Photo Courtesy of The Philippine Star
With the kickoff of the PBA’s Season 48 just 45 days away, teams are bolstering their rosters for the upcoming season.
Barangay Ginebra strengthened its backcourt by signing free agent Maverick Ahanmisi, while Rain or Shine swiftly secured first-round draft picks Luis Villegas and Keith Datu.
San Miguel Beer ensured that explosive guard Terrence Romeo would remain with the franchise until 2025 by offering him a fresh contract.
Ahanmisi, who opted for unrestricted free agency after failing to reach terms with his former team Converge, inked a three-year deal with Ginebra. He joins the Gin Kings’ formidable backcourt, which includes Scottie Thompson, Stanley Pringle, and the returning LA Tenorio.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone expressed his excitement about having Ahanmisi on the team, stating, “Maverick is a stud. We all saw him when he played with Converge and previously with Alaska, and he just keeps getting better and better.” Cone believes that Ahanmisi’s two-way playing style and defensive prowess make him a great fit for the team.
Ahanmisi’s addition to the roster will also help fill the void left by Jeremiah Gray, who suffered a severe knee injury during the PBA on Tour and is not expected to return anytime soon.
Cone anticipates a strong working relationship with the Fil-Nigerian player, as Ahanmisi had a strong desire to join Ginebra, making it a mutual pursuit. Cone emphasized that such mutual interest often leads to excellent relationships.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine secured the services of big men Villegas and Datu for three years, just days after selecting them as the third and fourth picks in the PBA Rookie Draft. This move reflects the team’s commitment to transition from its current frontline led by Beau Belga and Jewel Ponferada to its promising young recruits.
Rain or Shine was the first team to officially sign its rookie selections from this year’s deep draft class, headlined by top pick Stephen Holt of Terrafirma.
Lastly, Dyip coach John Cardel expressed excitement about welcoming Stephen Holt, a former G League player and European leagues veteran, who missed the Draft Combine and Draft proceedings due to attending to his wife and newborn son in Portland. Cardel expects Holt to join the team before the week ends, giving them a chance to see his skills up close.
