D-L teams keep pro hopefuls in roster

PBA D-LEAGUE teams brace for their veterans’ impending jump to the pros when the Aspirants Cup fires off tomorrow at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Several teams still lined up their players who applied for the PBA Rookie Draft set on Nov. 3 and intend to welcome them back if they don’t get picked.

Blackwater Sports coach Leo Isaac said he may have to do without pro hopefuls Justin Chua and Rob Celiz, two key cogs who helped power the Elite to a surprise title romp last conference.

“We have an excess of two to three players in our lineup just in case those who applied for the PBA Draft will be signed,” said Isaac in yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

Big Chill also hopes to come out strong despite the last-minute decision of star guard Terrence Romeo to join the pros.

“We beefed up our wing position,” said Big Chill coach Robert Sison.

Tournament director Eric Castro said half of the record 14-team field will field school-based rosters, including four-time champion NLEX.

“We’re still having problems with our practices since our San Beda players are still concentrating on the NCAA,” said NLEX assistant coach Adonis Tierra.

Café France also forged a tie-up with Centro Escolar U, while Cebuana Lhuillier hooked up with University of the East.

Rounding out the field are Boracay Rum, Cagayan Valley, Hog’s Breath, Jumbo Plastic and new teams Banco de Oro (National U), Derulo Accelero Oilers (University of the Philippines), Air 21 (Arellano), Zambales M-Builders (Trinity U) and Wangs Basketball.