MANILA—The Purefoods franchise starts the post-Ryan Gregorio era Wednesday when a severely depleted Derby Ace squad opens defense of its PBA Philippine Cup crown against powerhouse Talk ’N Text at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Rookie coach Jorge Gallent will call the shots for the Llamados in their 7:30 p.m. tussle with the Tropang Texters, the 2009 champions who will also be playing without a familiar face in Mac Cardona for the first time in years.
Gregorio and Cardona somehow got together with new team Meralco, which came up with a smashing debut in the inaugurals on Sunday by nipping Barangay Ginebra, 73-72.
Gregorio won three titles with Purefoods, starting with this tournament’s 2002 edition.
The last of those titles came last season, when he swept Tim Cone and the Alaska Aces in the Finals, earning for himself a third Coach of the Year award from the PBA Press Corps.
James Yap, the reigning MVP, will continue to be Derby Ace’s main gun. He underwent nasal surgery recently and joined the team in practice only late last week.
Gallent will also miss the services of Kerby Raymundo, Marc Pingris, Rafi Reavis and Rommel Adducul.
Cardona’s departure has made Jimmy Alapag the squad’s go-to guy with the hard-working Kelly Williams, Ryan Reyes, Ranidel de Ocampo and Harvery Carey providing support.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine parades new acquisitions Larry Rodriguez and John Ferriols and rookie Joshua Vanlandingham against a Powerade side that went smaller and younger by dealing away Asi Taulava to the Bolts.
That match is scheduled at 5 p.m.
The Llamados are trying to be the first team since Great Taste in the mid-80s to repeat as champions in an all-Filipino tournament.
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