Top rookie Pringle debuts as GlobalPort faces NLEX

Games today
Araneta Coliseum
4:15 p.m.- GlobalPort vs. NLEX
7:00 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. San Miguel

Highly touted Fil-Am rookie Stanley Pringle makes his much-awaited debut when he tries to lead the GlobalPort Batang Pier against league newcomer NLEX Road Warriors in today’s first game of the newly opened 40th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Expectations are high for Pringle, who was tabbed as the number one overall pick in the Rookie Draft.

Pringle became a hot commodity when he powered the Indonesia Warriors to the championship in the Asean Basketball League in 2012 where the 6-foot-1 guard averaged 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game.

Aside from Pringle, the Batang Pier also have rookies Roider Cabrera, Anthony Semerad, John Pinto and Prince Caperal. The team also has new acquisitions in Mark Isip, Jojo Duncil and Nonoy Baclao.

The Road Warriors (formerly Air21 Express) are also looking for a solid debut.

The Boyet Fernandez-coached NLEX will have rookies Harold Arboleda, Juneric Baloria and Raul Soyud.

The team acquired Nino Cañaleta in the off-season. Cañaleta will boost the veteran-laden crew of NLEX led by Asi Taulava, Jonas Villanueva, Macmac Cardona, Wynne Arboleda and Enrico Villanueva.

The main game will pit the San Miguel Beermen and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, two of the teams considered as title contenders for this conference.

Rain or Shine and San Miguel practically didn’t tinker their lineups.

The only addition for Rain or Shine is rookie Jericho Cruz after they decided to trade second overall pick rookie Kevin Alas (now with Talk ‘N Text).

San Miguel’s new additions are rookie Ronald Pascual and veteran guard Nelbert Omolon.

The Beermen are now coached by Leo Austria, who replaced Todd Purves.