If he could have his way, Petron Blaze coach Ato Agustin wants to get Smart Gilas Pilipinas players to reinforce their drive for back-to-back championships in the coming PBA season.

“Kung puwedeng makuha `yung mga Smart Gilas shooters, bakit hindi. Pero ang tanong, kung aabot pa kami,” Agustin said during Tuesday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s U.N. Ave. two days after steering the Boosters to an improbable upset of Talk ’N Text in the season-ending conference.

Petron is set to pick at either No. 7 or No. 8 in the Annual PBA Draft and he didn’t mince any words about his desire to tab members of the National team who made themselves available in the Rookie Draft slated this Sunday at the Robinson’s Place in Manila.

Another option, according to Agustin, is to take a look at possible players available through free agency.

The Petron mentor was joined in weekly session by import Anthony Grundy, Arwind Santos, adjudged as the Finals MVP by the PBA Press Corps, and bosom buddy, guard Denok Miranda, both of whom already won championships together in the UAAP, PBL, and now the PBA.

As things stand now, Petron may parade the same roster responsible for winning the recent Governors Cup when the PBA unveils its 37th season this October.

The entry of ShopPinas, taking over the franchise of Barako Bull, makes Lordy Tugade and Jojo Duncil doubtful of a possible return with the team, but the rest of the players, including expirees Danny Ildefonso and Sunday Salvacion, have been assured by Agustin of coming back for a shot at a back-to-back championship.

“Si Danny I and Sunday ang may expiring contract sa amin, but Boss Hec (Calma) is now taking care of their contracts, so siguradong they will be staying with us,” added Agustin.

Big man Jay Washington and guard Joseph Yeo, who both sat out the best-of-seven Finals due to various injuries, won’t be back in action until midway into the season-opening Philippine Cup, a development that leaves Agustin a bit hesitate about their chances of going for a second straight championship.

“Sa ngayon, hindi muna namin iniisip `yun. As I’ve said kulang kami sa big man and isang shooter without Jay-Wash and Joseph. So we’ll first concentrate on getting the players we need,” added Agustin, the 1992 PBA Most Valuable Player and adjudged as one of the 25 Greatest Players in PBA history.

If he remembers it right, Agustin said “Nanalo na kami ni Arwind ng championships in all levels. Sana marami pang dumating dito sa PBA,” said Miranda in the same forum presented by Smart, PAGCOR, Outlast Battery and Shakey’s.

source: Waylon Galvez -mb.com.ph