Maverick Ahanmisi, the surprise third overall pick in Sunday’s PBA Rookie Draft, yesterday signed a two-year pact with Rain or Shine worth P4.5 million, a day after the league’s top two picks Fil-Tongan Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario − inked similar 3-year contracts with Talk ’N Text.
Atty. Mert Mondragon, ROS representative to the Board, said the former University of Minnesota guard will receive the maximum salary for rookies which is P150,000 and P225,000 on the second year.
“We’re happy with the result of our negotiations so we signed him to the max,” said Mondragon.
“We have no problem at all dealing with Maverick.”
ROS co-team owner Raymond Yu, who was present during the signing of the contract at ROS headquarters in Pasig, said the 6-foot Ahanmisi is a welcome addition to the team following the sudden retirement of veteran guard TY Tang.
“He has a good touch from the perimeter and a very creative guard so we’re confident he can bring so much to the table,” said Yu of Ahanmisi, who was accompanied by his father and brother during the signing of the contract.
“If he performs to our expectations, then we are ready to give him a contract extension,” added Yu.
But one thing that Ahanmisi needs to get rid is his being so “reserved”.
“Medyo mahiyain lang, but he’s tailor-made for us,” said Terry Que, the co-owner of team. “Mabait na bata pa.”
Tautuaa and Rosario inked contracts worth R8.5 million each – the same deal No. 4 pick Chris Newsome got from Meralco – TNT’s sister company.
Ahanmisi, who played a key role in CaféFrances conquest of Hapee Toothpaste in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup last July, expressed excitement to play alongside idol Paul Lee.
“I’m glad Rain or Shine picked me. I know it’s a run and gun team. I love the team’s style of play. I watch Paul Lee all the time. I’m glad I’m with their team I could learn from him,” he said.
Aside from signing Ahanmisi, also in the Painters’ radar is Jay Washington, who recently returned to Globalport.
Washington played for Welcoat (now Rain or Shine) in the now defunct Philippine Basketball League (PBL).
(REY LACHICA)