Texters kick off season vs. Kings

MANILA—It’s now a battle of imports as early favorites Ginebra and Talk ‘N Text display their wares, while Sta. Lucia Realty faces Barako Bull Sunday in the opening of the 35th Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

Returnee Shawn Daniels of the Tropang Texters will test the mettle of newcomer Awvee Story of Ginebra in their 6:30 p.m. encounter.

Sta. Lucia’s Anthony Johnson also tries to gauge newcomer Sammy Monroe of the Coffee Masters in the opening match at 4:00 p.m.

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Majority of the coaches have picked San Miguel Beer, 2010 Philippine Cup titlist B-Meg Derby Ace, Alaska, Ginebra and Talk ‘N Text as among the teams to beat in the import-laden conference.

They said that the team that gets the best import will win the league.

However, Alaska Coach Tim Cone is going against the flow and said it’s not about getting a strong import, but about getting one who will fit in the team’s system.

“San Miguel, B-Meg and Ginebra should be the favorite teams. But as I was saying before, it’s not about the best import but one who could carry the team,” said Cone, whose team lost to Purefoods (Now B-Meg), 0-4, in the finals of the 2010 Philippine Cup.

The come-backing Jai Lewis, who lifted Rain or Shine to the semifinal round for the first time last year, has also made coach Caloy Garcia’s team a dark horse in the year- ending Cup, won by San Miguel Beer in 2009.

For his part, coach Siot Tanquingcen of the Beermen cited the Tropang Texters as the strongest team, while Bo Perasol ranked Alaska, B-Meg and Ginebra as among the best in the conference.

“The Beermen are the defending champion and they are blessed with the return of Gabe Freeman. B-Meg should also be there because of a stronger local crew, while Ginebra has the crowd support. Alaska also has a strong local support,” said Perasol, whose Tigers hired the veteran James Penny.