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    SMB signs free agent big men Fonzo Gotladera, James Sena

    Gotladera, Sena hook up with SMB as Beermen boost frontcourt
    Jun 23, 2021

    SAN Miguel reinforced its frontcourt by tapping free agent big men Alfonzo Gotladera and James Sena as it bids to regain the Philippine Cup title in Season 46 of the PBA.

    Gotladera and Sena were signed for the entire season as chief reliever to comebacking six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo.

    Team manager Gee Abanilla confirmed the acquisition of the two on Wednesday.

    “Siyempre naghanap kami ng big men na available in the market. We’re looking for experience din and at the same time, yung isa naman youth. Sakto naman meron kaming nakuha,” he said.

    The 6-foot-5 Sena last played for Blackwater two years ago, while Gotladera, also at 6-foot-5 but three years younger than the 32-year-old Sena, suited up for two years with NLEX. A part of the 2016 special PBA draft, the former Ateneo big man later played for the Bataan Risers in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) in 2019.

    The Beermen invited the two big men even during the time the team was still doing its workouts via zoom.

    "Dapat magwo-workout sila sa amin. E di ba nag-lockdown. Kaya natagalan din. Pero sinama na rin namin sa mga workout namin sa zoom," said Abanilla.

    When scrimmages finally began, San Miguel management saw both Sena and Gotladera could be decent back-up in the middle.

    "Nung nag-Batangas kami, doon namin nakita na puwede sila," added Abanilla.

    "Hopefully, maka-contribute sila kahit paano. Na-explain naman sa kanila ni coach (Leo Austria) na hindi naman sila hinahanapan ng matagal na minuto. Siguro breather lang lalo na ngayon na bago pa lang si June Mar na babalik sa paglalaro."

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