By REYNALD MAGALLON
TNT is launching its bid to capture the lone jewel it missed last season when it takes on a retooled Phoenix squad for its first game in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Montalban on Friday, Oct 10.
The Tropang 5G battle the Fuel Masters at 7:30 p.m. aiming for a good start in the conference where they reached as far as the Finals last season but fell short against eventual champions San Miguel Beermen
The Finals loss also denied the TNT a shot at winning the coveted PBA Grand Slam – surely making the players all the more motivated heading into the all-Filipino conference.
The game will feature an equally interesting showdown between a new-look Terrafirma and a souped-up Blackwater in the first offering at 5 p.m.
“We were really hobbled during the last ending phases of the last conference. If we have everyone healthy, we’ll become a better team and that’s what we’re looking forward to this season,” said Reyes as he welcomed back Rey Nambatac, RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading back in full health.
JP Erram and Jayson Castro are still sidelined with injuries but the team will have new reinforcements in the likes of Jio Jalalon, Kevin Ferrer and Tyrus Hill all through the free agency.
But Phoenix isnt the type to easily back down especially with its new coach Willie Wilson known to be a fighter even during his time as a player.
The Fuel Masters are not lacking in talent in their young roster even adding Evan Nelle through a trade to join forces with Tyler Tio, Kai Ballungay, Ricci Rivero and Ken Tuffin.
Phoenix, of course, will be the team of Jason Perkin, who is expected to lead the charge for the Fuel Masters.
Meanwhile in the opening game, all eyes will be on the new trio of Blackwater trio of Christian David, Sedrick Barefield and Dalph Panopio.
A lot of teams have been considering the Bossing as a dark horse to the tournament largely due to the weapons they now have.
“We know that they’ll be the cornerstones of our team. We also know that they’re young. So we have to go through the growing pains, the learning curves, so that’s going to be natural for us,” said Blackwater head coach Jeff Cariaso.
“But these three are very exciting to watch, they have the talent, they have the skills. So it’s really now just being able to be ready game in and game out, understand how the game is here in the Philippines especially for Dalph,” he added.
