By ADRIAN STEWART CO
MANILA – A battle royale looms in the second season of the PBA 3×3 basketball with teams fielding beefed-up rosters for the hostilities that kick off with the opening leg of the First Conference on Saturday at Robinsons Antipolo.
SEA Games 3×3 basketball bronze medal winner Jorey Napoles is set to bolster the CAVITEX Braves along with Aklanon Tzaddy Rangel and returning Dominick Fajardo, Pedrito Galanza, Kyles Lao and Chester Saldua.
“Malakas talaga ang Cavitex then napunta ako so tingin ko may laban kami. Kumpleto na sila before tapos nadagdag pa ako so parang opportunity ito sa akin para makapag-champion uli,” said Napoles.
Reymar Caduyac, meanwhile, transferred to Meralco Bolts where he is joined by other transferees Kenneth Mocon, Leo De Vera and Joseph Manlangit and holdovers Alfred Batino and Tonino Gonzaga.
Marvin Hayes, who also played for Philippines 3×3 team in SEA Games, will join newcomer J&T Express along with playing coach Ryan Monteclaro, Jeric Teng, Robin Roño, Joseph Sedurifa and Keith Datu.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings also made an upgrade with Bacolodnon Clark Bautista, James Mangahas, Ralph Salcedo and Ralph Cu along with Dennice Villamor and Mikey Cabahug.
Purefoods TJ Giants has signed Chris De Chavez and Jhon Ray Alabanza to join Joseph Eriobu and Jed Mendoza, while Platinum Karaoke added Brandon Bates, Nicholas Salva, Yves Sazon and Terrence Tumalip to join Yutien Andrada and Raphael Banal.
Northport Batang Pier, meanwhile, will parade Dexter Zamora, Pat Jamison, Bacolodnon LA Revilla, Gwynne Capacio, Wilson Baltazar and Luke Parcero, while Pioneer Pro Tibay has Christian Rivera, Gian Abrigo, Carlo Escalambre, Reeve Ugsang and Reggie Morido.
San Miguel Beermen will have Ilonggo Ken Bono, Negrense Jeff Manday, Riego Gamalinda, Wendell Comboy, Alfonzo Gotladera and Raffy Verano, while Terrafirma Dyip has Red Cachuela, Shaq Alanes, Jeremiah Taladua, Jebb Bulawan and Sandy Ceñal.
TNT Tropang Giga maintained its roster of Almond Vosotros, Samboy de Leon, Lervin Flores, Chris Exciminiano, Gryann Mendoza and Rey Mark Acuño and Blackwater Red Presidents has Hubert Cani, Richard Escoto, Prince Rivero, Mac Sabellina, Alfrancis Tamsi and Jeff Javillonar.
Limitless Appmasters and Sista Super Sealers both decided to take a leave of absence this season./PN
