3 PBA teams to see action

CEBU, Philippines - Before they start their respective campaigns in the 37th Philippine Basketball Association season this October 2, three PBA teams will first showcase their wares in the Cebu City Mayor’s Cup Invitational Basketball Tournament from September 23 to 25 in the Cebu Coliseum.

Multi-titled coach and Cebu City councilor Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba said the Alaska Aces, Powerade Tigers and Meralco Bolts will once again visit the Queen City of the South to compete against the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños.

 “This tournament will be part of the PBA team’s preparation for the coming All-Filipino Cup,” said Alcoseba.

This will also be the first time that Cebuano hoop fans will see Alaska minus their former coach Tim Cone, who has now hopped to the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados.

 Cone’s replacement Joel Banal is expecting a good output for his team in the three-day joust. Aside from their mainstays, Alaska will try to use their rookies including two Cebuanos in Julius Pascualado and former Cebu Niños cager Ariel Mepaña.

 Meanwhile, Alcoseba said there's a possibility that No.1 overall pick JV Casio and No.4 Marcio Lassiter of Powerade might be able to play in the said tournament depending on the outcome of the Smart Gilas' campaign in the FIBA Asia in China.

 “Depende kung unsay mahitabo sa Gilas or if matagak sila, makaduwa sila si Casio ug Lassiter,” said Alcoseba.

This will also be the case for Meralco center Asi Taulava, who is also in China playing for Smart Gilas.  (FREEMAN)