Player moves spice up PBA

It isn’t just in the NBA where dizzying player movements make for dramatic roster changes with the likes of Chris Paul, Trae Young, Darius Garland, Kristaps Porzingis, Jonathan Kuminga and James Harden not spared from recent trades. In the PBA this season, there were 25 rookies who played at least a game in the Philippine Cup and about 10 more are expected to report for duty in the coming Commissioner’s Cup.

Additionally, 37 veterans switched teams in the Philippine Cup and while awaiting the start of the second conference, three more joined the list. Calvin Abueva went from Titan to Converge while Rey Suerte and King Caralipio took the opposite direction. As the season unfolds, expect more players to move in and out with coaches looking to reinforce lineups with complementary pieces to support imports. The Commissioner’s Cup will feature imports of unlimited height and in the Governors Cup, the ceiling is 6-6.

TNT is the only team without a rookie, opting instead to beef up the Tropa with transferring veterans Jio Jalalon, Kevin Ferrer and Tyrus Hill. Titan reeled in seven veterans from other teams, namely, Aljun Melecio, Ato Ular, Jeo Ambohot, Von Pessumal, James Martinez, Roi Sumang and Pao Javillonar. Coach Johnedel Cardel’s rookies were Kobe Monje, Arvie Bringas and Mark Sangco. Expected to join Titan this conference are freshmen Mark Omega, Brian Sajonia and CJ Austria.

Rain or Shine brought in Stanley Pringle from Terrafirma and suited up rookie Christian Manaytay in three games last conference. Coach Yeng Guiao added newcomers Jun Roque, Deo Cuajao and Josh David to the lineup for the Commissioner’s Cup. Several player contracts are expiring and Guiao wants to make sure he has backups in case there are transfers.

Newly-designated Phoenix coach Charles Tiu is in the process of cleaning house and has released six veterans, including long-time leader RJ Jazul and RR Garcia. Rookie Will Gozum will make his PBA debut, reunited with his Benilde coach but there are many more holes to fill in the cast.

Rookies to watch this conference are first overall pick Geo Chiu of Terrafirma and seventh overall choice Jason Brickman of Meralco. Terrafirma bolstered its roster with five veteran transfers and rookies Ira Bateller and JM Bravo last conference. The veteran newcomers were Paul Garcia, Prince Rivero, Mav Ahanmisi, Aljon Mariano and Joseph Eriobu. Coach Ronald Tubid is hoping the 6-9 Chiu is as good as advertised and if 6-8 Kemark Carino is cleared to play after recovering from ACL surgery, Terrafirma will be extremely deep up front with 7-foot Finland-born import Mubashar Ali.

Brickman, 34, led the US NCAA in assists twice and played in Russia and Germany before moving to Asia in 2015. He saw action in Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan before finally landing in the PBA. Brickman’s experience and court smarts will be key in Meralco’s bid to go far in the playoffs this conference.