Loss of 2 key men big blow for Barako

MANILA, Philippines - With no major acquisitions fom the recent draft to boost its roster, Barako Energy Coffee may well remain the favorite whipping boy in the coming 36th PBA season.

Instead of getting topnotch recruits, the team even lost key personnel as Jerwin Gaco and Al Vergara opted to return to their Asean Basketball League ball clubs.

Gaco rejoined the Philippine Patriots while Vergara returned to the Singapore Slingers fold.

Borgie Hermida, a Barako draftee still playing with San Beda in the current NCAA season, and Hans Thiele, an undrafted rookie from UE, are likely to take the spots of Gaco and Vergara.

Veteran free agents likely to hook up with the team are Marvin Cruz and Chris Calaguio.

Reports said Ginebra’s Sunday Salvacion might also land at Barako Energy Coffee.

Barako opened its camp only Wednesday with Paolo Hubalde, Jojo Duncil, Reed Juntilla, Chad Alonzo, Rob Wainwright, Mark Isip, Richard Yee, Aris Dimaunahan and Bryan Faundo among the old players present.

A number of new faces surfaced, including Anthony Espiritu, Mark Canlas, John Smith, Dennis Rodriguez, Chito Jaime and Christian Cabatu.

With poor talent prospects, Barako might even have a hard time improving its 6-30 win-loss record last campaign.

The Energy Coffee Masters were dead last in both the all-Filipino and reinforced tourneys.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer signed Denok Miranda to a fresh two-year pact.

Miranda, a six-year pro from Far Eastern U, could well play a bigger role with Jonas Villanueva dealt to B-MEG Derby Ace for Paul Artadi.