Coaches predict 5-team chase for PBA crown

Coaches believe the recent draft and off-season trade deals have led to a balanced playing field with five teams in Talk n Text, San Miguel Beer, Alaska Milk, Purefoods and Sta. Lucia having slight edge as the KFC PBA Philippine Cup gets underway tomorrow.

Barangay Ginebra, the Fiesta Cup title holder, is not considered among the top contenders because of injuries to key players.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine, formerly Welcoat, is expected to improve after a major revamp that saw the entry of Gabe Norwood, Solomon Mercado, TY Tang, Eddie Laure, Mark Andaya and Eddie Laure.

“As the defending champion, we are looking to defend the crown. It will be a long road ahead but we will do our best. All the teams have beefed up their lineups but I think Talk n Text, San Miguel, Purefoods and Alaska are the teams to beat. Rain or Shine will pull off a surprise,” said coach Boyet Fernandez of reigning All-Filipino champion Sta. Lucia.

“Actually, I think all the teams right now are contenders. The league has got a good balance with no one having clear advantage. If ever there are teams with the edge, these are Talk n Text, Alaska, Purefoods and Sta. Lucia,” said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.

Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio is wary of Sta. Lucia being the defending champion and San Miguel, Talk n Text and Alaska with their beefed-up lineups.

“Their acquisition of Mick Pennisi, Jay Washington and Bonbon Custodio has made the San Miguel roster a lot more formidable. It looks like an All-Star roster. Talk n Text has a solid crew. With the shakeup they did in the pre-season plus international preparation, they should be the team to watch. Alaska looked sharp and impressive in the pre-season. They acquired players looking comfortable running the triangle,” said Gregorio.

The Purefoods mentor, however, also noted the re-tooling done by the other teams which he believed could make the All-Filipino tourney more interesting.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, last placers in all their first four tournaments in the pros, hope to make an impact in the new season. 

“We feel more confident this season. If we continue to work hard and rely on teamwork than individual talent, we can win more games,” said coach Caloy Garcia.

The Asian Coatings franchise had a good showing in the pre-season. It made the final but passed up for its team-building session.

Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao believed Rain or Shine is headed for a breakout season although he pointed to Alaska, Talk n Text and San Miguel as the favorites.

“Alaska is strong, Talk n Text is always strong while San Miguel is big,” said Guiao.

For Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, Alaska, Talk n Text, San Miguel, Sta. Lucia and Coca-Cola are the Final Four potentials.

“We are starting with an incomplete lineup so our target is to just get to the quarters until we get complete,” said Uichico.

Tournament format calls for the 10 teams to play double round robin in the eliminations. The top two teams get outright entry into the semifinals, the next three to the quarters and then the next four relegated to the wildcard round slugging it out for the last slot in the quarters. One team is out after the elims.