Kia out to prove worth, takes on NLEX in opener
The Kia Picanto will finally show what they
can do with their new acquisitions in exchange for their top draft pick as they take on the NLEX
Road Warriors in the second play date of the 2017-18 PBA Philippine Cup at The Arena in San
Juan today.
Ridiculed for giving away Christian Standhardinger, the Picanto are determined to prove their critics wrong, hoping they can get a winning start with a lineup featuring trade acquisitions JR Reyes, Ronald Tubid, Rashawn McCarthy, free agent recruit Dylan Ababou plus rookies JonJon Gabriel, Jan Jamon and Roldan Sara.
They play the Road Warriors at 4:15 p.m. preceding the 7 p.m. setto between the Magnolia Hotshots and the Alaska Milk Aces.
Though believing his team has improved, NLEX coach Yeng Guiao is wary of Kia “because they have something to prove in view of their draft decisions.”
“It’s always dangerous playing against a team with something to prove. And they also had strong performances in the offseason,” said Guiao.
NLEX is considered a dark horse with its strong showing from the last Governors Cup to the preseason games.
Improving on their acquisition of Larry Fonacier, Cyrus Baguio, Alex Mallari, JR Quinahan and Juami Tiongson, the Road Warriors gained added firepower and court savvy in netting Kiefer Ravena from the recent rookie draft.
“We feel we have a competitive team this year,” said Guiao.
In the other game, the Hotshots and the Aces clash in a duel between teams – both without a crown for quite sometime now –-- raring to get back to the top. —