Star-studded PBL Cup opens

With the return of a former multi-titled team and inclusion of surefire crowd drawers from the defunct MBA, expect an exciting Philippine Basketball League Challenge Cup which unfolds today at the Pasig Sports Complex.

Romel Adducul leads a heavy group of former MBA players in testing the amateur ranks when the comebacking Welcoat Paints clashes with vastly-improved John-O in today’s opener.

Adducul, in limbo after the MBA has disbanded, is just one of several ex-pros granted passage to the league before joining the PBA next season. He teams up with Eddie Laure and a group of talented amateur cagers expected to give Welcoat a boost in its comeback bid.

It will not be an easy ride for Adducul and Laure, both one-time MBA MVPs, though as the two face a tough foe in 6’5" Ranidel de Ocampo, who led John-O to a PBL-CBF Dual Meet I title two months ago.

"Panibagong challenge ito para sa akin dahil sa pagdating ng mga players na galing sa MBA" said De Ocampo, younger brother of Fedex’ 6’8" rookie Yancy.

"Excited din ako sa pagbabalik ko sa PBL na nagbigay talaga sa akin ng malaking break," Adducul, for his part, said. "I know it would be hard to keep up with the younger players but I’ll try my best."

Adducul’s former MBA teammate, American Alex Compton, is also expected to give the league some of its old shine as he plays for LBC, which tackles Montana Pawnshop at 3 p.m.

Compton’s entry to the PBL, approved by the board two weeks back, is seen by many as opening the gates to other Fil-Ams who have yet to get confirmation of their playing status from the Department of Justice.

Compton teams up anew with his former Batangas coach Nash Racela against a young but talented Montana squad beefed up by Billy Mamaril, Jon-Dan Salvador, reigning NCAA MVP Sunday Salvacion, Gary David, Jam Alfad and Egay Echavez.

For John-O coach Manny Dandan, Welcoat would be its biggest test in terms of strength and height since the Paint Masters are the tallest team with an average height of 6-foot-2. Not to mention coach Leo Austria, formerly of Shark.

"I’m quite excited dahil match na match ang labanang ito. Our advantage is our cohesiveness although they have the height and probably the experience against us," Dandan said.

"During the off-season, naging gauge kasi ang John-O. We have the talents to match that team but the problem is, this team was completed only recently at baka mangangapa pa rin kami on our first match," said Austria.

"Malaki din ang pressure sa akin because everybody expects me to continue the winning tradition made by coach Junel Baculi which started three years ago. To beat them will be a big morale booster for the team, and a big sign that I could carry that task," he added.