WITH its mainstays from San Beda still playing in the NCAA finals, newcomer Fruitas has lured back into the country former Ateneo Blue Eagle Jai Reyes to play in its PBA D-League match-up against Café France on Thursday.
Fruitas coach Nash Racela said Reyes’ one-game cameo appearance is purely out of necessity as several of his players from the San Beda lineup are still deep in preparation for the third and final game of the NCAA finals against Letran.
Reyes won’t be playing for the Shakers after Thursday’s game as he is set to see action in the Asean Basketball League.
“Tulong lang niya sa amin while the San Beda players are still in the finals,” said Racela. “I’m very thankful to him for the gesture. Fruitas Shakers management also appreciates it.”
The team has a tie-up with the Red Lions allowing players like Nigerian Ola Adeogun, Kyle Pascual, Rome Dela Rosa, and Arthur Dela Cruz to play for the Fruitas.
Due to the absence of the San Beda players, the team was down to just eight players out of the 14 players allowed in the roster. But the entry of Reyes and two others gave the team 11 players that will suit up against the Bakers.
Reyes previously played in the PBA D-League with the Cebuana Lhuillier after a short PBA career. He also saw action for the Bangkok Cobras in the ABL, then played in a Thailand local league this year.
Aside from the Red Lions players, the Shakers have also signed up former University of the Philippines Maroon Mike Silungan and College of Saint Benilde star Carlo Lastimosa.
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