All five of the 2019 PBA Gilas draftees are now free to negotiate with the ballclubs that picked them.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has released Isaac Go, Rey Suerte, Matt Nieto, Allyn Bulanadi, and Mike Nieto as the quintet did not renew with Gilas Pilipinas Men. Their contracts expired yesterday, January 31.
“The PBA and the SBP have agreed on this with the understanding that if and when we should need them and with proper coordination, the players will be made available to the program,” said SBP executive technical director Butch Antonio.
Go was drafted by Terrafirma, Suerte by Blackwater, Matt by NLEX, Bulanadi by Alaska, and Mike by Rain or Shine.
Go, who is handled by Titan Sports Management, appearing for the national team eight times. The 6-foot-8 stretch big man averaged 6.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in the Asia Cup Qualifiers and normed 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Suerte, handled by Danny Espiritu, played two games in the Asia Cup Qualifiers, averaging 6.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.0 rebounds.
Matt, who is under Argus Ossa Sports, played three games, norming 6.0 points and 4.7 assists.
Bulanadi, who is under Espiritu Manotoc Basketball Management, did not play a single game for Gilas over the past two years.
Mike, who is also under TMG, played a total five games — three in the Asia Cup Qualifiers (4.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists) and the OQT (3.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists).
If they come to terms with their respective teams, they will immediately be fielded when the league resumes on February 11.
Meanwhile, the 2020 Gilas draftees, namely William Navarro (Northport), Tzaddy Rangel (NLEX), and Jaydee Tungcab (TNT) will still remain with the program until March 2023.
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