Big three versus the rest

MANILA, Philippines —  Ten hungry teams out to crash the party of the “Big 3.” A legendary playmaker taking his new role as coach. A controversial player on a redemption tour after a long suspension due to off-court troubles.

These storylines and more are ready to unfold in the PBA’s final offering for its golden season.

The import-flavored Governors’ Cup fires off today with a double-header at Ynares Center-Antipolo pitting Terrafirma against Titan Ultra and NLEX versus guest team Macau.

For these Group A squads, it’s Day 1 of the mission to stop the rampage of the heavyweight trio that have collared the crown – or at least taken runner-up honors – in the last five conferences: TNT, San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra.

The conference’s kickoff in the highlands of Rizal marks the start of Jimmy Alapag’s tenure at the helm of NLEX.

Ditto John Amores, who’s getting his second chance at Titan after reaching a settlement on charges filed in court over a 2024 shooting incident in Laguna and receiving a license from the Games and Amusements Board to resume his playing career.

Amores’ first game back could happen in the 5:15 p.m. duel with the Dyip.

Meanwhile, Alapag, who’s  returning to Asia’s first play for pay league after spending the last six years with the Sacramento Kings in the NBA, gets his baptism of fire at 7:30 p.m. against the retooled Giant Pandas.

“Excited for this group, grateful for the opportunity to coach them and looking forward to getting started,” said the TNT and Gilas Pilipinas great of his Robert Bolick-led crew.

In his first move as chief strategist, Alapag worked to acquire guard Evan Nelle from Phoenix in exchange for veteran big Sidney Onwubere.