Llamados tab free agent Gaco, want Pennisi next

Look who’s being eyed by new B-Meg Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent. Mick Pennisi, a 6-foot-9, grizzled veteran slotman, is now on top of the wish list of the Llamados, who want to shore up their decimated frontline and boost their title retention bid in the PBA Philippine Cup. The Philippine Cup is the opening conference of the Philippine Basketball Association’s 36th season, which begins October 3. “He’s (Mick) first in our wish list. We really need a five man right now," Gallent told GMANews.TV in a telephone interview. “But we’re also looking at other options, including signing up veteran free agent center Romel Adducul. Adducul is one those players, whose contract expired. The 6-foot-5, many-time national team member, is still practicing with the team and Gallent is keeping an open mind of including him on the roster. “No assurance that we will get Romel, but right now, I would say there’s a 70-percent chance B-Meg Derby Ace might get him," added Gallent. The Llamados have yet to sign up another frontliner, Don Allado, who just arrived from a vacation in the United States. But the possible inclusion of Pennisi is one of the things being anticipated in the off season. Still, the Llamados will need to get a third team to act as conduit in able to get Pennisi from his current squad, San Miguel Beer. Under PBA rules, sister teams like B-Meg Derby Ace and San Miguel Beer cannot trade directly and a third team is needed in order for the trade to push through. Pennisi is seriously being considered by the Llamados as two of their main frontliners – Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris – underwent operation. Just recently, the Llamados were able to tab the services of free agent Jerwin Gaco from Barako Bull. The 6-foot-4 Gaco played for Gallent’s multi-titled Harbour Centre team in the Philippine Basketball League. “He’s a free agent, so we were able to secure his services," said Gallent. “Right now, we really need to shore up our frontline with the absence of Kerby and Ping." - GMANews.TV