By REYNALD MAGALLON
Rain or Shine has signed draft picks Felix Lemetti and Francis Escandor to separate deals while NorthPort has given Evan Nelle a two-year contract on Friday, July 19.
The Elasto Painters signed Fil-Swedish Lemetti, who the team drafted with its eighth overall pick to a three-year deal while Escandor, the team’s 13th overall pick inked a one-year contract with the team.
Lemetti, was one of the surprises in the first round of the draft after being picked by Rain or Shine despite being relatively unknown before the proceedings.
The Elasto Painters though said they actually had their eyes set on tabbing Lemeti, a former NCAA Division I player, to join forces with their slew of guards in Andrei Caracut, Anton Asistio and Adrian Nocum.
Escandor, meanwhile, a 6-foot-2 winger from La Salle has the potential to become a three-and-D player for the Yeng Guiao-mentored squad although he may have to play behind the likes of Gian Mamuyac, Gabe Norwood and Jhonard Clarito.
Lemetti and Escandor, along with their representatives were present in the signing while Guiao, assistant coach Caloy Garcia and assistant team manager Jireh Ibanez were in attendance for ROS.
Meanwhile, Nelle, after seeing himself drop from a potential early first rounder to 14th overall pick, has secured his place in the lineup for the coach Bonnie Tan-mentored Batang Pier.
The UAAP and NCAA champion hopes to add the winning pedigree to NorthPort as he is expected to join hands with its stars Arvin Tolentino, Will Navarro, and Joshua Munzon along with new additions Jio Jalalon, Abu Tratter and Sidney Onwubere.
The two team’s first rounders in fifth overall pick Dave Ildefonso and seventh overall pick Caelan Tiongson have yet to sign with NorthPort and Rain or Shine respectively as they are still with Strong Group – Pilipinas which is currently seeing action in the Jones Cup.
