MBA FedEx Cup unfolds

The third Metropolitan Basketball Association season finally gets going today with pre-tournament favorites the Manila Metrostars and the Laguna Lakers taking on separate rivals in separate venues.

A day-long festivities in Gen. Santos City and Sta. Cruz, Laguna usher in the MBA 2000 season with an array of celebrity stars, including Priscilla Almeda, Amanda Page and Regine Tolentino, performing in the two venues.

But everything takes the backseat as the Romel Adducul-led Metrostars go up against the Socsargen Marlins at 1:30 p.m. at the Gen. Santos Gym, then the Lakers battle the Cagayan de Oro Amigos at 4 p.m. at the New San Luis Sports Complex.

ABS-CBN officials said they will weave the coverage of the twin MBA opening hoopla into one mega presentation live on Studio 23 via the network's state-of-the-art braodcast satellite facilities.

Manila and Laguna are fancied to win their respective matches as both teams enter the playing court with a powerful lineup.

Manila might have lost coach Louie Alas and three key players in Don Camaso, Reuben dela Rosa and Nestor Echano but the Metrostars remain optimistic in their title-retention campaign as they still have good players practically in all spots. To call the shots for the team is Boysie Zamar.

Leading the charge of the defending titlists are last year's MVP Adducul and Alex Compton with support from Jun Longalong, AC Brown, Nandy Garcia, Jojo Brines and newcomers Joel Co, Bernard de Guia, Erwin Framo and Dino Manuel. Gilbert Demape is a doubtful starter due to a knee injury.

The Lakers, meanwhile, are the odds-on pick over the Amigos owing to their pre-season acquisition of prized slotman Chris Nicdao, who is teaming up with the explosive Fil-Am pair of Chris Clay and Jeffrey Flowers, scoring ace Oscar Simon and defensive specialist Alvin Teng under new coach Ed Cordero.

This year's opening event is different from past launch ceremonies as fun activities around the venues are set to complement the games. -- Joey Villar

"We would like to make our opening day as enjoyable as possible for the MBA's countless supporters who are the very reasons why the league is a huge hit," said Laguna Governor Joey Lina, a consistent host and supporter of the league.