MANILA, Philippines - Two La Salle players with San Sebastian roots and three other Archers are being wooed to join the PBA D-League tentatively starting Oct. 23 but varsity coach Gee Abanilla said yesterday that team management decided to keep the squad intact to train for the coming PCCL.
Abanilla said he was asked to release Yutien Andrada and Almond Vosotros to a D-League team stocking up with players from San Sebastian. There were also inquiries about 6-6 Norbert Torres, 6-7 Arnold Van Opstal and even rookie Jeron Teng. Abanilla said under UAAP rules, a player must complete two seasons before he is cleared to see action in the D-League, making Teng ineligible. Torres and Van Opstal, however, are now eligible after playing two years for La Salle.
Abanilla said joining the D-League was an option for the Archers and team manager Raffy Villavicencio had reserved a slot for the fourth conference. But with La Salle’s lineup showing four rookies, it will be handicapped unless the roster is reinforced. PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial said the D-League will allow the use of a school name to identify a team with at least six varsity players.
Marcial said Jose Rizal University will be sponsored by Air21 with coach Vergel Meneses in the coming conference. Arellano University is also fielding a team. Marcial said he expects at least 11 teams to play with three-time defending champion NLex heading the pack. NLex, coached by Boyet Fernandez, swept the first three D-League finals, 2-0 over Cebuana Lhuillier in the Foundation Cup, 2-0 over Freego in the Aspirants Cup and 2-0 over Big Chill in the last Foundation Cup.
PBA commissioner Chito Salud said the D-League was envisioned “not only as a farm league but also as a pool for national players aside from being a cost-efficient marketing vehicle for our members that generate jobs for young players, coaches and utility staff.” Salud said the D-League will continue to be managed as professionally as the PBA while retaining its amateur status.
For the coming conference, the Road Warriors lost Cliff Hodge, Chris Ellis, Dave Marcelo, Eman Monfort, Calvin Abueva and Woody Co to the PBA but Fernandez is bringing in 6-11 Greg Slaughter, Nico Salva, Eric Camson, Matt Ganuelas, Kevin Alas and Oping Sumalinog. Back for another tour of duty are Garvo Lanete and Ronald Pascual.
Big Chill landed FEU hotshot and former Cebuana Lhuillier guard Terrence Romeo but the darkhorse contender is Blackwater Sports bannered by six UST mainstays – 6-6 Karim Abdul, 6-3 Kevin Ferrer, 5-7 Jeric Fortuna, 6-4 Pablo Pe, 6-1 Kim Lo and 6-2 Louie Vigil. Blackwater coach Leo Isaac’s roster also lists Justin Chua, Allan Mangahas, Rob Celiz, Ian Mazo and Gio and Ice Ciria Cruz.
Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy said he hopes to sign up Kiefer Ravena and Romeo next year. “Kiefer isn’t playing this conference and Terrence already signed with Big Chill,” said Sy. “We didn’t get Jeric (Teng) because we thought he was injured. Besides, we’re overloaded in his position. We’re still negotiating for a few more UAAP players, some in the Finals, and veterans. We’ll adjust and recruit if necessary as the season progresses. Pido (Jarencio) is our consultant.”
Last June, Blackwater claimed the six-team Enjoy Jakarta Anniversary tournament championship with a perfect 5-0 record. The win came after Blackwater finished third in the D-League Aspirants Cup.
Marcial said the D-League is open to school, LGU and corporate teams. “It’s a training ground for future pros and collegiate players preparing for next season,” he said. “Look at the Blackwater experience. In the last conference, Blackwater used several UST players. It’s no coincidence that UST is now in the UAAP Finals. Collegiate players might take a beating in the D-League but they come out tougher and much improved. In the D-League, everybody is highly motivated to do their best. It has nothing to do with money. It’s where the players want to make a name for themselves.”
Abanilla said La Salle is not participating in the coming Uni-Games to allow players to catch up on their studies. He will recall the varsity for practice this week to train for the PCCL. “We hope to scrimmage with D-League teams,” said Abanilla. “We’re honored by the interest shown by D-League teams in Yutien, Almond, Norbert, Arnold and Jeron. It’s a tribute to our team that our players were recognized for their performance in the UAAP season.”