MANILA, Philippines – Today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Blackwater and Rain or Shine will begin their PBA Season 49 campaign with a fast-paced, run-and-gun style of play.

With some new legs under their belts, the Bossing and Elasto Painters are determined to get the crucial victory that would propel them on in the remaining Group B assignments. They will face their five groupmates twice over the course of ten elimination matches.

Along with wanting to know if their decisions following the most recent Philippine Cup were the right ones, both also want to release some of the stress that has been building over the preseason.

Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso noted the team’s excellent environment and expressed excitement for the forthcoming conference. He saw that after committing to intense and productive practice sessions, the players were enthusiastic and in high spirits. Cariaso emphasized how well the group performed in their practice matches and expressed optimism that this would carry over into real games. The coach emphasized the need of keeping the team’s momentum as they go from preseason to competitive play, expressing excitement in the team’s readiness and ability for the upcoming season.

Yeng Guiao, whose Rain or Shine squad won the four-team Kadayawan Festival pocket tournament in Davao, had the same optimism while playing two tune-up games.

Coach Yeng Guiao showed great confidence in his team’s readiness for the impending tournament by expressing happiness with their pre-season training. When comparing the team’s lineup and resources to the last conference, he saw notable improvements. According to Guiao’s evaluation, the club had made strategic improvements—possibly as a result of player additions, training regimens, or tactical modifications. His upbeat perspective suggested that these improvements would result in better on-court performance. The coach expressed hope and excitement for the next season in his remarks, implying that with their improved roster and preparations, they may achieve better outcomes.

The seasoned strategist mentioned in particular Calen Tiongson and Felix Lemetti, who were selected seventh and eighth, respectively, in the previous Rookie Draft, as well as Luis Villegas, the 2023 No. 3 overall choice, who saw play for the first time after missing the whole previous season due to injury.

Coach Yeng Guiao noted the rookies’ outstanding performance throughout practice sessions and expressed his tremendous delight with their performance. He praised the new players’ ability to get along with the other squad members while acknowledging that he was surprised by how fast they had adapted into the group. The team’s play style, which prioritizes rapid transitions, fast-paced action, three-point shooting, and fluid ball movement, has been further reinforced, according to Guiao. He characterized their methodology as forceful and intense, noting that their tactical plans and personnel selections had been purposefully coordinated with this explosive style of play. The coach’s remarks demonstrated his faith in the group’s strategy and in their ability to successfully integrate new players into the lineup.

“We can’t be slow. If we’re a little slow, a little slow in reaction, nothing, we’ll be left behind.”

Speed and quick thinking are vital components of their game strategy, according to Coach Guiao. He said that the group cannot afford to move slowly or hesitate while making decisions or moves on the court. Guiao threatened to put them at a serious disadvantage and could cause them to lag behind their rivals if they showed any signs of slowness or delayed reflexes.

Along with prolific import Ricky Ledo and holdovers headed by Troy Rosario, Rey Suerte, Justin Chua, and James Yap, Blackwater also acquired Kib Montalbo and Jewel Ponferrada through trades in addition to draft picks Sedrick Barefield, DJ Mitchell, and Miguel Corteza.

Rain or Shine will mostly depend on its experienced players, including balik acquisition Aaron Fuller, as well as veterans Beau Belga, Santi Santillan, Jhonard Clarito, Gian Mamuyac, and Andrei Caracut.