Laure inks P11-M pact with Shell

While some players are scrambling for contracts or teams to play for, Eddie Laure and Ronald Tubid came to terms with Shell yesterday and signed identical three-year contracts that would be the envy of many.

Laure, the 25-year-old former MBA superstar and the No. 3 pick this year, inked a contract worth P11.4 million while Tubid, at 21 the youngest among this year’s school of draftees, agreed to a P5.6-million deal.

Laure will receive P250,000 a month on his first year and P350,000 a month on the last two while Tubid, the slam-dunking former UE Warrior, will get P120,000 a month this year, P150,000 in 2004 and P200,000 in 2005.

Player agent Charlie Dy, who also manages the careers of pro cagers EJ Feihl and Chris Calaguio and amateurs Paul Artadi and Rensy Bajar, said Laure is not considered a rookie anymore, having played for the MBA (a pro league). Therefore, the PBA rule that allows amateur rookies a maximum monthly salary of P150,000 doesn’t apply to him.

"He (Laure) is not considered a PBA rookie and he cannot vie for the Rookie of the Year award like Romel Adducul (of Ginebra)," said Dy.

Adducul, the No. 2 pick overall, has signed a P12.7 million, four-year contract with Ginebra while Mike Cortez, the top pick, agreed to P8.7 million spread over three years with Alaska for the biggest deal involving an amateur draftee this year.

Laure and Tubid signed their contracts before Shell team officials Bobby Kanapi and Vicky Araneta.

"They were so happy with what they got. Eddie was so happy that he’s finally in the PBA now while Ronald was very excited because of the fact that he’s the youngest among the rookies this year," said Dy.

While Laure and Tubid can now look forward to their PBA careers, draftees Marlon Legaspi and Arnold Calo are having a hard time securing contracts with San Miguel Beer. Other draftees who have yet to sign contracts are Reynel Hugnatan of Coca-Cola, Adonis Sta. Maria of Shell and Rob Johnson of Ginebra.

Legaspi, a first-round draft pick, is reportedly being offered a monthly salary of P100,000 – just a little improvement from what he got playing for Blu All Purpose in the PBL. Calo, on the other hand, is being offered a salary lower than P50,000.

Veteran players still looking for teams to play for barely a month before the PBA opens its 29th season are Nelson Asaytono, Noli Locsin, Alvin Teng, Zaldy Realubit and Bonel Balingit.