Cablay goes to Purefoods

By: Rey Joble
People's Journal
October 9, 2007

Versatile guard Brandon Cablay, the small man with a big package, is the newest Giant in Purefoods.

Cablay’s transfer was formalized yesterday after months of speculations.

The 5-11, Fil-Am guard will fill in the void left by Noy Castillo, who injured his toe during the pre-season.

“He was introduced to the team kanina and I think he will play a valuable role for us,” Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio told People’s Tonight. “He’s a versatile player and I think he can help us on both guard spots.”

Cablay was taken in by Purefoods from Red Bull. He was traded to the Bulls in the off season as part of the package in the Larry Fonacier trade.

But with the Bulls already loaded with guards – Cyrus Baguio, Jojo Duncil, Celino Cruz, Topex Robinson and Junthy Valenzuela, Cablay may not shine as a player with a lot of potential.

With Purefoods, Cablay provides the kind of player Gregorio wants to have on his team – flexible, athletic and capable of playing solid on both ends of the court.

Meanwhile, teams in the coming PBA season were presented yesterday at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

Alaska, the Fiesta Cup titlist, parades an intact line-up and a beefier frontline.

San Miguel, already an explosive squad, has added more firepower while sister team Ginebra is expected to become the fastest gun in the tournament with the addition of two spitfires.

But the team out to make a strong, wide signal covering the entire season is Talk N Text.

“They have a deep bench and they have three starters returning in their fold,” Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao said, referring to the three national team members making their comeback this season.

“They managed to enter the championship round last conference even without these three players and now, they have no reason not to be up there.”

The three players Guiao was referring were Asi Taulava, Ren-Ren Ritualo and Jimmy Alapag, who are returning to help the Phone Pals nail the big one.

For Gregorio, the Phone Pals are indeed one of the two super powers aside from San Miguel.

“Definitely, they’re the top two teams in terms of manpower,” said Gregorio, whose team is out to reclaim the Philippine Cup crown. “They are capable of fielding in a strong five even those coming off the bench. But still, it’s not about who comes up with the best five, but which best five fits better.”

Fonacier’s entry coupled by the acquisition of Samigue Eman and Jonas Villanueva from the draft certainly made the Beermen the odds-on pick this season.

Of course, the Gin Kings, with the Fast and the Furious all set to make the season ablaze with their fiery brand of play and the inclusion of Kid Lightning Paul Artadi, will be more fun to watch this season.

The Aces have become bigger and better. Ken Bono and JR Quiñahan will play huge roles for coach Tim Cone’s squad’s quest for greatness.