Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Three new teams hope to have found a good mix of varsity standouts when the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup unfolds Thursday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
A Finals rival joins UAAP champion Far Eastern University in Phoenix Petroleum-FEU, while standouts from three schools link up for University of the Philippines-QRS/Jam Liner.
University of Santo Tomas guard Ed Daquioag signs up with a Phoenix squad teeming with Tamaraw players led by Mac Belo, Mike Tolomia and Roger Pogoy.
Just last month, the Tamaraws overpowered Daquioag and his Tigers for the UAAP championship.
UP-QRS/Jam also hopes team chemistry won’t be a problem when standouts Kevin Ferrer of UST and Gelo Alolino of National University join the Maroons bannered by Diego Dario and Paul Desiderio.
Newcomer Mindanao Aguilas also looks to debut strong starring key Adamson players Joseph Nalos and Ivan Villanueva and Filipino-Canadian Taylor Wetherell.
“With a lot of new players and teams, this D-League season should be very interesting,” said PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa.
The Maroons take on BDO-NU at 4 p.m. on opening day, right after Caida Tiles (formerly Racal/KeraMix) and Tanduay Rhum battle at 2 p.m.