Bacolod coach Vic Ycasiano. MBPL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Bacolod-Masters didn’t wait for long to replace its core from its previous season in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
The Sardines signed up JK Casiño, Cyrus Tabi, Jeff Comia, and Jason Strait to replace Edgar Charcos, Ben Adamos, Yankee Haruna, and Ralph Tansingco.
Head coach Vic Ycasiano is already looking at the backcourt tandem of Tabi, the 18th overall pick in the 2018 PBA Draft, and Mac Tallo.
Ycasiano, the former assistant coach of National University, has high praises for Tabi and he believes his new guard can finally unleash his fullest potential.
“I’ve known Cyrus since college and I’ve seen him before. He’s a good kid, he can carry a team,” said Ycasiano in Filipino. “With him and Mac leading the team we will go places.”
“I know he didn’t get much chance in the PBA but I know he’s there already, he could really fit my system and be one of the best guards here in the MPBL.”
Another guard expected to be productive for the Sardines is Casiño, who had stints in Rain or Shine and TNT.
Ycasiano, however, is most excited with the 6-foot Comia out of New Era University.
Comia showed flashes of brilliance during the team’s practices before Luzon was put under enhanced community quarantine due to COVID-19.
“The one who really stood out was Comia, he really has a future in basketball,” said Comia. “He’s done well, really amazing, I don’t know why he’s not playing but he’s really good.”
Bacolod-Masters also added shooter Jeramer Cabang from General Santos-Burlington and Mindoro-JAC big man Sandy Cenal in its roster while retaining guards Simon Camacho and Jeff Javillionar.
The Sardines, however, are still looking to re-sign local star Paolo Javelona.
“This will be a totally different Bacolod team,” said Ycasiano. “That’s the main thing, we’re eyeing for the playoffs next season. From there, we’ll see. But definitely that’s what we’re eyeing, to make it to the playoffs.”