MULTI-TITLED coach Ramil de Jesus will make his much awaited return to the Premier Volleyball League after more than a decade as his F2 Logistics clashes with Black Mamba Army on Wednesday at the start of the league’s second pro-season at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Mr. De Jesus will mentor a squad paced by Kiana Dy, Aby Marano, Ara Galang, Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Dawn Macandili and new additions Dzi Gervacio and Shola Alvarez in the league — then known the Shakey’s V-League — where he last coached 14 years ago.
Game time is set at 3 p.m.
Chery Tiggo opens its title defense against a new look Cignal HD in the main game at 6 p.m.
Dindin Santiago-Manabat and the Mylene Paat, fresh from their successful campaign in Thailand, should be the focal points of the Crossovers campaign as they await the arrival of 2021 Finals MVP Jaja Santiago, who is still in Japan.
Bali Pure faces off with Petro Gazz the next day at 3 p.m. followed by the 6 p.m. duel between last year’s runner-up Creamline and PLDT.
Choco Mucho will get to plunge into action on Friday against Black Mamba Army at 3 p.m.
The league implements a single-round robin group format with Pool A composed of Chery Tiggo, Choco Mucho, Army, Cignal and F2 and Pool B consists of Creamline, Petro Gazz, PLDT and Bali Pure.
The top four teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals with the top two from each pool sealing twice-to-beat advantages.
The semis and the finals are best-of-three affairs. — Joey Villar