Vergara replaces Jason Castro as Singapore Slingers guard

MANILA, Philippines – Failing to find a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team interested in his services proved to be a blessing in disguise for veteran guard Al Vergara. The five-foot-seven spitfire guard, who helped Harbour Centre win championships in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL), will take the place vacated by Jason Castro after signing a P1 million four-month contract by the Singapore Slingers. Paul Manozca, the Filipino businessman who has connections with the Slingers, made a short visit in the country last week and decided to take in Vergara from a short list of players that included former PBA most valuable player Johnny Abarientos. “I saw Al’s video and I also saw him play in Singapore last year against the Slingers and that was the X factor. We need a point guard who is hungry and needs the right break. One who understands what an international opportunity can provide him," said Manozca. Despite his size, Vergara, who also led collegiate team St. Francis of Assisi to numerous titles in the National Capital Region Athletic Association, is a fearsome competitor and can score anywhere in the court. “If Al is good enough as a playmaker for Mikee Romero’s team, he’s good enough for us," added Manozca. Before the said offer, Vergara’s career was in limbo as he failed in his desire to join the PBA after the Purefoods TJ Giants opted not to sign him up and instead went after former Red Bull guard Topex Robinson, after being released by the Barakos. “Wala akong ginawa kungdi ang magdasal dahil di ko alam kung ano ang mangyayari pa sa career ko. Kaya malaki ang pasasalamat ko nang dumating itong offer na ito," said Vergara. Vergara departed from Manila for Singapore Wednesday and will plunge into action with his new ballclub today when the Slingers play Air21 in an exhibition match. The team will return on the court on September 30 and will see action against Purefoods. Castro was the first Filipino cager signed by the Slingers but the five-foot-10 guard returned to the country and opted to see action with Talk N’Text in the PBA. A former three-time PBL MVP, Castro was given an eight-month contract by the Slingers to play in the Australian basketball league. But the plan did not push through and instead the Slingers decided to join only in an invitational tournament in Singapore. The first contract thus was rendered invalid and although the Slingers tendered another contract, Castro decided to return and play in the PBA. – GMANews.TV