Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — In ushering in the import-spiced PBA Commissioner’s Cup, the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters will field an all-Filipino lineup against the Blackwater Elite.
This is because Talk ‘N Text’s returning import Ivan Johnson, who steered the team to last season’s second conference conquest, will have to sit out the opening game set at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday (February 10) at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Johnson, the temperamental reinforcement who engaged the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a number of heated altercations during their finals encounter, was suspended for shoving JP Erram on the face and punching Frank Golla during Talk ‘N Text’s tuneup tussle against the same team.
Aside from the suspension, a hefty P50,000 fine was also imposed on the former Atlanta Hawks cager by the league.
With him out, rookies Mo Tautuaa and Troy Rosario will patrol the paint in his stead, but it definitely won’t be an easy task.
Blackwater, which is coming off a playoff appearance in the recently-concluded Philippine Cup, boasts of an athletic import in Malcolm Rhett, a 23-year-old high-leaper who has played in many European leagues.
Facing such challenge, Talk ‘N Text star Jayson Castro will need all the help he can get if the Tropang Texters are to open the conference on a winning note.
Meanwhile, Star Hotshots tackle the Meralco Bolts at 7 p.m. on the same day.
The Hotshots are fresh from a disappointing campaign in the All-Filipino Cup, where they were ousted by rivals Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinals.
But the 2014 season Grand Slam champions are hoping to find that old form, bringing back former Best Import Denzel Bowles into the fold.
Meralco, on the other hand, will play with last-minute replacement Arinze Onuaku.
