SMB lands Romeo; NLEX nets Erram

Terrence Romeo is packing his bags for San Miguel Beer, Poy Erram is moving over to NLEX, and it turns out rookie draftees Paul Desiderio and Abu Tratter are heading for Blackwater.

A busy wheeling and dealing succeeded the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft Day where 41 of 47 hopefuls heard their names called in well-attended proceedings at Robinson’s Place Manila Sunday.

San Miguel netted just one player (Ryan Monteclaro) from the draft but explored the trade and free-agency markets to shake up its roster.

The Beermen’s biggest catch is Romeo whom TNT KaTropa put on the trade block after a falling-out with the player.

In a deal that was still subject to the approval of the Commissioner’s Office at press time, the Texters, in return, are to get reserve players Brian Heruela and David Semerad plus future draft rights.

Earlier, San Miguel acquired the rights on Blackwater player Paul Zamar.

Meanwhile, right at the floor during the draft exercise, Blackwater and NLEX quietly negotiated a deal that the two teams sealed yesterday, agreeing to send Desiderio and Tratter to the Elite camp in exchange for Erram. NLEX coach Yeng Guiao told The

STAR they initiated the deal to address their problem with length.

“We need a big man in addition to JR Quinahan and Mike Miranda. Because of our lack in ceiling, we can’t retire Asi Taulava,” said Guiao.

For their part, Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy said they have formed an interesting young, good unit in netting Desiderio and Tratter in addition to No. 2 draft pick Bobby Ray Parks.

“Since we’re talking, I urged them (NLEX) to choose Desiderio at No. 4. Kasi kung hindi nila kinuha si Desiderio at No. 4, he would be picked by Rain or Shine at No. 6,” Sy said.

As Meralco picked Trevis Jackson at No. 5 then ROS drafted Javee Mocon at No. 6, NLEX was still able to pick Tratter at No. 7.

“Actually, there were still many loose ends (in the trade talk) during the draft, but we still took a gamble in picking Desiderio and Tratter. For if the trade didn’t materialize, we would also be happy with Desiderio and Tratter,” said Guiao.

“Kiefer Ravena, Kevin Alas and Desiderio would have been a good combination. But in the end, we dealt with the urgency of our need for a big man,” Guiao also said in acquiring the services of the 6-foot-8 Erram, who has played under him in Gilas Pilipinas.