Red Bull out to make up for failed attempts

Two dominating performances in the eliminations that both went pfft in the playoffs last year could be enough motivation for Red Bull Barako to go all the way to win the championship this time around.

And despite the departure of Willie Miller, one could cite several reasons why much could be expected of the Thunder.

Rugged frontliners Davonn Harp, Mick Pennisi, Enrico Villanueva and Homer Se are all stronger, wiser and simply better, wingmen Junthy Valenzuela and Lordy Tugade have further polished their crafts and Fil-Am draftee Denver Lopez is in to fill the void left by Miller.

And though coach Yeng Guiao kept the team intact except letting Miller go, the team management did an extra push by sending the squad to Qatar for a pair of exhibition games with the Qatar national squad and team-building session on the side.

The Thunder left for that oil-rich Middle East country yesterday. They play the Qataris, second runners-up in the last ABC championship in China, tomorrow and Friday.

"Bibigyan natin ang mga kababayan natin sa Qatar ng konting kasayahan and, hopefully, the team becomes more bonded with this trip," said Red Bull Barako team manager Tony Chua.

With all the wheelings and dealings done by the other ballclubs this off-season, the Thunder realize they may not overwhelm the opponents as they did last year but they still believe they have what it takes to win.

Though ending up without a title last year, the Thunder emerged the No. 1 team in terms of win-loss percentage the whole season. The Coca-Cola Tigers and the Talk ‘N Text Phone Pals who ruled the Reinforced and the All-Filipino Cups, respectively, came in second and third.

"I do believe we’ll still be highly competitive. We kept our solid frontline and while we lost Willie Miller, we’ve got a good replacement in Denver Lopez," said Guiao.

A legitimate NCAA Division I player, the 5-foot-11 Lopez, from Fullerton State, has been impressive in practice. "Magaling," said Chua of their new recruit.

Of course, Guiao said he would be happier if league commissioner Noli Eala acts on Jimwell Torion’s appeal for reconsideration on his suspension for the entirety of the PBA Fiesta Cup.

"Mas versatile ang team kapag nandiyan si Jimwell," said Guiao.