Days after the 50th anniversary of the "Thrilla in Manila," Manila Clasico featuring Ginebra and Magnolia will officially open the PBA's 50th season at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum.
What better way to open the PBA Season 50 than with a Manila Clasico?
Fierce rivals Magnolia and Ginebra will figure in a much-anticipated match that will usher in the league’s golden season at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, October 5.
The league released the schedule of games during the pre-season press conference Wednesday, October 1.
Adding a layer of thrill to the rivalry is the possibility of Magnolia new head coach LA Tenorio suiting up against his former team.
Tenorio is currently in the Hotshots’ injury/reserve list.
[RELATED STORY: LA Tenorio on potentially becoming Magnolia player-coach in PBA: 'Depends on management’]
During the PBA Media Day, Tenorio didn’t rule out the possibility of following in the footsteps of Ginebra legend Sonny Jaworski and play for the Hotshots.
But that hinges on Magnolia’s management.
“We’ll see. It depends on the management. But for now I’m not focused on that,” said Tenorio, who joins the team’s scrimmages from time to time.
Before making the jump to Magnolia, Tenorio played 13 seasons with Ginebra and won seven championships.
The lone game Sunday will be preceeded by the Leo Awards, where honors like Season 49’s MVP will be handed out.
The new season will also see new team Titan Ultra Giant Risers make their PBA debut.
The Giant Risers, who acquired the NorthPort franchise, will face Meralco on October 8 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
—
Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.