But the league has reverted back to its roots, going for the three-tournament season and putting the Grand Slam back in the picture anew.

And this homecoming starts today, when Asia’s oldest play-for-pay league lifts the covers off the Commissioner’s Cup, a treacherously short tournament that puts all participating teams on their toes all the time.

“You can’t blink in this tournament,” said Ryan Gregorio of Meralco. After a single round robin phase, he said, “the last four teams will miss the bus completely.”

Meralco and Barangay Ginebra open the tournament with a game at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena at 5 p.m. in Laoag City today.

The Bolts will parade import Tony Danridge, who is expected to add offense to the team. Meralco will also be led by Macmac Cardona and Sol Mercado, who was acquired in a trade with Rain or Shine in the offseason.

Barangay Ginebra, on the other hand, will be led by Nate Brumfield.

“We’re hoping he can provide us with an inside presence,” said Kings mentor and former national coach Jong Uichico.

The last time this conference was played in 2002, Red Bull defeated Talk ‘N Text in seven grueling games.

So much has changed since then.

Foremost is that the Red Bull franchise will be taking a leave of absence, handing its slot in the league to Smart Gilas, the national team that is preparing to put the Philippines back in Olympic competition.

The Nationals will be led by a 6-foot-10 reinforcement in Marcus Douthit, who is exempt from the 6-4 height limit for imports because he will be actually playing as a local—his naturalization papers are already being processed.

Talk ‘N Text is still Talk ‘N Text.

Except that this time, it will enter the tournament as the team capable of nailing a Grand Slam after defeating San Miguel Beer in six tough matches for the Philippine Cup crown.

Paul Harris will beef up the Tropang Texters. The Beermen, who have paraded memorable, hulking imports in this tournament, will parade Ira Brown while sister team Derby Ace signed up Robert Brown.

The other imports are: Hassan Adams (Rain or Shine), Russell Carter (Powerade), Jajuan Smith (Air21) and Larry Demetrius Williams (Alaska).

The Kings crashed out of the semifinals of the Philippine Cup and are back with a virtually intact lineup that Uichico hopes will enable them to contend this conference.

Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand and Willie Miller will lead the Kings local charge.

Meralco, on the other hand, has made key changes in its personnel.

The Bolts also acquired bruiser Reynel Hugnatan from the Alaska Aces in exchange for Hans Thiele and Paolo Bugia. They also reacquired the services of Marlou Aquino, who pairs up with Asi Taulava up front.

Francis TJ Ochoa, Phil. Daily Inquirer