Commissioner's Cup champion Barangay Ginebra makes its debut while the erstwhile unbeaten Phoenix Fuelmasters look to bounce back as they plunge into action against separate foes at the resumption of the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.
The Gin Kings take the first step in their title defense when they play still winless Columbian Dyip (0-3) at 7 pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Preceding that is a battle between the Fuelmasters (2-1) and the ailing TNT KaTropa (1-3) at 4:30 pm in the curtain-raiser.
Still high from claiming the mid-season conference crown just three weeks ago, two-time defending champion Barangay Ginebra now looks forward to begin its title defense against the Dyip.
Gin Kings coach Tim Cone is optimistic that his team can once again have another good run in aim of winning the tournament for the third year in a row.
It actually helps that Ginebra will once again have three-time champion and Commissioner’s Cup Best Import Justin Brownlee leading their charge again.
“We’re intact and we’ve enjoyed our championship but we have to put that to rest now as we go for another one,” said Cone of his team’s approach entering the new conference. “All I can say is that I have Justin (Brownlee).”
Phoenix had a hot 2-0 start before it bumped and bowed to league-leading Alaska, 108-97, just last Wednesday night.
The Fuel Masters are looking to vent their ire on the Tropang Texters, who have lost their last two outings.