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Monday, July 31, 2006
Purefoods eyeing a big man in August draft
RYAN Gregorio, head coach of the newly crowned PBA Gran Matador Philippine Cup kings, Purefoods Chunkee Giants, will be looking for a big man from the free agent market and the dispersal draft, which will be held on Aug. 10.
Gregorio bared this in a recent meeting with the Cebu City media at Baseline Restaurant.
The Giants mentor said he isn't expecting anything major to happen to the Purefoods roster, as they will be just picking seventh when the annual rookie draft unfolds this August.
"Wala akong masyadong ini-expect sa rookie draft kasi we will be picking seventh eh," said Gregorio. "But we will definitely be eyeing a big man," he added.
Free agents
At present, only four players of the Giants will become free agents. They are Richard Yee, Peter June Simon, Celedon Camaso and Arnold Gamboa.
When asked if these four will be re-signed by Purefoods, Gregorio refused to answer, saying it's still too early to tell.
Meanwhile, the Coca-Cola Tigers, Barangay Ginebra Kings and Air21 Express are working doubly hard to rebuild their squads for the coming conference, as the three teams signed a mega-trade involving eight players and three draft picks.
Rights
The Tigers shipped Rafi Reavis and Billy Mamaril to the Gin Kings, including the rights to acquiring Fil-Am Rudy Hatfield, in exchange for Ryan Bernardo, Manny Ramos, Kalani Ferreria, one future first round pick, and two second round choices.
As part of the deal, the Express took in from Ginebra, Aris Dimaunahan and Ervin Sotto.
In other PBA developments, it looks like there will be a deeper pool in the coming 2006 draft set on Aug. 20 at the Market Market, after Philippine Basketball League (PBL) Most Valuable Player Joe Devance and Kelly Williams increased their chances of beating the PBA deadline tomorrow for their inclusion in the draft.
Certification
PBA Media Bureau chief Willie Marcial was quoted as saying that Devance and Williams sent word that they will submit the Department of Justice (DOJ) certification needed for Filipino-American players.
"Yes, their camps sent word that they will beat Monday's deadline," Marcial said.
Another player, Rob Reyes, would also need the same DOJ certification before he enters the pro league as one of three to be elevated by Welcoat in its PBA debut.
If they pass the PBA requirements, Devance and Williams could possibly replace Magnolia-FEU stalwart Arwind Santos as possible top draft pick.
Air21 owns the second and fourth picks while San Miguel has the third and fifth picks in the first round. (JSV)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (July 31, 2006 issue)
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