THE six-day-a-week PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup continues on Wednesday with storylines revolving around Terrafirma and San Miguel. Here’s what you need to know about the doubleheader at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Converge vs. Terrafirma
When: Wednesday, August 21, 2024. 5 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
C-Stan, Pringle debut for Terrafirma
Wednesday’s game will feature the debut of Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle for Terrafirma. The two were acquired in a trade with Ginebra with the Dyip giving up Rookie of the Year Stephen Holt and Isaac Go. Despite some seeing it as a controversial deal, Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel is optimistic about the two delivering for the team, with the Dyip obtaining an MVP-caliber player in Standhardinger and a veteran scorer in Pringle.
No Balti yet
Converge started the season by picking Justine Baltazar at No. 1 in the PBA Season 49 Draft, but Baltazar will not be playing yet for the FiberXers until December at the latest as he is still finishing his contract with Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL. With Baltazar still out, the FiberXers’ roster is practically the same except for veteran Alex Cabagnot joining the team to provide leadership.
Toroman, Tiu, Atienza era begins
The FiberXers made a coaching change by relieving Aldin Ayo of his duties during the offseason, with Franco Atienza taking over the spot as head coach. At the same time, Rajko Toroman returns to the PBA after being hired as a team consultant, and Charles Tiu as first assistant coach, and it won’t be a shock if the two coaches will play an active role on the sidelines for the FiberXers.
Phoenix vs. San Miguel
When: Wednesday, August 21, 2024. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
June Mar first game since winning eighth MVP
San Miguel’s opener against Phoenix will see June Mar Fajardo making his season debut after winning his eighth MVP in the league, matching the MVP trophies won by Ramon Fernandez and Alvin Patrimonio combined. Shorly after receiving the trophy, Fajardo indicated his desire to win another MVP, and that quest begins on Wednesday with the game against Phoenix.
Kai debut
Phoenix is set to showcase Kai Ballungay after picking him at No. 4 overall in the PBA Season 49 draft. The Fuel Masters are high on Ballungay with head coach Jamike Jarin even describing the former Ateneo baller as similar to Troy Rosario during his National University days. Ballungay gets an early test against a potent San Miguel frontline led by Fajardo.
Can their imports deliver?
The last time imports played for San Miguel and Phoenix, both squads had a conference to remember. The Beermen won the Commissioner’s Cup last season with Bennie Boatwright as the reinforcement, while the Fuelmasters reached the semifinals with Johnathan Williams leading the way.
San Miguel will be playing with former Memphis Grizzlies player Jordan Adams, coming in to replace Lithuanian player Taurus Jogela during the offseason. Phoenix signed Jayveous McKinnis, who like most of the players at the Fuelmasters camp is also young at aged 24.
Let’s see if they can bring their respective teams to the top this conference.
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