TNT begins its PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign, as well as its bid to win a second crown of the 49th Season on Friday. Meanwhile, Meralco and Terrafirma battle with new imports in the curtain-raiser at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium
A preview of the double-header follows.
MERALCO VS. TERRAFIRMA
When: Friday, December 6. 5 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Familiar imports come in
Meralco and Terrafirma have made a switch in terms of imports - albeit with different reasons - when they face each other.
The Bolts have installed their EASL import DJ Kennedy for the contest with Akil Mitchell out due to a broken nose he sustained last Sunday against Rain or Shine, bringing in a familiar face to the squad.
Brandon Lee Edwards, meanwhile, comes in for the Dyip to replace the ineffective Ryan Richards - and he too isn’t a newcomer. Edwards was supposed to be Terrafirma’s import for the Governors’ Cup, but sustained an ACL injury during the build-up, forcing the Dyip to replace him with Antonio Hester.
Eyeing share of lead
Meralco comes into the match-up with two straight victories, including a 121-111 win over Rain or Shine last Sunday.
The Bolts will look to join NorthPort for a share of first after the end of their ball game against Terrafirma.
Still searching for elusive win
The Dyip are out to break out of their early slump after going 0-3, the most recent of which being a loss to NLEX, 104-85, although they actually showed fight when they played all-Filipino the rest of the way in the second half.
“Halftime, I talked to the locals kasi ang sama ng ginawa namin nung first two quarters. Nung tinanong ko kung gusto ba nila all-locals, kaya ba natin, sabi nila, kaya. Nag-deliver naman… ‘Yung effort nandoon, at least pag okay ‘yung import namin at alam namin na magiging okay, nandoon na sila, hindi na magulo ‘yung tinatakbo namin,” said Terrafirma coach Mong Tiongco.
EASTERN VS. TNT
When: Friday, December 6. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
TNT takes the court for the first time this conference
After its conquest of the Governors’ Cup, TNT returns to action in the new conference after beating Barangay Ginebra, 95-85, in last conference's finals last November 8.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson returns
Friday marks the comeback of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson as import for the Commissioner’s Cup. Hollis-Jefferson won two PBA titles and Best Import awards in the Governors’ Cup, but has yet to find success in the Commissioner’s Cup. Last season in fact, RHJ sustained an injury, cutting short his stint in the conference and was replaced by his brother Rahlir.
"Last conference didn't end well for me and I understood that," said RHJ, shortly after winning the crown for the Tropang Giga at the Gin Kings' expense. "I felt like everything is a motivation. Not doing well last conference? a lot of things motivate me."
Expect that same mindset for Hollis-Jefferson this conference.
Eastern goes for bounce back win
The Hong Kong squad suffered its first defeat of the conference when it was beaten by Rain or Shine, 99-81. The busy schedule continues for Eastern, as it comes in with a one-day break for the game against TNT.
Blankley struggles, Yang scheduled to come back
Hayden Blankley was notably a non-factor for Eastern in its game against Rain or Shine where he went 1-for-15 and finished with just seven points. Although he grabbed 11 rebounds in the match, his presence on offense is needed especially for the TNT game.
Glen Yang, meanwhile, is scheduled to return to Eastern after missing the match against the Elasto Painters due to a passport hitch. Yang was also sorely missed, as he is averaging 16 points for Eastern this conference.
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