Excited for the PBA reboot? Here’s a preview of the first week of action.

Part 1

Fans couldn’t hide their excitement even after the PBA released the official schedule for the 45th season resumption on Sunday under a bubble setup in Clark, Pampanga.

Even if they are banned from seeing their favorite teams and players in person on the University of Angels Foundation campus, fans will still be glued to their television after waiting months for the PBA to finally resume amid the pandemic of COVID-19.

Below is the first in a series of knockout games that we believe are some of the most anticipated.

TNT Tropang Giga vs Alaska Aces (October 11)

This game will mark not only the official resumption of the PBA Philippine Cup, but also the debut of center Poy Erram as a member of the Tropang Giga.

Erram, acquired from NLEX in a three-team trade that also involved Blackwater, was supposed to don the TNT jersey for the first time on March 11, but that date was best remembered by the PBA’s decision to suspend the season.

His ability to play inside and out along with his defensive prowess finally gives coach Bong Ravena and active consultant Mark Dickel an inside presence TNT needs to compete for the crown.

Alaska, meanwhile, will try to spoil TNT’s bet behind Vic Manuel and Jeron Teng, in whom coach Jeffrey Cariaso will rely on a much bigger role.

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel vs NLEX Road Warriors (October 11)

What better way to cap off the first day of the PBA reboot with the nation’s most popular team taking on a hungry baseball club eager to atone for their early departure from the previous conference.

Read: https://mb.com.ph/2020/10/05/barangay-ginebra-vs-nlex-in-pba-restart-main-game/

The two teams could replicate the way their last meeting ended more than a year ago, when the Road Warriors came back from a large deficit to surprise Geneva with a 113-111 overtime victory in Dubai.

Geneva seeks revenge, although possibly without floor general LA Tenorio, who underwent an appendectomy. If that happens, Tenorio’s record of 641 straight games could be in jeopardy.

Kiefer Ravena is expected to take his game to another level as NLEX looks to bounce back after being bullied by NorthPort in the Governor’s Cup quarterfinals last season despite taking first place in the playoffs.

Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters vs Meralco Bolts (October 12)

There will be clarity in the status of Calvin Abueva by the time Phoenix meets Meralco.

Abueva appears to be on track to be reinstated by the league after he was included on the Fuel Masters 15-man roster in time for the restart. However, the PBA said that Abueva will be eligible once he completes the requirements.

The Phoenix star is still in the process of meeting the conditions set by the Board of Games and Entertainment before his professional license is reinstated. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial is supposed to immediately lift his indefinite ban once the GAB requirements are completed.

Many will be intrigued as Abueva approaches his first game since June 2, 2019 when his clothesline at TNT import Terrence Jones led Marcial to inflict the harshest punishment of his current tenure. Will it be Abueva or old man or a domesticated version of “The Beast”?

San Miguel Beermen vs Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (October 13)

The five-time defending champions are seeking a second straight Philippine Cup victory after San Miguel defeated Magnolia 94-78 on March 8 and was included in the team’s standings.

SMB showed they can still be a powerful team despite the absence of June Mar Fajardo, with Terrence Romeo, Arwind Santos and Mo Tautuaa playing key roles in their win over Magnolia.

But the Beermen are likely to be put to a severe test by the Elasto Painters, who might be remembered as having an impressive performance at last year’s All-Filipino tournament by reaching the semi-finals as top seed. The race, however, was derailed when Rain or Shine lost to Magnolia in seven games.

Third-year southpaw Rey Nambatac and sophomore Javee Mocon enter the restart with high expectations after performing well for Rain or Shine during the 2019 campaign.

Terrafirma Dyip vs TNT Tropang Giga (October 13)

Fil-American Roosevelt Adams is looking to start his PBA career on a high note even though Terrafirma (formerly Colombian) is likely to face TNT.

6-foot-5, Adams, who was chosen first in the PBA Regular Draft last December, wants to show his versatility as seen during his time with Go for Gold in the PBA D-League and Mighty Sports during their careers for the title in William Jones. Cup and Dubai Invitational.

Attention will also be on Dyip star CJ Pérez, who will look to build on his impressive pro debut that resulted in winning PBA Rookie of the Year honors.

But Pérez and Adams won’t be enough if Terrafirma wants to upset the talented TNT.

(To be continue)