The Elasto Painters, who blew a 2-0 lead and lost the PBL Heroes Cup crown to the Magnolia Wizards recently, are actually set to field in the tall, vastly-improved Eman this conference to beef up their frontcourt, which includes Marvin Ortiguerra, Jun Jun Cabatu, Jay-R Reyes and Jay Sagad.
But Montaña owners, who are based in Davao like Eman, are reportedly keen on acquiring the former University of Mindanao standout, who was left without a team after the Cebuana Lhuiller RP squad disbanded following the BAP (Basketball Association of the Philippines) expulsion from the Philippine Olympic Committee last year.
Sources said the Jewels had even offered Compton for Eman, untested but oozing with talent.
Rain or Shine, set to join the big league in September carrying the Welcoat Paints name, has the rights on Eman after Montaña gave it up in exchange for Compton from LBC Batangas three years ago.
Meanwhile, Hapee-PCU has tapped two big men and an equally exciting off-guard to beef up its squad for the season-ending tournament where they hope to recapture their once lofty standing in the country’s premier amateur league.
Team manager Bernard Yang said yesterday that the addition of Erick Canlas, Franklin Nailon and former NCAA hotshot Christian Guevarra would add depth and versatility to the team.
But more than that, it will provide them enough ammunition to challenge the league’s giants like Magnolia Dairy Ice Cream and Rain or Shine. The Wizards and Elasto Painters have won the last two championships.
"The three are welcome addition because we really have to add more ceiling to the team so that we can compete against teams like Magnolia and Rain or Shine," said Yang, who is still hoping to get some of the best players from the South.
The Cecilio Pedro-owned franchise won back-to-back championships in 2003 when the team was still backstopped by Rich Alvarez, Larry Fonacier, LA Tenorio, Peter June Simon and Allan Salansang. The team took a one-year leave in 2004 before deciding to participate again last year.
The presence of the 6-foot-9 Canlas and the 6-foot-5 Nailon would give coach Junel Baculi more options and perhaps lessen the burden for top gunner Gabby Espinas in manning the shade lane.
Guevarra, on the other hand, is expected to provide the team the much-needed firepower and hustle which the team lacked in the previous conference where they finished fifth.
Canlas, 24, had a forgettable stint in the pro league despite being picked No. 8 overall by Shell in the annual drafting three years ago. He last played for San Miguel Beer where he was also used sparingly.
But under Baculi, Canlas is expected to get an extended playing time along with Nailon who is also adept playing at the post like Espinas.
The team also boasts of a formidable backcourt combination in Jason Castro and Mark Moreno and pair of deadly snipers in Joefferson Gonzales and Robert Sanz.
"Matagal-tagal na rin kaming hindi nakalaro sa semis, I hope, this time, we can make it," said Yang. "But we have to double our effort if we want to play in the semis."