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Friday, March 29, 2024

Blackwater tests its new core today

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Four more teams aiming for better campaigns make their season debut in the resumption of the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.

In the season’s first double-header, Blackwater and NorthPort go toe-to-toe first at 4:30 p.m. before Meralco and Phoenix clash at 7 p.m. in the nightcap at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The debuting teams were all stuck in the middle of the pack for the entirety of last season.

That’s why it’s understandable that all of them made some significant moves in hopes of improving their fortunes for this new season.

Arguably the busiest team in the off-season, the Elite will now present a different core.

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Blackwater no longer has key cogs Poy Erram, Nards Pinto and Paul Zamar. Instead, it will now lean on holdovers Mac Belo, Mike DiGregorio, Allein Maliksi and Raymar Jose along with rookies Abu Tratter, Paul Desiderio and Diego Dario.

That will be countered by NorthPort’s core of Stanley Pringle, Mo Tautuua, Bradwyn Guinto, Sean Anthony and Jonathan Gray. However, the Batang Pier will also parade a new weapon in No. 3 overall pick Robert Bolick, who is expected to be Pringle’s main backcourt partner now.

Bolick’s debut is much awaited, considering how he is projected to be a lethal force in both guard positions.

“Nandiyan pa rin naman ‘yung mga maaasahan natin, but ‘yung addition ni Bolick, we expect that na makatulong talaga sa amin,” said NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio.

For Meralco coach Norman Black, health and new pieces are keys to the Bolts’ success this season.

“We’ve been battling injuries all season last year and that affected us a lot. We’re healthier now,” said Black. “We got our rotation guys back and we have some interesting new guys that can help.”

Meralco will be bannered by Chris Newsome, Baser Amer, Jared Dillinger, Reynel Hugnatan, Cliff Hodge the comebacking Ranidel De Ocampo and new acquisitions Trevis Jackson, Bong Quinto and Pinto.

Countering that will be Phoenix’s nucleus of Matthew Wright, Calvin Abueva, RJ Jazul, Rookie of the Year Jason Perkins and key acquisitions Alex Mallari and Dave Marcelo.

The Fuel Masters are looking to continue their progress from last season under coach Louie Alas.

All teams are looking to start their season right with a win to tie early leader Barangay Ginebra (1-0).

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