Japeth to get P15.1 million 3-year pact

MANILA, Philippines - For the Globalport Batang Pier, the coming PBA tourney is a fresh start with their souped-up lineup led by the quartet of Gary David, Willie Miller and new recruits Japeth Aguilar and Sol Mercado.

With their new players, new uniform and new logo, the Mikee Romero-owned ball club will be presented to the media at Dencio’s in Metrowalk in Pasig City today.

Aguilar, groomed to be one of the cornerstones of the team, may have signed a P15.1-million three-year deal as he shows up in the event.

“He’s yet to sign but we’ve told our team manager (BJ Manalo) to wrap up the negotiation. The tournament is about to start,” said Globalport official Erick Arejola.

“But for sure, he’s playing for us. He’s getting the max for three years,” Arejola added.

The Globalport management and coach Junel Baculi are hopeful David, Miller and Mercado can co-exist and lead the team to some breakthrough following a poor 1-13 win-loss showing in the Philippine Cup.

Still under the microscope is import Justin Williams.

“He’s more of a defensive player. We’ll see what he can do in actual games,” said Arejola.