SLR raves over pick; Lopez inks P4.5-M deal

Rookie Nelbert Omolon has been impressive in workouts that Sta. Lucia top official Buddy Encarnado has seriously considered taking the role of a personal guardian of the tough youth from Bukidnon.

Fil-Am guard Denver Lopez, on the other hand, became the latest draftee to get a PBA contract, signing a P4.5-million deal for two years with Red Bull Barako.

Lopez, who saw action for US NCAA Division I school Fullerton State, will get the maximum monthly pay in his first two years in the local pro league.

Meanwhile, top draftee Rich Alvarez formalized his stint with the Shell Turbochargers as he inked a P10.6-million deal spread over 3 1/2 years yesterday.

"Nelbert Encarnado na iyan dahil aampunin ko na yan doon sa bahay ko sa Pasig," said Encarnado of Omolon, a farmer’s son from Bukidnon who is currently staying at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex tower quarters.

"Rarely do we see players from far-flung areas given the chance to play in the PBA. But this guy is talented. If his skills and talent are further developed, may pupuntahan ang batang ito," added Encarnado.

"If ever, he would become the hometown hero of Bukidnon. And youths from the hinterlands would have someone to emulate. Eto ang ipapakita ng Sta. Lucia na mayroon tayong pwedeng kunin sa probinsya at di na natin kailangan maghanap sa US.

Encarnado said they would sign up the former PCU King Dolphin, picked No. 8 overall in the recent draft, to a three-year pact. "Walang problema sa kontrata niyan. Tinitingnan na lang namin kung paano siya papasok sa salary cap," he said.

Another draftee Sta. Lucia is signing is former La Salle mainstay Ronald Cuan while another hopeful in Fil-Am guard Kim Valenzuela would likely end up with Barangay Ginebra.

Omolon was allowed to stay at the Rizal quarters since he played for the Philippine team in the most recent SEABA and ABC championships.

"Mabuti naman kung aampunin siya ni Mr. Encarnado dahil may kahirapan talaga ang buhay ni Bitoy (Omolon)," said Omolon’s agent-manager Mike Gonzales.