Terrence Romeo and Ryan Buenafe will lead the new-look Big Chill squad when it battles newcomer Jose Rizal University-Air 21 in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup today at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Coach Robert Sison hopes to draw from the two varsity standouts the same firepower provided by Alex Mallari and Keith Jensen, the Filipino-American duo highly drafted in the pros after leading the Superchargers to last conference’s finals.
“We’re happy to sign up these exciting players,” said Sison.
The Superchargers and the Bombers clash at 2 p.m., followed by the 4 p.m. match between Café France and another debuting squad Fruitas.
Buenafe, fresh from Ateneo’s fifth UAAP title romp, teams up with Far Eastern University’s Romeo and Arvie Bringas, Adamson’s Rodney Brondial, San Sebastian’s Jonathan Semira and University of the Philippines’ Jelo Montecastro.
The Bombers, though, hope teamwork will be their advantage with the core of John Lopez, Alex Almario and Byron Villarias leading their campaign.
“We’re just here to expose the players to a higher level of competition and develop the team’s chemistry,” said JRU coach Vergel Meneses.
The Bombers also beefed up by acquiring pro player Khazim Mirza and Arellano’s Rocky Acidre.