THE 49th Season of the PBA starts on Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum with a lone game following the Leo Awards and opening ceremony.
Meralco vs. Magnolia
When: Sunday, August 18. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
First game since title conquest
The Bolts are playing their first season opener in franchise history, putting them under the spotlight following a landmark achievement of capturing their first-ever PBA crown by ruling the Philippine Cup in six games against San Miguel.
Meralco stayed intact, with Chris Newsome once again leading the way as it begins its quest to win a title, this time in an import conference. Prior to claiming the All-Filipino throne, the Bolts lost in four finals appearances in the Governors’ Cup, all of which against Barangay Ginebra.
Allen Durham returns to Meralco
A familiar face comes back for Meralco to start the season in Allen Durham, the team’s import when they reached the finals in four Governors’ Cups. Prior to his return, 'The Hulk' suited up for Ryukyu Golden Kings in the Japan B.League, winning one title there. He definitely wants to replicate that achievement in his quest to capture his first PBA crown.
Glenn Robinson III brings NBA credentials to Magnolia
If you want to know how serious the Hotshots are in winning a championship in the Governors’ Cup, you just have to look at the import they’ve acquired. Magnolia deployed Glenn Robinson III, who played seven years in the NBA and a couple of seasons in the G League, as its import for this conference.
Coach Chito Victolero had only good things to say about Robinson, calling him very humble and coachable, which is definitely a good sign for the Hotshots.
New chapter for Magnolia
The Hotshots kept their core in Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, Ian Sangalang, and Calvin Abueva, but shook up their supporting cast for the first time in quite a while, acquiring youngster Zavier Lucero and giving up longtime point guard Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter, while also drafting Jerom Lastimosa and signing another rookie guard in Peter Alfaro.
The new Magnolia roster, though, gets an early test, as the Bolts stand in the way of a strong start to their bid of finally winning a championship again after six years.
Defense vs. defense
Through the years, the mantra of Meralco and Magnolia has always been defense - and it's expected to stay the same this season. The two teams have also developed some sort of rivalry, having been involved in close games over the years.
The Bolts, however, dominated the Hotshots last year, winning 85-80 in the Commissioner’s Cup, then 74-51 in the Philippine Cup.
Will Paul Lee score the first four-point shot in PBA history?
The four-point shot will be applied in an official game for the first time after a rule change instituted during the PBA's planning session prior to the season. One of the first players who would have the first crack at the shot is Lee.
After all, 'Angas ng Tondo' famously made a habit of taking such 27-foot shots during the 2023 PBA All-Star Game in Passi, Iloilo, and made seven four-pointers on his way to MVP honors.
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.
