JEFF Cariaso gets his baptism of fire as new Alaska coach right on opening day of the PBA Governors Cup when the Aces clash with Columbian Dyip at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sept. 20.
The 4:30 p.m. match marks the first time Cariaso, who started and ended his pro career with the franchise, will be calling the shots for the Aces since taking over the coaching rein from Alex Compton during the season break.
The stint is the second time the 47-year-old Cariaso will have a tab at coaching after briefly handling Barangay Ginebra in the 2014 season.
Import Justin Watts also gets his ear wet as Alaska import for the season-ending conference as he goes up against Columbian Dyip counterpart Khapri Alston.
The second game at 7:00 p.m. pits Rain or Shine against Northport, with both teams parading returning imports.
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The Batang Pier will have former TnT Katropa reinforcement Mychal Ammons, while Joel Wright, previously with the Purefoods franchise, suits up for the Elasto Painters.
Action continues the following day (Sept. 21) as Kiefer Ravena plays his first game back in the league when NLEX faces Phoenix in the first game of a Saturday doubleheader at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 4:30 p.m. encounter will serve as Ravena's comeback game after serving an 18-month suspension meted on him by FIBA.
The Road Warriors parade anew old-hand Olu Ashaolu as tries his hands containing Fuel Masters resident import Eugene Phelps.
In the 6:45 p.m. main game, Allen Durham powers Meralco anew as the Bolts will have their hands full against Romeo Travis and defending champion Magnolia Hotshots.
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On Sept 22, Justine Brownlee and Barangay Ginebra make their debut against Alaska in the featured 6:45 p.m. match also at the Big Dome. Rain or Shine battles Columbian Dyip in the 4:30 p.m. curtain raiser.
Three other teams make their respective debuts on Sept. 25 at the Big Dome, including grand slam-seeking San Miguel Beer.
The Beermen parade Euroepan League veteran Dez Wells against the Fuel Masters at 7:00 p.m. to formally get their bid for the final piece of their Triple Crown campaign going.
In the first game at 4:30 p.m., TnT Katropa collides with rejuvenated Blackwater.
The Katropa unveils former NBA player KJ McDaniels as they try to return to the finals after a runner-up finish against the Beermen during the Commissioner's Cup.
Former Best Import Marqus Blakely meanwhile, see action for the Elite in lieu of the injured Aaron Fuller.
San Miguel, Blackwater, and TnT Katropa are all coming fresh from their stint in the East Asia League Terrific 12 Tournament in Macao.(RG)
