Imports take center stage

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer lets loose its rejigged crew in the PBA Governors’ Cup, plunging into action right away against NLEX at the start of the import-laden tournament today at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The new-look Beermen, now minus Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot, begin their road to redemption at 6 p.m. against the Road Warriors in the main game of a double-header opener.

Santos and his new pals at NorthPort hit the court first against the Alaska Aces at 3 p.m.

The Governors’ Cup marks the return of foreign reinforcements for the first time since the Season 44 edition that wrapped up in January 2020.

Unsuccessful in the last three conferences, the Beermen made the big decision to part ways with “Death Five” mainstays Santos, 40, and Cabagnot, 38, and go younger moving forward.

Vic Manuel, 34, and Simon Enciso, 30, took their spots and joined the core of June Mar Fajardo, Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, Terrence Romeo, Mo Tautuaa and CJ Perez in their mission to regain lost glory.

“They (Manuel and Enciso) are integrating with the team and I think they’re doing good,” SMB team manager Gee Abanilla said. “I like what I see so far.”

The Brandon Brown-reinforced Beermen take on an NLEX side that enlisted the explosive KJ McDaniels and acquisitions Kris Rosales and Marion Magat for this campaign.

The PBA is implementing a “full-vaccination” policy for everyone taking part in the Governors’ Cup, leaving unvaccinated players ineligible to suit up.

“Kailangang fully vaccinated lahat ng participants – players, coaches, employees, pati media,” commissioner Willie Marcial said.

Based on the official lineups released by the pro league yesterday, only Fil-Ams Rafi Reavis of Magnolia and Justin Melton of Terrafirma are classified as “unvaccinated.”

“Sinabihan na namin ang teams, yung hindi pa nakakapag-full vaccination, hindi makakasama sa practice at laro, kahit ano’ng position,” said Marcial.