MANILA – Negrense guard John Paul Calvo’s entry in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has been formalized after he was signed to a two-year rookie deal by the Columbian Dyip.
The Silay City, Negros Occidental native told Panay News that it was a perfect Christmas gift for him to be signed by the Dyip after he was selected 11th overall in the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft a week ago.
“Sobrang saya ko po na nabigyan ng contract ng Columbian Dyip. Parang Christmas gift na rin ito sa akin,” Calvo said. “I will do my best to help the team had a strong performance in the upcoming season.”
“I want also to show the team management na hindi sila nagkamali sa pag-sign sa akin,” added the Negrense guard. “I know that there still a lot na kailangan ko matutunan, so I am intently listening to the veterans.”
The former Hua Siong College of Iloilo standout, the only Western Visayas-based player in the just concluded rookie draft, was just one of the three rookies to be given contract by the Dyip.
Also signed up was top-overall pick Jaymar Perez, who received three-year maximum contract, and Jeepy Faundo, who was picked up by the Dyip after being left unsigned by Magnolia Hotshots.
Under Perez’s deal, he is stand to receive P150,000 a month on his rookie season, P220,000 a month on his second year and P350,000 per month on his third year. The deals of Calvo and Faundo, however, were not disclosed.
Aside from the rookies, the Dyip also locked down on its veterans as it gave fresh contracts to veterans Jackson Corpuz, Rashawn McCarthy, Jay-R Reyes, Russel Escoto and Aklanon Andreas Cahilig.
The Dyip is eager to have a better showing in the 2019 season after having a 6-27 win-loss record in the 2017-2018 PBA season under head coaches Chris Gavina, Ricky Dandan and its current mentor Johnedel Cardel.
In three conferences last year, Dyip’s best finish was in the Commissioner’s Cup where it ended up at ninth place with 4-7 card. They finished deadlast in the Philippine and Governors’ Cup with identical 1-10 card./PN
