Alaska tendered offers to Bono, 2 others – PBA

Alaska team manager Joaqui Trillo has secured signing rights on three amateur draftees, led by Ken Bono, before the Aces left for a short trip to the United States.

Trillo tendered offers to Bono, JR Quinahan and Ardy Larong right after drafting them on the eve of the Alaska team’s departure for the US for a brief holiday as part of their bonus for winning the recent Fiesta Cup.

The documents were immediately forwarded to the PBA office, assuring the Alaska team the “rights of first refusal” on the three players.

“The papers are with us, signed by Mr. Trillo and the players,” said PBA operations manager Rickie Santos, contrary to reports (not in The STAR) that Bono has yet to receive offer from Alaska and thus may become an unrestricted free agent.

“Bono signed the paper right on draft day. He’s tied up with Alaska,” said Edgar Tan, the agent/adviser of the former UAAP MVP awardee picked by Alaska No. 6 overall in the recent draft.

“We tendered this offer subject to further negotiation on the terms, and filing a copy hereof with the Commissioner’s Office in order to comply with the five-day requirement of the revised drafting system,” said the paper signed by Trillo and Bono, dated Aug. 19.

The report sowed confusion with a number of teams inquiring on Bono’s status.

After the Draft Day, teams are given five working days to tender offers for signing rights on their rookie picks.

Trillo, in a text message to The STAR, said they’re definitely signing up Bono upon their return from the US.

Meanwhile, top draft pick Joe Devance has officially become a Welcoat Dragon as he signed yesterday his P8.7 million, three-year pact with the Welbest company.

Air21, on the other hand, also signed up JC Intal and Marvin Cruz to three-year contracts with the former, the No. 4 pick, set to receive around P7 million and the latter, picked No. 14, around P5 million.

The Express’ fifth pick Doug Kramer is also being offered the same deal as that of Intal.

Aside from that guaranteed purse, Devance was assured of a good incentive package.

The team also formalized its deals with old mainstay Rob Wainwright and second-round pick Ryan Arana.