Phoenix, TNT, GlobalPort eye crucial victories
Games Today (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:30 p.m. – Phoenix vs Meralco 7 p.m. – TNT KaTropa vs GlobalPort
Rain or Shine has granted the wish of Jericho Cruz to be traded as the Elasto Painters dealt the combo guard yesterday to TNT KaTropa for rookie Sidney Onwubere plus TNT’s first round pick in the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft.
The two teams, according to ROS Coach Caloy Garcia, have agreed in principles with the trade papers awaiting the signatures of TNT team manager Virgil Villavicencio and Rain or Shine governor Mamerto Mondragon.
The trade proposal will then be forwarded to PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial for approval.
Cruz, a fourth year pro, has been vocal in his desire to be traded despite signing a three-year deal last season. The former Adamson Falcon was ROS’s 9th overall pick in 2014.
Under then coach Yeng Guiao, Cruz blossomed into one of the best combo guards in the league.
When ace guard Paul Lee was shipped to Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok prior to last season, Cruz took advantage of the development to take on a more important role in Garcia’s rotation.
Cruz had actually longed to be reunited with Guiao at NLEX, but talks between the Road Warriors and Elasto Painters stalled. A source said that prior to the TNT-ROS deal, a deal was broached for a three-team trade with Rain or Shine serving as conduit for Cruz to go to TNT before moving to NLEX.
Rain or Shine management turned down the plan.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Fuel Masters, TNT KaTropa and GlobalPort Batang Pier look to secure victories and stay out of the danger zone tonight as the quarterfinal race of the PBA Philippine Cup resumes at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Phoenix plays a Meralco side that is staring at another potential early exit in the all-Filipino tournament in the first game at 4:30 p.m. before TNT and GlobalPort square off at 7 p.m. with the winner gaining a momentary entry into the top eight.
All three teams can’t afford to lose at this point of the elimination round, with every game likely to determine their fate. (With a report from Jonas Terrado)