Slashers sign Aldeguer; contract with Hizon finalized

The Negros Slashers recently acquired ace pointguard Dino Aldeguer with high hopes of improving title chances in the 2001 MBA season which starts June 3.

Slashers coach Robert Sison said Aldeguer’s addition will be a big boost at the backcourt alongside Maul Huelar and Dennis Madrid.

"He was recommended by the owners, at nag-try out siya. Nagustuhan ko naman how he played. He will be a big asset to the team, knowing his experiences and accomplishments with De La Salle and Welcoat Paints in the PBL," said Sison.

"He will be of big help to the team. He has the vision and good court leadership which makes him one ideal player. Definitely, he’ll get his playing minutes but he still has to prove himself to the team and adjust to our system," he added.

Aldeguer sees his stint with the Slashers as a bigger challenge to his basketball career after playing a vital role to the back-to-back crowns of both De La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP and Welcoat Paints in the PBL.

"This is a bigger challenge since I’ll be playing for my family’s hometown. Mas malaking puso dapat ang ibigay ko for the team and my fellow Negrenses. I’ll try my best," said Aldeguer, whose addition with the Slashers was made possible through the intercession of family friend Luigi Tabuena.

Sison also confirmed negotiations for the acquisition of former Iloilo Mega Voltz star Vince Hizon and Laguna Lakers slotman Jeffrey Flowers.

"Negotiations with Vince Hizon is almost a done deal. Actually, mas naka-focus kami ngayon to get Jeffrey Flowers since we badly needed a legitimate center. Yun talaga ang kulang namin kaya ganoon na lang kami nilamon ng San Juan sa National Finals," related Sison.

Team owners Babes Alvarez and Vic Tan are pouring their all-out support to the team after bagging the Southern Conference crown and forging a finals appearance against the San Juan Knights last season.

And Sison hopes to at least equal or even better that feat having the intact core of stalwarts John Ferriols, Johnedel Cardel, Reuben de la Rosa, Huelar, Madrid, Egay Ignacio, Reynel Hugnatan, Leo Bat-Og and Cid White.

"Mas supportive ang mga owners namin ngayon after what we achieved last season. Malaki and tsansa naming since we will be playing with the same intact core with very talented additions," said Sison.

"The postponement of the MBA opening is a big advantage for all teams. We’ll have more time to prepare and strengthen the team," he added.