Baguio fails to make grade, goes back to PBL

Cyrus Baguio, the 14th pick overall in the recent PBA Annual Draft left unsigned by Red Bull, may return to the PBL and continue playing for his old mother club Dazz Dishwashing Liquid.

Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao said they have given Baguio the go-signal to return to the PBL as what the team could offer the former UST stalwart is merely a job as practice player.

"As of now, Cyrus has the option to either stay with us as a practice player or return to his PBL team," said Guiao.

"Since he can’t do both, I’ve advised him to stay competitive and return to his PBL team while we’re looking for ways to accommodate him," Guiao added.

Baguio’s return to Dazz will further strengthen the Lamoiyan franchise lineup which already features Ateneo standouts Rich Alvarez, Wesley Gonzales, LA Tenorio and Larry Fonacier.

"We heard Cyrus did not get a contract from Red Bull so expect him to return," said Dazz team manager Bernand Yang. "He would definitely be a vital part in our quest for a PBL title."

Red Bull picked a total of seven players in the recent draft but signed up only two players in Enrico Villanueva and Rysal Castro.

Also left unsigned together with Baguio were 6-foot-8 behemoth Vincent San Diego, Fil-Am guard Dustin Coloso and Ramil Ferma.

Baguio was the last player cut at the Red Bull camp. Davonn Harp, Mick Pennisi, Nelson Asaytono, Villanueva, Homer Se, Edmund Reyes, Lordy Tugade, Jimwell Torion, Junthy Valenzuela, Willie Miller, Vince Hizon and Antonio Villoria made it to the final cast with Castro put in the reserved list. — Joey Villar