Cobra tests mettle against AddMix

Strong on paper, Cobra Energy Drink tries to prove its worth in actual battle as it begins its campaign against new team AddMix in the 2010 PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. The Iron Men seek to surpass their Final Four showing in the last Unity Cup in this season-opening conference, where they are tipped to be a contender having assembled a team that is strong in all fronts.

Gunners Paul Lee and Patrick Cabahug and power forward Narciso Llagas – three players instrumental in the Lawrence Chongson-coached team’s ride to the semis the last time out – are back to spearhead the squad’s campaign. The trio are expected to get the much-needed support this time as Cobra has acquired the services of Ateneo ace point guard Jai Reyes along with Fil-Am Edwin Torres, Peejay Barua and Marvin Hayes. Torres is on his second year and displayed his potential with Magnolia last conference while Barua was part of the Oracle Residences champion team and Hayes had stints with Toyota Otis and Licealiz. “I like this team because it’s balanced. We’re not that strong but neither are we a weak team," said Chongson, who also guided University of the East to a runner-up showing in the last UAAP wars. “This is such a short tournament that each game is important. We are a relatively new team and what I keep on doing is to motivate them to play their best each game," added Chongson. His team’s real stuff will be measured up as they play rookie team AddMix at 2 pm. AddMix will be mentored by multi-titled PBL coach Leo Austria who has at his disposal seven players from his Adamson squad, along with other PBL veterans. Jan Colina, who saw action with Licealiz last conference and was a revelation in the UAAP wars, will lead his team along Michael Galinato, Lester Alvarez, Lisztian Amparado and Jeff Morial. Newcomers are Raffy Ynion and Gio Ciriacruz who have made their marks in the NCAA. “Cobra is a very strong team and we will need total team effort on the defensive end if we want to beat them," said Austria. The other game will feature Ani-FCA and Pharex B Complex at 4 p.m. Ani-FCA is composed of seasoned cagers like Christian Luanzon, former PBA draft pick James Sena, Marc Cagoco and Neil Pascual. Pharex B Complex is made up of UP players led by Nestor David and 6’7" Magi Sison. Winning teams will join Excelroof and Cossack Blue in the early lead. Excelroof upset pre-tournament favorite Ascof Lagundi (formerly Pharex), 82-73, while Cossack Blue edged Fern-C, 81-77, in Tuesday's opening day games. – GMANews.TV