IF there are two teams, which had decent seasons the last time out, but were still left unsatisfied, they are definitely Rain or Shine and Star.
This is why they are raring and ready to go for the coming season as they start hostilities in the 41st Philippine Basketball Association, which will unfold on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Elasto Painters and the Hotshots will go at it right way against each other at 5 p.m. to start the prestigious Philippine Cup.
Prior to that, the league will officially open the new season with opening rites set at 3 p.m., where teams will also have their traditional parade along with there respective muses.
As expected, both squads vied for championships the past season, but they both failed to go all the way despite high expectations.
Rain or Shine reached the finals of the Commissioner’s Cup, but lost in a classic Game 7 against Talk ‘N Text, while Star failed to defend each of its three crowns last season and instead settled for two semifinals appearances.
The Hotshots will start their campaign without former head coach Tim Cone as new mentor Jason Webb will make his debut in handling the team.
The rookie coach cited his team’s hunger as one of its biggest assets heading to the season as they try to reclaim lost glory.
“If we have a positive thing going for us, it is that these players are hungry. We’re one full season away from that Grand Slam in 2014 so expect our players to be championship hungry coming in,’’ said a very optimistic Webb.
Along with Cone, versatile forward Joe Devance is gone as well and was shipped to Ginebra, but the Hotshots will still have most of their core from their championship stretch in James Yap, Marc Pingris, Peter June Simon, Mark Barroca, Alex Mallari, Justin Melton and Rafi Reavis.
The returning Ian Sangalang will also be a key player for Star, while the additions of rookie big man Norbert Torres and forwards Jake and Ronald Pascual will also help the Hotshots’ cause.
While Star underwent some drastic changes, Rain or Shine did minor tinkering in their attempt to enhance its chances of finally bagging that elusive second championship.
The Elasto Painters will once again bank on longtime weapons Paul Lee, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood, Jireh Ibanes, Beau Belga, JR Quinahan, Chris Tiu along with the vastly-improving Raymund Almazan, Jericho Cruz and Jeric Teng.
They will be joined by new acquisition Jewel Ponferrada, who will add more ceiling to the team, No. 3 overall pick Maverick Ahanmisi and his fellow first rounder newbie Josan Nimes, who will only join the team once his stint with Mapua ends in the NCAA tournament.
Game Sunday
(Philippine Cup – Smart
Araneta Coliseum)
3 p.m. • Opening Ceremonies
5 p.m. • Rain or Shine vs. Star
