A SOUPED-UP GlobalPort squad is set to fly to Seoul for a series of tune-up matches with top teams from the Korean Basketball League and the collegiate ranks, in a determined bid to come out with a much more respectable showing in the 40th season of the PBA starting next month.
Batang Pier team owner Mikee Romero bared the plan to Spin.ph, saying the series of tune-up matches in South Korea is intended to improve bond among players aside from giving the team the needed competitive matches.
“Pupunta yung team sa Korea, magbu-boot camp sila run sa (Sept.) 28, kasi medyo nagkaka-porma na yung team eh, saka kakalabanin namin ilang teams from KBL saka college,” Romero said.
GlobalPort, which currently sports a 3-1 record in preseason matches, play the Korea University, Yonsei University and a still to be determined college team.
The Batang Pier will also face the KBL’s Seoul Samsung Thunders as well as a KBL selection that recently served in the South Korea’s military.
Globalport is the second PBA team to pick Korea as site of preseason training after San Mig Coffee.
[See San Mig kicks offseason training into high gear with series of tune-up games in South Korea]
Romero declined to comment on Jay Washington’s status, though a reliable source said the 6-foot-7 Fil-Am forward will no longer be part of the Batang Pier this coming season after dealing him to Talk ’N Text in exchange for big man Noy Bacalao and the Texters’ 2017 first round pick.
GlobalPort boosted its backcourt in the offseason, adding top rookie pick Stanley Pringle to a guard rotation that already has veteran guard Alex Cabagnot and sophomore Terrence Romeo.
“At least maganda na ang takbo at saka maganda teamwork nina Stanley at Terrence, ang bilis, eh dun ako sanay eh,” said Romero.
“But Cabagnot should be the leader (of the team). That’s why before and after the game, I discussed with Alex, kasi siya ang captain, siya din ang leader,” he added.
“Kung saan kami dalhin ni Alex, dun kami pupunta.”
Romero said four rookies are set to join the team this coming season led by NCAA MVP contender Nard Pinto and big man Princle Caperal of Arellano University, along with David Semerad of San Beda and College of St. Benilde gunner Paolo Taha.
GlobalPort won just a total of 14 games in its first two seasons in the pro league.
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