Hontiveros goes to Tanduay Rhum?

Tanduay Rhum continued its massive buildup for the coming Philippine Basketball Association season with the reported acquisition of Cebu hotshot Dondon Hontiveros.

Its lineup already souped up by its acquisition of Jeffrey Cariaso and Rudy Hatfield, Tanduay further strengthened its roster for the coming campaign by allegedly getting Hontiveros from the Cebu Gems in the MBA.

A reliable source said the Rhum Masters acquired the rights on the MBA star through a buy-out procedure arranged by team owners Bong Tan of Tanduay and John Henry Lhuillier of the Cebu Gems.

Tanduay coach Alfrancis Chua said he has yet to be informed by the management of the deal but claimed Hontiveros would be a welcome addition to his team.

The source said the deal was closed Saturday night in the presence of Hontiveros who later joined Tan in their celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Hontiveros, the Cebu Gems' top gun, has asked his release from the MBA ballclub, saying he would have ample time for his studies if he were to play in the PBA.

The Tanduay management reportedly promised to allow Hontiveros attend school, even offering him scholarship at the University of the East - the Recto-based school which is now also owned by the Lucia Tan Group.

At first, Hontiveros said he prefers to play for San Miguel Beer - the first PBA team to have talked with the 6-foot-3 cager. Another PBA team which sought the services of Hontiveros was Mobiline.