The season started with Olsen Racela as Head coach, in replacement to Ato Agustin. The 1st and 3rd pick, June Mar Fajardo and Alex Mallari, also belong to Petron. The roster also consists of Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot, Denok Miranda, Chico Lanete, Dorian Peña, Danny Ildefonso, Jay Washington, Ronald Tubid, Joseph Yeo, Chris Lutz, Marcio Lassiter and Magi Sison.
With the start of the Governor's Cup, a lot of changes happened. Long-time Assistant coach Gee Abanilla is now the Head coach (Olsen was transferred to SanMig Coffee Mixers as Assistant coach). Players were traded. Jay Washington for Jason Deutchman (from GlobalPort Batang Pier), Dorian Peña for Doug Kramer (from Barako Bull). We have a very reliable import, Elijah Millsap. What are the positive effects of these changes? After having a 0-1 standing with the lose to Meralco Bolts, Petron ended the elimination round with an 8-1 standing giving them a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. Ginebra is the Top 8 after winning against Talk N' Text in a do-or-die game last September 24 and will face Petron.
Game 1 scheduled last September 26. Petron gain a 22 points advantage over Ginebra but the latter made a huge run and the lead was down to only 1 point. I thought of "Petronovela" and even imagine what my reaction would be in case I watch the game live. Thankfully, though, the game ended at 101-94. Petron is now in the Semi Finals first time this season. Petroniverse, Petron fans, used the hashtag "#PetronSaSemis."
They will be against the defending champion, Rain or Shine, for the semis.
Though it seems that Petron's road to the Finals is not easy, I believe that if they continue moving/sharing the ball, playing to win and not for individual honor, knowing their role and playing good defense, we can make it. The next hashtag would be #PetronSaFinals and #PetronGovernorsCupChampion.
First game of Semis on September 30.
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