Friday, October 06, 2006 Red Bull tangles with Beermen today
RED Bull will go for the solo lead today when the Barakos take on the debuting San Miguel Beermen in the main game of the 2006-07 Talk N Text PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Barakos of coach Yeng Guiao opened their campaign in the conference on a bright note after blasting away the Alaska Aces in Guam, 99-93.
Free agent Carlo Sharma was signed by Red Bull Thursday in an effort to add muscle to its frontline and match up with the tall Beermen, who dealt them their only loss in the Pre-Season Tournament.
Sharma took the spot of Mike Hrabak, who was placed on the unrestricted free agents list.
The Red Bull-SMB tiff should be an interesting match-up with the Beermen playing their first regular season game under new chief strategist Chot Reyes.
The Barakos are currently sharing the temporary lead with the Brgy. Ginebra Kings and the Talk N Text Phone Pals, who also both hurdled their campaign-opening assignments.
In the opening game, focus will be on the year’s top two picks, Kelly Williams and Arwind Santos––two of the most talented and celebrated players to barge into the league in recent memory––as they make their professional debut when Sta. Lucia tangles with Air21.
Future
Williams, a multi-dimensional cager who can play four positions, represents the future of the Sta. Lucia Realtors, who made the athletic Detroit product the top pick of the 2006 Draft.
“Now I have a team,” said a visibly thrilled Buddy Encarnado, the Realtors’ team manager and representative to the Board, shortly after Sta. Lucia officially tabbed Williams.
Aside from Williams, Sta. Lucia also signed up sixth overall selection Mark Isip and rookie guard Ronnie Bughao. (PBA media bureau)
