TnT Katropa was quick to pick up big man Chris Javier to help plug the hole in the middle left by the retired Kelly Williams.
The team added the 6-foot-5 Javier to its roster after the latter was relegated by Blackwater to the unrestricted free agent list (with rights to salary).
The Elite confirmed downgrading Javier in the UFAWR2S.
The Katropa will assume his remaining contract with the Elite until December.
“He can be a big help to us,” said team manager Gabby Cui. “ He plays defense, has a decent outside shot and can rebound.
“He’s also young,” added the TnT official, noting Javier, a former University of the East stalwart, is just 27.
The acquisition of Javier comes at a perfect time as the PBA is close to restarting the stalled season after the league Board approved the setting up of a bubble at New Clark City in Angeles, Pampanga.
Javier's presence also comes in handy as it bolsters anew the Katropa's frontcourt after being orphaned recently with the shocking retirement of the 38-year-old Williams.
"The (coaching staff) will try to help him improve his all around game," Cui said of Javier, originally picked by Star (now Magnolia) in the second round of the 2016 draft.
"He should join us in the bubble," added Cui. "Hopefully, he can already join us in practice next week."
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