Ryan Reyes is now officially a pro. Sta. Lucia signed Reyes to a three year P8.5M deal only two days after he was picked third overall in the 2007 draft. Reyes will receive P1.8M this season, P2.7M next season and P4.05M on his third season. Aside from Reyes, the Realtors signed their other draft pick Melvin Mamaclay.
Sta. Lucia is set to play in the 2007 Sultan Cup in Brunei. To complete their roster for the said event, the Realtors signed free agent Philip Butel.
On the other hand, Air21 is expected to give the same deals to rookies JC Intal, Doug Kramer and Marvin Cruz. Air21 board representative and team manager Lito Alvarez said that they will all be signed with 3-year deals.
Top pick Joe DeVance of Welcoat and 2nd pick overall Samigue Eman of San Miguel Beer are expected to have the same contracts, or even fatter contracts.
Original opening day plan in question
Ex-commissioner Noli Eala's plan for the opening of the new season in October 14 was to play simultaneous games at Manila, Cebu and General Santos at the opening date. Newly-named PBA Officer-in-charge Sonny Barrios said that the opening of the PBA in three different venues is a good idea, he pointed out that production expense may seem illogical.
The plan was to have 2 games at Manila, 2 games at Cebu and a game at General Santos to accommodate all 10 teams.
.. Pwede ra man siguro ni. They should send homegrown talents to their provinces. SMB and Alaska could play in Cebu. Hontiveros and rookie JR QuiƱahan. Eala's tactics has proven to be effective.