Two teams join PBA D-League

MANILA, Philippines - Two new teams will see action in the upcoming PBA Developmental League, making it a nine-team cast when the Foundation Cup is fired off March 13.

Erase Plantcenta and the Cagayan Rising Suns are the latest members of the fledgling league with the former debuting against Café France on March 15 and the latter kicking off its campaign against Erase Plantcenta on March 20.

Cagayan will be coached by Alvin Pua while Yong Garcia will call the shots for Erase Plantcenta.

NLEX opens its title defense against Big Chill, the same team it defeated in the semifinals of the 2011-12 Aspirants Cup, on March 13 at the San Juan Arena.

The 2 p.m. match pits Blackwater against Pacific Pipes, which will be coached by Pido Jarencio.

Cebuana Lhuillier and Boracay Rum open their bid against each other on March 15.

Freego Jeans, which lost to NLEX in the finals of the Aspirants Cup, is skipping the tournament to support Adamson U’s campaign in the upcoming UAAP wars.

Cobra Energy Drink, PC Gilmore and DUB Unlimited are also taking a leave of absence to rebuild their respective squads.