Petron Blaze Boosters Basketball Updates

Photo Credit: Abante-Tonite.com

For those who looked forward to a pre-season basketball finals between San Miguel Beermen and the Alaska Aces, their first meeting could well satisfy your cravings as the two ball clubs slug it out for win #1 at 6:30pm today (October 5, 2008) at the Cuneta Astrodome.

It’s a tough battle for the Beermen who will be facing a revitalized Alaska squad strengthened by the acquisition of Joe DeVance, Mark Borboran, Kelvin Dela Pena, and Ervin Sotto. SMB on the other hand, will rely on its basketball core and recharged with key additions in Jay Washington, Mick Pennisi, and Bonbon Custodio.

How do you think SMB will perform today? Drop us your opinion at the comments below.

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SMB battles Alaska, Norwood debuts for Rain or Shine
Source: GMANews.TV | October 5, 2008

San Miguel Beer attempts to convert a rock-solid basketball line-up into a first win when it takes on Alaska even as Rain or Shine, its confidence boosted by the entry of rookies Gabe Norwood and Solomon Mercado, battles Air21 today in the resumption of the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at the Astrodome.

A team already regarded as mighty in the past, the Beermen even pumped more firepower in the off-season by snatching Jay Washington from Talk ‘N Text and Mick Pennisi from Red Bull.

“In terms of personnel, we have improved. The problem now is how do we translate that into wins,” said San Miguel basketball coach Siot Tanquingcen.

Easily the most star-studded basketball club nowadays, the Beermen finished fifth in the previous Philippine Cup conquered by Sta. Lucia, but is projected to make it to the top four this time.

Still, the game against a team that’s always been known as organized and systematic and one that runs the triangle offense with near perfection could end up very interesting.

The Aces beefed up a their fold by acquiring Joe DeVance, last season’s No. 1 pick, from Rain or Shine in exchange for Mercado and veteran Eddie Laure.

In addition, Alaska also got Mark Borboron and former NCAA MVP Kelvin De La Pena.

In the opener, all eyes will be on the Elasto Painters, a team described by no less than national basketball coach Yeng Guiao as one which can have a breakout season after back-to-back last-place finishes.

“We now have basically a mix of young and veteran players,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia, officially the head coach of the Elasto Painters after serving as the team’s interim basketball coach after Leo Austria.

“Air21 will be a good test for us.”

Garcia has been open that the first offensive option they will have is to run the open court, a system the Express also love to do.

Norwood, the controversial Fil-Am who nearly became ineligible to join the Draft last August, and Mercado are expected to start off at the backfour for Rain or Shine, with Jay-R Reyes the team’s post-up man.

But winning an opening basketball game for the first time still looks as hard as in the past for the Elasto Painters.

The Express have just finished runner-up to Ginebra in the Fiesta Conference, and are regarded as the darkhorses in a basketball tournament they have yet make the quarterfinal round since joining the basketball league six years ago.

Although failed in its bid to land a big man, Air21 got JR Quinahan from Alaska. Quinahan will be tasked to man the post-up position.

“I just hope that JR will solve our problem in the low post,” said Air21 basketball coach Bo Perasol.