NOY Baclao’s homecoming at San Miguel is now cast in stone.
Noy Baclao officially back with SMB
Coach Jorge Gallent said the veteran forward will definitely be a part of the Beermen’s rotation in PBA Season 48 after playing major minutes for the team in the preseason.
“I think Noy signed already,” said the San Miguel mentor after the team played its final game in the PBA On Tour, an 85-72 loss to Terrafirma.
“So there’s not a problem with Noy.”
For the 36-year-old Baclao, it will be a second coming with the franchise, where he previously suited up for a season and won his lone championship in the 2011 Governors’ when the team still carried the Petron banner.
Gallent already considered the former UAAP Defensive Player of the Year out of Ateneo as part of his four regular players in the preseason who carried most of the load.
“Kaya nga four, it’s Allyn (Bulanadi), Noy, Jericho (Cruz), and Rodney (Brondial),” Gallent said.
The top overall pick in the 2010 draft, Baclao hooked up with the Beermen in the On Tour after being released by Meralco at the end of the season.
The stint with San Miguel served as a tryout of sort for the 6-foot-5 native of Bacolod as health condition appeared to be an issue against him.
But following a decent showing for the team, the Beermen were convinced Baclao could be a valuable backup in the middle come the new season that kicks off in October.
Aside from San Miguel and Meralco, Baclao previously played for Air21, TNT, Northport, and Alaska.
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