Jumbo Plastic eyes repeat as PCBL field toughens; Ravena joins Mighty

PCBL chairman Buddy Encarnado and commissioner Joel Banal.

Founders’ Cup titlist Jumbo Plastic eyes to start a dynasty as the second conference of the Pilipinas Commercial Basketball League (PCBL) tips off on Sunday at Malolos Sports and Convention Center.

Finals MVP Jeff Viernes will once again be the top dog for the Giants, who have solicited the services of import Allwell Oraeme, Jay-R Taganas, James Martinez, and Marcy Arellano.

“We will make sure we will develop our local talents,” said PCBL chairman Buddy Encarnado said Thursday as the league opens the Chairman’s Cup, the second of the three conferences slated for the league’s first season.

“We hope to insure providing sanctuary to all players who have gone past their school years but are preparing themselves for the professionals, and to support Philippine basketball in general,” he said.

Joel Banal succeeds Ato Badolato as the new commissioner for the Chairman’s Cup, as the former Ateneo and
TNT coach returns to the sport after a three-year hiatus.

“It is the sanctuary for the young, the not so young, and the homeless,” he said. “We will welcome players, coaches, managers, even referees to come grow with us. We will do everything we can to be as competitive and as exciting as possible.”

Five other teams are out to stop Jumbo Plastic for the right to be named as the Chairman’s Cup champion.

Newcomer Mighty Sports emerges as the biggest threat to Jumbo Plastic’s reign, with Gilas cadet Kiefer
Ravena leading the way, alongside Nigerian import Bright Akhuetie, and ex-pros TY Tang and Allan Mangahas. Mike Fermin will call the shots for Mighty.

Sta. Lucia coach Bonnie Garcia will be banking on the leadership of Mac Montilla, Wowie Escosio, and JR Cawaling, together with import Landry Sanjo, and amateurs Kent Salado and Ryusei Koga.

Foton also hopes to continue its good showing in the league, with coach Budds Reyes relying on super scorer Levi Hernandez, Allen Enriquez, and Mikee Reyes.

Efren Garcia, meanwhile, is eyeing a better stint for EuroMed this time out. Letran’s Jom Sollano, McJour Luib, and Bong Quinto joins Louie Vigil, Ralph Salcedo, and Alex Almario in the squad.

Supremo Lex will be led by Rocky Acidre, Jan Jamon, Mark Montuano, and Mark Brana, and will be coached by Don Rez Villamin.

Teams will consist of 14 players, with an extra roster spot allotted for a reinforcement, with the age limit staying at 34 years old.

The league will also be alternating between primary venues Malolos Sports and Convention Center and the Marikina Sports Center for its games on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Six teams play in a double-round eliminations, with the top two advancing to the semifinals. The remaining four teams will play a best-of-three quarterfinals, the winners going to a best-of-three semifinals, and the last two teams standing facing off in a best-of-three Finals series.

“It’s going to be quick and sweet,” said Banal.