ENERGY LOOKING TO FILL IN MILLER’S SPOT
Published on September 3, 2012
With all of its off-season acquisitions, Barako Bull’s roster power has certainly improved, but
coach Junel Baculi insists they still need to find an able replacement for Willie Miller.
“We have to find one to augment our two spot. We’re okay in all positions except that particular
spot. Willie’s a big loss. He’s our go-to guy,” said Baculi.
“We have to look for a replacement. I don’t know how right now, maybe through trade,” added
Baculi, hinting at another trade deal they would work on before the start of the 38th PBA season on
Sept. 30.
Barako Bull has actually acquired veteran player Roger Yap from the free agent pool to play at two
guard with Ronald Tubid.
The Energy’s other new recruits are rookies Dave Marcelo, Lester Alvarez and Eman Monfort, and
Rico Villanueva, the one they got in giving away Miller in the much talked about multi-team deal.
Overall, Baculi believes his team improved, describing it as “a combination of youth and
experience.”
Mick Pennisi, Danny Seigle, Doug Kramer and Celino Cruz are other key holdovers from the Barako Bull
team which narrowly missed the last Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
The Energy were eighth placers last season in terms of overall win-loss percentage (.429), winning
18 of 42 matches.
“We’ve become younger and I think we can run now,” said Baculi, now having at his disposal
fresh legs in rookies Marcelo, Alvarez and Monfort.
Marcelo and Monfort are champion players in the amateurs, winning titles with NLEX in the PBA
D-League and with the PHL team in the SEA Games.
Marcelo is a former NCAA MVP awardee from San Beda while Monfort is a product of Ateneo’s winning
basketball program in Ateneo.
Alvarez, meanwhile, is bringing over to Barako Bull what he’d learned from coach Leo Austria with
the Adamson Falcons.
“Our initial goal in the coming Philippine Cup is to make the semis,” said Baculi.
The team has no health problem except for Doug Kramer’s jumper’s knee.
“It’s minor and we’re giving him the needed rest,” said Baculi. (SB)
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