PBA execs pick SMB, TnT as top contenders

MACAU – The consensus among PBA governors is that San Miguel Beer and Talk n Text are the teams to watch and Purefoods and Air21 are the dark horses in the 33rd PBA season opening Oct. 14 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen and the Phone Pals are considered the favorites with their star-studded and talent-laden lineups further strengthened by the return of national players.

Danny Seigle and Dondon Hontiveros are back in the SMB fold while Asi Taulava, Jimmy Alapag and Renren Ritualo have rejoined their TnT teammates.

The Beermen and the Phone Pals made a good run in the recent Fiesta Cup even in the absence of their star players then loaned to the RP Team. The Pals finished runner-up to the Alaska Milk Aces with former La Salle standout Macmac Cardona having his breakout party with TnT.

PBA board chairman Tony Chua, vice chairman Joaqui Trillo, treasurer Robert Non, Air21 board representative Lito Alvarez, Welcoat’s Mamerto Mondragon and Purefoods’ Rene Pardo were one in the belief that San Miguel and Talk n Text are the top choices as they were polled by sportswriters at the close of their three-day planning session here yesterday.

San Miguel governor Ely Capacio tried to downplay their chances, saying their lineup is not solid and the players have yet to develop chemistry on the entry of new players Enrico Villanueva, Larry Fonacier, Lordy Tugade and Jonas Villanueva.

Reigning All-Filipino champion Barangay Ginebra was not chosen as among the strongest contenders since star players Mark Caguioa, Rafi Reavis and Johnny Abarrientos are nursing injuries.

“It’s good for us. We have less pressure in our campaign,” said Non.

Curiously, Fiesta Cup champion Alaska Milk is also not among the consensus favorites.

Sta. Lucia Realty and Welcoat, both reinforced by top amateur picks, are expected by the governors to make big improvement.

“Sta. Lucia and Welcoat will compete well in the coming season,” said Alvarez.

Practically all the governors, however, gave their respective teams fighting chance, predicting exciting battles specially in the All-Filipino tourney to be called Smart Philippine Cup.

“There might be no pushovers here so I expect quality and exciting games for the fans,” said Chua, the new league chairman taking over from Talk n Text’s Ricky Vargas.