Thursday, October 02, 2008 Trillo: All set for opening of new PBA season
MANILA - Chairman Joaqui Trillo and commissioner Sonny Barrios assured fans yesterday of a more intense competition as the Philippine Basketball Association opens its 34th season Philippine Cup with a new TV partner on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.
“We foresee intense competition this season. Many of the teams are upgrading their respective lineups either through the draft or through trades and a few even went abroad for training,” said Barrios during yesterday’s press conference at the Diamond Hotel.
For his part, Trillo of Alaska, who replaced Tony Chua of Red Bull as the new Board of Governors head, said that he is confident of another banner year for the pro-league this season.
“As this year’s chairman, I will continue the momentum with what the former chairman Tony Chua started,” said Trillo.
Both Barrios and Trillo likewise expressed confidence on the capability of Solar Sports to provide innovative live coverage of the games, including the seven out-of-town matches starting in Victorias City, Negros Occidental featuring Coca-Cola and Alaska on Oct. 11.
New partner
“We have new TV partner in Solar. They are as excited as we are for the coming years. They have put in a lot of money to make sure we have a new look and an exciting look and of course, a superlative coverage,” added Barrios.
Among the interesting players to watch are the rookies led by 6-foot-6 Gabe Norwood with Rain Or Shine, Mark Borboran and Kelvin de la Pena of Alaska, Jonathan Fernandez and Beau Belga of Purefoods, Tyrone Tang and Solomon Mercado also of the Elasto Painters, Larry Rodriguez of Red Bull, Bonifacio Custodio of San Miguel Beer, as well as Jason Castro, Jared Dillinger and Pong Escobal of Talk ‘N Text.
Transfer
Also cited by Barrios was the transfer of players through trades as among the build-ups that made teams stronger this year.
A few trades he mentioned that fit into the respective coaches’ system were JR Quinahan to Air 21, Ervin Sotto and Joe Devance to Alaska, Topex Robinson to Purefoods, Gabby Espinas to Red Bull, Jay Washington and Mick Pennissi to the Beermen.
In the lone opening match on Saturday, the Coca-Cola Tigers test the mettle of Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters at 5:30 p.m.
The following day, the traditional double-header pits Air 21 against Rain Or Shine at 4 p.m., while Alaska goes up against San Miguel Beer at 6:30 p.m. at the Cuneta Astrodome. (FCC)
