Rejuvenated Giants dwarf Whoppers

MANILA, Philippines - Purefoods got off to a swashbuckling start with its souped-up lineup, humbling top draft pick Japeth Aguilar and the rest of the Burger King team, 93-80, in the opener of the 2009-2010 KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

The returning Paul Artadi and Marc Pingris and newcomers Rafi Reavis and Rico Maierhofer combined well with old stars Kerby Raymundo, James Yap, PJ Simon and Roger Yap as the Giants pulled off the emphatic win that further enhanced their billing as among the tournament favorites.

“It’s always nice to win the first game. At least for this particular game, we are witnesses to a game wherein the wheeling and dealing in the off-season worked,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.

“Yes, we started on the right foot, but it takes a lot of games and wins to be in the destination we want in. The new guys played well, especially Rafi Reavis. Hopefully, that’s an indication of things to come for us,” Gregorio added.

The Giants opened twin-digit spreads right in the first quarter and never slowed down, fashioning out the most lopsided season-opening win since Mobiline defeated Tanduay, 90-64, in 1999.

Then Mobiline rookie Asi Taulava stamped his class on Tanduay rivals Eric Menk and Sonny Alvarado.

For Purefoods, James Yap, Raymundo, Reavis and Simon did much of the damage on Burger King.

Maierhofer, Roger Yap and Don Allado had significant contributions as the Giants got off to a flying start in the tourney where they’re seeking redemption following a poor eighth-place last year.

James Yap, Canaleta, Raymundo and Artadi combined in a nine-to-nothing run as the Giants raced to a 19-9 spread then preserved double-digit spreads all the way to the finish.

With only one practice with the Whoppers, Aguilar struggled in his pro debut, getting only 10 points on 3-of-7 field-goal shooting and 6-of-10 free throws.

“To be honest, I did not put much emphasis on Japeth. We just tried to get things done. Japeth was not yet fluid as he only had one practice with his team. It might take time but such talent can make his team win games,” said Gregorio.

Checking in three minutes into the game, Aguilar was foiled by Niño Canaleta in his first attempt but grabbed the loose ball and converted his second shot.

Maierhofer, the second draft pick, churned in nine points and nine rebounds.

“Rico played pretty solid for a first game by a rookie. It’s nice that the attention is no longer with him. He can concentrate with the game. I’m not giving him much pressure. I want him to slowly fit in,” said Gregorio of Maierhofer.

Reavis was better, playing his first game in a Purefoods jersey. He grabbed 20 rebounds and put in 14 points.

Raymundo led all scorers with 19 points with Simon adding 17 and James Yap 12.

Chico Lanete, playing against his former team, paced the Whoppers with 14 points that went with four rebounds and the same number of assists.