PBA Finals also a chance to up sneaker game for Ross, Newsome

SCHEDULE: PBA Finals San Miguel vs Meralco

Chris Newsome and Chris Ross set for battle in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

There are a lot of interesting match-ups and storylines that will figure in the upcoming 2024 PBA Philippine Cup between the Meralco Bolts and the San Miguel Beermen.

Include the sneaker game in the equation.

San Miguel guard Chris Ross,  known to showcase head-turning shoes including a Kobe 6 and Off-White custom a few months ago, is certain to show off his signature kicks in the Jordan line for the grandest stage in the conference.

READ: ‘Best’ team stands in way of Meralco’s quest for first PBA crown

“When I get into the playoffs or Finals, I stick with something comfortable. I usually do either Jordan 11’s 14’s or 13’s. I have to look into my stash and see what I got,” said an excited Ross with Inquirer Sports at Crowne Plaza on Monday.

“I don’t like to wear Kobes in the Finals but we’ll see.”

Ross, though, is keeping his options open for even more shoes in his rotation.

“Sometimes, I’ll wake up and scroll through social media and if I see a pair of shoes there that I have, I’ll see it as a sign and I’ll wear that,” Ross said.

On the other side of the fence in the Meralco camp, another shoe-holic Chris Newsome is also waiting to showcase his shoe game for the PBA Finals.

READ: PBA Finals: San Miguel’s ‘Martilyo Gang’ ready for more vs Meralco

Except he’s a tad more mysterious than Ross is.

“Shoe rotation is a tough one. I wasn’t even thinking about my kicks for Game 7 but right now, I think I might throw something retro out there, I can give you that hint,” said Newsome.

“There might be a retro shoe that’s coming back that I might throw on for Game 1 so stay tuned for that. I haven’t worn it yet but you’ll see.”

Newsome has been known to rock retro kicks in general.

In fact, during the Bolts’ semis series with Ginebra, Newsome wore a pair of Kobe 8 “Venice Beach”, a pair that was originally released in 2012 but was re-released to the public a month ago.

The Gilas Pilipinas guard also knows he will have a tough time matching up with San Miguel counterpart Ross on the floor.

“Can I compete with C. Ross with the kicks? Probably not, but for me right now, I’ll just go with what’s comfortable,” Newsome said.

Newsome and the Bolts tries to pull off the unthinkable against the powerhouse Beermen in the best of seven series that begins on Wednesday at Araneta Coliseum at 7:30 pm.