By OLMIN LEYBA race begins in Phl cuP

The chase for the PBA’s crown jewel is on.

Blackwater, the busiest team in the runup to the Season 48 Philippine Cup, tests its retooled armory that now includes Rey Nambatac and James Yap against an intact Meralco to start off hostilities today at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Bossing and the Bolts take the court at 4:30 p.m. after which TNT, with Chot Reyes back at the helm, clashes with Rain or Shine at 7:30 p.m.

The Jeff Cariaso-coached Blackwater squad has made a couple of moves postCommissioner’s Cup.

From trades, they acquired Nambatac from Rain or Shine and Jaydee Tungcab and Justin Chua from TNT and from free agency, they signed two-time MVP Yap after his release from ROS.

The new faces join forces with holdovers Troy Rosario, RK Ilagan, Rey Suerte and Christian David as the Bossing try to bounce back after a 1-10 showing in the previous conference.

“Happy kami sa composition ng team. It’s now about moving forward,” said Cariaso.

It’s a tough challenge right away against an opponent led by Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge, Aaron Black, Bong Quinto and Allein Maliksi, who narrowly missed a ticket to the semifinals of the Commissioner’s Cup.

Meanwhile, TNT hopes to give Reyes a welcome-back gift in the form of a victory.

Reyes has re-assumed the head coaching position after taking a backseat last year to concentrate on Gilas Pilipinas duties.

Meanwhile, Ginebra boys Japeth Aguilar and Christian Standhardinger and the tandem of former Gilas Pilipinas teammates Mark Barroca and June Mar Fajardo will spearhead the two teams duking it out in next month’s PBA All Stars game in Bacolod City.

Aguilar, skipper of “Team Japeth,” made Standhardinger his No. 1pick during Monday’s official draft at the TV5 Media Center. “Team Mark” leader Barroca of Magnolia drafted Fajardo of San Miguel Beer for the March 22 to 24 festivities.

Tim Cone will coach “Team Japeth” while George Gallent will handle “Team Mark.”