The Air21 Express franchise, after getting bought by the D-League powerhouse NLEX, may have switched monikers and uniforms, but the core remained relatively intact. The Road Warriors are seeking to capitalize on the momentum of last season’s campaign, which saw the Express evolve from whipping boys to decent contenders. With a coaching change, an ageless Asi Taulava leading a crew whose chemistry has been tried and tested, better figures on the win column won’t be much of an issue.
ALASKA ACES
For a team known for getting the job done minus the drama, the changes from within the Alaska’s camp caught spectators by surprise. The sudden departure of Luigi Trillo left the Aces scrambling for stability. While new coach Alex Comption was able to prove his worth, it was undeniable that the Aces were far from their potent form. With the tabbing of Chris Banchero and the infusion of old hand Eric Menk into the frontline, we might see a version of the old, feared Aces in this new season.
BARAKO BULL ENERGY
Barako Bull may have already hacked out its perennial problem of battling the injury bug. With a healthier and almost unchanged roster led by Dennis Miranda, JC Intal, Mick Pennissi and maturing versions of Carlo Lastimosa and Jeric Fortuna, the Energy are seeking to to finally give justice to its namesake. Have we mentioned former college standouts RR Garcia and Nico Salva will also see action for the team? We’re as hopeful as you are.
BARANGAY GINEBRA KINGS
With a lineup almost resembling an NBA-sized quintet, it was almost automatic to include Barangay Ginebra in playoff predictions. Experts even thought they were championship caliber. That hasn’t happened. With a seven-year title drought, the calls for coronation are getting louder. With Rodney Brondial (More minutes for James Forrester, please?) joining the fold, could this finally spell the era of younger, fresher legs? We’d all love to know. And fans hope the Kings would be more than just a moniker this coming season.
BLACKWATER ELITE
The Elite were able to secure decent cagers from the dispersal draft and from various trades going into their maiden PBA season. Among their acquisitions were Chris Timberlake, Ogie Menor, Sunday Salvacion and Alex Nuyles. Rookie JuaMi Tiongson will be taking up playmaking duties for tried and tested coach Leo Isaac. Will they become an easy prey for older teams? Or will they quickly learn the ropes and become the predator?
GLOBALPORT BATANG PIER
Last season’s Philippine Cup saw a different GlobalPort squad—a vision of hope after disappointing stints. After a number of close calls against tough teams, coach Pido Jarencio may have figured out that his Batang Pier can indeed, go the distance. It will be of interest to see how far the chemistry between first overall pick Fil-Am Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo would take the Batang Pier squad, especially since team owner Mikee Romero has served notice that he wants a semifinal stint in this 40th PBA season.
KIA SORENTO
Kia started off their foray into the Asia’s first pay for play league with surprises. During the dispersal draft, they made some quite questionable picks. During the rookie draft, the Sorento tabbed international champion boxer Manny Pacquiao. Could these string of surprises culminate in the biggest shock of the league? At the very least, we know the Sorento pack a punch. Whether that translates into wins will be another story.
MERALCO BOLTS
Of the three conferences last season, the Bolts were able to qualify only once for the playoffs. But it is worth mentioning that Meralco is a young team. Just like the Batang Pier, the Bolts have been dealing away players to get a perfect mix. Their current lineup, which highlights veteran Reynel Hugnatan, returning Jared Dillinger, sweet-shooting Gary David and Mike Cortez is an intriguing mix. Throw in new mentor Norman Black and the Bolts may just shock a few top teams.
SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN
The Petron franchise spiked the anticipation for better finishes when they announced their return to their old, iconic self. With a sophomore big man who virtually owned the 2014 Leo Awards, the Beermen are certainly one of the deeper teams in the league. June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Sol Mercado, Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz should have dominated foes last year. But the San Miguel universe seemed to have imploded with all that star power. If they’ve learned their lessons, look to the Beermen to be among the teams that will hoist a trophy or two this season.
RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO PAINTERS
Having moved on from the drama brought by an infamous Finals walkout and their resigning of their main man Paul Lee, Rain or Shine seems to be poised for another Finals run. With two appearances in a title showdown last season, it’s hard to not even consider that the Painters will soon be reprising that performance. We’re expecting them to become one of the tougher nuts to crack this coming season as they’ve remained virtually intact.
PUREFOODS STAR HOTSHOTS
We’ve said it last time. With Tim Cone drawing up the blueprint and the likes of James Yap and Marc Pingris there to execute the game plan, what could ever go wrong for your squad? The Mixers displayed basketball excellence in the last four conferences, winning titles in all of them for a Grand Slam. The biggest change they made from that squad? They brought back the iconic Purefoods team name. Maybe the reigning champions can give their sister team a lecture on bringing back past glory.
TALK N’ TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS
The Texters were far from done last season. As a matter of fact, they were one of the few big threats to San Mig Coffee’s historic accomplishment. But Talk ‘N Text clearly needed to get younger as it can no longer erly on national team standouts Jimmy Alapag, Larry Fonacier, Jayson Castro and Ranidel de Ocampo to keep carrying the teams load. They addressed that by acquiring Matt Rosser and Kevin Alas and added firepower by trading for Jay Washington. Can new mentor Jong Uichico maximize the talent atb his disposal and squeeze every last drop from his veterans for another championship run?