Games today:
Araneta Coliseum
5:30 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. Talk ‘N Text
7:45 p.m.- Barako Bull vs. Brgy. Ginebra
IMPRESSIVE IN HIS first two games, rookie Paul Lee tries to prove that he’s for real when the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters play the formidable Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters today in the first game of the 37th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Lee, the second overall pick in the Rookie Draft, averaged 20 points a game in his first two games, helping the Painters tie the Petron Blaze Boosters at the number one spot with identical 2-0 (win-loss) slates.
Lee scored 21 points in Rain or Shine’s 94-93 win over the Barangay Ginebra Kings and pumped in 19 markers in his team’s second close win against the Powerade Tigers, 96-93, last Sunday.
“I consider this as a good sign,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “We’re winning close games. Before our tendency was to collapse but now we proved that we can close out close games.”
Also drawing a big attention in the newly opened tournament is the returning Japeth Aguilar, who had a monster showing in the Texters’ 98-80 trashing of sister-team Meralco Bolts last Friday.
The 6-foot-9 Aguilar produced 27 points in his return to the pro-league after a suiting up with Smart Gilas.
Aguilar was tabbed by Burger Kings in the 2009 Rookie Draft as the number one overall pick. The controversial cager played just one game with the team and moved to the national team before returning to the Texters.
Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes said Aguilar’s overpowering performance is something that the team is expected from him.
“No other Filipino player has that height and his talent,” said Reyes.
Reyes said Aguilar’s talent fits perfectly for Talk ‘N Text’s style of play.
“We love to run up and down, and Japeth loves to run up and down. If he can pick his spots and understand how the opponents play, he’ll really perform well,” said Reyes.
In the main game, the Barangay Ginebra Kings faces the Barako Bull Energy. EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA