Veterans switch to new teams

While 31 players were cut from last season’s PBA Philippine Cup rosters with no room to relocate, 27 veterans found new teams as the 50th anniversary season reels off tonight.

Among the players struck out from season-opening lineups were Jvee Casio, Mark Borboran, Terrence Romeo, Justin Chua, Jackson Corpuz and Allyn Bulanadi. The list includes Arvin Tolentino, William Navarro and Jamie Malonzo who’ve gone abroad. Some moved to MPBL while others are still waiting for a call or retired.

Veterans who’ve switched teams are Ginebra’s Norbert Torres, Blackwater’s David Murrell, Paul Zamar and Jed Mendoza, Converge’s Rafi Reavis, Magnolia’s Paolo Taha, Javi Gomez de Liano, Raffy Verano and LA Tenorio (as playing coach), Phoenix’ James Kwekuteye, Francis Escandor, Evan Nelle, Prince Caperal, Bryan Santos and Yousef Taha, Rain or Shine’s Stanley Pringle, Terrafirma’s Jerrick Ahanmisi, Paul Garcia and Prince Rivero, Titan’s Ato Ular, Aljun Melecio, Jeo Ambohot, Von Pessumal and James Martinez and TNT’s Kevin Ferrer, Jio Jalalon and Tyrus Hill.

So far, 14 rookies are on lineups with more expected to join when the MPBL season ends. The signed rookies are Ginebra’s Sonny Estil, Blackwater’s Dalph Panopio and Jack Dumont, Converge’s Juan Gomez de Liano, Kobe Monje and Mark Omega, Magnolia’s Gab Gomez, Phoenix’ Dave Ando, San Miguel Beer’s Chris Miller and Royce Mantua, Terrafirma’s Ira Bataller and JM Bravo and Titan’s Chris Koon and Mario Barasi. Coming from MPBL include Terrafirma’s Geo Chiu, NLEX’ LJay Gonzales, Meralco’s Jason Brickman, Phoenix’ Will Gozum and Rain or Shine’s Christian Manaytay.

At the season-opening press conference last Wednesday, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial pointed out that there will no longer be a playoff for eighth spot in the coming three conferences with the quotient system to break possible ties. He said it means teams won’t hold back from playing offense and defense until the final buzzer in the eliminations to secure the highest quotients.