GREAT expectations tempered by unfamiliarity with their new-look opponent would be on the collective minds of Alaska and Blackwater when they kick off the 2021-22 PBA season Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Both the Aces and Bossing are thrilled to play an official game for the first time since last November and surely want to get off on the right foot. But the unknowns resulting from the long layoff and lack of pre-season games that would have given each a good gauge of its potential gnaw at the combatants.
"First game in eight months. We all are excited and happy to be back. But I'm expecting eagerness and timing may be off a bit while we get used to being back," said Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso.
"Nevertheless, we are ready for battle and we expect Blackwater to be confident and ready."
The Bossing go into the 12:30 p.m. game with some trepidation of their own.
Sponsored content: "Maraming nagtatanong how prepared we are," said Blackwater coach Nash Racela, whose side takes on Rain or Shine on Sunday.
"Mahirap sabihin because the bases really would be the actual games," added Racela. "We'll see over the weekend."
There is good reason why Racela is wary since the Bossing's roster is a vastly re-tooled one with three rookies in Andre Paras, Joshua Torralba and Rey Mark Acuno, aside from new acquisitions Simon Enciso, David Semerad, Baser Amer and Kelly Nabong, plus the returning Carl Bryan Cruz.
"In one way, nakatulong din 'yung two months of training kasi nga we had more time to feel each other out, develop chemistry," noted Racela. "Eight months iyon (layoff), so you don't know what to expect. Hopefully, we'll settle down early."
Alaska also did some tinkering with its lineup, taking in rookies Taylor Browne, Ben Adamos and RK Ilagan from the draft and Yousef Taha and Gab Banal from free agency.
Sponsored content: What's more, the Aces would be without Vic Manuel for the first time since 2014, having traded the want-away forward to Phoenix Super LPG in the off-season.
Expect Jeron Teng and Abu Tratter to pick up most of the slack, aside from Mike Digregorio, Robbie Herndon, Jayvee Casio and Maverick Ahanmisi.(NC)
