Viva-FEU plays Otis-Letran in opener

Viva-FEU finally introduces on the hard court its highly-regarded new recruit Neil Raneses while Ateneo makes its return appearance in the league under the banner of Lee Pipes in the opening games of the second PBL Unity Cup at the Makati Coliseum today.

The Water Force bring in Raneses, their prize find from Cebu, as they collide with league newcomer the Toyota Otis-Letran Knights in the kickoff match at 2 p.m.

The returning Blue Eagles play the Sunkist-UST Juicers at 4 p.m.

Ushering in the opening twinbill are the inaugural rites to be aired live on Studio 23 featuring popular rock band Rivermaya, sexy young actress Rica Paralejo and the Showgirls starting at 1 p.m.

Board chair Dioceldo Sy, president of DSS Productmakers, Inc. which owns Blustar, will declare the opening of the competition among Viva-FEU, Toyota Otis-Letran, Sunkist-UST, Lee Pipes-Ateneo, Hapee Toothpaste, Welcoat Paints, Blustar Detergent and Montana Pawnshop.

"We expect an exciting season and we hope that the name of the conference itself, the Unity Cup, will help start the unification process in the local basketball community that we long dreamed of," said PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad.

Beefed up by new acquisitions from the collegiate leagues including Raneses, the Water Force, this early, loom as the top title favorite.

And much of the attention could well be on Raneses today as the 6-foot-4 forward from the University of Visayas, picked No. 1 overall in this year’s Aspirants’ Camp, makes his debut in the league.

"All I can say is that he’s (Raneses) talented. It’s only a matter of when he’s going to fit into the team," said Viva coach Koy Banal.

Raneses will have to blend with Dennis Miranda, Arwind Santos, Cesar Catli, Jason Misolas, Mark Isip, Gerard Jones, Warren Ybanez, Don Yabut, RJ Rizada and skipper Joel Co – most of whom were with the team that lost to Hapee in a classic Game 5 of last year’s finals.

"They’re (Viva) one of the teams to beat because they have an intact line-up and they’ve been playing together for so long," said Toyota Otis-Letran coach Louie Alas, who is making his first coaching stint in the league.

"But on the positive side, high ang morale ng players ko kasi isa sa mga pangarap nila ang makalaro sa PBL," added the former Talk n Text mentor who will likely rely heavily on ace gunner Ronjay Enrile.

The Eagles could also attract attention. The team will be bannered by Larry Fonacier, JC Intal, LA Tenorio, Magnum Membrere and new additions Nino Gelig, Chris Quimpo, Marlon Basco, Val Domingo and Ateneo’s prodigal son BJ Manalo.

"It’s going to be tough but we’re ready," said Lee Pipes coach Sandy Arespacochaga during the team’s fellowship party Wednesday night attended by no less than team owner Bernardine Siy and Ateneo athletics director and outgoing UAAP president Jun Jun Capistrano.

Arespacochaga will have to make do sans center Paolo Bugia, who will be out for at least three weeks after undergoing an operation to repair a torn meniscus.

Injuries are also hurting the Tigers.

Sunkist mentor Nel Parado said main man Alex Compton is still recovering from a knee injury he sustained early this year while frontliners Warren de Guzman, Melchor Latoreno and neophyte Jerome Paterno are doubtful starters.

"Fifty-fifty," said Parado on his team’s chances against Lee Pipes," said Parado. "But we have a lot injured players particularly on our big men so expect us to play small tomorrow (today)."