NEW season, same result?
That’s what defending champion EcoOil-La salle intends to do when it kicks off its bid against newcomer CCI-Yengskivel today as the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup gets going at The Arena in San Juan.
Tagged as the favorites by armchair pundits, the Green Archers open their drive for a third straight title against CCI-Yengskivel at 7:30 p.m.
Last season’s bridesmaid Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda University battles Go Torrakku-St. Clare in the curtain-raiser at 4:30.
Kevin Quiambao, last year’s MVP, is not included in the roster but La Salle will have the core that won both the UAAP and the Aspirant’s last year.
Archers coach Topex Robinson will also have at his disposal UAAP 3×3 MVP CJ Austria, Earl Abadam, Joshua David, Raven Cortez and Jonnel Policarpio who took over from Evan Nelle, Mark Nonoy, and skipper Ben Phillips.
EcoOil-La Salle ruled the last two seasons of the D-League and hopes are high the Archers can make it a three-peat.
Their first tests will be against the Crusaders, who are out to send a message they are here to compete.
Sharing the spotlight is last year’s runner-up Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda which aims to make a return trip to the finals.
Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda strategist Yuri Escueta will also be parading an intact line-up bannered by NCAA finals MVP James Payosing, Jomel Puno, Aaron James Royo and Yukien Andrada.
The Lions lost ace guard Jacob Cortez, who transferred to La Salle but acquired Bryan Sajonia (from FEU), RC Calimag (from UP) and Penny Estactio (from La Salle).
Despite Marinerong Pilipino’s strong line-up, tactician Jinino Manansala declared that his St. Clare crew will give the NCAA king a run for its money.
