MANILA – In search of a big man who can fill the void left by the injured center June Mar Fajardo, the San Miguel Beermen of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has renewed the contract of veteran John Billy Mamaril.
The six-foot-six center was given a fresh one-year contract to play the backup role to Filipino Tongan big man Moala Tautuaa in the Beermen’s six-peat bid for glory in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup opening on March 8.
Unlike his first outing with the Beermen where he was used sparingly, the 39-year-old Mamaril is expected to play lengthy of minutes this year due to the indefinite absence of Fajardo and the recent hanging of jersey by Yancy de Ocampo.
Aside from him, San Miguel has also inked the three-point specialist Von Pessumal on a two-year contract extension, while free agents Riego Gamalinda and Angelo Alolino, plus rookie Wendelino Comboy were given one year deals.
On the other hand, the Phoenix Fuel Masters have also strengthen its frontline following the retirement of Doug Kramer and William Wilson by signing free agent center Jay-R Reyes and trading a player for Elvin Jake Pascual.
The Fuel Masters also signed up Jansen Rios and Brian Heruela with rookies Jayvee Marcelino and Ralph Tansingco. However, the rookies were relegated to their PBA D-League team Family Mart-Enderun Titans.
Blackwater Elite reestablished their roster by renewing the commitment of veteran Rommel Niño Canaleta, James Sena and Diego Dario. It also handed a one-year deal to free agent Jonjon Gabriel.
For Meralco Bolts, Raymond Almazan agreed to a three-year maximum deal, while Kier John Quinto and Raymon Jamito also nodded for extensions. Allein Maliksi and Ilonggo Anjo Caram are still finalizing theirs.
Talk N’ Text Katropa also loaded their squad via signing free agents Rodolfo Alejandro, Gryann Mendoza and center Lervin Flores. They also gifted rookie Valandre Chauca a contract.
NorthPort Batang Pier kept Sean Anthony and Kevin Ferrer with two-year contract extensions, while rookies Sean Manganti and Renzo Subido were also signed up.
Finally, the NLEX Road Warriors have flirted arc gunner Philip Paniamogan for the next two years, while Magnolia Hotshots renewed the contract of reserve guard Justin Melton./PN
