Jumbo Plastic beefs up squad as D-League QF approaches

Going into the quarterfinals with a twice-to-beat disadvantage, Jumbo Plastic is definitely going all-in as it acquires Jiovanni Jalalon from KeraMix.

The fifth-seed Giants, which will be facing Hapee on Monday, has secured the services of Jalalon, one of the most deadly defenders in the guard position, as well as Khasim Mirza from MP Hotel-Letran.

KeraMix just missed out on the playoffs after the quotient system worked against the Mixers in a three-way tie for the sixth spot.

At 4-5, it was AMA University which advanced to the quarterfinals and eliminated Tanduay Light and KeraMix.

Hapee also made some adjustments to their roster on the May 29 deadline, activating Mike Gamboa for Bobby Ray Parks, who had been trying his luck in the NBA Summer Leagues in the United States.

Aside from the loss of Parks, the Fresh Fighters also suffered with former D-League MVP Garvo Lanete ruled out for the season, as well as Scottie Thompson, Troy Rosario, and Baser Amer all slated to miss games due to their commitment to the national team for the SEA Games.

Jalalon will also be a part of that Gilas cadets lineup, which will see action in Singapore from June 5 to 16.

The sixth-seed Titans also tinkered with their lineup, elevating Joseph Terso and Mark Puspus in lieu of Magi Sison and Ivan Camasura.

AMA University will face the number three-seed Cagayan Gerry’s also on Monday. RC