The Hotdogs will go into the 6 p.m. encounter fresh from a 92-89 victory over the Bill Bayno-coached Talk N Text last Saturday while the Gins are still reeling from a close 63-68 loss to Alaska Milk last Friday in Malolos, Bulacan.
Imports Derrick Brown and Leonard White mixed well for Purefoods in their first game of the season as they combined for 60 points. The victory proved to be a rude welcome for Bayno, under fire from the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP).
Calling the shots for the Hotdogs is Ryan Gregorio, the UP Maroons coach in the UAAP, in place of Eric Altamirano who is helping out with the national team. Ginebra coach Allan Caidic has also been loaned to the national team with Chris Calilan taking his place.
Meanwhile, Talk N Text team manager Frankie Lim yesterday said they are just waiting for the BCAP to pursue its case against the Phone Pals and their American coach.
"Unless the BCAP makes its move, we’re staying put. They’ve been coming out with statements in the press that they would seek a TRO (temporary restraining order) before our next game. But as of now, it’s a waiting game," Lim told The STAR in a phone interview.
"We don’t really know what the BCAP is going to do. We’re just waiting. But we’re ready," Lim added. Talk N Text’s next game will be against Hapee RP Team on Friday.
Chito Narvasa, BCAP president, said they would try to find out how the Phone Pals were able to secure Bayno’s alien employment permit from the Department of Labor (DoLE) despite a Supreme Court ruling that prevents PBA teams from hiring foreign coaches as long as there are Filipinos who can handle the job.
"The permit (given to Bayno) has no basis. And ayaw ipakita ng DOLE ‘yung basis kung bakit nagbigay sila ng permit. It’s a public document. We want to see the law implemented," Narvasa was quoted as saying yesterday.