WYNNE ARBOLEDA

Games on Wednesday
(Astrodome, Pasay City)
2:30 p.m. — Smart-Gilas vs Talk ’N Text
5:00 p.m. — Sta. Lucia vs Rain or Shine
7:30 p.m. — Burger King vs San Miguel

Burger King begins life without playmaker and captain Wynne Arboleda when it battles San Miguel Beer this Wednesday in the nightcap of a tripleheader in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Astrodome in Pasay City.

Arboleda showed up in Burger King’s regular practice last Tuesday, but did not participate in the workout, according to Burger King coach Yeng Guiao.

On Monday, PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios suspended Arboleda without pay for the rest of the season for attacking a fan during Burger King’s won game against Smart-Gilas last Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

“Wynne appeared calm. He remains one of the more amiable and soft-spoken players outside the court,” Guiao said.

Guiao said Arboleda deserves to be punished for his action, but felt that the penalty was too stiff.

“You’re practically taking away Arboleda’s livelihood,” said Guiao.

A former commissioner of the Philippine Basketball League (PBL), Guiao said a 10-game suspension would suffice, citing the cases of Marlou Aquino,  Danny Idelfonso, and Mark Pingris who were each suspended for one game for going after hecklers.

“Kung mas masahol ng mga sampung beses yung kaso ni Arboleda, siguro 10 games puwede na. But again, the commissioner may have other considerations,” he said.

Arboleda’s loss would be greatly felt, according to Guiao.

“Not only is he the Defensive Player of the Year, Wynne provides leadership to this team,” he said.

Guiao said it’s up to Arboleda if he wishes to attend team practices to stay in shape.

The Whoppers are coming into the match with a 1-1 win-loss card against the Beermen who have lost their first two assignments.

Two other games are on tap starting the 2:30 p.m. tiff between Talk ‘N Text and Smart-Gilas.

At 5 p.m., Sta. Lucia Realty takes on Rain or Shine.

The Tropang Texters opened their title-retention bid with an impressive 85-76 win over Rain or Shine last Friday.

Despite losing to Burger King last week, Smart-Gilas remains a formidable opponent, according to TNT coach Chot Reyes.

“It’s a big test. I’m sure they will play much better than last time,” Reyes said.

The Nationals are using their participation in the PBA in preparation for international tournaments including the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China next year and the 2011 FIBA-Asia Championship, the qualifying meet for the 2012 London Olympics.

To ensure a high-quality game, the PBA teams’ games against Gilas will reflect in their respective win-loss records.

SLR is also eager to prove that even with the departure of forward Dennis Espino as well as playmaker Dennis Miranda, the Realtors are still one of the top teams in the league with MVP Kelly Williams returning this season.

Against Rain or Shine, Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez said: “They are one of the best teams in transition and it can explode anytime.”

The Elasto Painters, on the other hand hope to bounce back from their setback to TNT.

“Sta. Lucia had an impressive start. They showed great intensity which we should match. We need to control the boards and outwork them,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia, who will again rely on Gabe Norwood and Sol Mercado.