Rookie big man James Laput inked a three-year deal with Terrafirma on Thursday, four days after the Dyip selected the Fil-Aussie as their eighth overall pick in the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft last Sunday.
The 6-foot-10 Laput signed his fresh rookie pact with Terrafirma at the team's head office in Makati in the presence of team governor Bobby Rosales and the freshman slot man's handler PJ Pilares.
Laput has expressed his excitement over the new chapter in his basketball career, vowing to give his best and learn from his coach and his teammates in an effort to grow as a player.
Meanwhile, Rosales confirmed to ESPN5 that they are currently negotiating with Joshua Munzon, who emerged as the PBA's top overall pick last weekend.
"(Negotiation is) in progress," Rosales said in a short reply to ESPN5.
Munzon is expected to fill in the shoes vacated by young athletic star CJ Perez, whom the Dyip traded last February to San Miguel Beer in exchange for Russel Escoto, guard Gelo Alolino and forward Matt Ganuelas-Rosser for the 2019 Rookie of the Year.
The Dyip also got the Beermen's first-round pick this year, which they used on Laput.
Munzon can give Terrafirma instant offense, while Laput adds ceiling and as he improves, can develop into a defensive anchor for the team.