Monday, 31 August 2009
by Josef Ramos
THE Sta. Lucia Realtors have acquired the services of Chris Pacana and rookie undrafted Josh Urbiztondo to strengthen their backcourt for the coming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) 35th season.
Sta. Lucia mentor Boyet Fernandez, who steered the Realtors to first All-Filipino title in 2008, confirmed the news over the weekend, but he did not disclose the contract of the two players due to company’s policies.
“We acquired their (Chris and Josh) services to back-up Dennis Miranda at the point,” said Fernandez, who also confirmed that Mike Holper, Charles Waters, Jervy Del Rosario and Ardy Larong are still practicing with the team.
“I believe this rotation could match up well with the other PBA teams.”
He also said the addition of Urbiztondo and Pacana would most likely lessen the pressure on Ryan Reyes, the 2008 rookie of the year, and at the same he can now play the No. 2 spot or the shooting guard position.
Pacana, who averaged 2.9 points and 1.2 assists per game last season for Ginebra, started his career in the PBA when he was drafted by the Coca-Cola Tigers at 15th in the 2006 Rookie Draft.
Despite the lowest output last year due to the presence of playmakers Jayjay Helterbrand and Paul Artadi at the point, Pacana remained a consistent playmaker for the Gin Kings because of his court vision and floor leadership.
The dream Urbiztondo, who did not pick by any team in the league in the recent draft, to finally play for the big league has granted after Sta. Lucia Realty gave him a chance.
He played for Pharex Bidang Generix this year in the Philippine Basketball League and had a memorable game when he drilled in 19 points to force a rubber match against the Oracle Residence.
Besides the two guards, Fernandez informed that newly recruit Gabby Espinas is also improving his game with the Realtors every practice.
Photo Credits: staluciarealtor's Flickr
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