TNT is investing to strengthen its frontcourt.
The Tropang 5G have added rookie draft pick Joe Celzo to its pool of talent, assuring the franchise of a proper transition of talent for the rest of the long season.
Deputy coach Yuri Escueta disclosed the 6-foot-4 power forward has joined the franchise after playing his final year with San Beda, where he was handled by Escueta.
READ Calvin Oftana left impressed by fellow Bedan Yukien Andrada
The Red Lions regained the NCAA men’s basketball championship with a two-game sweep of the Letran Knights in the finals of Season 101.
Celzo was part of that San Beda unit under Escueta along with fellow PBA rookie Yukien Andrada and Finals MVP Bryan Sajonia.
“Joe Celzo is with us and may contract na 'yun na ready for him sa amin,” said Escueta of the 25-year-old rookie
But Celzo arrived just before the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals and by then, all playoff-bound teams already submitted their respective 15-man lineup.
“Unfortunately, hindi lang namin siya malala-lineup pero andyan na siya sa amin sa team,” Escueta said.
“Tapos na kasi 'yung pasahan ng lineup. So maybe baka next conference, pero andun na siya sa TNT.”
Celzo has already been joining the team in practices and during games, including the opener of the semis series between the third seeded Tropang 5G and No. 7 Meralco Bolts, which TNT won, 100-95, after trailing by as many as 21 points in the first half.
The rookie was a fourth-round pick of TNT in the last draft at No. 46 overall, but just second player to be selected by the Tropang 5G after Sean Quitevis in the third round.
Escueta said he’s just happy seeing Celzo and his other San Beda players being given the chance to showcase their respective talent in the pro league.
“I’m just proud to see the guys who played well with San Beda to be able to get contracts in the PBA,” said the Red Lions coach.
Andrada was the first-round pick (No. 6) by Magnolia and had played for the Hotshots during their quarterfinals series against TNT.
Sajonia, meanwhile, was selected in the fourth round by Northport (now Titan Ultra).
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