SMB, new-look Star open 2017 PBA Season

June Mar Fajardo. PBA IMAGES

Defending champion San Miguel begins its bid for a third straight Philippine Cup when it opens the 2017 PBA Season against Star on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The league released its full schedule on Monday prior to the preseason press conference at Makati Shangri-La.

The tiff between the retooled Beermen and the new-look Hotshots will be the lone game in the season-opener, eith the opening ceremonies to start at 4 p.m.

It will also feature Paul Lee’s debut with Star as goes it up against three-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo and the powerhouse Beermen.

Mac Belo will make his PBA debut for Blackwater against fellow rookie Matthew Wright and Phoenix while rebuilding contenders Rain or Shine and TNT face off on Nov. 23.

Mahindra takes on GlobalPort and Alaska go up against NLEX on Nov. 25, while Governors’ Cup finalists Ginebra and Meralco make their season debuts on Sunday, Nov. 27 to complete the opening week, all to be played at the Big Dome.

Ginebra and Star renew their rivalry on Christmas Day while San Miguel takes its crack at Ginebra on Jan. 8.

James Yap will also face his team for 12 years when Star takes on Rain or Shine on Dec. 18.

NLEX coach Yeng Guiao also meets his former stud Paul Lee on December 7, while the fiery mentor prepares for Rain or Shine on Dec. 23.

Old rivalries will be renewed when last year’s Philippine Cup finalists San Miguel and Alaska cross paths on Dec. 3 at Araneta Coliseum.

Alaska wages war against Commissioner’s Cup champion Rain or Shine on Jan. 4, while Ginebra and Meralco take on each other on Jan. 14 in Iloilo.

The tournament will also see six out-of-town games with Antipolo, Lanao del Norte, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Cebu, and Angeles City serving as hosts.