Terrafirma is contemplating assigning its other 2021 PBA Rookie Draft picks to its PBA 3×3 team.
Dhon Reverente, Jay Javelosa, Immanuel Custodio, and Terrence Tumalip were the players whom the Dyip took after top pick Joshua Munzon and no. 8 overall selection James Laput in the virtual draft event last March 14.
Munzon and Laput have officially joined the team after signing three-year contracts just last week. The two signal a fresh start for the franchise after trading away star guard CJ Perez to the star-laden San Miguel Beer last January.
“Most probably 3×3,” wrote team governor and PBA Vice Chairman Bobby Rosales in a short text message to Tiebreaker TImes, Thursday afternoon.
The four have yet to receive formal offers, according to Rosales, but having them all signed up would mean fewer problems in terms of team building. Each team only needs six players in PBA 3×3.
But there seems to be a slight issue regarding Reverente’s status. The former MPBL standout might have to acquire a special guest license from the Games and Amusements Board first, as an enlisted Navy personnel.
Reverente, who stands at 6-foot-1, is one of the oldest players to be taken in this year’s draft at 31. Still, some have anticipated his PBA arrival following a solid stint in the regional semi-pro league for Muntinlupa and Pasay.
The Albay-native was also called up to play for Marinerong Pilipino in the 2019 D-League Foundation Cup. There, he helped the Skippers to a runner-up finish — their highest since entering the developmental ranks in 2017.
Reverente is an enlisted personnel in the Philippine Navy, though. He has to get a special guest license from the Games and Amusements Board in order to play in the PBA.
NLEX first began the practice of assigning players not on the regular roster to the 3×3. The Road Warriors recently assured that those not part of its 15-man lineup will be part of its NL3X squad.
NLEX decided that since they have 21 players in their stash following the arrival of Don Trollano, Maurice Shaw, and Roi Sumang from a three-team trade with Blackwater and TNT days prior to the draft.
Other teams have yet to announce their moves for PBA 3×3, although Meralco and TNT have begun the process of acquiring talents for the halfcourt game by signing Jason Brickman and Jeremiah Gray, respectively.
