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Dispersal Draft: SMB picks Tugade, B-Meg Derby Ace taps Escobal


Veteran swingman Lordy Tugade will be returning to his previous team while youthful guard Pong Escobal will be suiting up for his fifth team in three years. The two were the only cagers picked up in the conditional dispersal draft for Barako Bull players Monday at the PBA Office in Libis, Quezon City. Tugade, a 6-foot-3, multi-titled player, was selected by his previous team San Miguel Beer as the No. 8 pick in the draft. The former National University Bulldog, who won championships playing for Red Bull and San Miguel, will be returning to the Beermen’s fold for at least three months. Escobal was drafted at No. 6 by the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados. It will be the fifth team for the 5-foot-11, former San Beda Lion, who has played for Talk N Text, Sta. Lucia, Meralco, and Barako Bull. B-Meg Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent explained his decision in taking in Escobal despite his guard-heavy line-up. “Aside from a big man who can run, I was really looking for a third point guard who can shoot and can set up the shooters," Gallent said in a text message to GMA News. Generally, teams showed lack of interest in the dispersal draft. In fact, the first five squads in the drafting order passed up on selecting anyone from the 17-man roster. Powerade, Rain or Shine, Air21, Alaska and Meralco did not choose a player from the dispersal draft. After B-Meg Derby Ace selected Escobal, Barangay Ginebra also passed up on its draft choice. The Beermen came in next and tabbed Tugade, while the newly-crowned Philippine Cup champion Talk N Text Tropang Texters also passed up. Of the 17 Barako Bull players, six have expiring contracts at the end of this month — veteran slotman Marlou Aquino, Jojo Duncil, Rob Wainwright, Richard Yee, Bruce Viray and Christopher Canta. Rookie Borgie Hermida has an existing contract until end of July, while Paolo Hubalde, Richard Alonzo, Aries Dimunahan, Ken Bono, Marvin Cruz, Khazim Mirza and Dennis Daa have remaining contracts until end of August. Jason Misolas and Mark Andaya were placed in the unrestricted free agent list, which means any team can pick them up. - KY, OMG, Rey Joble, GMA News

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