THIS is where Blackwater and Converge start finding out whether their long preparation time is all worth it when they collide Wednesday in a match kicking off the season-opening PBA Commissioner's Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Both the Bossing and FiberXers want nothing more than to start their season on a high note and it would be interesting to see how their expectations, nurtured since the end of their last Governors' Cup campaign, pan out.
Game time is 4 p.m.
"Excited kami for the first game. Finally, we're playing na kasi... ang tagal ng off-season, puro practice," said new Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso, tapped last April after the Bossing wound up with a 1-10 record in the last Governors' Cup.
"Pero the team is excited to play. I think naman 'yung magandang nagawa namin is nagkaroon kami ng six or seven tuneup games. Medyo maganda iyon for our experience," added Cariaso.
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The Bossing did manage to wind up third with a 7-4 slate in the PBA On Tour last July, but those jousts are no-bearing ones since most of the other teams' stars did not play.
This is the tournament that really matters in Cariaso's eyes and would act as the true gauge on whether his Bossing's gear-up that truly started right after the Sept. 17 Rookie Draft is on the right track.
"(Wednesday's) game we prepared well," offered Cariaso. "Nakalaban namin sila two times so may konting good feel kami about them. Being ready to play is a must kasi alam nating ito na 'yung totoong game so we have to be ready."
Converge is set to give Cariaso and Blackwater some new looks to make up for the loss of Abu Tratter, Maverick Ahanmisi and Jeron Teng to other teams through six rookies in Deschon Winston, Bryan Andrade, Kamron Vigan-Fleming, Bryan Santos, Inand Fornilos and Patrick Maagdenberg, aside from free agent Mark Jayson Tallo.
The FiberXers have also added Willie Miller to its coaching staff to join another former two-time MVP in Danny Ildefonso and help in assist head tactician Aldin Ayo in his chores.
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Cariaso knows Converge's basic philosophy is sure to remain the same. "When you play against Converge you have to be ready na i-handle pressure nila," he said. "They're really like a college team na puro pressure, so I think we have to be ready for that. If we're ready for that then we can execute, get good shots."
For its part, Blackwater is set unveil No. 2 overall pick Christian David, although in only a minutes-restricted capacity while the 25-year-old winger goes on with his legs-strengthening program.
Another interesting sidelight to the match is now Puerto Rican Chris Ortiz and New Zealander Tom Vodanovich boost Blackwater and Converge, respectively. (NC)
