REYNEL Hugnatan is returning to the Meralco Bolts for another tour of duty.
The 42-year-old forward on Monday agreed to a contract extension with the Bolts.
Team manager Paolo Trillo refused to disclose the terms of the contract other than saying that Meralco and Hugnatan had an internal arrangement, which would allow the lefty center/forward another chance to help the team win its first ever PBA championship.
In the recent Bubble tournament, Hugnatan averaged 12 points per game, enough to put him in contention for the Most Improved Player Award.
Hugnatan, who won three championships with the defunct Coca-Cola Tigers and the Alaska Aces, was a pillar of strength for the Bolts as he helped the team gain its first ever semifinals stint in the Philippine Cup.
"It's a fitting reward to his contribution, especially after what he did in the recent Bubble tournament," said Trillo in a telephone interview with PBA.ph.
"We're excited to have him back."
Trillo added that two more frontliners -- comebacking Noy Baclao and Jammer Jamito -- were also given contract extensions.
A former top overall pick, Baclao will make his return after being sidelined for more than a year by a knee injury.
Jamito, on the other hand, will provide added inside presence coming off the bench.