MIP bet Soyud, Quiñahan ink fresh pacts with NLEX

MANILA, Philippines — Raul Soyud’s breakout performance for NLEX in the last PBA bubble has rewarded him with not only a Most Improved Player nomination but also a fresh contract with the Road Warriors.

After his solid play in the Philippine Cup, Soyud was renewed by NLEX yesterday. A source said it was a “juicy” one-year deal.

The 6-foot-6 slotman made his presence felt in the historic tournament in Clark, where he posted his personal high 27 points in a 110-114 loss to Phoenix.

As he gained the trust of NLEX coach Yeng Guiao, Soyud practically doubled his numbers in the bubble.

He improved to 10 points on a whopping 74 percent field goal shooting, 6.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 19 minutes after averaging 10 markers on 57 percent FG, 3.5 boards and 0.5 dime the entire 2019 season.

For this, he was shortlisted for the MIP plum against Barangay Ginebra’s Prince Caperal, Phoenix Pulse’s Justin Chua and Jason Perkins, Meralco’s Reynel Hugnatan, and Rain or Shine’s Javee Mocon.

Soyud’s fellow NLEX big and “mentor,” veteran JR Quiñahan, was also re-signed by the Road Warriors, maintaining the frontline core that helped finish the bubble campaign strong after a sluggish start.

NLEX, which went one win short of forcing a rubbermatch for the eighth spot in the playoffs, is also reportedly set to give big man Michael Miranda a new pact along with guard Kenneth Ighalo and sophomore AC Soberano.

Other teams have also started renewing players, including Phoenix with Calvin Abueva, TNT Tropang Giga with Almond Vosotros and Terrafirma with JP Calvo, Joseph Gabayni and Juami Tiongson.