Crack rookies in D-League Aspirants Cup

CHRIS Banchero and Ray Parks lead a strong rookie batch expected to make an instant impact when the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup unfolds this Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Banchero, the Filipino-Italian guard picked No. 1 in the league’s first ever Rookie Draft, will debut with Boracay Rum just months after winning the Finals MVP in San Miguel Beer’s title romp in the Asean Basketball League (ABL).

Parks, a two-time UAAP MVP, leads several National University players set to banner new squad Banco de Oro.

The league kicks off with a double-header starting at 2 p.m. featuring retooled squads Café France and Cagayan Valley.

Derulo Accelero and Zambales M-Builders, two of five new teams this season, clash at 4 p.m.

Adamson star Jericho Cruz will suit up for Blackwater Sports, which will shoot for back-to-back crowns after ending the reign of four-time champion NLEX last conference.

Roi Sumang, a UAAP Mythical Team member this season, also heads the University of the East standouts who will form the core of Cebuana Lhuillier.

NLEX lost a handful of vital cogs, but tapped several San Beda players led by Art dela Cruz.

Joma Adornado, the son of PBA legend Bogs Adornado, will also debut with Derulo Accelero alongside University of the Philippines players Raul Soyud and Henry Asilum.