Baclao, Al-Hussaini sign P8.7-M, 3-year PBA deal

Photos by Ateneo De Manila

Two days after the biggest surprise in the history of the PBA Rookie Draft was made, Air21 has signed up top overall pick Nonoy Baclao and a discontented No. 2 choice Rabeh Al-Hussaini to a maximum deal given to a newcomer.

Each player agreed to a three-year deal worth P8.7-million.

This was confirmed by Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio to GMANews.TV through a text message.

Considered the best frontline combo in Ateneo's back-to-back championships in the UAAP for the past two years, the rift between Baclao and Al-Hussaini was considered the best kept secret in the Eagles' camp.

The two reportedly even came to blows during practice and didn't get along since then.

But Gregorio believes the first practice session on Tuesday was a good start not only for the two rookies at odds, but also the whole team.

"Everything is fine. They're very professional and we are starting on the right track," said Gregorio.

Rey Guevarra, who was selected third overall by the Express, was also signed to a three-year, P6-million deal.

Two more rookies were also signed up in the first working day of the week Tuesday – Rain or Shine's rookie picks Josh Vanlandingham and RJ Jazul.

Vanlandingham, picked fifth in the Draft, and Jazul, the former Smart-Gilas national developmental team standout selected in the second round by the Elasto Painters, were also signed to a three-year pact. - JVP, GMANews.TV