BARAKO BULL INKS 7-1 EX-RAPTOR ALABI
Stressing the need for an imposing inside presence, Barako Bull has signed up 7-foot-1 Solomon Alabi as its import for the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
A former NBA player who has suited up for the Toronto Raptors, and signed up by the New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, and Philadelphia 76ers for their training camps, Alabi has also been a NBA D-League staple, providing presence in the paint in his time with the Erie Bayhawks, Bakersfield Jam, and Idaho Stampede.
The Nigerian slotman is expected to bolster an ailing Energy frontcourt, which had to utilize aging veteran Dorian Peña and undersized bigs Dave Marcelo, Jake Pascual, and Philip Paredes in the center position.
“He’s a defensive type of a player, and that’s what we want because we want to improve our team defense,” said Barako Bull coach Koy Banal, whose squad ranks dead-last in defense, allowing its opponents to score 95.25 points per outing.
Barako Bull will be gunning for a better second conference after finding their groove late in the Philippine Cup, allowing the Energy to crack the quarterfinals before getting the boot from Talk ‘N Text.
The 26-year-old Alabi averaged 4.25 points and 2.88 rebounds in his time in the Greek League with Ikaros Kallitheas BC. His last stint was with the Yulon Dinos in the Super Basketball League (SBL) in Taiwan.
Alabi is expected to arrive on Monday.
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
