AFTER failing to hook up with Barangay Ginebra, rookie free agent Matt Salem found a new home in Blackwater for the coming PBA season.
The 6-foot-3 forward ended up as a last-minute signing of the Elite after agreeing to a one-year deal two days before the season-opening Philippine Cup kicks off at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
Salem was a third-round pick of the Kings in the last rookie draft but failed to land a deal with the franchise, which opted instead to sign another rookie free agent in Teytey Teodoro to a one-conference contract.
According to sources, the former National University mainstay was offered a one-year contract to be a practice player by Ginebra but declined the tender offer.
Instead, Salem sought - and got - permission from Ginebra to try his luck with other teams and ended up landing a spot at Blackwater.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph