Magnolia Pambansang Manok finally plunges back into action after its Governors Cup title run, taking on TNT KaTropa to open its quest in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup at the MOA Arena in Pasay City Sunday.
The Hotshots return to play with practically the same lineup that won the Governors' Cup crown versus the Alaska Milk Aces.
One new face is Michael Calisaan, a rookie forward out of San Sebastian College.
"We're okay, medyo concerned lang namin ang rhythm, timing and conditioning as this is our first game in over a month," said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
"But I think we're ready. Importante ang mindset. We have to stay focused for 48 minutes and we need to have the defensive mindset that we had in winning the last conference," Victolero added.
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With over a month break, the Hotshots should have healed all their minor injuries including those of Ian Sangalang and Paul Lee.
Against the KaTropa, the Hotshots brace for an up-tempo battle.
It will be a duel featuring marquee matchups in the backcourt among Jayson Castro, Paul Lee and Mark Barroca who are to form the Gilas backcourt in the coming sixth and final window of the FIBA World Cup qualifier.
Ryan Reyes and Brian Heruela must step up to help Castro facing Magnolia guards Lee, Barroca, Jio Jalalon and PJ Simon who played key roles in torching the Alaska Aces in their recent finals showdown.
Kelly Williams, Mike Miranda, Troy Rosario and Yousef Taha could also up for a battle with Sangalang, Rafi Reavis, Rodney Brondial, Kyle Pascual and Aldrech Ramos.
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If he can sustain the tough defensive stand that keyed his inclusion in the All-Defensive Team last season, Rome dela Rosa could well give RR Pogoy a nightmare.
The Texters are off to a shaky 2-3 start.
Particularly frustrating was their last game where they blew away a 21-point lead and fell behind by as many as 19 in a 77-88 loss to the Meralco Bolts Wednesday.
They have had two other losses to Barangay Ginebra and Phoenix Pulse as against wins over NLEX and San Miguel Beer.
Consistency has been the Texters' big problem in the tourney.(SB)
