Wednesday, August 06, 2008 Pamplona Bulls debuts in NBA Gov's Cup vs Silay
FANCIED Pamplona Bulls won't see action in the NBA 1st Gov. Isidro Zayco Invitational Cup '08 until Sunday, August 10, when they take on Silay City in the second game of a triple bill scheduled at 4:15 p.m.
But the team which is owned and managed by Pamplona Plantations and mentored by former Negros Slashers assistant coach Rollie Buenaflor with Sunel Tan as team manager won't really be able to test its mettle against the other fancied squads until the August 17 playdate when it tangles against equally fancied Ticel-Iloilo at 6 p.m.
Ticel, owned and managed by Iloilo businessman Alberto Lopez, is led by former pro and ex-Negros Slasher Leo Bat-og together with former West Negros College Mustang Roel Balgos who used to play with a rival Iloilo team in regular Iloilo Basketball League tournaments.
The other playdate in the series fans are eyeing not to miss is on Sunday, August 24, when the Pamplona Bulls face reigning NBA Bacolod Mayor's Cup champion WNU Mustangs in the scheduled 6PM matchup.
However, NBA tournament commissioner Bobby Tee said the so-called fancied teams need to be wary of the other LGU-backed squads that have served notice of their intention to really figure prominently in this event that is the NBA's contribution to the grassroots development program of the province of Negros Occidental.
Saturday's opening ceremonies at 1:30PM features the participation of the La Carlota Pasalamat drumbeaters as well as the WNU Glee Club who will sing 'The Lord's Prayer' and the pambansang awit.
NBA president Oscar 'Dodong' Bascon will give the welcome remarks, Gov. Zayco is the guest of honor and speaker and Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia will deliver an inspirational speech.
Zayco will later do the ceremonial toss assisted by Bascon, Leonardia and mayors Salvador Escalante of Cadiz City, Hermilo Aguilar of Hinigaran, Demy Honrado of La Carlota City and Jose Montelibano of Silay City.
NBA director, Prosecutor Eduardo Sayson, will introduce the guest speaker while NBA treasurer Vic Tan will preside over the awarding of the 'Best in Uniform' special award as well as the selection of a Miss NBA Governor's Cup '08 from among the muses of the eight participating teams.
Tickets for the tournament are priced at P25 for reserve and P10 for bleachers and games will be played every Tuesdays and Thursday starting 6PM and every Saturdays and Sundays starting 2:30PM.(HCV)
