Quiñahan finally signs pact with Alaska

by Noli Cortez
Malaya
September 12, 2007



After sitting on pins and needles for more than three weeks, JR Quiñahan finally signed a two-year contract with Alaska yesterday that guarantees the Cebu native a P100,000 monthly pay in his first year and P150,000 in his sophomore year.

Danny Espiritu, agent of the 6-foot-4 Quiñahan who was picked seventh overall by the Aces in the rookie draft last Aug. 19, said they are satisfied with the contract, adding this should now enable the former PBL star to concentrate on his rookie season.

A very reliable source, meanwhile, said the same contract package is being offered to former Ken Bono, the Aces’ No. 6 pick overall, with some incentives on the side befitting a former UAAP and PBL Most Valuable Player awardee.

The 6-foot-5 Bono’s agent, Edgar Tan, yesterday confirmed they are still negotiating with the Aces, adding only minor details are being ironed out.

"The negotiation is still ongoing. Probably within the week or as early as tomorrow," Alaska team manager Joaqui Trillo confirmed.

"We have Ken (Bono), Jun-Jun (Cabatu) and JR (Quiñahan), three big guys who are expected to become valuable additions for us," said Alaska coach Tim Cone. "But this isn’t a guarantee we will be back there on top. We need to work harder."

Nagging injuries to backcourt partners Mike Cortez and Jeffrey Cariaso are some of the problems the Aces will have to contend with before the pro league’s 33rd season starts on Oct. 14.

Cortez has yet to recover from a strained MCL while Cariaso’s knee injury is also taking too long to heal. Cortez incurred his injury during the Fiesta Cup finals they won over the Talk N Text Phone Pals while Cariaso got injured in the semifinals.

"They will be out for several weeks and will miss our games in the pre-season. But they will play in the coming conference," Trillo said before Alaska’s exhibition game against the KT & G team of Korea yesterday.

Cone said the Aces will face a rough ride in their quest for a second title in as many conferences.

"It would be tough as teams have improved and two of our key players are injured," he said. "But we will go out there fighting and we’ve become bigger this season."