Singson agrees to one-year, P1.5M contract with Alaska

Cebuano pointguard Dale Singson has agreed in principle to a one-year, P1.5 million contract with the Alaska Aces in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Singson's agent Danny Espiritu told The Freeman that the agreement was made after a meeting with Alaska head coach Tim Cone during the team's practice the other day. The Mandaue City cager will receive a monthly salary of P125,000.

"Singson has agreed to a one-year contract with Alaska. He will receive a monthly salary of P125,000," said Espiritu. "We didn't sign anything yet, but coach Tim Cone assured that Singson will definitely be given a contract at the soonest possible time."

The Freeman tried to contact Singson but won't answer several phone calls.

The Aces are in dire need of a legitimate pointguard after Mike Cortez suffered an ACL injury during their 92-98 loss to the Sta. Lucia Realtors last October 14 at The Arena in San Juan. Cortez is likely to miss action for the next six months.

Espiritu said he recommended four players to the Alaska coaching staff who have potential to fill in the void left by Cortez.

Incidentally, two of them are also Cebuanos in Gilbert Demape and Jimwell Torion, while the other one is Egay Echavez, who is also a "Bisaya" being a native of Zamboanga.

"But it was only Singson who showed up during the team practice. Besides that, it was really the reccomendation of the Alaska coaching staff to get Singson," said Espiritu.

Alaska assistant coach Luigi Trillo said Singson is a very strong addition to their lineup.

"Signing up Singson is a must for us because we don't have a legitimate pointguard. He's an excellent playmaker and I'm sure he will make a strong addition to our team," said Trillo.

Barring any hitches, Alaska is the fourth team Singson will suit up in the PBA. In mid-2004, the former UST Growling Tiger joined San Miguel Beer before hooking up with Shell Turbo Chargers and Coca-Cola Tigers.

Left with no PBA taker after his contract with Coke expired, Singson played for the Cebu Landmaster-Mantawi in the Mindanao Visayas Basketball Association (MVBA).

Singson scored eight points and eight assists, but it was his brilliant quarterbacking skills that mattered most in their 83-79 victory over the M. Lhuillier Jewelers last October 19 in his hometown Mandaue.