MANILA, Philippines - Purefoods Tender Juicy started its pre-season buildup in earnest, signing up six key players and upgrading a team with height and speed.
Draft acquisitions Rico Maierhofer and Chris Timberlake were given three-year pacts while Paul Artadi, Romel Adducul and Roger Yap were given one-year contract-extension deals. Peter June Simon was the latest to be signed for a two-year contract worth P350,000 a month.
James Yap and Kerby Raymundo, however, will remain the leaders of the team that will also feature Marc Pingris, Rafi Reavis, Don Carlos Allado, Jondan Salvador, Niño Canaleta and the newly reinstated Jonathan Fernandez.
“We have become taller, more aggressive and quicker. Hopefully, we can translate these traits to victories,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.
“Our average age has also gone down. We’re looking to compete with the league’s younger teams,” Gregorio added.
“With proper chemistry and jelling, we can have a better campaign this season,” said Purefoods governor Rene Pardo.
Gregorio is happy with the return of Pingris and Artadi.
“With so many changes in our lineup and them being there before, we’re looking at Paul and Marc to help our team get positive attitude,” said Gregorio.
“Nothing more is on the table right now. We just hope to squeeze in as many games we can have before the season unfolds. We need it to develop chemistry,” Gregorio added.
They play the Sta. Lucia Realtors tomorrow in Roxas City to start a series of tuneup games.