MANILA – The 35th season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will open with an explosive match up between Burger King and Purefoods when the league opens shop on October 11.

According to PBA.ph the game will begin at 6:30 p.m., after the traditional opening rites, which will be highlighted by a tribute to the late league chairman Tony Chua of Barako Bull.

The BK Whoppers will be going into the game without star forward Arwind Santos, who went to San Miguel. They, however, have new acquisitions Ronjay Buenafe and Chico Lanete on their side.

The Burger King management remains hopeful that top overall pick Japeth Aguilar finally signs up with the team. It could give way to an interesting match up with No. 2 draft pick Rico Maierhofer, who suited up for Purefoods.

Joining Maierhoffer are Purefoods new comer Rafi Reavis and returnees Marc Pingris and Paul Artadi.