E-Painters take PBA opener vs Hotshots in PBA

Game today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

3 p.m. – Opening ceremonies

5:15 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs Star

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Basketball Association reopens shop after an 11-week break, pitting Rain or Shine and Star Hotshots in an interesting matchup to begin hostilities in PBA Season 41 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

It’s an exciting match to usher in an exciting season that as usual commences with the league’s centerpiece showcase – the all-Filipino tourney.

The Elasto Painters and the Hotshots collide at 5:15 p.m. to fire off the Smart Bro Philippine Cup that will feature a ladies 3-on-3 competition as a side event.

The keenly awaited parade of the PBA ball clubs with their muses and performances by El Gamma Penumbra, Ogie Alcasid, Anya Aguilar, Junior New System, Buganda, Abra and Project Pinoy highlight the traditional inaugural rites.

Then, the Elasto Painters and the Hotshots plunge into action, opening their campaigns with their respective retooled lineups.

The Hotshots, six-time Philippine Cup champs, feature three new players – Ronald Pascual, Jake Pascual and rookie Norberto Torres -- and a new system under new coach Jason Webb.

Rain or Shine also has new faces in trade acquisition Jewel Ponferrada and rookie draftees Maverick Ahanmisi and Don Trollano. Waiting in the wings is Josan Nimes who is completing his tenure with the Mapua Cardinals in the NCAA.

“In the past years, we’re making few changes on our lineup, with just one or two leaving the team. Now we’re welcoming three, actually four since we still have another rookie in Josan Nimes,” said ROS coach Yeng Guiao.

“At first I was hesitant to tweak the roster, but after seeing the new players and the chemistry they have with the core team, I think we’ll be fine. Of course, we’ll only know that when the games start. So we’ll see. We’re excited to start our campaign,” Guiao pointed out.

Part of Guiao’s excitement is an opening game against the Star team that’s playing a new style of game.

“Although he was trained in the ‘triangle offense’ of coach Tim Cone, Webb’s philosophy is what makes them dangerous. They’ll be a run-and gun team, which is his style,” said Guiao.

“James Yap, Mark Barroca and PJ Simon thrive on the open court basketball. It’s like a mirror image. They’re like us now,” Guiao added.

Webb himself oozes with excitement.

“I’m excited for the team. It’s a great opportunity for the team to play on opening day. We know the game is part of the process of getting better and getting comfortable with what we’re trying to do,” said Webb.

“We’re hopeful we’ll perform well for the fans,” said Webb, a tall guard during his playing years with Sta. Lucia Realty, Alaska Milk and Tanduay.

Aside from Yap, Barroca, Simon, Torres and the two Pascuals, Webb has at his disposal the comebacking Ian Sangalang, Yousef Taha, Justin Melton, Rafi Reavis, Alex Mallari, Marc Pingris, Jerwin Gaco and Allein Maliksi.

On the bench, Webb will be backstopped by first assistant coach Johnny Abarrientos and other deputies Mon Jose and Tony Boy Espinosa.

For Guiao, returning players include Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, Jireh Ibañes, Jericho Cruz, Jeff Chan, Chris Tiu, Raymond Almazan, Beau Belga and JR Quiñahan.

Guiao and the Asian Coating Inc. franchise have yet to win the elusive all-Filipino crown.