The upcoming week will see the much-awaited debuts of prized rookies like Sedrick Barefield, Kai Ballungay, RJ Abarrientos, and Caelan Tiongson in the PBA.
No. 11 overall pick CJ Cansino already suited up in Meralco’s 99-94 win over Magnolia in the Governors’ Cup opener on Sunday, August 18 where he finished with two points, four rebounds, an assist, and a steal.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Meralco fends off Magnolia in Governors' Cup opener]
Apart from the said rookies, newly traded stars like Christian Standhardinger and Jio Jalalon will also see action in their new threads.
On that note, check out this week’s set of games in the Governors’ Cup.
August 20 | Smart Araneta Coliseum
Blackwater vs. Rain or Shine - 5pm
NorthPort vs. TNT - 7:30pm
Rookies Sedrick Barefield, Caelan Tiongson, and Felix Lemetti finally get the chance to prove they deserve to be in the first round of the Season 49 PBA Rookie Draft on Tuesday.
The second overall pick Barefield and Blackwater will tackle Tiongson and Lemetti’s Elasto Painters in the 5pm game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
But it’s not only rookies making their debuts on that day.
Shipped from Magnolia in the offseason, Jio Jalalon will also see action for the first time with new team NorthPort when they tangle with TNT in the main game.
[ALSO READ: 'Always good to be in record books': Chris Banchero relishes historic first-ever PBA 4-pointer in Meralco win]
August 21 - Smart Araneta Coliseum
Converge vs. Terrafirma - 5pm
Phoenix vs. San Miguel - 7:30pm
Ginebra made a shocking move when it traded away former Best Player of the Conference Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle to Terrafirma more than a month before the season unfolded.
Now Standhardinger and Pringle look to take the Dyip to greater heights and that starts with the 5pm game against Converge.
First rounders Kai Ballungay (Phoenix) and Avan Nava (San Miguel) will also see action in the 7:30pm match.
[ALSO READ: 'Still the same June Mar': Former UC official shares what makes PBA 8-time MVP Fajardo special]
August 22 - Smart Araneta Coliseum
NLEX vs. Blackwater - 5pm
TNT vs Meralco - 7:30pm
To solve the Mikey Williams riddle, TNT brought in Rey Nambatac via trade from Blackwater.
Nambatac is tasked to provide the scoring, among others, when nothing’s going for a team that also boasts of Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, and Jayson Castro.
He will be tested right off the bat as TNT squares off against Philippine Cup champion Meralco.
Meanwhile, coach Jong Uichico will also debut for NLEX.
[ALSO READ: TNT out to regain former glory in PBA starting with Governors' Cup title defense]
August 23 - Smart Araneta Coliseum
Terrafirma vs NorthPort - 5pm
Magnolia vs Converge - 7:30pm
Magnolia will look to bounce back after a sorry loss to the Bolts in the season opener on Sunday, August 18.
Glen Robinson III proved it can provide the scoring, but the Hotshots will need more from other players if they want to pile up wins this conference.
[ALSO READ: PBA is back! A guide to Season 49, starting with the Governors' Cup]
August 24 - Candon City Arena
Rain or Shine vs Ginebra - 6pm
After making waves in the Korean Basketball League and Japan B.League, sought-after rookie RJ Abarrientos is finally bringing his talents to the PBA.
Fans in Ilocos will be the first ones to see the nephew of PBA legend Johnny don the Ginebra jersey when they take on Rain or Shine at the Candon City Arena.
August 25 - Smart Araneta Coliseum
Phoenix vs NLEX - 5pm
Blackwater vs San Miguel 7:30pm
Barefield is among the more experienced rookies making their debut in the league.
But his mettle will be put to test against powerhouse San Miguel featuring defensive lynchpin Chris Ross, CJ Perez, and eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo.
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'Idol ko si dad forever': Jamie Lim honored to walk as muse of late father, PBA legend Samboy Lim's former team San Miguel]