New-look GlobalPort takes center stage today

Games today:

Araneta Coliseum

5:45 p.m.- Air21 vs. Barako Bull

8 p.m.- Petron vs. Globalport

THE NEW-LOOK GlobalPort Batang Pier test their overhauled lineup against the injury-plagued Petron Blaze Boosters as they collide in today’s main game of the newly opened 39th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

GlobalPort was one of the busiest teams during the season-break, as they did not only bring in new players but also overhauled its coaching staff.

Former PBA player Richie Ticzon will be calling the shots for the Batang Pier following the exit of Junel Baculi.

The Batang Pier injected youth in the lineup by acquiring promising rookies Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia, Nico Salva and Justin Chua.

Chua was the 10th pick by the San Mig Coffee Mixers in the Rookie Draft but was traded to the Batang Pier in exchange for Isaac Holstein, who is the seventh overall pick.

GlobalPort was also involved in trade deals that saw them acquire Erik Menk, Enrico Villanueva and Leo Najorda while losing Willie Miller and Gary David. Old faces for GlobalPort are Sol Mercado, Jay Washington and Kelly Nabong.

Petron, on the other hand, are dealing with injury issues.

Alex Cabagnot, Chico Lanete and Ronald Tubid have yet to fully recover from various injuries they suffered during the Governors’ Cup, where they made it to the championship round but bowed to the San Mig Coffee Mixers in a grueling seven-game finals series./EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA