Talent-laden San Miguel Beer launches its quest to win back the PBA Philippine Cup crown Wednesday, June 8 against Phoenix Super LPG at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen troop to the floor at 6 p.m. against the Fuel Masters, who made a big move on the eve of the match by acquiring Javee Mocon in a trade with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
NLEX, still in negotiations with Kiefer Ravena, will open the doubleheader by facing Terrafirma at 3 p.m.
Empty-handed over the last three conferences in a space of two years, SMB hopes that it can get back into the winner’s circle with a roster that is seen as one of the main contenders.
Aside from June Mar Fajardo, SMB also has old reliables Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter plus CJ Perez, Vic Manuel, Mo Tautuaa, Jericho Cruz, Rodney Brondial, Simon Enciso and new addition Robbie Herndon.
SMB got Herndon from Converge in a sign-and-trade deal last Monday.
Back spams, though, will prevent Terrence Romeo to suit up for the season-opener.
Mocon is expected to play for Phoenix, after agreeing to a three-year contract shortly after the deal was approved by the league.
Many see Mocon as someone who could eventually fill in the role of Matthew Wright, whose contract expires in August and is rumored to be heading overseas.
Wright, however, shared that he is keen on giving everything he got for Phoenix.
In the curtain-raiser, NLEX tries to build on its semifinal finish in the import-laden Governors’ Cup despite the situation between the team and Ravena.
Ravena has requested the league if he can play for one conference while the Road Warriors management countered with a one-year deal.
Kevin Alas, last season’s Samboy Lim Sportsmanship Award winner, will be tasked as among the leaders of the Road Warriors.
Terrafirma is expected to field rookie Javi Gomez de Liano for his pro debut.