THE PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup moves to the Ynares Center-Montalban where TNT starts its title bid in the all-local conference.
Here is a preview of Friday’s doubleheader.
TERRAFIRMA VS. BLACKWATER
When: Friday, October 10. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Montalban
Dalph Panopio’s PBA debut
The spotlight will be on Dalph Panopio on Friday as the No. 3 pick in the PBA Season 50 Draft will make his long-awaited PBA debut against Terrafirma. Panopio emerged as one of the highly-touted players in the recent draft with his resume that includes stints with Batang Gilas and Cal State Bakersfield in the US NCAA.
Blackwater begins promising campaign
Following its moves over the past few seasons, Blackwater looks ripe for a playoff run. The entry of Dalph Panopio brings in an intriguing quartet of Sedrick Barefield, Christian David, and RK Ilagan. The Bossing looked to have made significant progress during the preseason with a good run at the Kadayawan pocket tournament title and victories in tune-up games. But this is the actual season now, and they will need to prove that they are for real in the games that matter.
Ronald Tubid takes over Terrafirma
After a period of uncertainty where its franchise was nearly sold during the offseason, Terrafirma opens the 50th season on Friday. It’s a new era at Terrafirma with Ronald Tubid now designated as the head coach, replacing Raymond Tiongco. Can Terrafirma turn a new leaf under Tubid?
PHOENIX VS. TNT
When: Friday, October 10. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Montalban
TNT begins redemption tour
The Tropang 5G begin their Philippine Cup on Friday against the Fuelmasters, three months after they missed a chance at a grand slam when they were beaten by San Miguel in the same conference during the 49th Season.
Retooled TNT roster
Despite winning two championships last season, TNT did a makeover to its roster after signing Kevin Ferrer and Tyrus Hill. The last piece in the Tropang 5G’s roster changes was Jio Jalalon, the point guard who previously won a championship for Magnolia in the 2018 Governors’ Cup. Their roles in their new team will be known in TNT’s match-up against Phoenix.
Another coach makes his PBA debut
After Ronald Tubid in the first game, Willy Wilson will also launch his PBA coaching career when Phoenix goes up against TNT in the nightcap. Wilson rose from the ranks at Phoenix from player, to assistant coach, to head coach. The former La Salle player said his approach will be a collaborative one and will need the help of his coaching staff including former head coach and now team consultant Jamike Jarin.
Phoenix gets bigger
New head coach Willy Wilson’s intent during the offseason was to bring in additional big men to facilitate in rebounding and keep up with the premier frontcourt players of the league. They got a lot of them in Bryan Santos, Yousef Taha, Prince Caperal, and rookie Dave Ando. Facing TNT will be a test on whether the new bigs can hold their own against Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Kelly Williams, and the other TNT centers and forwards.
Rey Nambatac healthy to start Philippine Cup
Rey Nambatac rejoins the TNT active roster after spending most of last season’s all-local conference on the injured list due to a groin injury. He later missed the playoff roster, and was left out of TNT’s chase for the Grand Slam. Nambatac is expected to be eager to make up for lost time and contribute.
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