PBA D-League: 4 teams out, 2 teams in

MANILA, Philippines—Two more teams aim to challenge the NLEX Road Warriors’ reign when the PBA D-League rolls off on March 13.

The Cagayan Rising Suns and Erase Placenta have signed up for the next conference where the Road Warriors will shoot for a third straight championship.

A total of nine teams will clash in the Foundation Cup as four other teams also opted to skip the tournament.

Freego Jeans, the team NLEX swept in the Aspirants Cup Finals, begged off as its core players from Adamson gear up for the UAAP.

Cobra Energy Drink, PC Gilmore and Dub Unlimited similarly took a leave of absence to focus on rebuilding their squads.

Mentored by Yong Garcia, Erase Placenta debuts against Café France on March 15.

The Cagayan Rising Suns, coached by Alvin Pua, kicks off their own bid against Erase Placenta on March 20.

Built around some of the country’s best amateur cagers, the Road Warriors get their title defense going versus Big Chill on opening day on March 13.