Chan debuts with Brgy Ginebra
Games Today (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:30 p.m. – Phoenix vs GlobalPort 7 p.m. – Columbian vs Ginebra
Jeff Chan will make his Barangay Ginebra San Miguel debut tonight in a crucial match against the up-and-down Columbian Dyip in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Chan hopes to provide immediate impact for his new team in the 7 p.m. match that will be pivotal for both Ginebra and Columbian's bid to make the quarterfinals of the midseason conference.
Phoenix begins its new life without Chan while hoping to snap a four-game skid in the 4:30 p.m. opener against GlobalPort, a team coming off a stunning win over defending champion San Miguel Beer last week.
Ginebra acquired Chan from Phoenix in exchange for this year's first round draft pick, giving coach Tim Cone an added depth in his rotation, especially from the outside.
Cone believes the former national team mainstay's addition will provide plenty of opportunities for Ginebra, which is eyeing a third straight victory after a 1-5 start.
His arrival comes at a perfect time for Ginebra, whose confidence is on a high after Sunday's 104-84 rout of the Magnolia Hotshots at the Big Dome.
But Ginebra can't be too comfortable with its current form as it will meet a Columbian side that despite absorbing several lopsided defeats has managed to find ways to stay in the playoff hunt.
Meanwhile, GlobalPort tries to build on its 98-94 upset of San Miguel and close in on a quarterfinals berth against Phoenix. The Batang Pier are tied for fifth with the Beermen at 4-4 while the Fuel Masters are in 10th position at 3-6.