PBL to fete ailing ex-Maroon

The Philippine Basketball League (PBL) and Studio 23, a UHL channel of television giant ABS-CBN, formally launched its season-opening second Unity Cup with a pair of games Sunday featuring newcomers Lee Pipes-Ateneo and Toyota Otis-Letran on Sunday at the Makati Coliseum.

No less than commissioner Chino Trinidad, chairman Dioceldo Sy of Blustar Detergent and Studio 23 top honchos Leo Katigbak ushered in the event yesterday in a press conference at the 13th floor of the ELJ Building in Quezon City.

"It’s another year for the PBL and we’re optimistic of getting more success especially now that we have a new partner in Studio 23," Trinidad said in an endeavor attended by managers, coaches and players of all eight participating ballclubs.

"The league has improved a lot through the years and we know we’ll have a good partnership with a television giant like ABS-CBN," Sy, president of DSS Productmakers, Inc which owns Blustar, for his part said.

Katigbak, the station’s managing director, vowed to make Studio 23’s PBL coverage ˜which is scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday˜ a resounding success in the league’s next three seasons.

"Our main concern right now is to bring to the excitement of watching PBL games," said official from Studio 23, which is also airing games of the collegiate leagues like the UAAP and the NCAA.

Toyota Otis, coached by Louie Alas, dips into action against fancied Viva Mineral Water-Far Eastern U at 2 p.m. while Lee Pipes, mentored by Sandy Arespacochaga, takes on an Alex Compton-led Sunkist-University of Santo Tomas at 4 p.m.

According the coaches who were present in the launching, Welcoat remains the team to beat following an aggressive pre-season build-up but the Paint Masters will have to part with their coach˜Leo Austria˜ after reports indicated that he is set to be hired by Shell in the PBA.

According to Welcoat manager Albert de Jesus, Welcoat has yet to select a possible replacement for Austria, who formerly played for Shell during his pro years, but has appointed Caloy Garcia, 29, as coach on interim basis.

Popular female group Viva Hot Babes will also do a sexy and sultry number in the opening ceremony, which will be highlighted by the traditional parade of participating squads, at 1 p.m.

Other teams participating are reigning Platinum Cup and defending champion Hapee Toothpaste, Welcoat Paints, Blustar and Montana Pawnshop.