Welcoat opens bid vs John-O sans stars

Four teams get the chance to showcase their wares today as they collide in separate matches with the winners joining early leaders Hapee Toothpaste and Nutri-licious in the Sunkist-PBL Unity Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

Challenge Cup champion Welcoat Paints opens its bid for a second straight crown as it plays John-O in the 3 p.m. opener while the LBC-Batangas and ICTSI-La Salle collide at 5 p.m.

Hapee Toothpaste blasted newcomer Viva Mineral Water, 59-42, while Nutri-licious shocked Montana Pawnshop, 69-61, Sunday as the league kicked off its new season with a promise of slambang action and with hopes of staging a truly nationwide basketball league.

Although Welcoat will be playing without Romel Adducul, Eddie Laure and Ronald Tubid, who are all now in the PBA, coach Leo Austria remains optimistic of their chances.

"We have made ourselves aware that we’re not the same strong team as before but we know that we are capable of matching, if not surpassing, our last achievement if we only work harder," said Austria.

Six-foot-seven Jean Marc Pingris is expected to carry the cudgels for the Paintmasters along with Paul Artadi, Ariel Capus, Marc Cuan, Paulo Malonzo, Calijohn Orfrecio, Melvin Mamaclay.

Welcoat has also acquired the services of Melchor Latoreno, Willy Wilson, Jercules Tangkay and the comebacking Allen Patrimonio.

John-O, for its part, has kept the core of its old squad composed of Celino Cruz, Ranidel de Ocampo, Ricky Calimag, Mark Macapagal, Al Vergara, Nizar Kiram and Bong Salvador while tapping Chris-Dennis Madrid, Gerald Ortega, Emerson Oreta, James Laygo, Dondon Villamin and Kerwin McCoy.

The LBC-Batangas-ICTSI-La Salle duel is equally worth watching.

Alex Compton is expected to lead the LBC quintet anew along with Al Magpayo, Ariel de Castro, Harold Sta. Cruz, Nicole Uy, Paul Reguerra, Jayson Cuevas, MC Caceres, Ronald Capati, Chico Manabat, Froilan Baguio and Vince San Diego.

The Archers, on the other hand, are expected to rely on James Yap, Mark Cardona, Dino Aldeguer, Bruce Dacia, Manny Ramos, Joseph Yeo, Bernzon Franco, Dominic Uy and new recruits Ramon Jose, Eldrick Ferrer, DJ de Jesus and 6-foot-8 Fil-Am Joachim Thoss.