SMB acquires Nabong from GlobalPort

DEFENDING champion San Miguel Beer has further bolstered its lineup by acquiring the 6’6 Kelly Nabong from GlobalPort on Thursday in exchange of veteran power forward Gabby Espinas.

“The Nabong-Espinas trade was officially consummated with the addition of a second round draft pick,” San Miguel Beer team manager Gee Abanilla said through a text message. “I think both parties will benefit from it considering the short term and long term objectives of both teams.”

“In behalf of San Miguel Corporation, we warmly welcome Mr. Kelly Nabong to our fold and we also want to thank Mr. Gabby Espinas for his valuable services during his tenure with the Beermen.”

Nabong’s play is characterized by physicality that resulted in him being slapped with fines by the league. Nabong was drafted 17th overall by Rain or Shine during the 2012 rookie draft. He was with Meralco during his rookie year before he was traded to GlobalPort in 2013.

He was traded back to Meralco in 2015. During the third conference last year, Nabong was suspended after a heated argument with assistant coach Jimmy Alapag.

Espinas will be joining his ninth team in 12 seasons.

The former National Collegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Player and 2004 Rookie of the Year played crucial roles in San Miguel Beer’s last five championships.

Besides Espinas, GlobalPort also reacquired Paolo Taha from Ginebra for rookie Julian Sargent.