Aspirants Cup kicks off D-League's 2nd conference
The PBA D-League opens its second conference—the Aspirants Cup—with a Thursday doubleheader at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
PC Gilmore takes on Freego Jeans at 2 p.m. while Blackwater clashes with the debuting Boracay Rum at 4 p.m. to jumpstart the hostilities of the 11-league team.
PC Gilmore went on a major revamp for the conference starting with the coaching staff with Art Dela Cruz taking the helm as mentor and Richard Del Rosario taking the job as team consultant.
The Wizards only have Eric Agas, Mark Acosta, Mark Sarangay and Jet Vidal as holdovers but added National University's Spencer Eman and Marion Magat, both at 6-foot-7, and ex-Cebuana Lhuillier Kelly Nabong to supplement the team's need for height and speed.
Freego Jeans, meanwhile, will be parading the core of the Adamson Falcons, who finished third in the recent UAAP men's basketball season.
Aside from the Adamson team led by UAAP Mythical Five member Alex Nuyles, Freego acquired the services of La Salle Green Archer Jarelan Tampus, Rizal Technological University's Alwyn Elinon and Jason Escueta for the conference.
"I'm very optimistic that we have a good chance this conference. Our new recruits shore up our backcourt and wing spots. Hopefully, our new additions can adapt to my system over a short period of time," said Freego Jeans coach Leo Austria.
Blackwater has also retooled its roster with coach Leo Isaac confident that the Elite will do better than the previous conference, the Foundation Cup.
The Elite got a big boost after acquiring University of Santo Tomas stars Jeric Fortuna, Clarke Bautista and Chris Camus along with La Salle's Sam Marata and Maui Villanueva.
Blackwater will still have players from Arellano University in Rocky Acidre, Mark Anthony Doligon, and brothers Gio and Isiah Ciriacruz.
The Boracay Rum Waves will be coached by former University of the East mentor Lawrence Chongson and has a six-foot-nine center in Jericho De Guzman in their line-up. — Reuben Terrado/JVP, GMA News
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/235950/sports/aspirants-cup-kicks-off-d-leagues-2nd-conference
