TRANSFORMED from the PBA’s most-loved to its most exciting team, Barangay Ginebra seeks a fourth straight win when it battles Meralco today, even as defending champion Talk ‘N Text tries to work up a streak in the PLDT MyDSL Philippine Cup elimination at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Gin Kings—who now have height, heft, shooting power and leaping ability after tabbing Greg Slaughter as the No. 1 overall choice in the recent Rookie Draft—slug it out with the Bolts in the 8 p.m. contest seeking the solo lead again in the elimination round of the season-opening conference.
Talk ‘N Text tests the young nucleus of sophomore club Globalport at 5:45 p.m. with the Tropang Texters looking for a follow-up to a high-wire win over the Alaska Aces last week.
The Tropang Texters, gunning for an unprecedented fourth straight title, will welcome back Ranidel de Ocampo and a veteran recruit in Danny Seigle.
Seigle was acquired from Barako Bull to provide more scoring and leadership for the Texters.
Japeth Aguilar and Chris Ellis are providing an air show for the Kings, who still have LA Tenorio and Mark Caguioa for firepower.
Ginebra is installed as the solid pick against the Bolts, who will be led by two-time scoring champion Gary David, Jared Dillinger and Mike Cortez.
Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio’s main problem is how to handle the 6-foot-9 Aguilar and the 7-foot Slaughter underneath with the Bolts making do without a legitimate dominating force in the middle.
Meanwhile, TNT coach Norman Black will be trying to stop the youthful backcourt rotation of the Batang Pier, whose 1-3 record doesn’t necessarily reflect how well they are doing in their fourth conference in the pros.
Terrence Romeo has been the best scorer among the rookies thus far and owns the season-high mark of 34 points.