In GlobalPort’s efforts to evolve into a legitimate title contender, it tapped a handful of veterans to help with the team’s maturity.
The Batang Pier got seasoned players Nino Cañaleta, JR Quiñahan, Aaron Aban, Mike Cortez and Mick Pennisi in the off-season.
“New challenge na naman ito para sa akin,” said Cañaleta.
Quiñahan echoed that sentiment, saying: “Exciting ito kasi bago ang lahat.”
For Cañaleta, it’s a chance to reunite with his former Air21 coach, team consultant Franz Pumaren, whose system he’s still very much familiar with.
“Sanay pa rin naman ako sa sistema ni coach Franz. Although nakalimutan ko na rin yung iba, habang pinapractice, naaalala ko na rin yung ibang plays,” he said. “Yung mga teammates naman, hindi na rin bago kasi naging teammate ko na rin sila sa mga dati kong team.”
Cañaleta continued: “Hindi na rin ganoon kalaki yung magiging adjustment para sa akin.”
Meanwhile, Quiñahan is looking forward to sharing the selfless system he played in back in Rain or Shine to GlobalPort.
“More on team effort na dito. Ibang iba yung makikita ng tao sa GlobalPort. Kahit naga-adjust pa kami sa isa’t isa, mahaba pa rin naman yung time namin kaya tingin ko kaya naman namin mag-jell pa,” he said.
Though the Batang Pier will still lean on Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle, the bulk of the load will no longer just be vested on both guards’ shoulders as the team looks primed to compete with the league’s top dogs with an improved lineup.
“We’re hungry for the playoffs kasi alam naman natin yung GlobalPort, medyo nasa baba last two conferences,” said Quiñahan. “Bagong bago yung makikita nyo sa GlobalPort ngayong season.”