GlobalPort hopes changes produce semis stint

MANILA, Philippines — Globalport team manager BJ Manalo is optimistic the recent changes the team underwent will finally give the Batang Pier a coveted semifinal appearance in the PBA.

Globalport acquired Alex Cabagnot from Petron after dealing away Sol Mercardo, just after Pido Jarencio was named head coach, the PBA’s newest member.

“He’s the perfect leader Globalport needs at this point,” said Manalo of Cabagnot. “In getting Alex, we had to sacrifice Sol who we wish the best.”

Jarencio, a champion coach with the UST Tigers in the UAAP, was part of the coaching staff of Petron Blaze (now San Miguel Beer).

Globalport also acquired Bonbon Custodio, the veteran guard out of University of the East, from Air21 in exchange of Jonas Villanueva.

With Jarencio now calling the shots plus the acquisition of Cabagnot and Custodio, Manalo is hoping the team will advance to the Final Four of the coming conference.

“That’s our goal this season and hopefully we can realize our dream,” added Manalo.