Belasco to Welcoat for maximum pay; Noy stays with Purefoods

by Rey Joble
People's Journal

VETERAN journeyman Nic Belasco is set to ink a two-year, P8.4 million pact with Welcoat even as experienced deadshot Noy Castillo is all set to stay for Purefoods for another year.

Welcoat co-owner Raymond Yu told People’s Tonight that they are ready to give the 32-year-old Belasco a maximum offer when he returned from the United States this week.

“We’re giving him the maximum offer for two years,” said Yu. “Although rights pa lang yung nasa amin for now, we expect to formalize the deal either late this week or early next week.”

Co-owner Terry Que also said that they’ve talked to Belasco’s agent Bobby Rius, also the agent of imports playing here in the PBA.

“Mga 95 percent na sure yan,” said Que, who also said that comebacking Jojo Tangkay is now ready to play for the team in the coming 2007-2008 PBA season set to open Oct.24.

Tangkay suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for almost a year.

“He’s getting back into shape now and at least, medyo lumalim na kami sa guard spot.”

Aside from Tangkay, another guard being seriously considered by Welcoat is Chris Pacana, who they’re eyeing to get via trade from Coca-Cola.

Pacana had a brilliant rookie debut last season before his minutes dwindled down after the Tigers acquired Alex Cabagnot and former Most Valuable Player Kenneth Duremdes in a blockbuster trade that also involved Ricky Calimag, Denok Miranda and future picks.

Meanwhile, Purefoods preserved the old but reliable Castillo.

The 5-11 player, known for his endgame heroics, was given a one-year extension by the Chunkee Giants, adding depth to the already bolstered guard spots of the squad.

Castillo will join James Yap, Roger Yap, Chico Lanete and Peter June Simon to play in the backcourt.