Seigle to stay with TNT

MANILA, Philippines - Danny Seigle, one of only two remaining active PBA players from the 90s, is extending his stay in the league as he accepted a one-conference contract extension deal with TNT KaTropa yesterday.

Seigle re-signed with the Texters, assuring the team of a key player when Jason Castro, Troy Rosario, Roger Pogoy and maybe even Moala Tautuaa lend their services to Gilas Pilipinas in its buildup and actual participation in the SEABA Championship in May.

“We value the performance he showed in the (Philippine Cup) semifinals against San Miguel Beer, and he’s excited with the job of mentoring his young teammates. And so he’ll continue to play,” said TNT team manager Virgil Villavicencio.

Like Asi Taulava, Jayjay Helterbrand and Mick Pennisi, Seigle will continue to compete in the PBA in his 40s.

Seigle, the 1999 Rookie of the Year, turns 41 in June. Alaska Milk’s Dondon Hontiveros and Star’s Rafi Reavis are two other PBA veterans turning 40 in the next few months.

The former Wagner U stalwart played quality minutes in their all-Filipino semifinal showdown with the Beermen. He had his biggest moments in coming through with four points, two blocks and one rebound versus June Mar Fajardo at endgame of their 98-92 win in Game Three.

 Despite Seigle’s decision to stay on, the Texters remain wary of their chances without their major stars.

“We’ll lean heavily on Denzel Bowles,” said Villavicencio, a former PBA Best Import winner while still with B-Meg (now Star).

The Texters will finally see if Bowles is in competitive form as they tangle with the Mahindra Floodbuster and import James White in a tune-up match at 10 a.m. today at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center inside Ateneo campus.