PBA: GlobalPort beefs up frontline, acquires Jewel Ponferada from San Mig Coffee

With former Ateneo King Eagle Enrico Villanueva still on the mend from the ACL injury he suffered during the 2012-13 Philippine Cup, the GlobalPort Batang Pier opted to acquire second-year big man Jewel Ponferada from the San Mig Coffee Mixers, in exchange for their 2017 second round pick.

“We got Ponferada only today but the deal was agreed upon last Saturday,” said GlobalPort franchise owner Mikee Romero in a text message to GMA News Online.

[Related: GlobalPort creates intriguing mix of youth and veterans]

GlobalPort engaged in multiple trades during the offseason, reshaping their front court. They acquired Villanueva from Barako Bull in exchange for Willie Miller and Hans Thiele, and then picked up Leo Najorda and rookie big man Justin Chua from San Mig Coffee, in exchange for another rookie, Isaac Holstein. The Batang Pier also dealt for “super veteran” Eric Menk, while they wait on development of Chua.

“Justin Chua is still a project,” Romero said.

Two rookies will be manning the point for the Batang Pier, RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo.  The two former FEU Tamaraws competed for playing time back in college, and now they will alternate as GlobalPort’s court general. Sol Mercado will be sliding to shooting guard as he will be needed to score more for his team after they traded away Gary David to the Meralco Bolts. He will play alongside Jaypee Belencion and rookie Jopher Custodio.

GlobalPort’s frontline will feature rookie Nico Salva, Najorda and Marvin Hayes at the three. Jay Washington, who played out of position last conference, will slide back to the power forward slot. He will be backed-up by the fiery Kelly Nabong.

The wide-bodied Jondan Salvador will still be GlobalPort’s center, along with the new acquisitions Menk, Chua, and Ponferada.

“It’s much different here now,” said Mercado. “We put attention to the smallest details specially on the defensive end. We have a good batch of rookies and we’re excited to compete.”

Rookie LA Revilla, Mark Yee, and Rudy Lingganay are listed as GlobalPort’s reserves.

When asked what his team’s goal is in the upcoming Philippine Cup, Romero simply responded with “Semis lang.”

GlobalPort made headway in the 2013 Governors’ Cup, but they were booted out by the Rain or Shine Elastopainters in the quarterfinals. With their retooled line-up and their new head coach, Richie Ticzon, Batang Pier are out to make another statement in the upcoming season. - AMD, GMA News