Miller re-signs with Barako for P8.4 million

MANILA, Philippines - Two-time PBA MVP Willie Miller worked out with the Alaska Milk team Monday and Tuesday, but it didn’t mean he’s leaving the Barako Bull Energy to re-join the Aces.

His agent/manager Danny Espiritu has just closed out a new deal with Barako Bull, guaranteeing Miller P8.4 million in salary in the next two years.

“The start of our training at Barako has been postponed a number of times. I was aching to sweat it out, so I asked Alaska if I could join them,” Miller told The STAR.

“Barako is still my team. They should be happy I’m trying to get in shape,” Miller also said.

“Actually, Willie worked out ahead of Alaska. He’s in the gym right before the Alaska practice. Nagpang-abot lang sila,” said Espiritu.

The Energy have been idle since being knocked out by the Powerade Tigers in the first stage of the double-knockout for the last slot in the semifinals of the last Governors Cup ruled by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

“Nabuburyong na ako sa bahay dahil walang ensayo (I’m getting impatient at home without our regular practice sessions),” said Miller, laughing.

At 35, Miller is to play his 12th PBA season since being the top draft pick by Red Bull in 2001. He’ll continue to get a monthly pay of P350,000.

Miller, a former Letran Knight in college ball, Tanduay player in PBL and Nueva Ecija Patriot in the MBA, is coming off another solid PBA season where he averaged team-highs of 14.9 points, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steal. He also got 4.5 rebounds a game.

Over at Barangay Ginebra, Mike Cortez had a one-year contract-extension worth P4.2 million. It also involves a pay of P350,000 per month.

Cortez, 31, is to play his third season with Ginebra and 10th season overall since chosen No. 1 overall in the 2003 draft by Alaska Milk.

The former La Salle ace backcourt player submitted averages of 9.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists in the 2011-2012 campaign.

Espiritu has also got the nod of the Meralco team for a new deal for Gilbert Bulawan.