COCA-COLA’S two imports, 5-foot-9 Calvin Cage and 6-foot-8
Jason Dixon, will have their baptism of fire when the Tigers clash with Talk N
Text this Saturday in an out-of-town game kicking off the PBA Smart Fiesta Cup
in Panabo, Davao del Norte.
The Tigers and Phone Pals last met in the playoffs of the
Philippine Cup, with the former ousting the latter in two straight games behind
the inspired performance of Fil-Tongan Asi Taulava. Despite the win, however,
the Tigers still finished out of the top five, along with the Phone Pals.
The game, one of eight out-of-town matches this conference,
is set at 4:30 p.m. at the Panabo Multi-purpose Tourism and Cultural Center.
Talk N Text traded Taulava to Coca-Cola in exchange for Ali
Peek last November and the Phone Pals went on a nosedive after that. The poor
showing of the Pals in the Fiesta Cup led to the ouster of coach Derrick Pumaren,
who was replaced by Chot Reyes.
Reyes said they have a tough job cut out for them against the
Tigers.
"Coca-Cola has done a good job re-building. With two imports,
all they need is three quality players and they’re tough to beat," observed
Reyes, who won two championships with Coca-Cola in 2002 and 2003.
"On paper, they should be in the top three," he added,
obviously impressed with Coca-Cola’s lineup that now includes Nic Belasco, who
was acquired by the Tigers during the conference break.
Aside from Coca-Cola, the other team allowed to field two
imports in the Fiesta Cup is Welcoat, which finished 10th in the eliminations of
the Philippine Cup.
Talk N Text will be reinforced by Aaron McGee.
"Definitely, we’ve gotten stronger. But it remains to be seen
what we can do. It’s something we have to work on, something we have to sweat
for," said Coca-Cola coach Binky Favis.
"Definitely, the talent we need is there. The challenge is
how to use it. The great opportunity is there and I’m excited on what will
unfold," Favis added.
The Pals had minor change in their roster, acquiring free
agent 6-foot-7 center Gilbert Lao.
Aside from Panabo, the league will also have stops in Tacloban on April 12 (Ginebra
vs. Sta. Lucia), Laoag on April 19 (Red Bull vs. Alaska ), Lipa, Batangas on May
3 (Magnolia vs. Red Bull ), Calape, Bohol on May 10 (Purefoods vs. Alaska),
Cagayan de Oro on May 17 (TNT vs. Sta. Lucia ), Zamboanga on May 24 (Ginebra vs.
Air 21), Palawan on May 31 (Magnolia vs. TNT) and Lanao on June 7 (Purefoods vs.
Welcoat).
