Go For Gold-CSB tests Cignal-Ateneo in D-League opening
Credit to Author: Tempo Online| Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2019 04:37:38 +0000
Games Today
Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig
1 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies
2 p.m. – Cignal-Ateneo vs Go for Gold-CSB
4 p.m. – Marinerong Pilipino vs Valencia City Bukidnon-SSC-R
Cignal-Ateneo aims to live up to its hype when it collides with reigning titlist Go for Gold-CSB as the 2019 PBA D-League season opens today against at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Hawkeyes, now carrying the core of UAAP champions Blue Eagles, are the favorites to come out on top from the Aspirants Group.
But coach Tab Baldwin is not really worried on matching everyone’s expectations.
“This time of the year is for the individual development of our players and we want to focus on how we’re playing as a team. We’re doing that for experience, to get some team activity, but the primary goal is individual development. We’re trying to develop PBA players and Gilas players here,” said the former national team mentor.
Thirdy Ravena, Isaac Go, and Matt Nieto banner Cignal-Ateneo in the school’s maiden foray in the developmental ranks, with Ivorian big man Ange Kouame backstopping them in the paint.
It won’t be an easy first hurdle, though, for the Hawkeyes as standing in their way are the Foundation Cup champion Go for Gold-CSB.
Scratchers coach Charles Tiu himself acknowledges how difficult his side’s title retention bid is, especially in this 20-team field.
“It will be a tough climb for us to win the championship again,” said Tiu, who guided Mighty Sports of Alex and Caesar Wongchuking to a third-place finish in the tough Dubai International Basketball Championship recently.
However, that underdog mentality is what makes Go for Gold-CSB dangerous, as Tiu will lean on the leadership of Justin Gutang and Fil-Am sniper Roosevelt Adams to carry the fight for his side.
“I know a lot of teams are counting us out and don’t even expect us to be playoff contenders, but we’re gonna do our best,” he said.
Game time is at 2 p.m., following the 1 p.m. opening ceremonies.
Meanwhile, Marinerong Pilipino and Valencia City Bukidnon-SSC-R face off at 4 p.m. for the right to gain an early lead in the Foundation Group.