Talk N Text signs Telan to 3-month pact; Mercado joins RP workout

MANILA, Philippines - Eleven-year PBA veteran Mark Clemence Telan has returned to the Talk n Text fold, signed to a short-term contract ending in December.

Telan was given a three-month pact yesterday or two days before the start of the 36th PBA season Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The 6-foot-6 center/forward is backstopping his old team which will be minus Ranidel de Ocampo for the entire Philippine Cup and sans Kelly Williams for at least three weeks towards the end of the year.

De Ocampo is recovering from an operation to scrape bone spurs in his ankles while Williams will join the Smart Gilas RP team in their Asian Games quest in November.

Talk n Text officials said Telan could be given a contract extension after December depending on his performance.

Telan will team up with Harvey Carey, Ali Peek and Gilbert Lao at the TnT frontcourt.

The former La Salle U standout played for Rain or Shine last season, submitting a career-low average of 3.7 points a game.

The Tropang Texters start their campaign in the new PBA season with a game aganst the Philippine Cup champions B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados Wednesday at the Big Dome.

Meanwhile, Sol Mercado has showed up in the Smart Gilas team practice, getting the nod of coach Rajko Toroman and his staff.

“Sol has joined Gilas in two practice sessions already. The Gilas people are happy specially with the information that Sol is set to get his Philippine passport Monday,” said Rain or Shine team manager Boy Lapid.

With regards Rain or Shine, Lapid said players are still in the get-to-know-each-other phase.

“They’re still working to develop team chemistry as we have no less than six new guys in the lineup,” said Lapid.

The new players at coach Caloy Garcia’s disposal are Larry Roriguez, Paolo Bugia, Doug Kramer, John Ferriols, RJ Jazul and Joshua Vanlandingham.

The Elasto Painters debut in the season versus the Powerade Tigers also on Wednesday.