Intact Aces, Beermen face Barako, Air21

MANILA, Philippines - Alaska Milk and San Miguel Beer, the recent Fiesta Conference title protagonists, face separate rivals today, confident of another solid campaign with intact, formidable rosters in the 36th PBA season at the Araneta Coliseum today.

The Aces tangle with the Barako Bull Energy Boosters at 5 p.m. then the Beermen tackle the Air21 Express at 7:30 p.m.

It’s the third playdate of the new PBA season featuring the pro debut of high-profile rookies Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao, Rey Guevarra and Elmer Espiritu and the first game of Alaska in its 25th year of participation in the league.

The Aces are likely to come out strong in a bid to start the momentous season in grand fashion.

With a champion roster strengthened by the addition of Espiritu and Bonbon Custodio, the Aces are heavily favored against a team which has been league cellar dweller in the last two years.

But the Energy Boosters are aching to bounce back, setting a modest goal they hope to achieve with new acquisitions Sunday Salvacion, Richard Yee and Marvin Cruz and Hans Paul Thiele.

Team governor Manny Mendoza said the team is looking to make the semifinals.

The Beermen, meanwhile, hope to go all the way to win the championship after being beaten by the Aces in the Fiesta Cup finals.

They try to set their bid in motion against the Air21 team beefed up by Al-Hussaini, Baclao and Guevarra.

Air21 coach Yeng Guiao is convinced their celebrated draft selections would make an impact right in their rookie year and help the team hit big strides this season.

Guiao said the three have been doing so well in practice, helping raise the energy and confidence of the team.

“Based on what I see in practice, these guys will play like veterans not as rookies,” said Guiao.

Guiao expects Al-Hussaini to establish himself among the league’s top big men, Baclao to carve his niche as a do-it-all forward and Guevarra to boost their offensive power from the wings.

“Al-Hussaini really plays like a veteran and I haven’t seen the negative things said of him. Sabi nila matigas ang ulo, uncoachable, masama ugali. So far, wala naman syang pinapakita na ganon,” said Guiao.

“Nonoy is the epitome of a role player. Not high profile but he would do the dirty work. He’s not a big-time scorer but will score when needed. He’s on the ball every time,” said Guiao of the top draft pick.

“Guevarra is athletic. He’s superior physically at No. 2 spot. He has the height to play the No. 3 position. Kulang lang sa yabang. Mahiyain at kailangan i-develop ang confidence,” said Guiao of their third draft selection.

With these three players complementing the Air21 veterans, Guiao is optimistic they can improve on their ninth place finish in last year’s Philippine Cup.