Mick Pennisi, the last remaining member of the original Red Bull team, is now also set to leave the Photokina Marketing franchise, joining former teammate Lordy Tugade at Magnolia.
At press time, Red Bull and Magnolia were finalizing the details of the trade deal that will sent Pennisi to the Beverage Masters in exchange for future draft picks.
Magnolia worked for the deal to fill in a big void in its frontline rotation with two-time MVP Danny Ildefonso and Samigue Eman both on the injured list. Ildefonso has undergone surgeries on both feet while Eman is strengthening his legs in the US.
Coach Yeng Guiao said they will certainly miss Pennisi but the team would still be there aspiring to keep their long streak of constant finishes in the Final Four.
“Even with the departure of Mick, the semifinal round will be our objective. If we make it there, everything is already a bonus for us,” said Guiao, setting a modest goal with a lineup devoid of superstars.
“We have to make adjustments. We’ve just lost a player on a spot where we’re weak. And I don’t think we can still find a player of consequence taking over the spot of Mick,” Guiao also said.
Most of the members of the original Red Bull team are gone with only three others left, now playing for other teams — Tugade with Magnolia, Junthy Valenzuela with Ginebra and Kerby Raymundo with Purefoods.
A team official called Pennisi “the last jewel of our crown.”