NorthPort, Blackwater unveil top rookies

Top draftees Robert Bolick, Paul Desiderio and Abu Tratter make their pro debut even as Nard John Pinto leads a host of players playing for a new team as Blackwater, NorthPort, Phoenix Pulse and Meralco figure in the first twin-bill in PBA Season 44 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

The Elite and the Batang Pier clash at 4:30 p.m. then the Fuel Masters and the Bolts collide at 7 p.m. in the league’s first regular bill after the smashing season opener at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan Sunday.

Both are interesting matchups, with Blackwater unleashing Desiderio and Tratter to play with old core players Mac Belo, Allein Malicsi, Mike Digregorio, Raymar Jose and James Sena against the NorthPort squad to be led by the new backcourt duo of Stanley Pringle and Robert Bolick.

Meralco, meanwhile, showcases a retooled team that includes fresh trade acquisition Pinto as the Bolts tangle with the Phoenix side having its own new trade recruits Alex Mallari, Dave Marcelo plus rookie Ron Dennison.

All four teams finished in the lower half of the chart in the last Philippine Cup, but are hopeful of improvement on key movements during the off-season.

For one, Meralco acquired Pinto in a transaction that included the transfer of Garvo Lanete to NorthPort. And the Bolts thus boosted a lineup already strengthened by the return of Ranidel de Ocampo, Jared Dillinger and Cliff Hodge.

“We’re healthy for the first time in four years. It’s interesting to see how we start this conference and play the entire tourney where we put our best players on the floor,” said Meralco coach Norman Black.

“We’re 11th last year (in the Philippine Cup). I don’t know how to rank our team right now, but I know with a healthy lineup, we can perform much better. That’s our expectation – to play a lot better than in the past,” Black also said.

The Meralco roster now also includes rookies Trevis Jackson and Kier John Quinto plus free agent recruit Gabby Espinas.

Then there are mainstays Baser Amer, Chris Newsome, Nico Salva, Reynel Hugnatan and AJ Caram.

Blackwater definitely should have been tougher if not for the unavailability of No. 2 draft selection Bobby Ray Parks.

Since Parks is still hooked up with San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the current Asean Basketball League season, the Elite have no recourse but to wait probably until May.

“We’ll try to make do with what we have,” said Blackwater coach Bong Ramos.

Even minus Parks, Ramos is confident they can pull a surprise in the tourney.

Expectation is high on NorthPort on the entry of Bolick to further solidify the team’s backcourt. The Batang Pier, however, have no improvement in the frontcourt featuring Moala Tautuaa, Bradwyn Guinto, Sean Anthony and Joseph Gabayni.