GlobalPort new boy Mike Cortez played for Franz Pumaren at La Salle.
GLOBALPORT consultant Franz Pumaren said the arrival of veteran Mike Cortez in a trade will bring versatility and stability to one of the best backcourts in the PBA.
Pumaren said the trade that brought in Cortez in a one-on-one trade for Ronald Pascual gives the Batang Pier a vital piece that could complement the explosive backcourt duo of Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle.
“I told coach John (Cardel) that having Mike there as somebody coming off the bench will provide more stability to our backcourt, remember we also have Jeric Fortuna and our system requires us to run and keep moving,” said Pumaren, who won two UAAP championships at La Salle with Cortez.
“It was a good deal for us since we also have a crowded No. 2 spot, and letting go of Ronald Pascual will be logical kasi mas kailangan naming fresher legs sa uno kesa sa dos,” he said.
Pumaren, however, denied speculations that Cortez's arrival will give GlobalPort the leeway to break up the Romeo-Pringle partnership.
For the last two seasons, there has been talk that Pringle and Romeo are both being eyed by San Miguel Corp. teams.
“Walang ganyang plano, kung merun man, being the team’s consultant, dadaan sa akin yan,” he said.
“Pero sa ngayon, we are looking to make our team better and coach Cardel is very supportive of our goal of transforming this team into an overnight contender. Everybody is on the same page,” added the outspoken former national team guard.
Pumaren also denied that he is trying to bring together the core of his multi-titled La Salle teams at GlobalPort, stressing the team acquires players based on its needs.
“Hindi, we will acquire players based on our needs. Nagkataon lang that Mike is from La Salle and Joseph Yeo is already here,” he said.
“Besides I can’t do what I did to Air 21 before kasi in the first place, hindi naman ako fully ang nagde-decide dito ngayon unlike before, there’s the management and there’s coach John Cardel,” explained Pumaren.
“Hindi siguro, sa Air21 kasi dati we lacked players and we needed extra attention from fans kaya tinuloy namin yung La Salle angle. This time, it’s not applicable,” Pumaren said. - SPIN Ph
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