Sunkist gets Compton; Welcoat beefs up lineup

Sunkist-University of Santo Tomas bested Blustar Detergent in a tug-o-war for American Alex Compton even as Welcoat Paints has beefed up its roster with several key acquisitions.

Nel Parado, who coached the Tigers to a semifinal stint in last month’s PBL Platinum Cup, said Sunkist has signed up Compton over the weekend for a one-conference contract extension that derailed Blu’s bid of snatching the veteran guard.

"Alex Compton will stay for Sunkist at least for one more conference. Kakapirma lang nung Sabado," Parado, who is reportedly being eyed by UST to assume the coaching job left by Aric del Rosario, told The STAR.

The Detergent Kings, which placed third last conference, is instead wooing Dondon Villamin and Alwyn Espiritu, whose contracts with Sunkist have just expired.

"Ayaw nila pakawalan si Alex (Compton) kaya baka kunin namin si (Dondon) Villamin at Alwyn Espiritu," Dioceldo Sy, chairman of the PBl board and owner of Blustar, said.

As these developed, Blustar coach Leo Isaac announced that management has released John Paul Prior, Lou Gatumbato, Rey Mendez, Tristan Codamon, Ismael Junio and Randy Lopez.

Welcoat, for its part, has acquired ex-pros Chester Tolomia and Marvin Ortiguerra, formerly of Barangay Ginebra and FedEx, respectively, and is close to signing Arnold Calo, formerly from San Miguel Beer.

"Nakapirma na si Chester (Tolomia) at (Marvin) Ortiguerra sa amin. Si (Arnold) Calo malapit na ring pumirma sa amin," announced Welcoat mentor Leo Austria.

"Malaki ang maibibigay na tulong ng tatlong ito sa amin dahil marami nga kaming dating players na nawala," he added referring to James Yap, Paul Artadi, Ervin Sotto, Willie Wilson, Mac Cuan and Nelbert Omolon, who are now with their respective PBA teams.

Also shoring up their line-up is Montana Pawnshop, which has reportedly taken some of the standouts of reigning national inter-collegiate titlist St. Francis of Assisi, among them is the talented pair of Al Vergara and Lawrence Bonus.

The Jewels lost Gary David to the PBA and collegiate hotshot Ronjay Enrile to newcomer Toyota Otis.