Blackwater debuts vs Banchero, Bora Rum

DEFENDING champion Blackwater Sports gets going in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup today against a Boracay Rum side powered by its original recruit at JCSGO gym in Cubao.

The Elite and the Waves clash at 2 p.m. with the spotlight on Chris Banchero, the scrappy Filipino-Italian point guard who had to leave Blackwater, which signed him before the season started, and join the draft where he was picked by Boracay.

Banchero, the Finals MVP in the Asean Basketball League won by the San Miguel Beermen, showed his worth with an all-around performance when the Waves roared to an 89-56 romp over Derulo Accelero.

But Blackwater coach Leo Isaac doesn’t want the Elite to dwell on the loss of Banchero to another team.

“There will be no emotional issues involved when we play Chris and Boracay,” said Isaac, who scouted Banchero and the Waves Thursday last week. “Our goal is to win.’’

“We watched them against Derulo while they haven’t seen us play. I feel good about our chances,’’ Isaac added.

Also aiming for a share of the lead with the idle Cagayan Valley Rising Suns are the Jumbo Plastic Giants who will take on Cafe France in the 12 noon opener, while Big Chill and NU-Banco De Oro tangle to close the day’s action at 4 p.m.

The Giants, rugged at the frontline with low-post defenders Jason Ballesteros and Marion Magat, could be in for a tougher challenge against the Bakers, who lost to the Rising Suns but bounced back quickly with a win over Cebuana Lhuillier last Thursday.

But the Bakers might miss guards Eloy Poligrates, Jens Knuttel and Ping Eximiniano and forward Mike Parala who all joined yesterday’s PBA Rookie Draft.

“I have a big problem if that happens,’’ said Cafe France coach Egay Macaraya.

Ballesteros and Magat asserted their size in the paint while Jopher Custodio fired 25 points in a recent 76-56 runaway victory over National U-Banco De Oro.

NU-BDO played without Bobby Ray Parks Jr. in its opening game but the two-time UAAP MVP is expected to show up this time.