Younger Globalport Batang Pier aim to join PBA's elite
Following its breakthrough quarterfinals finish in the Governors Cup, GlobalPort intends to sustain its big gains, even setting its sights on loftier goals.
That explains why the Batang Pier became one of the most aggressive teams during last Sunday's rookie draft and readily addressed their main concerns, giving them added confidence heading into the league's 39th season that kicks off with the Philippine Cup on Nov. 17.
GlobaPort made a big splash in the deep rookie pool as it acquired the highly-touted Far Eastern U tandem of Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia along with former Ateneo star Nico Salva, diminutive La Salle guard LA Revilla and towering center Isaac Holstein from West Virginia State U.
The Batang Pier even pulled one big move at the sidelines as they traded veteran Willie Miller and journeyman Hans Thiele to Barako Bull for veteran center Enrico Villanueva.
"We got younger," stressed GlobalPort head coach Junel Baculi. "We are excited with the potential of our team right now."
Baculi is also confident the retooled Batang Pier now has what it takes to further make big strides in contending with the league's heavyweights.
"Kung dati baby steps, ngayon teenager steps na. Who knows sa susunod giant steps na. But we will still see how we develop as a team."
ALSO READ: Grading the 2013 PBA Draft
Although they have lost ace gunners Gary David and the 5-foot-11 Miller in their rebuilding process, Baculi is convinced Romeo and Garcia, both one-time UAAP MVPs, can provide ample support on the backcourt position while the 6-foot-2 Salva and the 6-foot-8 Holstein can help boost their frontline, now bannered by power forward Jay Washington and the 6-foot-5 Villanueva.
And Baculi, who also serves as National U's athletic director in the UAAP, knows exactly what the former collegiate stars--Romeo, Garcia and Salva--are capable of doing.
"Terrence and RR are the two best available talents when we started to make our picks (with the fifth and sixth). We were surprised Ryan Buenafe was picked early (by Alaska at eighth) so we tabbed Nico. I think he can give us quality minutes playing the wing position," he shared.
Baculi also added Holstein, one of the tallest rookie at 6-foot-8, will "serve as the primary back-up of Rico," who is making his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament on his right knee that sidelined him last season.
To quicken up the adaptation of the newbies on their system, Baculi said GlobalPort will plunge into action in a pocket tournament in Cebu set on Nov. 7 to 10. Also joining the tourney are Alaska, Barako Bull and one local squad.
