Justin Brownlee and defending champion Barangay Ginebra start their title defense against lead-seeker Blackwater in the resumption of the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
The Gin Kings make their debut, while the Elite shoot for the early tournament lead in their 7 p.m. duel at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.
In the appetizer, Columbian Dyip and Meralco, teams which lost their conference openers, seek their first win at each other’s expense at 4:30 p.m.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone is hopeful that his Gin Kings can put up a good title defense with health finally on their side.
“We’ve had some injuries these past conference but we’re healthy now,” said Cone. “Everyone’s practicing and we hope that can help us as we defend the championship.”
Brownlee, Ginebra’s beloved prolific import, is back in town for yet another duty as he is expected to spearhead the Gin Kings’ fight.
His first challenge will be the hulking Alex Stepheson, who already led Blackwater to a tough 94-91 grinder over the Bolts in overtime last Sunday.
The Gin Kings will have their entire core at the helm, led by Brownlee, LA Tenorio, Japeth Aguilar, Greg Slaughter, Scottie Thompson and Joe Devance.
After suffering losses in their initial outings, the Dyip and Bolts are both looking to redeem themselves.
While Meralco dropped a close one against Blackwater, Columbian was hammered in a bad way.
The Dyip was handled with a 111-98 rout by Alaska, also last Sunday.