With the rigodon of players in the offseason, Petron is no longer seen as a clear cut favorite when the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix gets off the ground on Feb. 29 at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Practically all of the other teams have beefed up, with F2 Logistics aiming to go all the way by bringing back former MVP Lindsay Stalzer to backstop a formidable local crew.Petron has also made a coaching change, with the seasoned Emil Lontoc replacing Shaq delos Santos even as old stalwarts Mika Reyes, Rhea Dimaculangan, Chloe Cortez, Carmela Tunay and Denden Lazaro all packing their bags.
Filipino-Canadian playmaker Rebecca Rivera, Ging Balse, Roselle Baliton and Jem Gutierrez will join Petron while Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Frances Molina will be returning for another tour of duty for the Blaze Spikers, who will bring back explosive import Katherine Bell.
Tipped to give the Blaze Spikers a run for their money are the Cargo Movers, who will parade Aby Maraño, Dawn Macandili, Majoy Baron and Kianna Dy.