FORMER Barako Bull player Mike Miranda and journeyman Ronjay Buenafe are among the new faces trying out for a spot at the NLEX Road Warriors camp.
Team alternate board governor Ronald Dulatre confirmed this latest development to BusinessWorld.
“Mike Miranda has been practicing with us and he’s been playing so well at practice,” Dulatre said in a telephone interview.
Miranda, a 6-foot-5 center, last played for Barako Bull two years ago before the team was acquired by Phoenix Fuel.
“He’s also from Pampanga, just like Coach Yeng (Guiao),” added Dulatre. “But we’re seriously looking at him to take over the spot of Enrico Villanueva.”
Villanueva, who played for Guiao’s championship team at Red Bull in the 2005-06 season, has decided to retire at the end of the PBA season.
Another interesting figure is Buenafe, who played for Guaio’s champion team at Rain or Shine in 2012.
A talented combo guard, Buenafe will have to contend for a spot with the other mainstays on the squads which include Kevin Alas, Cyrus Baguio, Jonas Villanueva, Carlo Lastimosa, Emman Monfort and new recruit Kiefer Ravena.
“It would be difficult for Ronjay, but he’s been working so hard at practice and Coach Yeng wants everybody to fight for a spot,” added Dulatre.
Meanwhile, Ravena is set to sign an P8.5-million deal, the maximum contract to be given to the top three picks in the Draft, according to Dulatre. — Rey Joble
