthPort square off in the second game at 7 p.m. with both teams parading their FIBA World Cup campaigners.
Gilas captain Gabe Norwood and coach Caloy Garcia, who serves as Yeng Guiao’s assistant, return for Rain or Shine while NorthPort rookie Robert Bolick will also try to build on his strong showing in the World Cup.
Both teams are set to parade returning imports in Joel Wright for Rain or Shine and Mychal Ammons for NorthPort. (Jonas Terrado)