Gabo, Estrella likely out of Mila’s Lechon

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Mila’s Lechon brass isn’t willing to wait for another loss to take action as it is set to drop Leo Gabo and Andoy Estrella from its roster in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.

Mighty Roasters coach Jesse Ricardo shared that the team management are now exploring their options following their 48-65 defeat to Perpetual on Tuesday.

“That’s what we’re talking about, to find another guard,” he said. “We’re already looking for replacements for those two guards.

Gabo and Estrella were absent for the tiff as the Mapuan backcourt prioritized their commitment with Quezon City in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League over Mila’s Lechon. The Capitals will have a game later in the day against Bataan at Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in Malolos.

Without the pair, Axel Iñigo shouldered the bulk of the playmaking load for the Mighty Roasters, playing for 36 minutes at the point and finished the game with 13 markers, five assists, and two rebounds. That performance, however, wasn’t enough as Mila’s Lechon dropped to the cellar at 0-2.

Ricardo couldn’t hide his disappointment on the two following the defeat, saying, “It’s their choice if they chose that one. We can’t do anything about it.”

The two have been vital in the Mighty Roasters’ maiden campaign in the developmental league as they lead their camp in their 67-96 defeat to JRU last Thursday.

Gabo paced Mila’s Lechon in the defeat with 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while Estrella got 13.

Ricardo shared that the move to replace the two will leave a huge hole in their camp, but he feels that it’s just right to give chance to other players who are willing to show dedication for Mila’s Lechon.

“That’s going to have an effect on us because we’ve been with them for two months,” he said. “But there are other players willing to play for us and we’ll give them the break.”