BOLTS GET BACLAO, WILSON IN DEAL WITH AIR21
With Jay-R Reyes and Jared Dillinger still recuperating from injuries, the Meralco Bolts were forced to come up with changes in their line up by acquiring two new players from the Air21 Express.
The Bolts picked up former top overall rookie pick Noy Baclao and shooting guard John Wilson from the Express, but had to give up forward Vic Manuel, veteran slotman Carlo Sharma and a future second round draft pick.
Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio explained to pba.ph the rationale behind the trade, saying it had something to do with filling up the holes in the absence of their two key players.
“Jay-R Reyes has a torn fascia and will be out for six weeks and with the Governors’ Cup implementing a short format, we came up with a deal to get Baclao to man the paint for us,” said Gregorio in a text message.
Losing Dillinger, who was acquired in a trade last month that involved Ronjay Buenafe, in the early stages of the elimination round also means the Bolts had to find a replacement player who can play on both ends of the court. That’s the main reason why the team got Wilson.
Wilson will be reunited with his former Ginebra coach, Jong Uichico, who is now the coaching consultant of the Bolts.
“With the departure of Buenafe and Jared Dillinger not yet ready, we need a two-guard floor spacer and defensive stopper. That is why we traded to get John Wilson,” added Gregorio.
Sharma will be reunited with his old college coach, Franz Pumaren at Air21.
But the best catch for the Express could probably be Manuel, a former PBA D-League MVP who can play starting power forward for the squad. (RJ)
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