MANILA, Philippines: A new-and-improved Blackwater side will have two-time league Most Valuable Player James Yap making his debut, while big man Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser makes his first appearance in a TNT uniform as the PBA Season 48 Philippines Cup kicks off on Wednesday, February 28 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Bossing take on the Meralco Bolts at 4:30 p.m.

Yap signed a one-year deal with the Bossing early this February since obtaining his release from Rain or Shine after seven years with the team.

The Bossing also boosted their stock in the short conference break after acquiring Rey Nambatac, and just recently, Jaydie Tungcab and Justin Chua through trades.

With new weapons at his disposal, Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso hopes his second conference with his team will be much better since coming off a one-win output in the Commissioner's Cup.

The Bossing will be facing a Bolts side that made no roster tweaks, and will be bringing an intact roster that includes veterans Raymond Almazan, Cliff Hodge and Chris Newsome, who is fresh off a stint with Gilas in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

Meanwhile, TNT, with returning coach Chot Reyes now at the helm, eyes redemption as the Tropang Giga collides with Rain or Shine at 7:30 p.m.

Reyes is taking over from Jojo Lastimosa, who called the shots for two conferences, and steering the team to the Governors' Cup title last season.

The Tropang Giga look better on paper with Ganuelas-Rosser, Taha and Ato Ular boosting their front court to join forces with veteran star Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy and Gilas mainstay Calvin Oftana.

TNT though will have its hands full containing a young, but hungry ROS core of Gian Mamuyan, Andrei Caracut, Leonard Santillan, Anton Asistio, rookie big man Keith Datu, along with veterans Beau Belga and Gabe Norwood.

The Elasto Painters managed to reach the quarterfinals in the Commissioner's Cup, after clawing back from a 0-5 start.

The charges of coach Yeng Guiao went on to secure the no. 7 seeding in the playoffs and gave eventual champion San Miguel Beer a scare in their quarterfinal duel before eventually surrendering a 127-122 decision.