Games today:

(Ynares Center-Montalban)

5:15 p.m. — Terrafirma vs Blackwater

7:30 p.m. — Phoenix vs TNT

Debuting head coaches Ronald Tubid of Terrafirma and Willy Wilson of Phoenix get their mettle tested against separate foes in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Philippine Cup today at the Ynares Center-Montalban.

Tubid and the rebuilding Dyip open their campaign against Blackwater at 5:15 p.m.

Terrafirma has undergone an overhaul after a forgettable outing last season.

Long-time deputy Tubid, who replaced interim mentor Raymond Tiongco two months ago, is tasked to turn the Dyip’s fortunes around after a combined 3-30 win-loss record in Season 49.

However, the nine-time PBA champion is tempering expectations.

“Our goal is to work on building the team right now,” Tubid said.

“We can’t promise anything, but we need to compete. As I told the team, as long as we compete, we’ll have more chances of winning. So, we’ll compete first and see where we go from there.”

The Dyip are playing sans top overall pick in the last Draft, 6-foot-9 Geo Chiu, as he is still finishing his contract with Abra in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) while big man Kemark Cariño is still nursing a knee injury.

Terrafirma will pin its hopes on newly acquired Jerrick Ahanmisi along with Louie Sangalang, Mark Nonoy, Brent Paraiso and Prince Rivero.

The Bossing, on the other hand, hope the fresh start means a better performance.

“We hope this conference will be the conference we make it to the playoffs,” Blackwater head coach Jeff Cariaso said.

The Bossing have more depth up front against Terrafirma with Abu Tratter, Bradwyn Guinto, and do-it-all forward Christian David. The additions of Paul Zamar, Jed Mendoza and David Murrell, as well as rookies Dalph Panopio and Jack Cruz-Dumont beefed up Blackwater.

“Terrafirma is always ready to fight. For sure we’ll see their best game. But we also know it is important to get off on the right foot. We’re hoping to do that this time,” Cariaso added.

Meanwhile, Wilson and the Fuel Masters face the tall task of pulling an upset over a healthier TNT in the main game at 7:30 p.m.  

“Obviously, you see some teams that are on paper a lot stronger than the other, but I like our chances. I like where we’re headed,” said Wilson, who took over the coaching reins from Jamike Jarim.

Phoenix acquired James Kwekuteye and Even Nelle during the offseason to join Kai Ballungay, Jason Perkins, Kenneth Tuffin, Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio and RJ Jazul.

But beating a Tropang 5G side raring to bounce back after a spoiled grand slam bid following a runner-up finish in the previous edition of the all-Filipino conference, is easier said than done.

TNT head coach Chot Reyes will have top guard Rey Nambatac back after recovering from a groin injury, while Calvin Oftana (ankle), RR Pogoy (hamstring) and Jordan Heading (back) are also 100 percent healthy.

The Tropang 5G added Tyrus Hill and Kevin Ferrer from the free agency for added energy and firepower.