MANILA – Paolo Taha’s hard work paid off – NorthPort Batang Pier signed him for two more years after his impressive showing early in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup.
Traded from Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings midway in the Commissioner’s Cup, the Iloilo City native found a new lease on life in his PBA career with a fresh contract with the Batang Pier.
Taha, a former College of St. Benilde Blazers standout, increased his averages this conference of 14.50 points, 4.50 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 28.57 minutes of play.
Aside from Taha, also given a contract extension was teammate Juan Nicholas Elorde, who also played a key role for head coach Alfredo Jarencio after the departure of Terrence Romeo.
Elorde, grandson of the late boxing great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, proved to be an able backup to NorthPort star player Stanley Pringle, who just came off a stint with the national team.
Elsewhere, the Kings and San Miguel Beermen also kept their guard rotation intact after signing Earl Scottie Thompson and Alex Cabagnot, respectively, to multiyear deals.
“Scottie … really exemplifies that never-say-die attitude,” Kings head coach Tim Cone said. “His energy is always there. You don’t get to see him in practice but he’s like that in practice, too.”
TNT KaTropa also reached a contract extension with veteran guard Jayson Castro while NLEX Road Warriors also locked in their versatile big man Michael Miranda for the next two years./PN
