By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Talking about turning back the hands of time, Negrense Reynel Hugnatan just perfectly did that during the PBA bubble.
The hefty leftie from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental will be turning 43 in November 2021 but the youth inside him still flourishes after leading the Meralco Bolts to the PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals.
With the contributions and the leadership the veteran Hugnatan displayed during their campaign, the Bolts offered him a gift for the new year.
The Meralco management then confirmed that they will be rewarding Hugnatan with a contract extension and are excited to have him back for another PBA playoff run.
“It’s a fitting reward to his contribution, especially after what he did in the recent Bubble tournament,” Bolts team manager Paolo Trillo said.
Hugnatan’s solid bubble outing earned him a spot as one of the nominees for the Most Improved Player Award. The longest-active Meralco player in their franchise could make PBA history if he wins the prestigious award at the age of 42.
Meanwhile, co-big men Jammer Jamito and Noy Baclao were also given contract extensions and are looking forward to the next season after a healthy roster has been finally confirmed.
