Alaska wants Johnny A back

Alaska Milk wants to further beef up a talent-laden backcourt as it tries to lure back Johnny Abarrientos to its lineup with the 1996 Most Valuable Player awardee’s contract with Coca-Cola expiring Sept. 30.

Coach Tim Cone said they’re keeping their door open for the return of Abarrientos although the Uytengsu franchise has just given main man Mike Cortez a new three-year contract. The Aces are loaded at the backcourt with pointguards Cortez, Willie Miller and Rensy Bajar.

"We’re definitely exploring the possibility of having him (Abarrientos) back," said Cone while watching the PBA Rookie Camp at the Philsports Arena.

"It’s up in the air but we don’t know whether it’s their (Tigers’) ball or ours. It all depends on a lot of things like the salary cap, the playing time and what Coke is going to ask in exchange for Johnny," Cone added.

However, Coca-Cola appears not too keen on the deal.

Coca-Cola coach Binky Favis said Abarrientos will play a vital role in their rebuilding plan following the departure of frontliners Billy Mamaril and Rafi Reavis although he wasn’t surprised why Alaska wants to enlist "The Flying A" anew.

" Johnny did a lot of good things for them and he will be an asset to any team he plays for," said Favis. "Even if he is not playing like he used to, he can still contribute through his leadership."

Abarrientos, who turned 36 last July 17, played for Alaska during its championship years in the 1990s up to 2000 before being traded to the Tigers after the 2000 season amid negative reports that seemed to sully the image of the prized playmaker.

Cortez has been recently re-signed to a new three-year pact. However, the terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

The Aces will also start the 2006-07 season with John Ferriols and Sonny Thoss having new contracts.

What has yet to be determined is if Bong Hawkins would suit up as a player or as an assistant coach.

Meanwhile, Welcoat has already got seven players under its fold as it came to terms with free agents Froilan Baguion, Niño Gelig and Gilbert Lao. All three are to sign two-year contracts, reportedly guaranteed of around P80,000 a month each.

The team earlier elevated directly to the pro ranks amateurs Jay Sagad, Junjun Cabatu and JayR Reyes. It has also tapped free agent Jojo Tangkay.