FORMER Far Eastern University standout Monbert Arong has found a new home after he was signed by Cignal-San Beda in time for the opening of the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup on January 19.
Initially drafted by Tanduay in the D-League Draft late last year, the Olango Island native was personally told by the Rhum Masters head coach Lawrence Chongson that he no longer had a spot in the squad when he showed up late for training after spending the holidays in Cebu.
Fortunately for Arong, Cignal-San Beda was there to snatch him up.
“O nga eh, ni-release na ako ng Tanduay kasi nga wala na raw ako spot doon kasi late ako nag-report sa practice. Buti naman kinuha ako ng Cignal,” shared Arong, a key piece of the 2015 FEU squad that captured the UAAP men’s basketball championship.
[See Tanduay signs Sollano, but leaves Arong out of D-League roster]
Arong said that so far, his time with Cignal has been very beneficial as he continues to learn the system from the San Beda core bannered by Javee Mocon, Davon Potts, and Robert Bolick.
“So far, wala na man ako problema doon sa Cignal. Tinutulungan nila ako makuha yung sistema at maganda din naman ang samahan,” added Arong, who also won a Cesafi title while playing for the Southwestern University Cobras, alongside current UAAP MVP Ben Mbala of La Salle.
Cignal-San Beda also got its run-up to the Aspirants’ Cup off to a winning start by beating Victoria Sports-MLQU, 83-72, in its very first tune-up match.
Despite getting dropped, Arong said he was grateful to Tanduay for picking him in the draft.
“I’m very thankful to Tanduay for picking me in the draft and at the same time, I’m grateful to Cignal for giving me this opportunity to play for them,” shared Arong.
Cignal-San Beda will make its season debut on January 24 when it takes on the top draft pick, Jeron Teng and the rest of the AMA Online Education.