READY TO RUMBLE: BGK VS. ROS PRIMER

This Sunday, the PBA will open its 37th season with a full blast. Armed with 10 teams with very competitive lineups, the hopes are high to get the coveted All Filipino title this conference.

To begin with, Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings will face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters as the lone season opening game. What are the chances of both teams?

Evaluating the roster

For the BGK, again they will parade their “security agency” leading by Helterbrand, Cortez, Caguioa, Labagala, and Aquino. The rookie Riel Cervantes will be tested this game as their team is in need with inside presence with the departure (or should I say abandonment) of Rudy Hatfield. With Eric Menk is out with injury and Enrico Villanueva is still in the process of healing on his previous injury, Yancy de Ocampo and Billy Mamaril will man the paint. On the defensive side, Ronald Tubid and The Wilsons (John and Willy) will take over.

On the ROS camp, expect their prized rookie Paul Lee will show his skills in this opening game. After defeating the Talk N Text in their pre-season game, expect a revitalized Rain or Shine this conference. With their talented roster: Gabe Norwood, Ronjay Buenafe, TY Tang, the Extra Rice tandem of JR Quinahan and Beau Belga, Jervy Cruz and defensive stoppers Larry Rodriguez and Ronnie Matias, this is a cohesive lineup for coach Yeng Guiao.

Game face

For BGK, this will be the last conference for Jayjay Helterbrand. Mark Caguioa must prove himself this conference to get the coveted MVP title that always been avoiding him through out his entire career (thanks to the media - Caguioa).

For ROS, no one can stop them in their quest for their first championship. Yeng Guiao and his troops showed last season that this team is on a serious mission. Paul Lee is a very strong candidate for the Rookie of the Year.

Prediction

Don’t worry BGK fans if SMC didn’t do anything in order to beef up the team’s front line for they don’t rely too much on their bigs when they anchored their high octane offense. On the defensive side, expect the Wilsons to do their jobs and leave Ronald Tubid’s acting workshop every game. And if he will display his “acting prowess” this Sunday, Yeng Guiao will serve as his “hurado” and will give his “Vice Ganda comments” during the game.

If the game is a close one, BGK will win it.