By JONAS TERRADO
Game Today
(Dumaguete City)
5 p.m. – San Miguel vs Alaska
Renaldo Balkman makes his highly-anticipated PBA return today as he tries to help the defending champion San Miguel Beermen end a 0-2 start against the Alaska Aces in the Commissioner’s Cup at the Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Center in Dumaguete City.
Balkman is not only eager to show that he’s already a changed man after a choking incident five years ago led to a lifetime ban that was eventually lifted in March but also give the Beermen renewed energy in hopes of arresting their slump in the 5 p.m. Petron Saturday Special game with the Aces.
Incidentally, the former NBA player faces the same opponent that the then-Petron Blaze Boosters faced in March 2013 when Balkman choked teammate Arwind Santos in one of the most controversial moments in the PBA’s 43-year history.
But Balkman somewhat proved that he learned a lesson from that incident after playing a big role in Alab Pilipinas title run in the ASEAN Basketball League earlier this month. Now back in the PBA, Balkman also vows to put on a show.
“I just wanna go out there and start winning games. I take every game one by one. And we’ll see what happens,” he said.
Coach Leo Austria is hopeful that Balkman can provide the energy needed to spring some life back to a San Miguel squad that suffered its worst start since a similar 0-2 record in the 2015 Governors’ Cup.
Alaska won its last three games, including Sunday’s 110-100 victory over erstwhile unbeaten TNT KaTropa at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
“It’s a must-win for us dahil we’re up against a very good team right now,” said Austria. “They’re playing really well and they have the momentum and we’re trying to regroup our team. But the possibility is still there na kaya pa rin naming manalo.”
June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, Alex Cabagnot and rookie Christian Standhardinger will also be tasked in the Beermen’s bid after stinging defeats to the Meralco Bolts and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Standhardinger has shown to be a valuable asset for San Miguel after missing the team’s title run in the Philippine Cup with 10.5 points and 10.0 rebounds in two games this conference.
Out to deal San Miguel another setback are Alaska’s main weapons Vic Manuel, Calvin Abueva, Chris Banchero, Jvee Casio and import Antonio Campbell.
Campbell, 23, is ranked third among imports in scoring at 27.0 points per game with 18.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks.
