EVEN with its leadership crisis not yet fully resolved, the Philippine Basketball Association is ready to launch a brand new season.
The 43rd season of the PBA unreels tomorrow as two teams which had opposite results last season collide to kick off the opening 2017-2018 Philippine Cup.
Three-time defending champion San Miguel Beer begins its title defense against the hungry and retooled Phoenix Petroleum Fuelmasters at 6:45 p.m. in the lone game of the opening play date Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Prior to that, the league, despite limited time to prepare due to the impasse it continues to face involving Chito Narvasa, will also present the traditional parade of teams and opening presentation to officially open the season.
“There are a lot of plans,” said incoming PBA chairman Ramoncito Fernandez of NLEX.
“Meron tayong opening and parade of teams pa rin,” said Media Bureau Chief Willie Marcial.
San Miguel Beer is the heavy favorite once again. Its championship core of four-time reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter and Arwind Santos remains intact and ready for yet another run at the crown.
On the other hand, the Fuel Masters are hoping that the changes they made in the off-season can help turn the tide in their favor.
Phoenix is now coached by Louie Alas and assisted by deputy Topex Robinson.
“We are determined to win. We have two bright coaches and we made some enhancements in our line-up,” said Phoenix alternate governor Raymond Zorilla.