That conference, it was hard to stop Red Bull, with its locals led by Davonn Harp, Jimwell Torion, Junthy Valenzuela and veterans Vince Hizon and Noli Locsin. They dominated all throughout the conference, till they met Talk ‘N Text in the Finals. Middle of the series, Lang was uncharacteristically replaced by Sean Lampley (who later on ended up playing for the Miami Heat and the Golden State Warriors after his stint here). Red Bull came back from being down 2-3 in the series to win the Commissioner’s Cup trophy in seven games.

Unfortunately, Red Bull won’t be around to defend their title with the return of the
Commissioner’s Cup in this second conference of the league’s 36th season. (PBH)

But there are many things to be excited about with the revival of the Commissioner’s Cup. For one, with Red Bull / Barako Bull’s filing of a leave of absence for the rest of the season, the Smart-Gilas national team was given the opportunity to join the tournament, not just on an exhibition basis, but as an actual title contender. The Nationals are bannered by a 6’11” naturalized player-candidate in Marcus Douthit, who has an at least 7-inch advantage over the teams’ imports.

US college standouts like Notre Dame’s Russel Carter will be fielded by the Powerade Tigers, while Alaska will have one of the best defenders in the Wake Forrest program, LD Williams who was Slam Dunk champion in this year’s D-League slam dunk contest and finished fourth in the 2010 College Slam Dunk Contest in the US. Former Syracuse Orangeman Paul Harris also promises to be a defensive force for all-Filipino champions Talk ‘N Text, while San Miguel Beer’s Ira Brown promises to be a “demon” inside. Demon by the way is his middle name.

Robert Brown brings his vast experience playing in several countries like Australia, Dominican Republic, Argentina and Iran, among others, to the B-Meg Derby Ace roster while Hassan Adams who played with the New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors will bring his skills to beef up the Rain or Shine squad, now under head coach Yeng Guiao, who happens to be the last coach to have won the Commissioner’s Cup title.

While Air21 has yet to find a replacement for NBA D-Leaguer Jajuan Smith, who failed to make the grade, Barangay Ginebra and Meralco feel they have the right import for them.

The 8,000 seats have already been sold out at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena as the action begins Friday at 5pm, in Laoag City between the Bolts and the Kings, who kick off their campaign with injuries to JayJay Helterbrand and Mike Cortez. This will be a test for their 24 year old import Nate Brumfield who was the MVP of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in the 2009-2010 season where he led the league in scoring percentage and was in the Top 5 in scoring wile playing for Oklahoma Baptist University.

Recharged and revved up is the Meralco squad which made major changes in their lineup after their maiden conference. They acquired Sol Mercado, Eric Rodriguez, Ren Ren Ritualo, and Reynel Hugnatan in different deals, while giving up Hans Thiele, Paolo Bugia (to Alaska) and Reed Juntilla (to A21). They also reacquired the services of veteran Marlou Aquino.

All in all, it thus promises to be an exciting conference.