CEBU, Philippines - Let the new era begin as the newly-renamed Petron Blazers 100 (formerly San Miguel Beer) make their first public appearance when they play against the multi-titled M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños in an exhibition game this Saturday at the Cebu Coliseum.
After their woeful 2-7 win-loss record in the Commissioner’s Cup, the formerly known San Miguel Beermen take their first step of rebuilding for the next month’s season-ending Governors’ Cup.
But their goal in vindicating that they are still a championship caliber team going to the third conference will be put to the test againt the Cebu Niños.
It has been two years since the two teams faced each where the San Miguel Beer outlasted the hard-fighting Cebu Niños in their exhibition match in Cebu Coliseum.
But different from last time, Cebuano heartthrob Dondon Hontiveros, who have been the key to their last success against the two-time Liga Pilipinas champion, will not be suiting for the Petron.
Petron will prove that they have already established team chemistry after the controversial blockbuster trade where in which they traded veterans Danny Seigle, Hontiveros, Dorian Pena and Paul Artadi for Air 21’s top picks Nonoy Baclao, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Rey Guevarra.
With the three rookies slowly finding their niche in the team, Coach Renato Agustin will still rely heavily two-time MVP Danny Ildefonso, Arwind Santos, Jay Washington and Alex Cabagnot. Comprising the support crew are Lordy Tugade, Mick Pennisi, Joseph Yeo, Dennis Miranda, Sunday Salvacion and Paolo Hubalde. – (FREEMAN)