Uyloan to Cignal, Celiz to Batangas as D-League teams beef up

Jonathan Uyloan, right, in a game with the Meralco Bolts. INQUIRER.NET / TRISTAN TAMAYO

With eyes geared towards the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup postseason, teams have already made moves to bolster their roster in preparation for the playoffs.

Cignal HD signed up Jonathan Uyloan to add more depth to its depleted backcourt, replacing Simon Atkins.

“He should have been here in our last game, but paper work had to be fixed first,” shared coach Boyet Fernandez.

Uyloan, who was placed on the reserve list by Meralco, will make his debut for the Hawkeyes in the semifinals.

Also, Batangas fortified its squad with the acquisition of ex-pro Robby Celiz.

The veteran swingman averaged 19.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in the 10 games he played for the cellar-dwelling Zark’s Burgers.

Celiz’ entry is a welcome boost for the Batangueños, which are still looking to find a replacement following the departure of Joseph Sedurifa for Meralco.

“We needed a scorer and I hope he can help us,” said coach Eric Gonzales.

Celiz will play his first game with Batangas on Tuesday against league leader Flying V.

Those moves are seen as just the first wave of transactions as playoff-bound teams look to strengthen their camps before the deadline for roster changes on Wednesday noon. CBB