With PBA Season 50 just around the corner, expect to hear more from Asia’s first pay-for-play league. That could mean trades, free agent signings, or preseason activities—and we’re here to keep you on top of things with PBA Roundup. This time, we put a spotlight on comebacking coach Johnedel Cardel, take a look at how Larry Muyang was reinstated, and check up on how a few rookies fared.
‘Blessed’ Johnedel Cardel Says NorthPort Has ‘Chance to Compete’
Johnedel Cardel’s first coaching stint with the Terrafirma Dyip was dreadful to say the least, and yet here he is back on the sidelines—this time as the new coach of the NorthPort Batang Pier. But, unlike in Terrafirma, Cardel actually has some semblance of talent to work with in NorthPort, starting with do-it-all guard Joshua Munzon, to Calvin Abueva, to Cade Flores, and even newly acquired Jeo Ambohot.
But Cardel was quick to point out, too, that NorthPort is still “a rebuilding team with new players,” so he’s appealing for a little more leeway, particularly in the season-opening Philippine Cup.
“This is a rebuilding team with new players plus Calvin and Cade on board. Then with yung mga malalaki sila Barasi and Ambohot, medyo may laban tayo,” he told the PBA. “I just told the bosses na konting pasensya lang this conference, I believe we have a chance to compete.”
Those are fighting words, indeed, and fans can only hope Johnedel Cardel is right because the last thing the PBA needs is another whipping boy.
PBA Reinstates Larry Muyang After Appeal, Apology
Larry Muyang’s PBA return is officially a go after the PBA formally reinstated the big man this week. And it took an appeal with a letter of apology to get it done.
“Nagbigay siya ng sulat sa Phoenix, nagbigay ng letter sa PBA mismo explaining yung mga nangyari,” said Commissioner Willie Marcial. “Ok naman sa Phoenix. OK sa PBA. Ni-review at na-assess ng Board. Pinayagan siyang makabalik.”
The PBA had previously hit Muyang with an indefinite ban back in April after playing for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL despite having a live contract with the Phoenix Fuel Masters. The Giant Lanterns, incidentally, were coached by now Converge FiberXers head man Delta Pineda, who traded for the big man in the offseason even with the ban still in effect.
Rookies Juan Gomez De Liaño, Dalph Panopio, Sonny Estil Shine
After two preseason games, expect Juan Gomez De Liaño to be a marked man once the real season begins. This after he put up 25 and 20 points in Converge’s two wins over the Meralco Bolts and Blackwater Bossing. The former UP Fighting Maroon was simply sensational, showing off that polished playmaking and offensive explosiveness that are sure to make the FiberXers even more potent.
Dalph Panopio, on the other hand, had an uneven first two games, struggling in his first preseason foray—a loss to Converge—in a feeling-out game of sorts. But he recovered nicely in Blackwater’s bounce-back win over Meralco, making the game-winning lay-in and the game-sealing block to showcase his big game chops. In both games, Panopio also showed his offensive versatility and steady playmaking, though his learning curve figures to be steeper than that of De Liaño.
Another rookie who impressed was Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Sonny Estil, who contributed nicely to Ginebra’s dominant victory over Terrafirma in their preseason debut.
