BARANGAY Ginebra finally makes its 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup debut on Wednesday as it faces Rain or Shine at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Gin Kings finally take the floor at 5:45 p.m. against Rain or Shine after their supposed opener on Sunday was postponed due to super typhoon Karding.
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Aside from Justin Brownlee’s comeback, fans are also anticipating the debut of Ginebra’s new players Jamie Malonzo and Von Pessumal after they were acquired in a trade last week.
Acquired in a deal with NorthPort, Malonzo will be bringing his athleticism to the Ginebra side, and head coach Tim Cone looks forward to the present and the future of the Kings with him around.
Jamie Malonzo is the second No. 2 pick to be acquired by Ginebra through trade this year after securing the services of Jeremiah Gray.
“What’s not to like? He’s a player we can build around over the next several years,” said Cone of Malonzo.
Pessumal has also been assured of more opportunities with Ginebra from Cone after he spent most of his time with San Miguel on the bench.
Ginebra will be facing a Rain or Shine team that is coming off a 96-90 loss to NLEX in Yeng Guiao’s first game back as head coach of the Elasto Painters.
Magnolia Chicken Timplados also play its conference debut on Wednesday in the first game against Terrafirma at 3 p.m.
The Hotshots are set to parade Serbian import Nick Rakocevic, a product of University of Southern California, in their first game of the conference.
Rakocevic may not be as heralded as the other imports but head coach Chito Victolero spoke highly of him being a player that truly fits to the defensive-oriented system of the Hotshots.
Defense will definitely be the premium for Magnolia in its match against Terrafirma after Dyip import Lester Prosper lit up for 43 points and 25 rebounds.
Prosper’s effort though still led to a 124-110 loss to Converge for the Dyip’s 17th consecutive defeat.
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