THE five-team, 10-player deal will make Barako Bull a "team to watch" in the league, according to incoming coach Rajko Toroman.
Minutes after Barako bowed to Barangay Ginebra, 90-97, in a tune-up game at the Xavier gym, Toroman said there's no doubt that the arrival of Jonas Villanueva and JC IntaL from San Mig Coffee, along with Allein Maliksi from the Ginebra and Jojo Duncil from Petron will bring depth and youth to his veteran-laden team.
"Of course, we still don't know (how they will jell). But these guys are talented. We also got younger and we got more athletic with their entry," the former Gilas coach told Spin.ph. "But again, once this is done, what we need to work on is jelling and understanding of the system."
Villanueva and Intal are reunited with Barako Bull point guard Josh Urbiztondo, who was also dealt by San Mig to Barako Bull during the offseason. The trio played during the Mixers' title run in last season's Commissioner's Cup as well as a runner-up finish in the Governors Cup.
Toroman believes that once his wards get a better grip of his system that involves a lot of ball movement and perimeter shooting, Barako Bull would be able to make a strong push for at least a semifinal appearance in the Commissioner's Cup.
"Of course, we're still far for now because we've just practiced for two weeks. But we want to grow and we just need to take it step by step," said the former Petron coaching consultant.
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