PBA 35th Season Preview Part 2

Here is the part 2 of my season preview of the coming PBA's 35th Season: 


Rain or Shine Elasto Painters   

WHLY: Swept in the quarterfinals. series by Sta. Lucia                           
Key Additions: Jeff Chan, Mark Telan and Mike
Hrabak,Nur Jam Alfad, Marcy Arellano and Jervy Cruz (Draft)

The Painters are well on their way to be one of the serious team contending for the crown.Their thin front line greatly improved with the addition of Jervy Cruz, Mark Telan and Hrabak. Consistency still remains a problem with their young core.
Barako Red Bull Energy Booster

 

WHLY: Placed 10th in '08 Phillipine Cup                                                 
Key Additions: Ogie Menor, Bruce Viray and Bryan Faundo (Draft)
Aris Dimaunahan and Yousif Aljamal


Due to financial problems the team managed to build a team composed of role players and inexperienced rookies. Expect them to show a good fight in every game they will play this coming season. On a serious note the management should have considered looking for interested buyers of their PBA franchise to remain competitive.


San Miguel Beermen
WHLY:Lost to TNT in the semis

Key Additions: Arwind Santos (Burger King),James Sena(draft),Denok Miranda (SLR).Mike Holper                      
Key Losses: Marc Pingris (trade)



Already a powerhouse team even before the off-season and draft day with the
acquisition of Arwind Santos via Burger King trade. Expect them to be competing in the Finals again or maybe even the eventual champion. Loaded with talent from all position.  Just look at the depth chart of this team

Starters:
C -Pennisi PF-Washington SF-Santos SG-Hontiveros PG-Villanueva
Bench:
Dorian Pena ,Danny Seigle, Tugade,Cortez,Miranda,Racela,Ildefonso,Custodio



Sta. Lucia Realtors
WHLY:5th Place                                                                                    

Key Additions:Gabby Espinas, Chris Pacana and Ardy Larong (FA), 
Joshua Urbiztondo, Charles Waters and Mark Benitez (Draft)

Key Losses: Dennis Espino, Denok Miranda

Financial problems cause them to lose Miranda and Espino to SMB and Coke respectively.Expect Ryan Reyes and Kelly Williams to lead this team.

Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters 

WHLY: Champion

Key Additions: Nic Belasco

Dubbed by many as the teams to beat in this conference together with SMB.
Picking Nic Belasco in the off-season  add another depth in their bench.
Expect another run and gun plays from dynamic duo Alapag and Cardona
that could place them in the top after elimination.

Smart Gilas will be an added attraction this Phillipine Cup playing as a guest team.  Making up the Smart Gilas team is Chris Tiu, Mark Barroca, JV Casio, RJ Jazul, Dylan Ababou, JR Cawaling, Rey Guevarra, Ryan Buenafe, Mac Baracael, Aldresh Ramos, Jason Ballesteros, Magi Sison, Greg Slaughter, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Junmar Fajardo, Paul Lee and import CJ Giles. Smart Gilas defeated an out of shape Powerade Team last Monday in the recenly concluded fund raising game wherein the outplayed Powerade in all aspect. Expect them to play the same intensity as they play the other PBA teams.