Blu, Montana vs Hapee, Granny

Blu Detergent and Montana Pawnshop start their quest for the title as they face top Cebu teams today in the kickoff of the Cebu Basketball Federation-Philippine Basketball League Partnership Cup at the Cebu Coliseum.

Blu collides with the speedy Granny Goose in the main encounter at 7:30 p.m. while Montana clashes with Hapee Toothpaste-Cebu in the curtain raiser at 5:30.

A simple opening rite and the traditional parade of teams will usher in the event held in cooperation with the Cebu Basketball Federation headed by president Jack Huang.

"It’s been a while since PBL teams played here and I’m sure Cebuano fans will be entertained with the quality of play they offer. And this event will also be a learning experience for our member teams," said Huang.

The Detergent Kings are currently undergoing a major overhaul but new head coach Leo Isaac is confident that his veteran wards will keep the team intact.

"This will be the initial test for us and I’m confident that the boys’ experience and their big hearts will prove them worthy of the team," said Isaac.

"The Cebuanos are no pushovers. I’ve seen some of them play and I really expect a tough fight from these two Cebu teams," he added.

Blu Detergent will be bannered by mainstays 6’5" Marlon Legaspi, Eric de la Cuesta and Tristan Codamon and will be beefed up by new recruits Jacques Gottenbos, Aries Dimaunahan, Rey Mendez and Lou Gatumbato.

Montana Pawnshop coach Turo Valenzona likewise expects a rough sailing against Hapee Toothpaste which boasts of former PBL players led by Christophel Abellana, Leody Garcia, Joel Bona, Orly Alvarado and Rommel David.

Losing the tall Francis Zamora, Valenzona will bank on Nurjamjam Alfad and the comebacking Alvin Pua to man the boards along with Mark Macapagal, Jenkins Mesina, Cebu-native John Lim and 2001 Most Improved Player Gary David.