CHiCAGO — With a few strokes of the pen, the Abra Weavers bested the entire field in the MPBL’s offseason talent search.
The defending champions fortified their already stacked line-up by announcing the signings of JD Cagulangan, DJ Fenner and Jake Figueroa on Thursday.
READ Abra Solid North Weavers sign JD Cagulangan, Jake Figueroa, DJ Fenner
The high-profile acquisitions did not come cheap.
According to sources, Cagulangan, a two-time UAAP champion and one-time Finals MVP, was inked to a short-term P600,000 a month deal that has an opt-out clause,
SGA CONNECTION.
Fenner, a 6-foot-6 point guard, got a P400,000 a month contract, sources bared.
Figueroa, the least credentialed among the trio, also got a six-figure deal.
All three have solid ties to Strong Group Athletics (SGA) of billionaire owner Frank Lao.
This collaboration between Weavers team owner JB Bernos and Lao ensures a steady flow of top-level hoopers to Abra moving forward.
MONEY TALKS.
“Nagbibiruan kami na we are just fighting for second place now,” one MPBL team official told me.
“Unlimited budget [ng Abra]. Mahirap tapatan,” added the source of the Burlington and Lamtez supported franchise.
While, the Weavers look scary, other teams have enough weapons to compete including the San Juan Knights who is set to parade Mike Phillips.
Caloocan is bannered by Kymani Ladi and Kean Baclaan while Pasay has Mark Parks and Steve Nash Enriquez.
Under new ownership, my hometown Cebu team is dripping with a slew of former PBA players led by Paul Desiderio.
The Pampanga Giant Lanterns, the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards and Family’s Brand Sardines are noticeably absent from this year’s 27-team pool.
But thanks to Abra, the MPBL is still a must-watch league.
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