In fact, there would be camaraderie among them as new team Harbour Center signed up Cardona to play side by side with fellow Archer Gaco and Eagles Fonacier, Tenorio, Bugia and Membrere in a combination that is expected to generate interest in the 2005 PBL Unity Cup slated on April 2.
"It’s going to be interesting," said Harbour Center coach Tonichi Yturi, a former PBA cager who coached the Cebu Gems to a second place finish in the 1999 season of the defunct MBA and the St. Benilde Blazers for two seasons in the NCAA.
Butch Maniego, commissioner Chino Trinidad’s executive assistant, said the league approved Harbour Center’s entry just yesterday, bringing to eight the total number of teams seeing action in the league’s first conference.
That includes 2004 Open Championship winner Montaña Pawnshop, Welcoat Paints, Magnolia Ice Cream-FEU, Granny Goose Tortillos, Toyota Otis-Letran, Air Philippines and Negros Navigation Co. (Nenaco).
"This is our ideal number but if another team or two come in, we’ll still entertain it," said Maniego.
Cardona, who announced his plan of joining the PBA draft this year, was released by ICTSI-La Salle, which took a temporary leave of absence. The Archers will return in the season-closing conference late in the year.
Aside from Cardona, Tenorio, Gaco and Fonacier, who is recovering from an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury in last year’s UAAP cage wars, Harbour Center has also acquired Gabriel Espinas, Rob Sanz and Jason Castro from reigning NCAA champion Philippine Christian U, Rommel Dizon, Lou Gatumbato, Rey Mendoza and former pro Jenkins Mesina.
"On paper, it looks we’re strong but the question is kung mag-gel ba ang mga bata in time sa bagong system," said Yturi.