PBA 35th Season

The 35th season Philippine Basketball Association will open this coming Sunday, October 11. As usual off-season moves and promising new rookies will spice up the upcoming season. The killerfiller will make a season preview of each team that will be competing in the KFC Phillipine Cup.

 Alaska Aces

WHLY: Lost Game 7 Phillipine Cup Finals last year to the eventual
championTalk 'n Text.

Key Additions: Mike Burtscher (Draft)

Not so much changes as their line up is still in tact. I can see them sitting for the number 1 to 4 slots after the eliminations. Where the team goes depends on Willie Miller's performance this season. Sophomore Borboran and Dela Pena will provide energy on the bench as second stringers.



Barangay Ginebra Kings
WHLY: Lost to San Miguel in the Quarter Finals.

Key Additions: Enrico Villanueva, Rich Alvarez, Paolo Bugia, and Celino Cruz (via Purefoods trade),
Kevin White (draft)

Key Losses: Paul Artadi, Rafi Reavis, Chris Timberlake (via Purefoods trade), Macky Escalona,J.R. Aquino (waived),Chris Pacana (signed by SLR),Chico Lanete (signed by  Burger King).

Mark Caguioa's absence badly hurt the team's campaign in the Fiesta Conference. Now that he's back  expect another high scoring ball game. Enrico Villanueva and  Rich Alvarez will provide a much needed help on the Kings' frontline.

Burger King Whoppers
WHLY: Lost to San Miguel in the in the 2nd Wild Card Round.

Key Additions: Chico Laneta (Free Agent),Ronjay Buenafe(traded to Coca Cola), Orlando Daroya, Ronnie Matias, Mark Yee and Richard Yee

Key Losses: Arwind Santos (traded to San Miguel),Japeth Aguilar (Smart Gilas)

The big problem for this team is to be able to play with or without Japeth Aguilar in the line up. The new recruits need to contribute immediately for them to be successful. With Yeng Guiao at the helm expect a defending and running team.

Coca Cola Tigers
WHLY:Lost to San Miguel in Wild Card 1st Round

Key Additions: Chris Ross and Francis Allera (Draft),Marvin Cruz ,Ken Bono(via BK),Dennis Espino (via SLR),
Larry Rodriguez and Norman Gonzales (FA)

Release several players from their lineup and underwent rebuilding  process this off-season. Loaded with swingmen in their lineup (Cabagnot,Ross,Macapagal,Cruz) taking advantage with their speed will surely gain them success. The only problem is their aging frontline (Taulava,Espino) when they implementa a run and gun offense.

Purefoods TJ Giants
WHLY: Lost to Air21 in the Wild Card 1st Round.

Key Additions: Rafi Reavis and Paul Artadi (trade), Marc Pingris(trade), Rico Maierhofer and
Chris Timberlake (draft)

After a dismal performance last season they've active in the off-season by re-acquiring Pingris and they also picked De La Salle University Archer Rico Maierhofer in the draft. Look for this talented team to be competing with teams like San Miguel,Alaska,Talk 'n Text in the semis.


to be cont'd tom.