Four teams debut as PBA-D League gets going

The PBA D-League opens Saturday at The Arena in San Juan with four teams looking to establish a good impression. RnW Pacific Pipes goes up against PC Gilmore in the first game at 12 noon while Maynilad takes on Cobra Energy Drink at 2 p.m., kicking up the hostilities in the league’s inaugural staging for amateur players aged 17 to 26 years old. An opening ceremony takes place before the games at 11 a.m. PBA journeyman Topex Robinson makes his coaching debut in handling RnW Pacific Pipes. Robinson, known as the Pit Bull in the pro league for his relentless play, will try to inculcate hustle and hard work in his players. “It will be a learning experience for me going up against the senior coaches," said Robinson, who will be facing the PC Gilmore Wizards beefed up by College of Saint Benilde players under coach Richard del Rosario. RnW and PC Gilmore are in Group A together with North Luzon Expressway, Black Water Elite, Freego Jeans and Pharex Naproxen Sodium. The second match will be just as intriguing, as the San Beda-backed Water Dragons will be going up against the Ironmen in Group B action. Cobra, which participated in the joint tournament of the PBL and Liga Pilipinas last year, has revamped its line-up for the D-League. Former University of the East stalwart Paul Lee is expected to lead Cobra along with another former Red Warrior, Kenneth Acibar, and Toto Bandaying. “It’s going to be a war," said Cobra coach Lawrence Chongson. “We will be going up against a team that has been together for a while. We are hoping for the best." The Water Dragons will be led by NCAA Most Valuable Player Sudan Daniel together with Garvo Lanete and Elvin Pascual. Aside from Maynilad and Cobra, Group B includes Cebuana Lhuillier, FCA, Café France, Max Bond Super Glue and Junior Powerade. - Reuben Terrado, RCJ, KY, GMA News