Abra confirms Mark Yee acquisition, John Wilson heads to Nueva Ecija

Mark Yee is officially bound for Abra. MPBL (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--Mark Yee and John Wilson quickly found new homes after leaving Paranaque and South Cotabato, respectively.

The MPBL announced on Friday that Yee is now heading to Abra, while Wilson has signed with Nueva Ecija.

Both teams made their own announcements on their respective social media pages to confirm the development.

Word had been abuzz throughout the week, though, that Yee, a six-foot-three hardworking forward, is joining the Weavers for the rest of the season as he was seen practicing with them recently after playing 11 games for the Patriots during the start of the year.

Meanwhile, Wilson, who once won a national championship in a Don Dulay-coached club when he helped Davao Occidental capture the 2022 PSL title, finds himself reuniting with Dulay and some fellow ex-Tigers with the Rice Vanguards, who proved critics wrong by making the 2024 PSL Finals despite the shock coaching change and blitzing to an unbeaten start in this MPBL season.

It remains to be seen if both players will be immediately activated for their new teams' games on Saturday night at the Gov. Andres Bernos Memorial Gym in Bangued.

Nueva Ecija faces Paranaque at 6 p.m., while Abra finally plays a home game against Rizal at 8 p.m.

Already confirmed to be jumping ships are former PBA 3x3 stars Bong Galanza and Tonino Gonzaga, who already suited up for Zamboanga and Manila, respectively, and former Iloilo player Josh Flores, who already signed with Batang Kankaloo.

The three players saw action for their new teams during the Thursday night triple-header at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

Galanza had a brilliant MPBL return with 13 points, three rebounds, five assists, and one steal in Zamboanga's 90-73 win against Sarangani.

Flores, on the other hand, put up five points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal in a losing effort for Batang Kankaloo as they failed to defend their turf against the still-undefeated Quezon Huskers, 66-56.

Gonzaga was held scoreless in his debut with the Stars, but it hardly mattered as they blasted the Imus Agimat, 96-58.

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