Star Hotshots make debut at PBA Commissioner’s Cup
FRESH from a rejuvenated campaign in the previous conference where it made a semifinal appearance, the Star Hotshots set out for another journey today as they make their debut at the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup.
To battle the Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters in the main game at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Star is looking to build on its impressive run in the previous tournament, Philippine Cup, and continue its trek back to league respectability after a series of poor showing in earlier conferences.
For the midseason and import- laden Commissioner’s Cup, the Hotshots will be bannered by 24-year-old American Tony Mitchell.
A second-round draft pick by the Detroit Pistons in 2013, the 6’9” Mitchell is expected to man the paint for the Hotshots and shore up the team’s front line, which includes veterans Marc Pingris and Raffy Reavis and young gun Ian Sangalang.
The Hotshots said they are satisfied with what they have seen so far from Mr. Mitchell and that they are expecting to be competitive with him in tow.
SECOND WIN
For its part, Phoenix guns for its second straight victory after winning in their tournament debut last Saturday over Blackwater Elite, 118-116, in double overtime.
Import Eugene Phelps had a monster double- double of 53 points and 21 rebounds for the Fuel Masters with veterans JC Intal, Cyrus Baguio and Willy Wilson also scoring in double digits in their win.
Mr. Phelps’s stay with Phoenix though was short- lived as he was allowed by the team to leave for Puerto Rico to honor his contract there.
In his place is Jameel McKay, who has a reputation as a steady two-way player from Iowa State. He is coming off a stint in the Australian league.
Serving as appetizer for PBA Wednesday is the clash between the Alaska Aces (1-0) and Blackwater (0-1) at 4:15 p.m.
Meanwhile, two- time league most valuable player James Yap of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters was the first recipient of the PBA Player of Week award after helping his team to back- to- back wins early in the tournament.
Mr. Yap averaged 19 points and three rebounds for Rain or Shine ( 2- 0) in their conquest of the NLEX Road Warriors and Mahindra Floodbuster, in that order. —