More rookies invade PBA

There were 25 rookies who played at least a game in the last PBA Philippine Cup and 13 more are lined up to see action in the Commissioner’s Cup which opens with a twinbill at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium today. 

All 13 incoming newcomers were picked in last year’s draft, including four first-rounders Terrafirma’s Geo Chiu (first overall), Meralco’s Jason Brickman (seventh), Phoenix’ Will Gozum (eighth) and Rain or Shine’s Jun Roque (12th).  The others are Blackwater’s Ximone Sandagon (injured/reserve), NLEX’ Arvin Gamboa (injured/reserve), Converge’s Ladis Lepalam (injured/reserve), Terrafirma’s Shawn Umali, Meralco’s Vince Magbuhos, Titan’s Mark Omega and Brian Sajonia and Rain or Shine’s Deo Cuajao and Joshua David.

Chiu, 24, is expected to play a key role at Terrafirma as a 6-10 center, coming off a championship run with Abra in the MPBL where he averaged 5.8 points and 6.3 rebounds.  How big an impact he will make is a question mark.  Chiu will team up with 7-foot import Mubashar Ali whose resume lists playing stints in Turkey, Qatar, Italy, Georgia and Finland where he was born.  Also tipped to make waves is Brickman, a 34-year-old journeyman who twice led the US NCAA D1 in assists at Long Island University.  His experience brings added stability to Meralco’s backcourt.  The six-foot point guard has played in Russia, Germany, Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan.  Another blue-chipper is Sajonia who was named NCAA Finals MVP this season after leading San Beda to a two-game sweep of Letran in the championship series with clips of 19 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists.

Last conference, 33 veterans switched teams, including Magnolia playing coach LA Tenorio, Rain or Shine’s Stanley Pringle and Ginebra’s Norbert Torres.  This conference, at least nine veterans will wear new uniforms.  The list includes Ginebra’s Kemark Carino, Converge’s Kurt Reyson, Jonnel Policarpio, Calvin Abueva and Mikey Williams, Meralco’s Javee Mocon, Titan’s King Caralipio, Terrafirma’s Ben Adamos and NLEX’ Deschon Winston.

Coming back after sitting out last conference are Ginebra’s Isaac Go, TNT’s Jayson Castro and Phoenix’ JC Cullar.  Missing on opening day rosters are Terrafirma’s Mark Nonoy and Louie Sangalang.  They haven’t shown up for practice.  Nonoy has a live contract while Sangalang is a restricted free agent whose rights remain with Terrafirma.  Lost in the shuffle of player movements were Vic Manuel, JL de los Santos, Rey Suerte, Ira Bateller, Tommy Olivario, Prince Rivero, Paul Varilla, RJ Jazul, RR Garcia, Sean Manganti, Jeff Comia. Kevin Racal and Yousef Taha, among others.  Gabe Norwood has retired while Keith Datu is recovering from injury.  The only coaching changes were Titan’s Rensy Bajar who took over from Johnedel Cardel and Phoenix’ Charles Tiu who relieved Willie Wilson.

Of the 78 games scheduled up to May 10, 15 are booked at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, 10 at Smart Araneta Coliseum, eight at Ynares Antipolo, four at Ynares Montalban and two at MOA Arena.  Playdates are on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with Tuesday opening up for six doubleheaders.