The NorthPort Batang Pier strengthened their frontline with the additions of rookie big men Jamie Malonzo and Troy Rike after the two signed their rookie deals with the team on Monday.

Malonzo, the athletic 6-foot-7 forward from La Salle was the team’s second overall pick in the PBA Rookie Draft last month while Rike, the 6-foot-8 big man from National University, was taken 11th overall. The two are expected to forma humongous frontline with the 7-foot Greg Slaughter.

The two players were with their respective agents and signed their contracts in the presence of NorthPort team manager, Bonnie Tan.

Rike said that he is excited to learn the ropes from a seasoned veteran like Slaughter.

"He's had a ton of success. Obviously, as a big, you always want to learn from someone like him. So I think it's a great opportunity where I can learn from him as a center," said Rike in an interview on the league’s official website. (JNP)