It's LA Tenorio vs former team in opening night 'Clasico' for PBA Season 50

It's Magnolia vs. Ginebra to start PBA Season 50. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

TAGUIG--After 12 years, another chapter in the longtime rivalry between Magnolia and Ginebra will once again open the new PBA season.

As revealed on Wednesday, the league's landmark 50th season will begin with an early dose of "Manila Clasico" action at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

This marks the first time that both the Hotshots and Gin Kings will be part of the opening night calendar since 2013.

The Magnolia-Ginebra match, which also took place at the iconic "Big Dome", was one of two season-opening games simultaneously played that year, the other being the Meralco-TNT clash at the Cebu City Coliseum.

Day 1 of the 2013-2014 season ended that time with a nightcap at the USEP Gym in Davao City between Alaska and Rain Or Shine.

What makes this season's opening game interesting, however, is the stotyline that comes along with it.

LA Tenorio's PBA head coaching debut for the Hotshots will take place right against his former team, the Gin Kings. and longtime mentor, Tim Cone.

"Lalagyan lang natin ng konting drama," PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said during the press launch for the new season at the Shangri-La Hotel Ballroom here, although clarifying that they could have set any other pairing for the opening game.

The PBA opening night festivities will begin with the Season 49 Leo Awards before a grand opening program.

While a homecoming event is set for Saturday night at the Meralco Theater in Pasig, Marcial is expecting more former PBA players to attend the opening ceremonies.