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Sunday, March 05, 2006
PBA opens ‘fast’ today
Expect the Gran Matador 2006 PBA Philippine Cup to enjoy a fast start – literally – as the Air21 Express take on the Coca-Cola Tigers in the opening game today at the Araneta Coliseum.
Both teams are noted for their running game, especially the Express with a bevy of open-court wizards in their fold.
Air21 is once again expected to rely much on its speed, like World Boxing Council light-flyweight champion Brian Viloria, who will do the ceremonial toss.
Mobile men
“We’ll be a lot more faster after acquiring a mobile big man in Mark Telan. That means our big men can play a fast game,” said Express coach Bo Perasol, who guided his team to a third-place finish in the San Mig Fiesta Conference, the team’s highest finish in a regular conference.
But the Express suffered flat tires during the break as Gary David – their best finisher in transition – fractured his right shoulder in practice. David, a key figure in their playoff drive last conference, will be out for at least a month.
Don’t expect the Express to slow down, though.
Ronald Tubid and Bruce Dacia are equally capable of receiving touchdown passes from their top assist man, Wynne Arboleda.
The Tigers don’t have plans of stepping on the breaks either. They grow faster with age.
Steals record
Ageless playmaker Johnny Abarrientos will still be the focal point of their stampede.
“I can still run,” said the 1996 MVP, who will turn 36 in July.
Abarrientos should also still be motivated enough to still swipe the basketball from opponents as he is just 42 away from becoming the league’s all-time steals leader, a distinction Ramon Fernandez has clung on to for a couple of years now with his 1,302 total.
Tigers coach Binky Favis also affirmed that there will be no immediate changes in their brand of play. “More often than not we will still rely on our running game,” he said. (PBA media bureau)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (March 5, 2006 issue)
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