Daily Tribune
Few months after unloading its top overall rookie pick Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser for the services of veteran forward Troy Rosario, Blackwater found itself involved in yet another multi-player trade, this time, with new team Converge.
On Tuesday, the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner's Office approved the deal that sent guards RK Ilagan and Mike DiGregorio and rookie Tyrus Hill to Blackwater for forward Barkley Ebona and the Bossing's first-round pick which they acquired from TNT Tropang Giga.
By getting three new players, Blackwater has a chance to shore up its banged-up roster and allow itself to play more competitively in the season-ending Governors' Cup.
The Bossing had missed the playoffs again in the ongoing Commissioner's Cup as they played minus key players JVee Casio, Baser Amer, Joshua Torralba and Rosario among others.
With these new young recruits, Blackwater is hoping to complement returning import Shawn Glover.
"The trade gave us depth. We felt we were exposed when our starters got injured," said Blackwater coach Ariel Vanguardia, adding that they have already parted ways with veteran guard Justin Melton and Jollo Go as well as Filipino-American guard Trevis Jackson who is getting married this April.
Ilagan had proven himself to be a deadly gunner and one of the most feared players in clutch situations.
The pint-sized sophomore guard had also established himself as a sniper right in his rookie season with Alaska last year and continued his reputation this season with Converge.
Now playing for his third team in two seasons, Ilagan wants to remain an asset for his new squad.
Hill was hardly utilized by the FiberXers.
The 6-foot-5 former La Salle player was originally drafted seventh overall by NLEX but was dealt to Converge on draft day along with David Murrell for the FiberXers' first round draft pick this year.
DiGregorio used to play for Blackwater several years ago.
These new players, coupled by the expected return of Casio, Amer and Torralba this coming Governors' Cup, will definitely boost the manpower shortage previously experienced by the Bossing.
"JVee, Baser and Josh started non-contact practice and might make it in time for the second conference," Vanguardia added.
"Troy could return by February."
Casio missed the entire Commissioner's Cup as he suffered a groin injury while Amer hurt his calf during the latter stretch of the elimination round.
Torralba is still on his way to recovery due to a meniscus tear.
Rosario, on the other hand, played only five games for Blackwater due to a plantar fasciitis injury and averaged 12.6 points and five rebounds per game.
For Converge, it is an opportunity to bolster its front court following the acquisition of Ebona.
The FiberXers were also able to get a first round pick after losing their previous one to the Road Warriors in the Hill and Murrell trade.
