Sta. Lucia signs Espino for P30-M

For Dennis Espino, the year 2002 practically started with a bang.

On the first day of the new year, a week after he turned 29, Espino got the most precious gift probably in all his life as he signed with Sta. Lucia Realty a new contract worth P30 million in five years.

Buddy Encarnado made good his promise of making Espino truly their franchise player, giving the player the maximum pay allowed in the Philippine Basketball Association on the eve of their departure for Israel where the Realtors are to play a series of goodwill games.

"Eh, siya ang franchise player, siyempre he deserves the best contract which we can give," said Encarnado after giving Espino the pact that includes a lucrative bonus scheme plus a prime land at the Esplendido which the player will get at a significantly discounted price.

"Malaki ang pasasalamat ko kay Boss Buddy at sa Sta. Lucia team management sa pagtitiwala na ibinigay nila sa akin. Now, I’m praying masuklian ko naman sana ang tiwala nila," said Espino, who became the latest player to join an elite roster of PBA players with a monthly pay check of P500,000.

The other Sta. Lucia player getting P500,000 a month is Marlou Aquino. The 6-foot-9 former Adamson Falcon got the deal through an offer sheet from Red Bull two years ago.

Espino, the top pick in the 1995 Annual Draft, used to be only the second highest paid player at Sta. Lucia although he’s the captain of the team.

"Dennis is our leader, and I can tell you he’s not only a good player, he’s a good leader," said Encarnado.

Espino had his coming-out party in the league last year, earning a spot in the Mythical First Five for the first time in his career. He narrowly lost the Best Player of the Conference plum in the Governors Cup to Danny Ildefonso on media votes.

With a new contract signed and sealed, Espino can sit back and relax in their 10-day trip that will also bring them to Paris for a holiday as part of their bonus for winning the 2001 Governors Cup.

Encarnado said he has also reached an agreement with Chris Tan and Gerard Francisco. They are likely to formalize their agreement during the trip.

Encarnado said both Tan and Francisco are likely to be given an extension of three years.

Sta. Lucia owns the rights for the No. 3 pick overall in the coming draft but the coaching staff has yet to make up its mind on whom to pick with the PBA yet to finalize the draft pool.

Asked what he foresees in the future, Encarnado said: "Saka na iyan, nage-enjoy pa ako ng championship namin."