ALASKA has locked up rookies MJ Ayaay and Gboy Babilonia to separate two-year deals on Monday.
Team governor Dickie Bachmann confirmed the two signings as the Aces added youth to a roster that is coming off a runner-up finish in the 2018 Governor's Cup.
Ayaay was made the ninth overall pick in the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft by Alaska after the versatile winger from Lyceum established himself as one of the best utility guys from this year's class.
Familiarity is also working in Ayaay's favor since he has played under former Alaska assistant Topex Robinson at Lyceum. Robinson employs the same schemes as Aces coach Alex Compton.
Babilonia, son of former PBA player Gido, was taken in the second round at 17th overall as the Ateneo slotman joins Vic Manuel, Sonny Thoss, Noy Baclao, and Jake Pascual in the Aces frontline.
To make room for the two, the Aces dropped former San Sebastian star Ronald Pascual, Marion Magat at Karl Dehesa, who the team acquired in the trade that sent Calvin Abueva to Phoenix.