MANILA – Smart-Gilas will play its first game as a guest team in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup on Friday, pitting Japeth Aguilar against Burger King – the team that made him the No. 1 pick overall in the recent PBA draft.

According to Philstar.com, game time between Smart-Gilas and the will be at 2:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum. This will be followed by a match up between Sta. Lucia Realty and Coca-Cola at 5 p.m.

Aguilar is rejoining the RP developmental team after strutting his stuff for a game with Burger King.

The Aguilar controversy has got a final closure as he signed with BK then was traded to Talk n Text which then loaned him to Smart Gilas.

Talk n Text, the reigning champion, will start its quest against Rain or Shine.

The Tropang Texters are raring to show their form in their 7:30 p.m. match with the Elasto Painters.

TnT coach Chot Reyes said they expect all the teams to try foiling their bid to repeat as all-Filipino champion.

Meanwhile, Dennis Espino will make first appearance with his new team ranged curiously against his former ballclub when Coke faces off with Sta. Lucia.

The Tigers underwent a massive buildup in the off-season also acquiring the services of Chris Ross, Ken Bono, Francis Allera, Marvin Cruz, Larry Rodriguez, Norman Gonzales and Wesley Gonzales.

The Realtors had their own overhaul, giving away Espino, Gonzales and Denok Miranda among others to pave the way for the entry of Ardy Larong, Joshua Urbiztondo, Gabby Espinas, Jason Misolas, Charles Waters, Chris Pacana and Mark Benitez. The Philippine Star