Buenafe, Canaleta find new home in Blackwater, Phoenix

RONJAY BUENAFE has been released by Phoenix Petroleum, but that doesn’t mean the veteran guard is left without a squad to play for in the coming PBA season.

A member of the 2012 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters champion squad, Buenafe will be bringing in his championship experience with the Blackwater Elite and will provide tons of experience alongside another old timer in Denok Miranda.

Speaking to an exclusive interview, Buenafe shared his excitement on the possibility of being given opportunity to play more with his new squad.

“That’s the thing players in the PBA really wanted, to be given more opportunity to play,” Mr. Buenafe said.

Buenafe will play the big guard spot for the young squad and will most likely help out the younger guards, particularly rookie Raphael Banal, the team’s top overall rookie pick, who will be needing guidance for a seasoned player like him.

Buenafe sees Banal playing a major role in the Elite’s quest for a playoff run.

In two seasons in the PBA, the Elite just made it to the playoffs once and the veteran guard is hoping the good mix of young turks and seasoned players will make the team more balance.

“I see a good mix. Raphael is a promising point guard. He’s tall for a point guard and he can shoot the ball well. I think he’s an intelligent player, too,” added Mr. Buenafe.

Like Buenafe, KG Canaleta, a veteran journeyman swingman, cracked a new team via the free agency.

The dead shot, former University of the East stalwart and a manytime slam dunk champion, has been picked up by GlobalPort when his contract wasn’t renewed by the Mahindra Enforcers, now known as the Floodbusters.