P8.5M 3-year pact awaits top rookies

MANILA, Philippines - Greg Slaughter, Ian Sangalang and Raymond Almazan, the top three picks in the 2013 PBA Rookie Draft, could rake in P8.5 million in basic pay in their first three seasons in the pro league.

Slaughter, the first pick by Barangay Ginebra, and Sangalang, the second draft selection by San Mig Coffee, are expected to get the maximum allowable for a PBA rookie – a monthly pay of P150,000 in the first year, P225,000 in the second year and P337,500 in the third year.

Rain or Shine top official Mamerto Mondragon is convinced the No. 3 draftee – Almazan – deserves no less.

“We’ll meet Friday, but I think we can give him the maximum. It’s still within our (team salary) cap,” said Mondragon. “It’s going to be three years. That’s the practice of our team.”

The Elasto Painters are also keen on signing Alex Nuyles and Jeric Teng.

Teng, though going deep in the draft proceedings drafted at No. 2 in the second round, may also get a lucrative pact with the Asian Coating Inc. franchise.

“We’ll use him in marketing programs of the company as we do with Chris Tiu,” said Mondragon, noting the popularity of the former UST star.

Likely to be given pink slip are Chito Jayme and Jonathan Uyloan.

Meanwhile, Globalport continued to shuffle its roster, dealing No. 7 pick Isaac Holstein for San Mig Coffee’s 10th choice Justin Chua plus veteran player Leo Najorda.

On draft day, San Mig coach Tim Cone had expressed interest on Holstein but the Mixers were beaten to the draw by the Batang Pier.

Rain or Shine along with Barangay Ginebra, Globalport, San Mig Coffee and Alaska Milk are those considered to have bolstered their respective rosters after the draft exercise.

Ginebra and Globalport were the busiest teams on draft day, netting six aspirants each.

“We’ll talk to our draftees Friday,” said Ginebra team manager Alfrancis Chua.

Alaska drafted three players but coach Luigi Trillo said they’re signing up just two in Ryan Buenafe and Chris Exciminiano.

“We actually offered our 15th pick to Globalport, Air21, Barako, Meralco and Talk n Text. Only Talk n Text was interested so we ended up giving up the rights,” said Trillo.

Meanwhile, Air21 is reportedly keen on acquiring the services of Denok Miranda from Barako Bull.

Talk n Text has concluded its Las Vegas training and is set to fly home while Meralco is to go up to Baguio today for a team-building session.

The two MVP Group franchises aren’t likely to make major changes following the draft.