By REYNALD MAGALLON
The PBA Board of Governors agree that the upcoming Season 50 Philippine Cup will be one of the most competitive conferences judging solely by how much the teams have ramped up their respective lineups.
Speaking during the PBA pre-season press conference at the Shangri-La the Fort in Bonifacio Global City, on Wednesday, Oct. 1, the governors are seeing a tougher competition with the mid-tier teams closing the gap against perennial powerhouses like San Miguel, TNT and Ginebra.
“We are expecting a very exciting Philippine Cup. It will be very competitive baka surprise kayo kung sino ang papasok sa Finals diyan,” said Meralco team Governor Atty. Bill Pamintuan, who was joined by PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial along with other members of the board.
Not in attendance due to prior commitments, however, are PBA Chairman and TNT Governor Ricky Vargas, vice chairman and Ginebra Governor Alfrancis Chua, Converge Governor Archen Cayabyab and new Terrafirma Governor Pido Jarencio.
Of all the teams that have improved though, the PBA board is particularly curious at Converge, which is emerging as an early dark horse for the tournament as well as the souped-up Magnolia under new coach LA Tenorio.
“Based sa mge tuneup na we played, siguro ‘yung Converge, maganda yung tinatakbo. Of course, nandyan pa rin yung SMB, Ginebra, TNT and of course, Magnolia with new coach,” said NLEX Governor Ronald Dulatre.
“Talagang dark horse dito converge juan gdl ang galing nakatuneup namin magaling na bata. Magnolia yung excitement around coach LA,” said SMB Governor Robert Non, whose Beermen are the defending champions of the All-Filipino Cup.
Magnolia, however, is tempering expectations ahead of the conference with new governor Jason Webb giving his team at least five games before truly considering the Hotshots as legitimate contenders.
“If you look at it, the young teams talagang ang magpapahirap talaga talking about ROS and Converge,” said Webb.
After four five games you will realize kung alin talaga magagaling so we’ll see from there if teams will be able to play to the strength of their lineups,” he added.
PBA newcomer Titan Ultra, meanwhile, vowed to give the more established teams a run for its money.
“We have to admit we are new, we join to learn but to assure the public we still have quality veteran players, around four players can carry the team,” said team governor Emilio Tiu, who was formally introduced to the media during the press con.
But, of course, governors agree that the veteran and championship-caliber teams remain the benchmark in the league.
“The team that will win is the team with big experience.SMB and Pureforods, Meralco and TNT. Experience plays a big role in a team,” said Blackwater Governor Diliman Sy.
“PH cup is owned by SMB, if you want to do well in PH Cup you have to go through SMB,” said Webb.
