PBA Fiesta Conference on: Kings, Texters renew grudge match

MANILA, Philippines - Barangay Ginebra and Talk n Text, two teams which figured in a highly charged, highly emotional all-Filipino quarterfinals confrontation, face each other again right on opening day of the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum today.

Emotions could still be high as the Kings and the Tropang Texters clash at 6:30 p.m., succeeding the 4 p.m. setto between Barako Energy Coffee (formerly Barako Bull) and Sta. Lucia Realty.

Noelle Cassandra, Asia’s only female harpist, singer and songwriter, and Christine Love, Viva record’s new female artist, provide entertainment during the halftime breaks.

The Kings and the Texters engaged in a passionate and melodramatic quarters battle in the recent Philippine Cup marked by Talk n Text’s infamous walkout in Game Four of the best-of-five series.

Both went short of their bids in the end, and they’re returning in the Fiesta Conference with retooled lineups, hoping to do better than what they achieved in the Philippine Cup.

After settling for fourth place in the all-Filipino tourney, the Kings made two trade deals, acquiring big men Yancy de Ocampo and John Ferriols. Ginebra also reactivated Junthy Valenzuela from the injured list.

Talk n Text, meanwhile, gave up De Ocampo and Renren Ritualo to get solid role players in JR Quinahan, Mark Yee and Aaron Aban.

Ginebra has NBA veteran Awvee Storey as import while Talk n Text will be reinforced by former Air21 resident import Shawn Daniels.

The opening game pits two teams which also effected changes in their lineups after the Philippine Cup.

Barako changed its coach and team name, then acquired four new players with hopes of regaining their old fire following back-to-back last-place finishes.

Junel Baculi makes his debut as PBA head coach, up against the Sta. Lucia team which is determined to redeem itself from a sorry playoffs fold-up in the Philippine Cup.

Sta. Lucia has given up wingman Joseph Yeo to soup up its backcourt with its acquisition of Bonbon Custodio.

The Realtors are upbeat as they’re reunited with versatile import Anthony Johnson.

The Energy Coffee Masters, however, have also high hopes on their import Sammy Monroe, known to be an energetic player remembered for smashing a backboard in the NBA-D League.

Derby Ace (formerly Purefoods), which completed a fairytale ride in the Philippine Cup, won’t see action in the tourney until April 4.

Coach Ryan Gregorio and his troops return to practice only today.