Ex-PBA stars test Tigers mettle

Can a team of former Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player and ex-professional stars prevail over a squad raring to prove that it still has what it takes to dominate?

That will be known when defending champion Davao Occidental tangles with Boracay as the Pilipinas Super League Pro Division Second Conference Dumper Cup gets going today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Game time is set at 6 p.m., with a grand opening ceremony led by guest performers Boss Toyo, Mr. Phoebus, Zae, Paul N Ballin, and Ryssi at 4 p.m. expected to add glitz and glamor to the launch of the league’s new conference.

Sta. Rosa Laguna squares off with Cagayan de Oro-PSP in the other game at 8 p.m. in the tilt that has PBA and Gilas Pilipinas great Marc Pingris serving as commissioner.

We have a lot of respect for Boracay. We know what they’re capable of.

All eyes will be on the Islanders as coach Jinino Manansala parades a roster led by Jayjay Helterbrand, Mac Cardona, KG Canaleta, and actor Gerald Anderson.

Boracay will also be boosted by the core of National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities champion St. Clare College of Caloocan.

“We have a lot of respect for Boracay. We know what they’re capable of,” Tigers assistant coach Don Dulay said. “They’re going to be competitive.”

After ruling the maiden Pearl of the Orient Cup last April, the Cocolife-backed Davao Occidental crew is raring to win it all anew.

Mainstays John Wilson, Bonbon Custodio, Larry Rodgriguez, Gab Dagangon, Rob Celiz, and Emman Calo and Earnest Alao will carry the fight for the Tigers who will be backstopped by prized addition Kyt Jimenez.

Cagayan de Oro-PSP, which will field rappers Jose Mari Espiritu and Nik Makino, will bank on Jeff Comia.