BLACKWATER gets its a tough test from the onset as it faces a TNT squad eyeing the solo lead in the PBA Season 47 Philippine Cup on Thursday at the Ynares Center.
The Bossing face the Tropang Giga at 5:15 p.m. with the goal to open the season on a winning note after last year’s showing where they broke a 29-game losing streak.
Blackwater coach Ariel Vanguardia expressed optimism about the team for this season having retooled during the offseason.
Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser was taken by the Bossing first overall in the PBA Draft, although the Fil-Am forward will sit a couple of games after a finger injury sustained playing for Gilas 3x3 in the 31st Southeast Asian Games.
Also added to the Blackwater roster were rookies Mark Dyke and Ato Ular, and Yousef Taha in a trade with Converge.
Still, Vanguardia expects the team will shed the cellar dweller tag and become competitive.
“Dapat. That’s our goal for this conference. Maka-enter ng playoffs. Then, we will take it from there,” said Vanguardia. “Papalag na ‘yung team. ‘Yun ang battle cry namin. Palag, lalaban na, hindi basta basta papatalo. ‘Yun na ‘yung mindset namin,” said Reyes.
TNT shoots for its second straight win and the early lead in the standings.
TNT beat Magnolia Chicken Timplados, 78-72, on Sunday to start the new season on a high note despite the absence of Mikey Williams, still in contract talks with the Tropang Giga.
But TNT coach Chot Reyes said the team was ready for any situation.
“We are just making sure that we are preparing our team to play without Mikey. Fortunately, we were able to pull this one through,” said Reyes.
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