Souped-up Alaska out to spoil Cabagnot debut

A retooled Alaska team hopes to live up to its billing as one of the powerhoue teams with its potent crew as the Aces take on the Sta. Lucia Realtors and their prized rookie acquisition Alex Cabagnot in the second playdate of the San Mig Coffee PBA Fiesta Cup at the Araneta Coliseum today.

Coca-Cola, which also underwent a massive buildup in the off-season, plays crowd-favorite Barangay Ginebra in the other game of the very first double-header feature in the 31st season of the league.

The Purefoods Chunkee Giants, getting a big lift from import Marquin Chandler, dwarfed the Red Bull Barakos, 84-77, in the lone opening game Sunday at the Big Dome.

Alaska is fancied to join Purefoods in the win-column today as the Aces finally display their new mix, seen by many as a potential championship team reminiscent of the 1996 Alaska grandslam squad.

The Aces became an overnight major contender as they signed up former Shell stars Tony dela Cruz and Rich Alvarez that made the team’s core arguably the most athletic in the league today.

"We’re not big, but the arrival of Tony dela Cruz, Rich Alvarez and (import) Tee McClary will allow us to create mismatches," said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

Attention, though, will be focused at backcourt match-ups pitting Mike Cortez, Brandon Cablay and Jeffrey Cariaso against Kenneth Duremdes and Sta. Lucia’s prized rookies Cabagnot and Cesar Catli.

Cabagnot reportedly broke Mark Caguioa’s all scoring marks at Eaglerock High and later suited up with University of Hawaii in Hilo in college ball.

Reinforcing the Realtors is former Louisville standout Luke Edward Whitehead, who is also a rapper named L Dubb. However, he is expected to find a tough assignment when ranged against McClary who’s a regular fixture in the local pro league.

McClary, who has played with Talk n Text and Coca-Cola, is the first import signed up for the tourney. He also suited up with the Aces as they placed second behind the RP team in the Sultan Cup in Brunei.