Three new teams take a shot at stopping NLEX’s reign when the PBA D-League Foundation Cup kicks off this Tuesday with a competitive 12-team field.
Hogs Breath Café, Jumbo Plastic and EA Regen Medical Group Inc. debut this conference where the Road Warriors will shoot for a fifth straight championship.
“We just have to continue to outwork everyone and be ready every game so we can give our team a chance to defend the crown,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.
Fresh from their title conquest two weeks ago, the Road Warriors hope to have sustained their sharp form against Big Chill in the last of a three-game bill at 4 p.m. in the Tuesday opener at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Cebuana Lhuillier and Boracay Rum tangle at noon, followed by the 2 p.m. clash between Jumbo Plastic and Fruitas.
The just concluded Aspirants’ Cup saw the rise of new stars and new rivalries,” said PBA Commissioner Chito Salud.
“I expect no less this conference. The Foundation Cup, with three new teams taking part, promises to be as thrilling and exciting,” Salud said.
Cagayan Valley, the surprise finalist last conference, returns while Blackwater Sports, Café France and Informatics round up the field.
Teams will battle in a single-round eliminations where the top two will earn outright semifinal berths.