PBA FIRST WEEK SKED

BURGER King and Purefoods get the honor of ushering the 35th season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as they tangle in the lone opening game of the Philippine Cup on October 11 at the Araneta Coliseum.



The two teams take to the floor at 6:30 p.m., shortly after the traditional colorful opening rites, highlighted by a simple tribute to the late league chairman Tony Chua of Barako Bull.



The Whoppers will go into the game without star forward Arwind Santos, whom they traded to San Miguel, but get to parade new acquisitions Ronjay Buenafe and Chico Lanete.



With top overall pick Japeth Aguilar still refusing to sign with Burger King, the game is bereft of the match-up between two of the year’s top rookie selection as no. 2 Rico Maierhofer suits up for Purefoods for the first time.



Along with the lanky, 6-foot-6 center out of De La Salle, Rafi Reavis is the other newcomer in the Giants roster along with returnee Marc Pingris.



Four more teams make their respective debuts on the next playdate (Oct. 14).



Alaska, last year’s season-opening runner-up, takes on Barako Bull in the 5 p.m. curtain raiser, before defending Fiesta Cup champion San Miguel battles Barangay Ginebra in a rematch of last year’s Finals.



Along with fellow off-season recruit Denok Miranda, Santos sees action for the Beermen for the first time this season. The 7:30 p.m. encounter also marks the possible return from active roster of Kings’ main man Mark Caguioa and new teammates Enrico Villanueva, Rich Alvarez, Paolo Bugia and Celino Cruz.



A triple header meanwhile, is in store for basketball fans on Oct. 16 (Friday) at the Astrodome as the RP-Smart Gilas team of Serbian coach Rajko Toroman makes its first appearance in Asia’s first ever pro league opposite the Whoppers of Powerade-Team Pilipinas mentor Yeng Guiao at 2:30 p.m.



Shortly after the potentially explosive duel between the Nationals and the Whoppers, comes the Coca-Cola-Sta. Lucia Realty meeting at 5 p.m. that will see the pro debut of no. 3 pick Chris Ross for the Tigers, before Talk `N Text begins its Philippine Cup title defense at the expense of Rain or Shine in the 7:30 p.m. main game.



The conference’s first out of town game in Davao City caps the first week of the new season as the Beermen clash with the Aces at 5 p.m.