PBA: Meralco rewards Hugnatan with contract extension

Meralco veteran Reynel Hugnatan. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines — One of the PBA’s elder statesmen, Reynel Hugnatan will continue to be a key contributor for Meralco at least for another year.

As per the PBA website, Hugnatan, 42, has agreed to a contract extension with the Bolts.

The extension comes after another stellar showing by Hugnatan in last season’s Philippine Cup bubble.

“It’s a fitting reward to his contribution, especially after what he did in the recent bubble tournament,” said Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo.

“We’re excited to have him back.”

The savvy forward averaged 12 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in his 17th season in the league, helping the Bolts reach the semifinals.

Hugnatan has also been nominated for the Most Improved Player award—which if he ends up winning—will make him the oldest to do so in the PBA.

Meralco also extended the services of two more big men in Noy Baclao and Jammer Jamito.

Baclao hasn’t played in more than a year due to a ruptured patellar tendon.