BY JONAS TERRADO
Game Sunday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. – Leo Awards/Opening
7:30 p.m. – San Miguel vs Magnolia
San Miguel Beer looks to provide a glimpse of how it can retain its supremacy in the season’s most important tournament sans June Mar Fajardo as it battles Magnolia Sunday to kick off the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Fajardo’s absence is expected to loom large in the 7:30 p.m. contest which will see the Beermen try to start their campaign on a winning note against the Hotshots in the rematch of the last two Philippine Cup title showdowns.
With Fajardo expected to miss at least the whole duration of the conference due to a fractured shin, SMB could play a more up-tempo game that may give Terrence Romeo the opportunity to play a more-prominent role.
But whether Romeo has fully recovered from a sprained ankle he sustained in a preseason game will be known once SMB and Magnolia usher in the 45th season of the pro loop.
The performances Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot, Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter, Mo Tautuaa and Von Pessumal will also be crucial in the chances of the Leo Austria-coached Beermen.
Magnolia is also determined to start its own title bid with a win behind Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, Chris Banchero and new addition Jackson Corpuz.
The game comes after the league recognizes the top achievers from last season’s in the Leo Awards set at 4:30 p.m.
Fajardo is favored to win an unprecedented sixth straight Most Valuable Player award against closest pursuers Jayson Castro of TNT KaTropa, Christian Standhardinger of NorthPort and CJ Perez of Columbian.
Perez, NorthPort’s Robert Bolick, TNT KaTropa’s Ray Parks Jr. and Rain or Shine’s Javee Mocon are top contenders for the Rookie of the Year plum while members of the Mythical Team will also be known.
Also to be handed are the Most Improved Player, All-Defensive Team and Sportsmanship Award.
The traditional parade of teams and muses will be held following the Leo Awards.
