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Cafe France’s retooled squad faces an early test when it clashes with Tanduay today in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Bakers, who lost to Phoenix in last year’s Aspirants’ Cup finals, unveil new recruits Paul Desiderio and Michael Calisaan from University of the Philippines and San Sebastian, respectively, in the 5 p.m. clash with the Rhum Masters.
Congolese center Rod Ebondo remains the main man for the Bakers who are hoping to replicate their 2015 Foundation Cup triumph. Cafe France coach Egay Macaraya also acquired Centro Escolar U standouts Aaron Jeruta and Orlan Wamar.
The pint-sized Wamar, 18, earned Most Valuable Player honors while leading CEU to the UCBL title late last year.
“This is a very interesting game for us,” said Macaraya. “It’s youth versus experience but as I’ve always said, we will give them a good fight and just hope for a positive result.”
Tanduay underwent only a few changes in its roster with former Letran star Mark Cruz expected to make the biggest impact among coach Lawrence Chongson’s new acquisitions.
Cruz, who powered Letran to the title in 2015, last played for Phoenix in the PBA.
But it’s still Ebondo’s towering presence that has Chongson concerned ahead of the duel with the Bakers.
“Ebondo will be the biggest thorn for us to hurdle,” said Chongson.
The Rhum Masters will also pin their hopes on Letran standouts Bong Quinto and Jom Sollano as well as veterans Paul Sanga and Jaymo Eguilos. Louie Vigil of University of Santo Tomas is also in the lineup.
“We’ll just have to rely on our own team build-up and the process that we undertook the past 50 days,” said Chongson.
Racal of coach Jerry Codiñera and guest team Blustar Detergent square off at 3 p.m.