PBA D-League Foundation Cup gets going Thursday

MANILA, Philippines—Four fledgling teams collide at the start of the the PBA D-League Foundation Cup Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Newcomer Liver Marin-San Sebastian takes on AMA University in the 1 p.m. opener, while KeraMix, formerly Racal Motors, clashes with MP Hotel at 3 p.m.

New San Sebastian coach Rodney Santos, who will also call the shots for Liver Marin, has set a lofty goal for his squad bannered by Stags standout Jamil Ortuoste, Bradwyn Guinto, Jerick Fabian, Mike Calisaan, Jeff Santos and Ryan Costelo.

“Honestly, I want us to make it to the top six,” said Santos. “For a new team, that will be a big achievement.”

KeraMix mentor Caloy Garcia also expects his squad to come out more competitive this time.

“We have more time to prepare, so we’ll definitely be better this season ” said Garcia.

Holdovers Ford Ruaya and Jeff Viernes head the Mixers, who beefed up their lineup with Arellano’s topnotch guard Jiovanni Jalalon and St. Benilde’s Robert Bartolo and Luis Sinco.

“Our target is the quarterfinals and we’ll see from there,” said Garcia.

Idle Hapee, vying for back-to-back championships, leads the 10-team field that also includes last conference’s runner-up Cagayan Valley, Cafe France, Jumbo Plastic, Cebuana Lhuillier and Tanduay Light.