Purefoods, Ginebra, Rain or Shine to play official PBA games in Dubai

In April 2007 the two most popular ball clubs in the Philippines made history by playing the first official PBA game in Dubai. Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, minus Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterband and Eric Menk won over Purefoods TJ Giants who missed the services of Kerby Raymundo in an official PBA Commissioner’s Cup game.

The superstars who skipped the games were picked for the 2007 Pilipinas national team.  They were temporarily pulled out from their respective mother clubs.

Andy Seigle, Rodney Santos and Ronald Tubid plus import Rod Nealy bannered Ginebra while James Yap, Jun Limpot and Noy Castillo and import Marquin Chandler lead the TJ Giants roster.

SanMig Super Coffee Mixers is now Purefoods Star Hotshots

8 years after, the Manila Classico will have a rematch in the emirate. Now known as the Purefoods Star Hotshots, coach Tim Cone’s 5-peat seeking troops will still be lead by James Yap plus new superstars Mark Barocca, Marc Pingris, Ian Sangalang and Justin Melton. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel this time will have Caguiao and Helterbrand leading the charge with big man Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar and LA Tenorio for coach Jeffrey  Cariaso.

One of the hottest teams recently in the PBA, consistent semifinalist Rain or Shine Elastopainters will actually have the toughest job in this Dubai leg. Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, Jeff Chan, Beau Belga, Chris Tiu and the rest of the crew of coach Yeng Guiao will play Purefoods and Ginebra in 2 days. This is not something new to this team as this is the same format when they play Barako Bull and Ginebra in Dubai 2 years ago.

Games are scheduled on:

March 13, 2015 – Rain Or Shine vs. Purefoods
March 14, 2015 – Rain Or Shine vs. Ginebra 

It will be Ginebra’s 4th, Purefoods’ 3rd and Rain Or Shine’s 2nd trip to play official games in Dubai.

The seven former Gilas players in this contingent include Mac Baracael, Dylan Ababou and Jay R Reyes of Ginebra; Chris Tiu of Rain Or Shine; Mark Barroca and cadets Justin Melton and Isaac Holstein of Purefoods.

The stellar cast of bench tacticians of the SMC teams would also be as interesting to observe especially for long time Filipinos overseas. Olsen Racela, Ato Agustin and Allan Caidic assist coach Cariaso for Ginebra while Johnny Abarrientos, Jason Webb and Richard Del Rosario along with team manager Alvin Patrimonio are the supporting cast of coach Tim Cone’s bench.

If I could make a request to PBA… could you also please let the teams bring in their muses? Ellen Adarna, Ginebra.

Keep an eye on this blog for tickets and venue information before the year ends.