FOUR teams will seek redemption when the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup kicks off today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The mid-season conference starts with an encounter between Talk ‘N Text and Blackwater at 4:15 p.m. and an intriguing tiff between Star and Meralco set 7 p.m.
All four squads didn’t perform up to par in the PBA Philippine Cup and a fresh start is certainly what they’ve all been waiting for.
Defending champion Talk ‘N Text will play with a handicap, although it is still considered a favorite against the upstart Elite in their initial encounter.
After figuring in an altercation in a tune-up game, incidentally against Blackwater more than a week ago, returning Tropang Texters import Ivan Johnson was suspended for one game by league. Johnson was meted a suspension for punching Elite big men Poy Eram and Frank Golla. Johnson, who led Talk ‘N Text to the crown of last season’s edition of the tournament, will serve his suspension against Blackwater.
Hence, Talk ‘N Text is expected to field an All-Filipino line-up against the Elite, but the good news for the Manny V. Pangilinan owned franchise is that everyone is healthy in its roster and resident star Ranidel De Ocampo will finally suit up after missing most of the Philippine Cup with a back injury.
Blackwater, which made some progress last conference by making the playoffs for the first time even as it exited right away in the quarterfinals, will lean on import Alex Loughton to bring in the goods and lead the youthful squad against the loaded Tropang Texters.
In the second game, the return of a familiar name is also being anticipated.
Former Best import awardee Denzel Bowles returns to start his fourth tour of duty for the Hotshots as he is once again expected to man the middle for his team against the Bolts.
Bowles will join old pals James Yap, Peter June Simon and Marc Pingris in spearheading the Star, who had a disappointing season opening conference under rookie coach Jason Webb.