MANILA, Philippines - Kumpiyansa ang Sta. Lucia Realty sa nalalapit na PBA season sa pagbabalik ng kanilang main man na si Kelly Williams at ang pagdating ng mga bagong players sa pangunguna ni Gabby Espinas.
Inaasahan ni coach Boyet Fernandez na magbabalik sa dating porma si Williams bago ang opening ng bagong season sa Oktubre.
“He’s a joy to watch back on the playing court. He’s not yet 100 percent back but he’s working double time to get there. I’m sure he’ll be ready come the season opening,” sabi ni Fernandez ukol kay Williams, na nakarekober na sa blood disorder problem.
Ayon sa Sta. Lucia coach malaking tulong ang kanilang minor rebuilding.
Pinalakas ni Espinas, dating NCAA MVP awardee na nakuha sa Barako Bull, ng wing rotation ng team habang ang mga free agents na sina Chris Pacana at Josh Urbiztondo ay malaking tulong sa backcourt.
“Actually, we’ve kept the core of our old lineup. I’m happy except with the fact that we still lack the players to rotate in the middle,” ani Fernandez.
Kinokonsiderang pomoste sina rookie free agents Francis Barcellano, Jervy del Rosario, Mark Benitez at Charles Waters.
“I’m interested on all of them. All four are workhorses. But, of course, the team led by boss Buddy (Encarnado) has a lot to consider, including the salary cap,” ani Fernandez.
Masigasig sina Barcellano, Del Rosario, Benitez at Waters sa team practice, kasama sina Williams, Espinas, Pacana, Urbiztondo, Paolo Mendoza, Marlou Aquino, Joseph Yeo, Bitoy Omolon at Denok Miranda.
Pinapagaling pa ni team captain Dennis Espino ang knee injury habang nasa Amerika pa si Ryan Reyes na ikakasal bukas.
Wala na sa team sina Christian Coronel, Norman Gonzales, Melvin Mamaclay at Philip Buttel. (Nelson Beltran)