MANILA – Terrafirma Dyip and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters locked up rookie deals to some of their selections during the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 46 Rookie Draft.
Joshua Munzon – the top-overall selection during the just-concluded draft – formalized his partnership with the Dyip by inking on a three-year rookie maximum contract.
“I’m excited to be part of the team and get ready to get up there for all our Terrafirma fans,” said Munzon, who was joined by his representative JSam ‘Jouie’ Ramos and Terrafirma board of governor Bobby Rosales during the signing.
Aside from Munzon, Dyip signed a three-year deal to center James Laput, who was the tallest prospect during the recent draft at 6-foot-10 but considered a project player.
“[I intend] to become a star in my role, stay in my lane and especially, learn to play with and against people better than me,” said Laput, who had a brief stint with De La Salle University Green Archers in University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
The Painters, for their part, also signed up three of their PBA Rookie Draft selections in forwards Leonard Santillan and Franky Johnson, and point guard Anton Asistio.
The 6-foot-5 Lapu Lapu City-native Santillan – who was selected fifth overall by the Rain or Shine – signed a three-year deal to join Painters’ frontcourt, led by veterans Beau Belga, Jewel Ponferrada, Norbert Torres, and new guy Bradwyn Guinto.“Santi is a known bruiser with a knack for rebounding and willingness to do the little things to help his team win. He carries himself with extreme dignity and poise under fire,” said Painters head coach Chris Gavina.
The 6-foot-2 Johnson, meanwhile, agreed to a two-year deal, while Asistio was inked to a one-year contract by the team. The three were joined by their player-agent Marvin Espiritu.
“Looking at this team, Rain or Shine seems to be entering a new era now with more young players in the team,” Espiritu said in an interview with ESPN5. “It was a light negotiation because both parties know the capabilities of the three players already.”/PN
