EVER wondered why Avan Nava is sometimes seen seated behind the TNT bench during PBA games every now and then?
SPIN.ph asked around and learned from sources the sophomore Fil-Canadian guard is now officially signed with the Tropang Giga.
The 6-foot-2 Nava last played for NorthPort and his signing rights were forfeited by Titan Ultra by not tendering a contract offer when his previous one-year deal expired at the end of Season 49.
READ SMB acquires JM Calma from NorthPort in trade for Avan Nava, future pick
Titan Ultra bought the NorthPort franchise lock, stock, and barrel, but let go of several players like Jio Jalalon, Sidney Onwubere, and Nava without getting anyone in return.
TNT showed interest in unrestricted free agent Nava and signed him as practice player since the team currently has a complete regular roster.
Reached for comment, TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa said the move was made by management in order to secure the rights on the former first-round pick in the Season 49 draft.
Nava was originally selected by San Miguel at No. 12 overall in the 2024 draft. But he lasted just two conferences with the Beermen before being traded to NorthPort along with a second-round pick of Season 50 draft (which turned out to be CJ Austria) for the rights on the then injured big man JM Calma.
Nava then saw limited action in the Philippine Cup during his one conference stay with the former Batang Pier franchise. - Gerry Ramos
Bata-Strickland to rekindle rivalry?
STILL dealing with a pool hangover?
Fans don’t need to wait long as Matchroom Pool, the organizers of the recently concluded Reyes Cup and Philippines Open Pool Championship, is cooking up one last event to end the year with a bang.
SPIN.ph sources shared that the promoter is working hand-in-hand with Puyat Sports for a special attraction set for December featuring four of the game’s all-time greats.
Legends Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Ralf “The Kaiser” Souquet, and Earl “The Pearl” Strickland will be brought together in a unique event, barring any health issues for the players and logistical problems for the organizers.
It’s a tantalizing prospect especially seeing how warm the reception was for the last two billiards events.
The 71-year-old Reyes, considered as the sport’s GOAT, was supposed to play in the Philippines Open but begged off due to health reasons, yet still granted an exhibition with his kumpare Django on the final day last Saturday.
Fresh off Team Asia’s Reyes Cup triumph where he served as the team captain, Bustamante, 61, did participate in the Philippines Open and even beat world No. 1 Fedor Gorst, 10-9 before losing to Harry Vergara, 10-8, in the Last 32.
Souquet, 56, also returned to Manila and beat Marlon Manalo, 10-4, in the first round before losing to Roland Garcia, 10-6, in the Last 64.
Strickland, 64, recently returned to competition playing in the US Open but failed to advance past the Last 64. - RL
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