Coffee Kings test Medics in PBL kickoff

The San Mig Coffee team gives newcomer Pharex a feel of what Philippine Basketball League (PBL) brand of play is all about as the match-up between the two squads formally kicks off the season opener V-Go Extreme Energy Drink Cup today at The Arena in San Juan.

Buoyed by the acquisition of NCAA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kelvin dela Peña and Ateneo stalwart Clifford Arao during the break, the Coffee Kings under coach Koy Banal have been mentioned time and again among the title contenders in the league’s first offering for the 2008 season.

The reputation earned by the team formerly known as Magnolia should serve as a big challenge to the young Medics squad seeking to carve out a name in its maiden year in the country’s premiere amateur commercial league backed by Gerry’s Grill, ACCEL, Isuzu Motors, Spalding, Gold’s Gym and Xtreme Magic Sing.

Pharex, a collection of young talent with a sprinkling of veterans coached by Gian Carlo Lai Tan, is banking on Mapua playmaker Sean Co and University of the East big man Elmer Espiritu to carry the cudgels for the rookie ball club.

“We’ll definitely run and look to share the ball more often,” said Tan, looking to pattern the Medics’ plays to the Euro style of basketball.

The San Mig Coffee-Pharex tussle is set at 2 p.m. shortly after the lively and colorful opening ceremony prepared by the PBL and television coveror Solar Sports.

Guest of honor during the hour-long activity are members of the Special Olympics team, whom commissioner Chino Trinidad will personally present before the public, while San Juan City Mayor JV Ejercito gets the distinguished task to do the ceremonial toss.

Delivering the opening remarks is incoming chairman Cecilio Pedro of Hapee Toothpaste, with entertainment numbers to be provided by the PBL Dancers and top bands Bloomfields, Blueketchup and Protein Shake.