KERBY’S MINUTES – GOING…GOING….
Because of the measly playing time given his prized big man Kerby Raymundo, well known player agent Danny Espiritu is set to meet with team officials of Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel.
But Espiritu clarified that this move is not to seek a trade for Raymundo but to ask the management about the team’s plan for the fleet-footed slotman.
“Kakausapin ko lang naman yung management. Tatanong ko kung ano ba plano nila? Pero never ako manghihingi ng trade. Unethical yun!” exclaimed Espiritu, whose other player Robert Labagala also fights for minutes under Coach Siot Tanquingcen.
Raymundo, who reportedly bolted out of B-Meg Llamados last year because of a decrease in playing minutes, had seen himself languishing on the Ginebra bench longer.
In the Kings’ series versus Rain or Shine, the 31-year-old Orion, Bataan native experienced a major decline in his exposure on the court.
In the first game of the best-of-3 series, Raymundo played for 14 minutes and recorded 3 rebounds, 2 assists & 1 steal, missing all four field goal attempts in a frustrating 65-82 loss to the Elasto Painters.
In Ginebra’s 79-77 Game 2 win, Raymundo was hardly a factor, playing for only 3 minutes, as then best player Rudy Hatfield ate up most of the playing time.
The series clincher was more disappointing for the 10-time PBA All-Star as he was not fielded in for even a single second.
“Nakausap ko si Kerby after the game, OK naman siya upbeat naman. Saka alam naman niya na wala siyang karapatang humingi ng trade, kasi hanggat under contract siya, team ang magdedecide nun,” said Espiritu.
“Gusto ko lang ipaalam sa lahat na masaya si Kerby sa Ginebra kasi playoffs contender yung team at dun gustong gustong lumalaro nung bata. Ilang beses ngang lumaban for MVP dati yan di ba?” recalled Espiritu, who handles the career of other marquee players like Mark Caguioa, Arwind Santos and Mark Cardona.
Despite the limited exposure, Raymundo no doubt is still among the league’s most versatile big man who can take outside shots or bang his body at the post.
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