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New-look Burger King eyes another semis stint
(October 25, 2008)

Don’t be surprised if the new-look Burger King will reach the Promised Land this time around.

Getting huge support from no less than telecommunications mogul Manny V. Pangilinan and Bert Lina of Lina Group of Companies, Burger King has been touted as one of the teams to beat in the 2009 PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup which reels off on Nov. 8 at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig.

The BK Whoppers, for one, will be bannered by the core of NCAA champion San Beda College which is one reason why coach Allan Gregorio is brimming with confidence of making it to the Final Four for the second straight conference.

With the championships experience of San Beda players – the Red Lions won three straight championships in the country’s oldest collegiate league – the BK Whoppers are expected to challenge the dominance of Harbour Centre this time.

The Batang Pier are gunning for an unprecedented sixth straight title.

Aside from having San Beda players in their line-up, Gregorio said their long preparation for the coming season-opening tournament augurs well for their campaign this time.

“With the support of two of the country’s top sportsmen, Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan and Mr. Bert Lina and the preparations we’re undertaking, we will do our best to make it to the semis and hopefully improve our third place finish last conference,” said Gregorio.

The most prominent San Beda player in BK’s line-up is Ogie Menor, whose performance in the recent NCAA Finals drew raves from the basketball community.

“He has matured enough so I expect him to be the team’s take charge guy. He can shoot from outside, penetrate, defend and create plays for the team,” said Gregorio of his 6-foot-1 forward.

Other San Beda players in the BK’s line-up are Borgie Hermida, Jake Pascual, Chico Tirona, Bam Gamalinda, JR Ticzon, Dave Marcelo and JR Taganas.

Aside from having Menor, Marcy Arellano of University of the East and Mark Baracael of Far Eastern University, the BK Whoppers can also count on Nikko Popus, Jason Ballesteros, Jason Nocum and new recruits Bryan Ilad and Vic Manuel.

“Nikko is doing well in practice, so I expect him to play an big role in our campaign this time. He has already gained self-confidence,” added Gregorio. “We’ll think first of the Final Four before we plan farther.”

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