The PBA Commissioner’s Cup returns to the Ynares Center in Antipolo with three teams who’ve already played—the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, Meralco Bolts, and Phoenix Fuel Masters—joining the debuting San Miguel Beermen.
1. Will San Miguel Have a Championship Hangover?
San Miguel started the last Philippine Cup on the wrong foot, and that’s because there was some championship hangover, according to coach Leo Austria, no less. This time, the Beermen are coming off another title conquest, which means the aftereffects could be a factor again to begin this Commissioner’s Cup. Will this hangover result in another slow start?
2. Who Will Step Up for Titan?
Titan Ultra is 0-2 mostly because it has gotten very little outside Michael Gilmore and Joshua Munzon. That simply won’t do any good against a championship team like San Miguel. That means if the Giant Risers would have any chance at even being competitive against the Beermen, they will need multiple players to rise up to the challenge. Otherwise, they’ll likely fall to 0-3 this Commissioner’s Cup.
3. How Are the Injured Fuel Masters?
Phoenix may be 2-0, but it is also riddled with injuries, with Tyler Tio and Kai Ballungay nursing bum ankles and Jason Perkins dealing with a leg problem himself. Perkins, according to Charles Tiu, can play if absolutely necessary, while Tio and Ballungay are uncertain as of yet. The health of these three stalwarts will be a huge deal against a team like Meralco, which looked superb in its Commissioner’s Cup debut against the Converge FiberXers.
4. What Else Does Marvin Jones Have?
Meralco coach Luigi Trillo said his import, Jones, played “okay” against Converge but wants him to rebound more and protect the ball better. With his debut out of the way and with more practice time with the Bolts, it wouldn’t be surprising if Jones does play better. But it’ll be interesting to see how good he can be in his second game in the Commissioner’s Cup.
PBA Commissioner’s Cup Action
Today’s Commissioner’s Cup double-header will be played at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The first game will be between Titan Ultra and San Miguel, with tip-off at 5:00 p.m. Phoenix and Meralco will then clash in the second game, which will start at 7:30 p.m.
