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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider TNT begins title defense; Converge makes PBA debut

TNT begins title defense; Converge makes PBA debut

Published Jun 5, 2022 12:52 am

The absence of Mikey Williams may play a role in TNT’s bid to start its title defense on a winning note as the season-opening PBA Philippine Cup gets going Sunday, June 5 with the Tropang Giga facing the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots.

Photo from PBA

Tipoff between the finalists of last year’s All-Filipino tournament is set at 6:30 p.m. inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the second game of a rare opening day doubleheader.

Newcomer Converge FiberXers begin their maiden campaign in the big league at 4:30 p.m. against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

A traditional opening rites will formally begin the league’s 47th season, which features a parade of teams and their muses.

TNT beat Magnolia in five games during a semi-bubble format in Bacolor, Pampanga last October to capture the 2021 Philippine Cup title, a run that stopped a string of championships won by teams from San Miguel Corporation.

Williams played a major role in that run, taking home the Finals Most Valuable Player honors. But the flashy guard won’t be around for the start as he and TNT have yet to reach an agreement regarding terms on his current deal.

Without Williams, the Tropang Giga will try to fill his absence collectively led by Jayson Castro, RR Pogoy, Troy Rosario, Poy Erram and Kib Montalbo.

Magnolia is coming off a solid 2021-22 campaign that saw coach Chito Victolero’s team reach at least the semifinals of the two conferences played.

Calvin Abueva, Paul Lee, Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca hope to give the Hotshots a victory.

In the first game, Converge is going to be led by Alaska holdovers Jeron Teng, Mike DiGregorio, Kevin Racal and Allyn Bulanadi plus rookies Jeo Ambohot, Justin Arana, Kurt Lojera and Tyrus Hill.

The FiberXers expect still challenge from the Elasto Painters powered by Rey Nambatac.

Both teams play minus key players in Javee Mocon of Rain or Shine and Converge’s Abu Tratter, Robbie Herndon and Maverick Ahanmisi because of ongoing contract talks.

Related Tags

TNT Tropang Giga Mikey Williams PBA Philippine Cup pba
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