Abueva takes on former team; Terrafirma top pick Munzon gets first test vs TNT

Calvin Abueva, Vic Manuel, rookie Joshua Munzon and coach Chot Reyes will be the center of attention Saturday, July 17 as four more teams make their debuts in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Abueva sees action for the first time with Magnolia in the 4:35 p.m. clash against former team Phoenix Super LPG, which made up for his loss with the acquisition of good friend Vic Manuel from Alaska.
The doubleheader starts at 2 p.m. with Reyes back on the sidelines for TNT opposite Terrafirma, led by Munzon, the No. 1 overall pick of the PBA Rookie Draft in mid-March.
All teams look to join Alaska, Rain or Shine and Meralco in the list of those who won their initial assignments on the opening weekend of the league’s 46th season.
Hoping to start off its title bid on a high note is a Magnolia side that became even more stronger with the arrival of Abueva, perhaps the missing piece in the club’s aspirations to bag the All-Filipino crown.
Abueva’s presence had a big impact in Phoenix’s run to the semifinals of last season’s bubble, but now the team hopes to do the same with Manuel.
Chris Banchero, who Phoenix got in the Abueva deal, is expected to form a dynamic backcourt tandem with Matthew Wright, a runner-up for the Best Player of the Conference.
In the opener, Reyes aims to bring back the magic that enabled TNT to win four titles during his initial stint from 2008 to 2012.
Munzon will take the role left by CJ Perez, who the Dyip dealt to the San Miguel Beermen last January, with his ability to score at will.