MANILA – Alaska Aces, Blackwater Bossing and Meralco Bolts started their build up for the 2020 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season by signing up their selections in the recent PBA Rookie Draft.
The Aces first signed 6-foot-7 Benedict Adamos, their number six overall selection, to an undisclosed rookie deal, before inking second round selection 6-foot-3 Taylor Browne to a two-year pact.
“We are happy that we were able to get the guys we targeted,” said Aces head coach Jeffrey Cariaso. “Ben and Taylor were both high on our list during the recent rookie draft.”
The Aces will also extend rookie contracts in the coming days to RK Ilagan, a former player of San Sebastian College Stags, and Alec Stockton, who is previously from Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
Meanwhile, the Bossing signed rookies Andre Paras for two years worth P3 million, Joshua Torralba also inked a two-year deal (P120,000 a month on first year and P150,000 a month on second year), and Reymark Acuno for one year worth P100,000 a month.
The Bolts, on the other hand, have signed up first-round pick Alvin Pasaol to a two-year deal but the terms of the rookie contract were not revealed.
Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, meanwhile, are still in talks with their rookie selections but are expected to come to terms with them by weekend.
“We are looking to make an offer by the weekend, most notably for our picks in the first and second round,” said Fuel Masters team manager Paolo Bugia. “For the rest, coaches and management will want to take a look at them more in coming practices.”
The Fuel Masters are planning to sign their first round pick Larry Muyang as well as their second-round selections Nicholas Demusis and Aljun Melecio, while the Kings also are offering deals to center Ken Holmqvist and Brian Enriquez.
“For sure, they will be signed. It’s just a matter of when,” said Kings head coach Tim Cone on Holmqvist and Enriquez. “Hopefully soon, but in the meantime, they are participating in our workouts.”/PN
