Defending champion San Miguel Beer opens its bid for a fifth straight crown in the resumption of the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
Once again the heavy favorites to win the championship, the Beermen start work as they go up against top overall pick CJ Perez and Columbian Dyip at 4:30 p.m. at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City tonight.
In the nightcap, retooled Rain or Shine and NLEX go at it at 7 p.m.
There are a lot of anticipated debuts as the Beermen and Dyip prepare to battle.
Fans are interested to see how the highly touted Perez fares in the league as well as how star spitfire Terrence Romeo can fit in the loaded fray of San Miguel.
Despite being a rookie, Perez is counted on to help turn the fortunes of Columbian around, given his natural talent and abilities.
On the other hand, San Miguel, aside from Romeo, will once again bank on its championship core of five-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot as it guns for yet another successful run.
San Miguel coach Leo Austria embraces the challenge and pressure.
“Once again, we’re considered as the favorites and we take that positively. That means the other teams are still concerned about us and what we can do,” said Austria.
Stuck in the middle of the pack for most of last season, the Elasto Painters and the Road Warriors are hoping to have better campaigns ahead.
Rain or Shine looks forward to the addition of rookie Jayvee Mocon and the return of Raymund Almazan.
On the other hand, NLEX is also thrilled to have Kevin Alas back from injury and solid big man Poy Erram in its mix.