NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao. PBA IMAGES
GlobalPort made a lot of noise during the off-season wheeling and dealing. Last night, it made an even louder statement worthy of its buildup right in its debut in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The Batang Pier flaunted their potential and manhandled the Mahindra Floodbusters, 97-75, showing vast improvements in play and depth in rotation to post the first blowout in the season-opening conference at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Terrence Romeo almost outscored the Floodbusters in the first quarter, 8-9, and jumpstarted the Batang Pier offense that dictated the rout.
GlobalPort completed its buildup by naming Franz Pumaren as head coach after the multititled UAAP champion ended his stint with Adamson in a Final Four loss to La Salle.
“We’re still groping for form,” Pumaren said. “This is an entirely new team. There’s still a long way to go for us.”
In the nightcap, Yeng Guiao began his career at NLEX with a 99-97 overtime win over Alaska.
Romeo finished with 29 points with highly-touted new acquisitions JR Quiñahan and KG Canaleta shooting a combined 19.
GlobalPort team manager Erick Arejola thanked Adamson for releasing Pumaren, who reportedly has a contract until 2019 to handle the Falcons.