Globalport signs Sumang for 2 years

MANILA, Philippines - Believing that former University of the East star Roi Sumang has what it takes to be a star in his own right, Globalport has signed the 5-foot-8 guard to a two-year contract worth P2.7 million.

Though he was passed over in the first two rounds during the PBA Rookie Draft last Sunday, Sumang, according to GlobalPort owner Mikee Romero, will get the salary of a first rounder.

“He was a steal, a good steal, so we decided to sign him up immediately and he will get the salary of first round draftees,” said Romero of his exciting guard who will take the spot of Palestinian Omay Krayem.

Romero added that the arrival of Sumang who is known during his UE days as “Daredevil” solidifies their backcourt rotation having earlier acquired the services of Joseph Yeo.

Globalport Governor Erick Arejola said they were surprised nobody took Sumang in the first two rounds so they were glad to have him on the team.

The duo, Arejola said, will share the minutes with Gilas Pilipinas pool member Terrence Romeo and last year’s No. 1 pick Stanley Pringle.

Contrary to insinuations by some self-styled experts, Romero said their roles will be clearly defined by coach Pido Jarencio to avoid a backcourt chaos.

“We were told that we’re the most exciting team to watch last season because of our run-and-gun, gung-ho style of basketball,” Romero said. “For next season, we added a ‘Ninja’ and a ‘Daredevil’ to add to the team’s exciting style of play, plus veteran big guys that we need to finish the game.”

 “Getting Roi Sumang in the third round was a blessing, signing him for the team is a destiny for both Roi and for Globalport. Roi will play a vital role for the team’s core rotation,” said Tan. “We didn’t have a pick in the first and second rounds, but we felt like we have a first round pick with Roi in our team.”

Tan said Sumang has already put the draft snub behind him and is ready to repay Globalport’s trust in him.

Meanwhile, Globalport also bolstered its lineup by drafting Fil-Am Ryan Wetherell in the fourth round, further giving Jarencio more pieces to work around with in aiding the Batang Pier to a deeper run in the playoffs.

Wetherell, 27, played for University of Southern California in the US NCAA Division I.