Pennisi pursues case, seeks Barako stint

Red Bull forward-center Mick Pennisi, who missed most of the recent PBA season due to eligibility issue as one of those ruled as "Fil-shams" by Department of Justice, may be back in action in the local pro league in its coming 31st season.

Pennisi has returned from Australia with pertinent papers that he hoped would prove he’s a legitimate Fil-foreigner and pave the way for his inclusion to the Red Bull cast. He has been practicing with the Barakos for a little over a month now.

"I rate Talk n Text, Alaska Milk and San Miguel Beer as the favorites to contest the (Fiesta Cup) championship. But if Pennisi is able to return, then we would have a fighting chance," said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao.

"We don’t have players to match up with the likes of Asi Taulava, Dorian Peña and Ali Peek. But should Pennisi get the clearance, the pressure on Enrico Villanueva would be minimized because he’s not that big," Guiao added.

Guiao said he has not heard from Davonn Harp, the other Red Bull player declared Fil-sham by the DOJ. "But Mick came back to be with his family and pursue his case," said Guiao of Pennisi who’s married to a Filipina.

With Pennisi’s return on hold, the Barakos would rely heavily on import Quermont Greer, who is fresh out of De Paul University, in the elims.