Realtors sign up Reyes, Mamaclay

Ryan Reyes and Melvin Mamaclay became the first draftees from Batch 2007 of the annual PBA Rookie Draft to get a playing contract, signing up with Sta. Lucia Realty yesterday.

The Realtors also signed free agent Philip Buttel, completing a fighting team which will be put to an early test as they compete in the 2007 Sultan Cup in Brunei.

They leave the country Thursday, hopeful of a fine showing in the Brunei joust with former Coca-Cola import Anthony Johnson as reinforcement.

Sta. Lucia governor Buddy Encarnado said they gave Reyes – a Cal State Fullerton product selected No. 3 overall behind Joe Devance and Eman Samigue – a three-year pact “befitting a No. 1 pick” but refused to divulge the details of the deal. Mamaclay, the 13th pick out of Adamson, got a two-year contract.

Over at Air21, board representative and team manager Lito Alvarez said JC Intal, Ken Bono and Marvin Cruz will all be signed to a three-year pact.

“Intal and Bono didn’t land the top three but both are quality players, they’re likely to get no less than P7 million each (in three seasons),” said Alvarez.

The Air21 Express started practicing yesterday as they’re also to play overseas, competing in an international inter-club tourney in Guandong, China.

“I’m happy with what we got in the draft. I didn’t expect to still get JC Intal at No. 4,” said Alvarez of the high-flying former Ateneo Eagle.

“In Kramer, we’ve gotten a player who will do the job at the paint. Sobra-sobra na kami sa tirador sa labas,” said Alvarez on the 6-foot-4 bruiser who is also a former Ateneo Eagle.