Giants hope to get lift from rookie guard

Coach Ryan Gregorio is confident rookie guard Chico Lanete can pick up the slack in the absence of Roger Yap as Purefoods Tender Juicy seeks to preserve its clean slate in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup versus Welcoat today at the Astrodome.

Red Bull and Sta. Lucia play in the 7:20 p.m. setto with the Bulls looking for a third straight win and the Realtors eyeing a second consecutive victory.

Gregorio believes Lanete can hold his own against Denver Lopez and Froilan Baguion as he did against Olsen Racela and LA Tenorio after Yap was ejected in the first half of the Purefoods-Magnolia match Sunday for a punching foul on Tenorio.

Yap was subsequently suspended for one game and fined P20,000 for his misconduct.

But minus Yap, the Giants are unfazed, comfortable with the thought that Lanete can very well man the point guard spot.

“I was surprised how he took the challenge and gave us a big lift against Magnolia. If that’s any indication, I think he can do well against Welcoat’s guards,” said Gregorio.

The former Lyceum Pirate, Purefoods’ prized recruit from the free agent pool, has been the most outstanding rookie in the season thus far. He had 16 points, four steals and two rebounds in Purefoods’ 93-90 win over Magnolia, nine points and three assists in their 112-97 blowout of Talk n Text and five rebounds, four assists and three points in their 96-89 rout of Sta. Lucia.

“He’s playing like a grizzled veteran. For a rookie to have a command, that’s very impressive,” said Gregorio of Lanete, twice Finals MVP winner in the PBL and member of the triumphant RP-Harbour Centre team in the SEABA Champions Cup last year.

Lanete has been among the key factors in Purefoods’ searing charge dating back to the preseason tourney which the team won over Magnolia. Counting the preseason event and a tune-up game win over Sta. Lucia, Purefoods is hot on a nine-game winning run.

The Dragons, however, are coming into the game also in high spirits following a breakthrough win in the season over the Ginebra Kings in Roxas City Saturday.

With his sprained ankle fully healed, top draft pick Joe Devance is likely to lead the Welcoat charge. Devance finally played long minutes in their last game, helping the Dragons score an 82-64 demolition of the Kings.