MANILA, Philippines - Former varsity rivals Chris Tiu and JV Casio extend their partnership to Hapee Toothpaste when the Philippine Basketball League?s season-opening tournament unfolds on April 14.

Ateneo?s Tiu and La Salle?s Casio, whose head-to-head duel reached its height in last season?s UAAP championship, will share backcourt chores anew after training together with the Smart-Gilas Philippine developmental team in recent months.

The Complete Protectors recently acquired Casio from Toyota Otis, which filed a leave of absence from the league along with Burger King.

?JV has already started practicing with us,? said Hapee team manager Bernard Yang.

Tiu joined the Complete Protectors during the quarterfinals last conference to boost an already crack lineup led by former UAAP MVP and Santo Tomas stalwart Jervy Cruz.

?We have a very competitive team this time, but I hope we can translate it to victories,? said Yang, who also selected Jose Rizal University slotman James Sena from the dispersal draft.

Oracle (formerly Harbour Centre), however, hopes that familiarity will work its magic. It is fielding the same cast that powered the franchise to an unprecedented six straight championships.

Magnolia, which bowed to Harbour Centre in last conference?s finals, Bacchus and Pharex complete the five-team cast.

?We may only have five teams now, but the show must go on,? said league commissioner Chino Trinidad. ?Looking at the positive side, all five teams have equal chances of winning the title since they have all the tools to be contenders.?

Magnolia boasts an even more formidable roster with national team member Dylan Ababou and veterans Al Magpayo and Neil Rañeses teaming up with new acquisitions Marcy Arellano of University of the East and San Beda?s Ogie Menor.

Rico Maierhofer returns to action for Oracle along with Edwin Asoro, Benedict Fernandez and Far Eastern University standouts Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, JR Cawaling and Aldrech Ramos.

Bacchus, led by Player of the Conference Paul Lee, expects to get a lift from dispersal draft picks Brian Faundo of Letran, San Sebastian?s Jason Ballesteros and veterans Christian Luanzon and Brian Ilad.

Pharex also seeks to draw added firepower from La Salle?s James Mangahas, San Beda?s Dave Marcelo, Nestor David and Fil-Am Joey Deas.