BARANGAY Ginebra Gin Kings team is set to arrive Friday morning, while the Phoenix Fuel Masters flew in Thursday evening as both teams will collide at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 1, in the out-of-town game of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner's Cup at the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) Gym in Davao City.
Organizing Arki Quest logistics committee chairperson Ramsey Tancontian said that Phoenix Fuel Masters will hold a basketball clinic for children at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Friday, March 31.
Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Incorporated (PPPI) corporate affairs manager Ben Sur confirmed this to SunStar Davao on Thursday, saying the clinic is set at 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will be held in cooperation with the Davao City Government through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO) under officer-in-charge Mikey Aportadera.
"Around 150 participants will join the clinic. The 90 will be scholars of our foundation from different schools while the rest will be selected by the city sports office. I think some of those they included are undergoing reform program from vices like illegal drugs," Sur said in a phone interview.
He added that local coaches will spearhead the clinic but the Fuel Masters, mentored by Ariel Vanguardia, will join them at 4 p.m. to provide inspiration to the participants.
Tancontian, meanwhile, said Ginebra and Phoenix teams will hold practices at Usep Gym prior to their Saturday game.
The Tim Cone-coached Ginebra is playing its first game in the conference while Phoenix is seeing action on its fourth match. The latter totes a 1-2 win-loss record.
Although the Gin Kings have a huge following here, especially with Digos City native Scottie Thompson in their roster, the Fuel Masters are expected to enjoy support from locals since PPPI is a company that started in the city.
A well-rested Ginebra team, which finished runner-up to San Miguel in the Philippine Cup, is still favored to win but Phoenix may pull of surprises.