Pasig-Rizal opened negotiations with the managers of Vince Hizon to acquire the services of the former Iloilo Megavoltz player-assistant coach even as the Pirates management clarified that there was no buy-out involved for Mobiline to acquire Bong Ravena.
Bong Tirol, general manager of Power Quest, which owns the Pirates franchise, confirmed ongoing talks with Hizon's handlers, saying a decision is expected to be firmed up within the week.
At the same time, Tirol said what was agreed upon by Power Quest and Mobiline is for the PBA team to simply reimburse "the investment" made during Ravena's one-year stint with the Pirates.
This developed as the two remaining unbeaten teams stake their spotless records today when they face separate rivals in the MBA FedEx Cross-over Cup.
Powerhouse San Juan inaugurates its new homecourt inside the San Juan Elementary School along N. Domingo Street today when the Knights host the Davao Eagles at 4 p.m.
The Pampanga Dragons hope to keep their unblemished record while visiting the Cebu Gems at the Cebu Coliseum at 6:30 p.m.
San Juan is playing only its second game in the MBA FedEx Cross-over Cup after dumping the Cebu Gems, 93-92, last Feb. 20 at PhilSports Arena.
On the other hand, Davao will lean on its awesome guard combination of current league scoring leader Donbel Belano (26.5 ppg) and three-point master Jomar Tierra (16.8 ppg) to spark the Eagles' offense.