LOOKING to stuff its ageing frontcourt with young blood, Alaska has settled for Carl Bryan Cruz as its pick in Sunday’s special draft among players of Gilas Pilipinas.
The former Far Eastern University forward did a workout with coach ,Alex Compton on Saturday along with another big man Alfonso Gotladera, the other remaining player who still has without a team together with wingman Von Pessumal a day before the draft proceedings at the Robinsons Midtown in Ermita, Manila.
A top team insider said both did well in practice, but ‘we had to make a decision and we went with Cruz.’
The 6-foot-5 Cruz, who played for Café France in the PBA D-League, could be a project for the Aces especially with resident center Sonny Thoss now left without a backup following the departure of Samigue Eman and one-time league MVP Eric Menk.
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The Aces didn’t see the need to have Pessumal work out with them since the team basically needs a big man, the team insider added.
“Madami kasing perimeter players ang team. What the team need are big guys,” said the Alaska insider.
An official of Globalport later confirmed to SPIN.ph the team has settled for Pessumal, although it initially had its eyes set on Cruz.
That left Gotladera, formerly of Ateneo going to TNT Katropa.
The Texters, led by new coach Nash Racela, are set to meet late Saturday evening at the PLDT office in Makati to discuss their options, including their choices during the regular rookie draft.
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