Jose agrees to juicy deal

Raymar Jose is eager to show why he's worth every cent after formally signing a three-year contract with Blackwater before yesterday's practice at the SGS gym in Araneta Ave., Quezon City.

Jose was initially offered two shorter deals by Blackwater management before the two parties were able to work on a deal that would give the third overall pick of the PBA Rookie Draft a maximum contract estimated at R8.55 million.

And after signing on the dotted line while being accompanied by Elite team manager Jonson Martinez and agent Ed Ponceja, Jose expressed confidence in his ability to repay Blackwater's faith.

“Sabi ko noon, sana maging naayos din at mabigay nila yung gusto kong kunin kasi pagtatrabahuhan ko naman e. So ito ngayon naging resulta, naging okay naman,” Jose said.

The former Far Eastern University star and 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Most Valuable Player for champion Cignal joins top overall selection Christian Standhardinger of San Miguel and No. 2 pick Kiefer Ravena of NLEX on the list of players given maximum rookie contracts.

Under PBA rules, rookies can receive a monthly salary of R150,000 on the first year, R225,000 on the second and R337,500 on the final season of the deal.

Blackwater selected Jose in hopes of shoring up the team's frontline depth. The Elite already have the vastly-improved JP Erram, Dave Marcelo and James Sena as their top big men.