BOL Bol and Justin Brownlee are among the headliners for Friday's intriguing doubleheader in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup as the imports face separate foes at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Here is a preview:
TNT VS. RAIN OR SHINE
When: Friday, March 20. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Bol Bol makes much-awaited debut
Philippine basketball fans will finally get to see Bol Bol on Friday as TNT makes its debut. The 7-foot-3 Bol arrived in the country with anticipation as fans haven't seen a PBA import as tall as he is for quite awhile. He also has solid credentials, having played in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and the Orlando Magic.
Who will match-up against Bol Bol?
Rain or Shine gets the first crack at Bol on Friday, and its frontcourt will definitely be tested. Jaylen Johnson will be the guy that gets to defend Bol, but the 6-foot-9 will need help. The Elasto Painters have one of the smallest frontcourt in the league so the team will have to double their efforts in defending Bol.
Rain or Shine will look to start the conference strong after its 116-109 win over Macau Black Knights last Saturday.
Make it rain
In order to neutralize the effect of Bol, the Elasto Painters must make their outside shots in order to create a lot more spacing on the floor, especially inside the paint. Against Macau, Rain or Shine made 13 threes with Jaylen Johnson knocking down four. If the Elasto Painters miss their outside shots, chances are TNT will play zone for most of the game.
Justin Chua makes PBA return
Lost in the Bol Bol anticipation is the return of Justin Chua in the PBA. The big man has signed with TNT and has been activated in lieu of Kelly Williams for Friday's ballgame. Chua last played for Blackwater last year, and playing for a contender surely excites the former Ateneo center.
MACAU VS. BARANGAY GINEBRA
When: Friday, March 20. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Gin Kings start conference
Barangay Ginebra returns for the Commissioner's Cup on Friday against guest team Macau Black Knights in the second game of the doubleheader. The Gin Kings last played in the Philippine Cup semifinals where they were eliminated by San Miguel. Ginebra is eyeing for a better finish this conference.
JB back with Ginebra
Justin Brownlee is back with Barangay Ginebra to play his eighth season in the league. For the Commissioner's Cup, Brownlee is up for a bigger challenge, literally, as he is facing more taller imports this time this conference. Brownlee is eyeing for his seventh PBA title, third in the Commissioner's Cup.
READ: Justin Brownlee out to conquer new challenges in eighth PBA run
Slow start for guest team
Macau Black Knights open the conference with a 0-2 record after their 116-109 loss to Rain or Shine last Saturday. Things continue to get tougher as it only faces not just the Barangay Ginebra team itself but the crowd as well.
Isaac Go expected to return
Barangay Ginebra will get a lift this conference as Isaac Go is expected to play on Friday after a long healing process from an ACL injury. Go's comeback is timely as Barangay Ginebra needs inside presence with Japeth Aguilar serving as its only rotation big man in the team.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
