Cignal-Ateneo aims to live up to its hype when the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association D-League opens shop on Thursday against Go for Gold-College of St. Benilde (CSB) at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Hawkeyes, now carrying the core of University Athletic Association of the Philippines champions Blue Eagles, are the favorites to rule the Aspirants Group.
But Coach Tab Baldwin is not really worried on matching everyone’s expectations.
“This time of the year is for the individual development of our players and we want to focus on how we’re playing as a team. We’re doing that for experience, to get some team activity, but the primary goal is individual development. We’re trying to develop PBA players and Gilas players here,” said Baldwin, a former national team coach.
Thirdy Ravena, Isaac Go and Matt Nieto banner Cignal-Ateneo in the school’s maiden foray in the developmental ranks, with Ivorian big man Ange Kouame backstopping them in the paint.
It won’t be an easy first assignment, though, for the Hawkeyes as standing in their way are the Foundation Cup champion Go for Gold-CSB.
Scratchers Coach Charles Tiu acknowledges how difficult his side’s title-retention bid is, especially in this 20-team field.
“It will be a tough climb for us to win the championship again,” he admitted.
However, that underdog mentality is what makes Go for Gold-CSB dangerous. Tiu will lean on the leadership of Justin Gutang and Fil-Am sniper Roosevelt Adams.
“I know a lot of teams are counting us out and don’t even expect us to be playoff contenders, but we’re going to do our best,” he said.
Game time is at 2 p.m., following the 1 p.m. opening ceremony.
Marinerong Pilipino and Valencia City Bukidnon-San Sebastian College face off at 4 p.m.