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HARBOUR CENTRE begins its quest for a fifth title when it battles
San Mig Coffee at the start of the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports
Cup at The Arena in San Juan.
The Batang Pier, who have the most formidable
lineup with the return of back-to-back MVP Jason Castro and shooter
Jonathan Fernandez, take on the Coffee Kings at 4 p.m.
“Having won a record four championships gave
us the feeling of security in terms of sharing one’s
responsibility,” said Harbour Centre owner Mikee Romero. “The
players know their respective roles and they can’t veer away from
that.”
Also boosting Harbour’s roster is the
acquisition of 2007 SEAG veterans Boyet Bautista and Jeff Chan.
Other members of the team are center Beau Belga, defense specialist
Chad Alonzo, top guards Ty Tang, Al Vergara and Fil-Am Solomon
Mercado, and the exciting frontcourt combo of Jerwin Gaco, Chester
Taylor and Dylan Ababou.
San Mig coach Koy Banal will again lean on his
ever-reliable Bonbon Custodio, promising Glenn Bolocon, Neil Raneses,
Jerby del Rosario and Ateneo’s Ford Arao.
Playing in the opening game at 2 p.m. are Burger
King (formerly Blue Detergent) and Noosa Shoes (formerly Mail and
More).
“Even though we don’t have big stars yet in
the team, we intend to make one and hopefully, we can challenge the
league’s giants,” Noosa owner Dioceldo said Sy, who served as
the league chairman for three consecutive years before his company
took a leave of absence two years ago.
Burger King, on the other hand, has the same
lineup bannered by veteran Marcy Arellano and former pros Mike
Bravo, Chris Baluyot and Abby Santos.
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