Cafe France Bakers. PBA IMAGES
Leaving no stones unturned on the eve of the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup playoffs, three teams made tinkered with their rosters and beat the 12 p.m. deadline on Wednesday in hopes of improving their chances in the quarterfinals.
Seeking some aid on the point, Tanduay snatched Lester Alvarez from the free agent pool, activating him in lieu of shooter Jaycee Asuncion.
Alvarez, who last played with Star in the PBA before plying his trade in Thailand, returns to the country and is expected to help Mark Cruz for the playmaking duties for the Rhum Masters.
Joseph Sedurifa has also secured his release from Batangas as he returns to his old team Cafe France.
The sniper, who has averaged 16.7 points, reunites with coach Egay Macaraya and gives the Bakers another threat from the outside.
Cafe France also signed up Jan Anunciacion in lieu of Joseph Celso and Justine Mercado.
AMA Online Education also picked Von Tambeling, who was earlier released by also-ran Wangs Basketball.
The swingman averaged 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists for the Couriers this conference.
Tambeling’s entry to the Titans is expected to be a welcome addition, especially after the departure of Juami Tiongson, who was signed up by NLEX in the PBA.
Also joining him in AMA is Santo Tomas forward Mario Bonleon, who was activated for Chris Baluyot.
The 2017 PBA D-League quarterfinals begin on Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, where Cafe France takes on Jose Rizal University at 3 p.m. while Tanduay and AMA clash at 5 p.m.