Skippers seek D-L redemption
By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Tomorrow
(Ynares Sports Arena)
1 p.m. – AMA Online vs Marinero
3 p.m. – Batangas vs Go for Gold
Determined to redeem itself after a disappointing finish the last time out, Marinerong Pilipino shored up its already potent lineup by acquiring the services of touted Fil-Am guards Trevis Jackson and Rob Manalang for the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup that gets going tomorrow at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Skippers, swept by eventual Aspirants Cup champion Zark’s Burgers Jawbreakers in the semifinals, are leaving nothing to chance this time with the arrival of Jackson and Manalang, both high-scoring guards, along with University of the Philippines forward Javi Gomez De Liaño and former pro Hans Thiele.
Marinerong Pilipino, still handled by veteran tactician Koy Banal, is also set to parade 6-foot-8 Senegalese Papa Ndiaye in the season-ending tournament which will feature only six teams, the lowest number of entries in league history.
Out to give Marinerong Pilipino another tough grind is Aspirants Cup bridesmaid finisher Che’Lu Bar and Grill, which will have journeyman Jeff Viernes back in its fold together with Jay Collado, Jay-R Taganas, Chris Bitoon and former University of Santo Tomas stalwart Jordan Sta. Ana.
Go for Gold is also expected to be in strong contention as the Scratchers will have several UAAP standouts at their disposal like UP star Paul Desiderio, Far Eastern University defensive lynchpin Ron Dennison, Ateneo product Vince Tolentino and National University’s Matt Salem.