3 newcomers eye upsets as D-League unfolds

Half of the six new teams shoot for early upsets when the fifth season of the PBA D-League fires off today at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Cafe France knows that unpredictability may work for MP Hotel, the squad owned by boxing icon and Kia Motors coach Manny Pacquiao, when they clash at the start of a three-game bill in the Aspirants Cup at 12 noon.

“I have no idea what type of team we are up against,” Cafe France coach Egay Macaraya said of MP Hotel.

“We haven’t seen them play. But I think we have a slight advantage with our experience. Our [Rookie Draft] picks provide us with some depth, but chemistry is still something that we have to work on.”

Cebuana Lhuillier also tests newcomer Racal Motors at 2 p.m., while Wangs Basketball battles AMA University at 4 p.m.

The tournament—seen as a wide-open race following the jump of six-time champion NLEX and powerhouse Blackwater to the pros—gets going after the opening ceremony  at 11 a.m.

Macaraya expects his Bakers to get a lift from some of their new recruits, including Fil-Am Maverick Ahanmisi and Fil-Canadian Jonar Huertas.

MP Hotel, mentored by Arvin Bonleon, will be led by Wowie Escosio, a former rookie MVP in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi), and veteran Jessie Collado.

Cebuana Lhuillier also fields a retooled roster bannered by La Salle’s Norbert Torres and Almond Vosotros and Santo Tomas gunner Kevin Ferrer.

Although the Gems, coached by Boycie Zamar, boast some collegiate stars, Racal aims to put up a strong showing with a mix of veterans and young guns, including San Sebastian’s Jamil Ortuoste.

AMA coach Mark Herrera likewise thinks his debuting Titans can pull off a surprise against Wangs. “I think we can put up a good fight,” said Herrera.

Rounding out the 12-team field are Cagayan Valley, Jumbo Plastic, Tanduay Light and new squads Bread Story, MJM M-Builders and early favorite Hapee.