A TUESDAY PBA game?
Yes, you heard it right. The PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup is slated to play a Tuesday playdate for the first time since the bubble season in 2020 as the schedule is compressed to make way for Gilas Pilipinas’ participation in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers in November.
Two intriguing match-ups are set to take place, with two rookies serving as a headliner, and an import making a comeback to the PBA.
Blackwater vs. Rain or Shine
When: Tuesday, August 20. 5 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Blue-chip rookies make debut
Fans will get their first look at Sedrick Barefield and Caelan Tiongson, two rookies whose teams are quite high on them to make an impact immediately with their teams.
Most eyes will be on Barefield, who was selected No. 2 in this season’s draft. The University of Utah product saw action for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Summer League and Oklahoma City Blue in the NBA G League in his early years as a pro, and have also played around the world including the now-defunct Bay Area Dragons in the EASL.
On the other side, Tiongson is making his PBA debut at age 32, which isn’t quite new to the league. The last time a 32-year-old freshman played in the league was Stephen Holt and we all know that he won the Rookie of the Year in the 48th Season.
Former TNT players in first game with Bossing
Also making their debut in Tuesday’s game are Kib Montalbo and Jewel Ponferada, two players who were acquired from TNT in a trade where Blackwater gave Rey Nambatac away. Montalbo and Ponferada join other former Tropang Giga players on the Bossing side in Troy Rosario, Jaydee Dungcab, and Justin Chua.
Retooled Rain or Shine
Aside from Tiongson, Rain or Shine has also brought in rookies Francis Escandor and Felix Lemetti, players who head coach Yeng Guiao believes fit right in their system.
Rain or Shine brought in an import familiar with Guiao’s system in former NLEX reinforcement Aaron Fuller, and Luis Villegas is slated to return to this season, bringing added firepower to Rain or Shine.
The Elasto Painters are also coming off a championship in the Kadayawan pocket tournament which was a boost in terms of familiarizing themselves with each other before the season.
NorthPort vs. TNT
When: Tuesday, August 20. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
No sign of Dave Ildefonso
As of posting time, there is still no word on whether NorthPort and Dave Ildefonso have come to terms. The No. 5 pick finally reached out to the Batang Pier camp last week, but it seems like he is still doubtful for their season opener against the Tropang Giga.
Evan Nelle though will suit up for NorthPort, which also rejigged its roster by taking Sidney Onwubere in a trade with Barangay Ginebra, and Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter from Magnolia. Jalalon though is doubtful for the contest due to an injury.
New-look TNT
TNT made a move during the offseason by acquiring Rey Nambatac in an effort to fill the gap left by Mikey Williams. The Tropang Giga have also signed Barkley Ebona and rookie CJ Payawal, while elevating Almond Vosotros and Ping Exciminiano in the PBA roster after the suspension of the league’s 3x3 league.
Rondae return
The Tropang Giga welcome back a familiar face in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who replaced Darius Days midway in the offseason. Hollis-Jefferson brought TNT to the title during the 2023 Governors’ Cup where he dealt Justin Brownlee his first loss in a PBA finals series. His familiarity with the team will certainly be a big boost as TNT goes for another Governors’ Cup title.
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