Mikee sees better stint by souped-up B Pier

SEOUL – GlobalPort team owner Mikee Romero expects the Batang Pier to be more competitive in the upcoming season, hoping to surpass their fourth-place finish in the last PBA Philippine Cup with a roster beefed up by new acquisitions, including sweet-shooting big men JR Quiñahan and KG Canaleta.

Romero said they have signed up Quiñahan to a P9.84-million two-year pact and have reached a separate agreement with Canaleta for a one-year deal.

Billy Mamaril, meanwhile, got a contract-extension deal with the ball club which also acquired Mike Cortez (from an earlier trade) and Von Pessumal (from the Gilas pool).

The team is also considering to enlist PBA rookie draftees Alfrancis Tamsi, Ryan Arambulo and Spencer Eman.

With a core group led by Terrence Romeo, Stanley Pringle, Quiñahan, Canaleta, Pessumal, Mamaril and Cortez, the GlobalPort owner has set high expectations for his team in the coming season.

“We have to surpass it,” said Romero, referring to their fourth place finish behind San Miguel Beer, Alaska Milk and Rain or Shine in the 2015-16 all-Filipino tourney.

In another development, PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa has given his nod on Paolo Taha’s transfer to Barangay Ginebra in exchange for Franklin Bonifacio and Dennice Villamor.

Narvasa also hinted at giving his approval on the three-way trade deal among Mahindra, Star and San Miguel Beer, involving Aldrech Ramos, RR Garcia, Alex Mallari and Ryan Araña.

“I don’t find anything objectionable on the proposed trade,” said Narvasa during a break in the PBA planning session at The Plaza Hotel here.

This trade transaction will bring Ramos, along with a future Mahindra pick, over to Star for Mallari and Garcia.

Then, Mallari stays at Mahindra while Garcia will be dealt to San Miguel for Araña and a future draft right.