MANILA, Philippines – Meralco and Purefoods, two previous leg champions, bolstered their respective lineups in the first leg of the First Conference, which featured a total of 12 teams, to try to keep up with the Tropang Giga. 

A total of 12 games will be played on opening day, with Cavitex and Pioneer Elastoseal matchup kicking things off at 11 a.m.

Season 2 of the PBA 33 officially debuts on Saturday at Robinsons Place in Antipolo, with a beefed-up field that includes new teams Blackwater Red President and J&T Express attempting to challenge an intact TNT side.

The 12 teams have been split up into four groups of three teams apiece, with the top two teams from each group automatically moving on to the knockout stage, which will take place on Sunday at the same location. 

The Bolts of coach Patrick Fran changed their team by adding Leo De Vera and Kenneth Mocon to join with regulars Alfred Batino and Tonino Gonzaga after Limitless App and Sista Super Sealers chose to take a leave of absence. 

De Vera and Mocon had previously played for the Super Sealers, and they were joined by former Appmaster guard Reymar Caduyac and Sista player Joseph Manlangit as team reserves.

The Titans, on the other hand, retained the services of star player Joseph Eriobu, but added JR Alabanza and Chris De Chavez from the Platinum Karaoke team, as well as Ronnie De Leon from their PBA 5-on-5 squad. 

The rigodon of players will undoubtedly go against coach Mau Belen’s preferred Tropang Giga, who kept the core of Almond Vosotros, Samboy De Leon, and Lervin Flores to play alongside guard Ping Exciminiano. 

Along with Eriobu, Vosotros, De Leon, and Flores were a part of the Gilas Pilipinas 33 squad that placed a respectable fourth in the FIBA 33 Asia Cup in Singapore last July this year.

The Tropang Giga won the Season 1 Third Conference championship as well. 

Blackwater and J&T Express, who are both participating in the solo event for the first time, are also looking to leave a lasting impression. 

Prince Rivero, Jeff Javillonar, Alfrancis Tamsi, and Richard Escoto from Junjie Ablan’s 5-on-5 squad will represent the Red President, while Robin Rono, Robert Datu, Joseph Sedurifa, and Marvin Hayes will represent the Express under coach Ryan Monteclaro.

Barangay Ginebra, the Cavitex Braves, who added Jorey Napoles to their roster, the Second Conference champion Pioneer Elastoseal Katibays, NorthPort Batang Pier, a revamped Platinum Karaoke team, Terrafirma 33, and the San Miguel Beermen round out the Season 2 cast.

PBA 3×3 New Team Roster

Blackwater Bossing Red President

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

Cavitex Braves

J&T Express

Meralco Bolts 3×3

North Port Batang Pier

Pioneer Pro Tibay

Pure Foods Tender Juicy Titans

San Miguel Beermen

TerraFirma 3×3

TNT Tropang Giga

Players who will be competing

(in alphabetical order)

Gian AbrigoJohn Ray Gasparillo AlabanzaYutien AndradaRJ ArgaminoRaymond Leonard AustriaAlfred Ryan BatinoAntonio BonsubreJebb BulawanMikey CabahugRoider CabreraReymar CaduyacMichael CalisaanJanhubert CaniMark Reynan Cardona

Ricardo Cawaling JrJojo Cunanan JuniorImmanuel CustodioChristian De ChavezRodel Samboy De LeonLeo De VeraKarl Matthew Seson DehesaReynaldo Llevado DemesaJoseph Emmanuel EriobuCarlo EscalambreJeepy FaundoLervin FloresLarry Alexander FonacierMike Gamboa

Jose GoGino Jumao-asKyles Jefferson LaoJohn Dexter MaiquezJeffrey Lim MandayJames Philip MangahasJonathan Jed MendozaJune Kenneth MoconDavid Liwanag MurrellJorey NapolesKyle Drexler NeypesMark Anthony OlayonDan ReductoDhon ReverenteLuis Alfonso Revilla

Christian Vonne RiveraRasleigh Paolo RiveroRobin RoñoBrandon RosserMaclean SabellinaMatt SalemJoseph SedurifaAmiel Cris Reyes SoberanoTerrence TumalipHezy Val Acuna IILouie Philip VigilDennice VillamorAlmond Vostros