Big deals for next batch of rookies

By Jonas Terrado

PBA rookies are set to receive bigger contracts as the league is set to formalize a plan to increase their monthly salary effective next season.

Commissioner Willie Marcial told the Bulletin that minor kinks are to be ironed out when he and the PBA Board of Governors meet in a board meeting slated two weeks after the Jan. 13 season opener.

Marcial didn’t disclose the exact amount but sources said that rookies may get a maximum monthly take of P200,000 in the first year, R250,000 in the second and possibly R420,000 in the third.

Under the current rules, the maximum for the rookie is R150,000 in the first year, R225,000 in the second and R337,500 in the third.
“It’s already on the table,” Marcial said. “We’ll just iron out some minor details.”

It is still to be determined if the increase will also reflect on the new batch of rookies chosen in last weekend’s PBA Rookie Draft, particularly those who have signed deals with their respective ballclubs.

Top overall pick CJ Perez agreed on a three-year max deal with Columbian, No. 3 selection Robert Bolick got a two-year contract with NorthPort.

No. 6 and No. 8 picks Javee Mocon and J-Jay Alejandro received a three-year pact from Rain or Shine and No. 5 Trevis Jackson signed on the dotted line for two years with Meralco.

Blackwater is also set to sign No. 4 pick Paul Desiderio and No. 7 selection Abu Tratter, who were acquired from NLEX in a trade for Poy Erram.

Second overall pick Ray Parks Jr. is yet to reach terms with Blackwater, with owner Dioceldo Sy offering a two-year deal that reflects the planned wage increase.

Parks, however, is seeking a three-year deal worth the max contract.