Danny Seigle now with Talk ‘N Text

MANILA, Philippines – After starting the season without a team, veteran forward Danny Seigle is now set to join the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters.

Texters’ team manager Paolo Trillo confirmed the acquisition Tuesday, November 26.

“He’ll join us for practice tomorrow so he’ll be joining the team already,” Trillo told Rappler in a phone interview.

But Trillo said they have yet to inform the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

“As far as signing is concerned, we’ve already come to an agreement. Since this happened late this afternoon, we weren’t able to send an official communication to the PBA yet,” Trillo explained.

Danny Seigle averaged 12.27 points, 4.76 rebounds, and 1.29 assists while playing for Barako Bull Energy Cola the past two seasons.

Earlier reports said Seigle and Barako Bull were discussing a new contract but negotiations fell through.

When Trillo learned that Seigle was available, they got into talks on the possibility of him joining the Philippine Cup defending champions.

Fil-foreign rule

Trillo said they acquired Seigle primarily because the team has been dealing with some injuries to its players and needed a healthy body who can immediately help them out.

The PBA only allows 5 active Filipino-foreign athletes per team. There are already 5 Fil-foreign players on the Texters’ active list, namely Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams, Sean Anthony, Harvey Carey and Ali Peek. They also have one more Fil-Am in the roster but he is on the injured list – Rob Reyes.

Trillo said it is up to the coaching staff whose spot Seigle will take.

Proven winner

Asked why they decided to get him despite being over the limit in terms of Fil-Am players, Trillo said Seigle is a veteran who can help the team right away.

“He’s a proven winner,” he added.

Seigle came into the league in 1999 as a direct-hire by the San Miguel Beermen franchise (now known as the Petron Blaze Boosters.)

“Dynamite Danny” was a star in San Miguel, leading the team to multiple championships. He was the 1999 Rookie of the Year, and bagged the Finals Most Valuable Player award four times (1999 Commissioner’s Cup, 1999 Governors’ Cup, 2000 Governors’ Cup, 2001 All-Filipino Cup)

Seigle can play both forward positions and, at 37 years old, is still one of the most versatile scorers in the game. – with reports from Bea Cupin and Rodneil Quiteles/Rappler.com