THE Bay Area Dragons get an acid test on Sunday as they face Barangay Ginebra in the 2022-23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena.
The Dragons go up against the Kings at 6:45 p.m. in a game that has also gained much attention from fans.
See Bay Area Dragons go a perfect 4-0 after surviving Converge comeback
Bay Area is staking its unbeaten slate of four games in their clash against Ginebra, which aims to improve on its 1-1 win-loss record.
The Dragons are looking forward to the match-up with the tradition of Ginebra well-known even outside the country.
“I think we’ve all heard about Ginebra and their run here in the Philippnes,” said Bay Area's Glen Yang. “Up to this point, we haven’t really faced an opponent like that yet. So we are excited for the challenge but we are going to be ready to go to. Hopefully, it’s going to be a good battle and good test for us.”
The coaching match-up is also in focus with Tim Cone, the winningest coach in the PBA with 24 championships, going up against Brian Goorjian, who is the concurrent mentor of the Australia national men’s basketball team that bagged bronze in the 2020 Olympics.
“He’s a fantastic coach and I have fun watching their games because I feel there are things we can pick up from watching them. He has all my respect and I do hope to meet him one time,” said Cone.
The respect is mutual.
"But from our side, staff, everybody, nothing but respect to what he’s done here and what he does with his team,” said Goorjian.
Goorjian said he only hopes that Bay Area will be up for the challenge as they try to maintain form.
“We know that they are the fan favorites. Should be a great atmosphere. We hope that we can make it a contest,” said Goorjian.
For the game though, Bay Area makes a mandatory import change with Andrew Nicholson replacing Myles Powell. The 6-foot-10 Nicholson played for St. Bonaventure in college and saw action with the Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, and the Brooklyn Nets.
The first game is expected to be equally competitive with San Miguel facing Rain or Shine at 4:30 p.m.
The Beermen look to bounce back after they were beaten by Blackwater, 109-106, last Wednesday in their first game of the conference.
Rain or Shine seeks to extend its two-game winning streak and improve on its 2-1 win-loss slate. The Elasto Painters defeated Terrafirma, 106-94, in their previous outing.
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