Alaska head coach Jeff Cariaso is ‘very eager’ to see Allyn Bulanadi spread his wings in the PBA after spending years with Gilas Pilipinas.
The 6-foot-2 winger has been cleared to play in Asia’s pioneering pro league after he and his national team batchmates were released by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas following the expiration of their contracts last Monday.
“I am very eager for Allyn to finally begin his PBA career,” the seasoned bench tactician wrote in a short text message to Tiebreaker Times, Tuesday.
The Aces selected the former San Sebastian star with the fourth pick in the Gilas round of the 2019 Rookie Draft, one of the five taken in the special proceeding along with Isaac Go, Nieto twins Matt and Mike, and Rey Suerte.
His inclusion to the pool was thanks to his solid showings with the Golden Stags in the NCAA as well as in the PBA D-League, although he did not have the opportunity to flex his wares with the Filipino dribblers.
Bulanadi did not play a single game for Gilas over the past two years, no thanks to a dislocated shoulder he suffered during the team’s buildup for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers’ second window back in November 2020.
Surely, the eagerness to get his feet wet is there for the former Basilan Steel player. And he could possibly do as much once he joins the Aces.
Cariaso disclosed that discussions within the management have yet to happen but he’s certain that the young gun will be of help.
Should the 24-year-old come to terms with the Uytengsu franchise, he’ll bring in more youth and length to a crew bannered by Jeron Teng, Abu Tratter, Maverick Ahanmisi, Robbie Herndon, and Mike DiGregorio.
“I know he will be able to help us,” said Cariaso.
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