HERE comes Barangay Ginebra with Troy Rosario.
From a runner-up finish to TNT in the last Governors' Cup, the Gin Kings plunge back into action, unleashing a lineup beefed up by the addition of free agent acquisition Rosario as they tangle with the NLEX Road Warriors at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Wednesday.
Ginebra is the last team to make its debut in the midseason tourney following the squad's extended stint in the first conference and then coach Tim Cone and players Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar rendering duty with Gilas Pilipinas in the November window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
In their return to the PBA, the Kings may still be without injury-hit Jamie Malonzo and Isaac Go but are to welcome a prize addition in Rosario.
The former NU Bulldog ditched offers from a number of ballclubs to fulfill a childhood dream of playing for his favorite team, bringing attributes that could well be a major boost to the Gin Kings.
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Of course, there's his size complementing those of Aguilar and Brownlee. And there's his shooting touch that makes him a versatile big and an edge for any team he's with.
With great excitement, Cone looks forward to finally have Rosario with them in the battle on the court.
"He's one of those guys I've watched from a distance and said to myself that I'd love to have him on our team. Now the reality is true," said Cone.
The first team to face the retooled Ginebra team is the NLEX squad sizzling on a three-game roll with import Mike Watkins.
Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m.
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From a losing conference debut versus the Meralco Bolts, the Road Warriors hit their strides, stringing up wins over Blackwater, Terrafirma and San Miguel Beer.
Watkins and Robert Bolick fueled NLEX's fiery siege from 19 points down en route to a 104-99 reversal of San Miguel Sunday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
Bolick was on fire, torching the Beermen with 39 points, including 20 in the fourth quarter while Watkins produced 17 points, 28 rebounds and four blocks.
And they're likely to lead their charge in an expected battle with the Gin Kings. (SB)
