All set for San Mig caging tomorrow

The Inaugural San Miguel Beer Basketball League will finally uncork tomorrow with seven teams duking it out for the championship of the PILCOWA-organized caging competition.

PILCOWA sports coordinator Fernando “Pando” Muleta said everything is set for Sunday’s opening ceremony which would include a parade of teams as well as Best Muse and Best Uniform contests.

Winners of both categories will take home handsome trophies courtesy of PILCOWA.

The parade will have the seven teams march from the Garapan Fishing Base to the league’s venue at the CIC Centre basketball court along Beach Road. Participating teams, Muleta said, should assemble at the site no later than 3:30pm.

He added that PILCOWA has invited Philippine Consul General Wilfredo Maximo to serve as guest speaker of the event and he is also expected to join club president Ronnie Doca and Jun Concillado on center court for the opening toss.

After the opening rites, Muleta and PILCOWA officials will draw the four teams that will play in the opening day doubleheader.

The seven quintets that are taking part in the 2008 season of the PILCOWA caging are Aon Insurance, Century Insurance, C&R Distributors, Diamond Auto Care, MIGS, Olivos, and host Pacific Trading Co.

Aon Insurance will be bannered by veteran big men Leo Factor, Marlon de Dios, and Jorge De Guzman. Jawn Joyner, Dennis Vinas, and Larry Palero will take the cudgets for Century Insurance.

C&R Distributors, meanwhile, will pin its hopes on Andres “Jhun” Estolas Jr., Jericho Cruz, and James Villacrusis.

Diamond Auto Care will lean on the likes of Elmer Esdrelon, Edsel Mendoza, and Darwin Barbo, while MIGS will be powered by Banjo Basila, Sonny Lerio, and Bonbon Cadagat.

Amor Casabuena, Dante Olivos, and Mike Umali will spearhead Olivos, while Pacific Trading will field a lineup that includes Ryan Sanciangco, Leo Itaas, and Jojo Garon.

Muleta said games in the PILCOWA caging will be played every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Two games will be scheduled each playing date.

Before the start of the playoffs, an All-Star game will be held, according to Muleta. At the end of the season, the group will also select a mythical five, and award trophies for best in rebound, best in assists, best in steals, best in scoring, best in 3-pointers, and MVP.