Red Bull signs Bugia, Fonacier

Red Bull Barako came to terms with former Ateneo players Larry Fonacier and Paolo Bugia Thursday night and is considering to enlist free agents Rob Duat and Celino Cruz to complete its roster for the coming PBA 2005-06 season.

Red Bull board representative and team manager Tony Chua said they signed up both Fonacier and Bugia to a two-year deal but refused to disclose the financial details.

Earlier, the team management reached an agreement with first-round pick Leo Najorda. The two parties formalize their deal upon the completion of the player’s stint with the San Sebastian Stags in the NCAA.

Another former Ateneo Blue Eagle in Wesley Gonzales tried out with the Barakos but failed to get the nod of coach Yeng Guiao and his staff.

"He’s good but we’re already loaded at wing spots," said Chua.

Fonacier and Najorda have joined Vergel Meneses, Lordy Tugade and Junthy Valenzuela in the team’s rotation at two (off guard) and three (small forward) spots.

Talk n Text tried to initiate a trade deal involving Fonacier but Red Bull declined.

Meanwhile, PBA commissioner Noli Eala promised to look into the "Alex Cabagnot controversy" with Sta. Lucia Realty calling for a lifetime ban on the player for abandoning the team following a stalemate in their contract negotiation.

The commissioner and Sta. Lucia top official Buddy Encarnado discussed the matter informally as they met during the PBA Press Corps Annual Awards Friday night in Dusit Hotel.

If the player isn’t proven to have violated any rule, Cabagnot could sit out this coming season and re-join the draft next year.

But Encarnado said they have gained the signing rights on the player for giving him a tender offer after the draft. The former PBA board chair promised not to allow Cabagnot to play for any team in the PBA except for Sta. Lucia.

Encarnado stressed he doesn’t care if they lose their second draft pick.

"We’ll throw the book at him, "said Encarnado who also threatened to have the player’s agent, Charlie Dy, banned in the league.

Cabagnot had a change of heart in his plan to play in the PBA when he failed to come to terms with the Sta. Lucia management. He returned to the United States Wednesday.