TNT, Ginebra debut versus separate foes

GRAND slam-seeking TNT and Barangay Ginebra make their respective debut in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup when they take on separate foes as action resumes on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Now carrying a new moniker Tropang 5, TNT, which just weeks back ruled the Commissioner's Cup via an epic Game 7 win over the Gin Kings, clashes with the NLEX Road Warriors at 5 p.m.

The Gin Kings then face off with the Terrafirma Dyip at 7:30 p.m.

Also debuting for TNT is spitfire guard Simon Enciso, coming in as a free agent after not getting an extension contract from San Miguel Beer.

Enciso, who won two PBA titles while with the Beermen, could easily fill in the gap at the backcourt since veteran star Jayson Castro is out for the remainder of the season due to a recent knee surgery.

NLEX coach Jong Uichico said he expects TNT to pick up from where it left off since winning the mid-season conference, its second straight title for Season 49.

"When a team is a well-oiled machine, I also experienced winning championships, they already know what they need to do. They don't need a lot of practice time. So it's hard to say we will try to take advantage of their long layoff," explained Uichico in Filipino.

NLEX bounced back from a 98-89 loss in its conference debut versus San Miguel by hammering Rain or Shine, 109-95, last week.

Meanwhile, Ginebra is out to kick off its own redemption tour against a Terrafirma side that has lost back-to-back games since opening the conference with a 95-87 win over Phoenix.

With a stacked-up roster, the Gin Kings, known for their strong defensive discipline and solid team play, are the heavy favorites to beat the Dyip.

Veteran stars Scottie Thompson, Troy Rosario and Japeth Aguilar lead a Ginebra squad eager to get over the hump after finishing the first two conferences as bridesmaid to TNT.

Adding firepower are Jamie Malonzo, Stephen Holt and rookie RJ Abarrientos, along with Maverick Ahanmisi.

The Dyip hope to get the most from veterans Terrence Romeo, Stanley Pringle and Kevin Ferrer, along with sophomore big man Mark Louie Sangalang, rookies Mark Nonoy and CJ Catapusan.