Basilan opened its new chapter by announcing a quartet of pick-ups, headlined by Michael Mabulac and Jhong Baloria.
Also added by the squad are guards Chris Bitoon and Stephen Siruma.
“May mga umaalis na kasi kaming players that’s why we need to fill-up the void,” said Peace Makers head coach Jerson Cabiltes.
Mabulac, a 6-foot-4 big, previously played for San Miguel from 2015-18.
During the 2019-21 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Cup, Mabulac played for Bacoor, averaging 9.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
“I was trying to get Mabulac before sa D-League, bago pa siya mag San Miguel. Right now, nung nagkaroon ng chance, kinuha ko siya nung nagkaroon ng chance,” said Cabiltes.
Baloria, on the other hand, had a two-year career in the PBA after being drafted as the 30th overall pick in 2014.
He was part of Makati Super Crunch in the MPBL where he normed 12.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per contest.
“Nung nasa Perpetual pa siya, kami yung nag-draft sa kanya sa D-League sa Big Chill,” Cabiltes said about the Perpetual Help product.
Familiarity is also what led to Basilan signing Bitoon and Siruma as well.
Prior to playing for Manila and Bulacan respectively, the two guards played for Cabiltes in Che’Lu during the 2018 D-League.
Bitoon, the 26th overall pick in the 2019 PBA Draft, played for Manila, averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists while Siruma, who went undrafted in 2012, normed 8.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists with Bulacan.
Decorated coach Stevenson Tiu was also named as the team consultant of Basilan.
“Malaking bagay sila para sa gusto naming makamit sa VisMin Super Cup,” said Cabiltes.
To fill up the rest of the team’s roster ahead of its May 20 debut in the southern professional league, team owner Jimmy Dela Cruz and manager Jax Chua are looking for a versatile wing and a backup big.
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