Manuel returns as Aces face Warriors

MANILA, Philippines - Alaska Milk, a multi-titled team that narrowly missed another crown in four of the last six conferences, and three ball clubs in chase of a first championship kick off their respective PBA Philippine Cup campaigns at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

The Aces, twice losing finalists last season, and the NLEX Road Warriors under new coach Yeng Guiao clash at 7 p.m. after the 4:15 curtain raiser between GlobalPort and Mahindra.

Alaska is coming out this season with practically the same lineup that made the finals in the Philippine Cup and in the Commissioner’s Cup last year. An added boost is the return of Vic Manuel from the injured list.

“I believe I’m back in top shape even before the opening. I’m so excited to get back into action and I’m so excited of this season,” said Manuel, the 6-foot-4 Alaska workhorse who missed a major part of Season 41 due to a recurring calf injury.

Manuel is reunited with Alaska mainstays Sonny Thoss, Calvin Abueva, Jvee Casio, Dondon Hontiveros, RJ Jazul, Noy Baclao, Chris Banchero, Ping Exciminiano, Rome dela Rosa, Tony dela Cruz and Kevin Racal.

On the reserve list is the team’s Gilas draftee Carl Bryan Cruz.

NLEX was among the teams that toughened up during the offseason, the biggest being that of its acquisition of Guiao, who has had successful programs with Sunkist, Red Bull and Rain or Shine.

Asi Taulava, Sean Anthony, Jonas Villanueva, Rico Villanueva, Kevin Alas, Eric Camson, Garvo Lanete, Glenn Khobuntin and Mac Baracael are the old core players inherited by Guiao.

New recruits include Alfonso Gotladera, Jansen Rios, Bradwyn Guinto and Carlo Lastimosa.

Will Guiao be able to bring his coaching brilliance over to NLEX? Guiao himself is saying it may take time for his players to get used to the new system he’s bringing over to the team.

GlobalPort and Mahindra also overhauled their respective rosters during the league break.

The Batang Pier lineup has surely improved on the arrival of KG Canaleta, Mike Cortez, JR Quiñahan, Mick Pennisi, Aaron Aban, Von Pessumal and Jessie Saitanan.

With their current roster, team owner Mikee Romero said their goal should be to improve on their fourth-place finish in the last Philippine Cup.

Seen by observers to have taken a step backward on their dealings in the off-season is Mahindra.

After their breakthrough quarterfinals finish in the last Governors Cup, the Floodbuster are returning into action minus key players Canaleta, Aldrech Ramos and Bradwyn Guinto. Ramos and Guinto were traded away while Canaleta was given away for free.