Giants looming large again

Gone: Jun Limpot, Paul Artadi
Gain: Chico Lanete, Ardy Larong
Mainstays: James Yap, Kerby Raymundo, Roger Yap, Mark Pingris, Romel Adducul, Jondan Salvador, Rey Evangelista, Noy Castillo, June Simon

Purefoods is looking more like the Philippine Cup champion team of the 2005-06 season.

Kerby Raymundo is back to renew his explosive partnership with 2005 Most Valuable Player (MVP) James Yap, Mark Pingris and Jondan Salvador are looking fit once more, Roger Yap and June Simon remain solid fixtures in the backcourt while Noy Castillo and Rey Evangelista are each given extensions for another tour of duty.

Raymundo, Yap and the rest of the gang were the very same ones who piloted the Giants to the Philippine Cup title over Red Bull in 2006.

The Giants failed to defend their crown, however, as Pingris, the 2006 Most Valuable and Defensive Player of the Year who played a key role in their championship run, was sidelined by an injury.

“If ain’t broke why fix it,” said young Purefoods mentor Ryan Gregorio.

Keeping the core of its young team, the Giants let go of veteran big men Jun Limpot. Then it traded away back up point guard Paul Artadi before acquiring Chico Lanete, a former Lyceum hotshot, in the free agent market to boost the Giants’ guard rotation.

Purefoods also landed rookie free agent Ardy Larong.

Gregorio expects Romel Adducul to finally blossom under the Giants after playing backup role for years with Ginebra and San Miguel. The Purefoods coach said Adducul’s presence inside would somehow ease the load on the shoulders of Raymundo.

“Romel will definitely play a major role in his first full season with Purefoods,” said Gregorio of the former San Sebastian standout whom the Giants acquired via a trade from the Beermen.

So far, Gregorio’s move not to tinker with their lineup had borne positive results as the Giants ruled the PBA pre-season tournament by beating Magnolia in the finals.