Aljamal joining pals in Magnolia

Yousif Aljamal, the 2006 NCAA Finals MVP, is joining Nigerian Sam Ekwe and the San Beda Red Lions in the Magnolia Dairy Ice Cream squad for the PBL Silver Cup slated Nov. 11.

Henkel-owned Sista, formerly Rain or Shine, is reportedly giving up Aljamal for future round draft picks.

Magnolia is on a rebuilding process after losing Kelly Williams, Arwind Santos and Mark Isip to the pro league.

"Magnolia has yet to decide but I know they want to get Aljamal because he plays better with his San Beda teammates around," said a source close to Aljamal.

The San Miguel Corp.-owned franchise agreed to take in San Beda, the reigning NCAA champion, as its adopted school in the next two seasons after Far Eastern U disbanded following a disappointing campaign in the 69th UAAP season.

Ekwe, the 2006 NCAA rookie MVP, is set to suit up for the Spinners along with San Beda teammates Ogie Menor, Alex Angeles, John Paul Escobal, Riego Gamalinda, Ed Tecson and Jay-R Taganas among others.

Also in the Spinners’ roster are first round rookie picks Jonas Villanueva from FEU and Bon Bon Custodio from University of the East and another FEU standout Jeff Chan, all three potent scorers.

Koy Banal, who steered the franchise to two PBL titles, will coach the Spinners. Banal was also the coach when FEU topped the UAAP in 2003 and when San Beda reigned supreme in the NCAA this year. — Joey Villar