The PBA Commissioner’s Cup is back after the league’s annual Lenten break. Action will be at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with a twin bill featuring the NLEX Road Warriors and Phoenix Fuel Masters, and the San Miguel Beermen and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
1. What’s Berto Doing for an Encore?
The last time NLEX played, Robert Bolick submitted a 32-point masterclass against Ginebra highlighted by a dagger go-ahead triple. Now, the Road Warriors are far from an all-Berto show with guys like Schonny Winston and LJ Gonzales stepping up, but this team is still Bolick’s—and it will go only as far as he can take it. If his performance versus Ginebra is any indication, he could be ready to take NLEX farther than ever. The resurgent Fuel Masters would be a good test of it.
2. Are the Fuel Masters Healthy?
That Phoenix is 3-1 even with injuries to Kai Ballungay, Tyler Tio, and Jason Perkins is a testament to Charles Tiu’s terrific coaching, and the Fuel Masters’ resilience and underrated talent. But if Phoenix harbors aspirations of making it far in this Commissioner’s Cup, it will need all hands on deck and a filling of good health. With several days off already, Ballungay and company might finally be ready to go—and they’ll be tested right away by the hard-fighting Road Warriors.
3. Is Justin Patton Really HIM?
Justin Patton’s fiery 24-point, 17-rebound debut in San Miguel’s 110-94 victory over the Macau Black Knights is certainly encouraging given Marcus Lee’s struggles before. Then again, Macau isn’t exactly a test of the highest order. Ginebra, warts and all, is a different beast altogether, and it will be Patton’s first acid test in this PBA Commissioner’s Cup. Is he really the import the Beermen need to be the favorite in this midseason tourney? Fans will find out soon enough.
4. Is Japeth Aguilar Healthy?
Japeth Aguilar is dealing with a bum right knee, which he hurt in Ginebra’s loss to NLEX a couple of weeks ago. Tim Cone allayed fears of a serious injury, noting that the veteran could play if really needed. Still, a knee issue for a 39-year-old is a legitimate cause for concern, and the barangay is hoping that the Lenten break was enough to get Aguilar a clean bill of health. That’s because Ginebra will need him against San Miguel.
PBA Commissioner’s Cup Action
Today’s Commissioner’s Cup double-header will be played at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The first game will be between Phoenix and NLEX, followed by San Miguel and Ginebra in the nightcap.
