UTSUNOMIYA - For San Miguel Beer, there's an added motivation to go all out in the East Asia Super League Champions Week.
Back in 2019, the reigning PBA Philippine Cup champs saw action in the EASL's old "Terrific 12" Tournament in Macau and settled for fourth place.
According to skipper Chris Ross, that's an unfinished finish they want to settle in this duel of Asia's best clubs.
"Everybody wants to be the champion here. As far as us, the last time the EASL was in action, we made the Final Four. So we wanna move up from that standing and bring positive attention to the PBA, the EASL and hopefully this thing grows exponentially in the future and we wanna be a part of that," said Ross.
The Beermen begin their quest Thursday night against Japanese power Ryukyu Golden Kings in a tough Group A test at the Brex Arena.
Jorge Gallent's charges go up against a team reinforced by two familiar faces, three-time Best Import winner Allen Durham and Gilas Pilipinas young gun Carl Tamayo, at 6:30 p.m. (Manila time).
"We're excited to compete and play against the best in Asia and put on a show," said Ross said during Wednesday's tip-off press conference.
SMB unleashes its potent crew led by six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, Gilas Pilipinas mainstay CJ Perez, gunner Marcio Lassiter, hard-nosed guard Jericho Cruz, Ross and imports Cam Clark and Jessie Govan. Terrence Romeo, who is recovering from hamstring injury, is with the team here but may not suit up yet.
"I think we're talented top to bottom. I feel like Philippine basketball, our brand of play is little bit different so it will be an interesting match with our strengths compared to the rest of the field, " Ross said.
"I think we're very strong, we're very athletic, we're very talented so I'm excited to see how we blend well in this tournament," he added.
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The game versus SMB marks Tamayo's debut with the Golden Kings, who signed him to a lucrative deal recently.
Hong Kong's Bay Area Dragons, the runners up of the PBA Commissioner's Cup, also launch their bid Thursday against Seoul SK Knights in the curtain-raiser at 4 p.m. (Manila time). (OL)
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