Tigers, Llamados also eyeing big men

BY NOLI CORTEZ

ASIDE from Meralco, Powerade and defending champion B-Meg Derby Ace are also searching for another big man.

The Tigers are willing to shop around for a frontliner who could take the place of slotman Asi Taulava if and when the latter is permitted by the PBA Board to join the Smart Gilas team seeing action in the Guangzhou Asian Games in November.

The Llamados are on the lookout for a power forward who could augment their frontline in the absence of the injured Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris.

The two teams are merely following the lead of Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio, who the other day told Malaya he wants another big man to backstop centers Marlou Aquino and Beau Belga and power forwards Gabby Espinas and Dennis Daa.

"We haven’t really thought about replacements for Asi," related Powerade coach Bo Perasol. "Our options will definitely be in the free agents’ pool. We don’t know as of yet kung sino ang available."

Derby Ace seems to have the inside track as head coach Jorge Gallent yesterday bared team management is seriously considering Jerwin Gaco, formerly of Barako Bull, as partial solution to his frontline woes.

"We are thinking of getting him pero wala pang final decision," said Gallent. "Within the week pa namin malalaman kung papipirmahin siya."

Gallent and Gaco are no strangers to each other as they have teamed up with the Harbour Centre team in the PBL where they won six titles together.

The Llamados are reportedly working on a deal with Ginebra for 6-foot-6 Billy Mamaril but they are still searching for a third team to make it happen.

Derby Ace and the Kings are sister teams and are barred from directly trading with each other.

Gallent denied knowledge of any deal in progress, but admitted Gaco will be a big help in their title-retention bid. "Jerwin will be a big help. He will be the banger inside and get those loose balls," he said.

Gaco saw action with Barako last season, playing 15 games and averaging 5.3 points and 3.5 rebounds. He was reportedly headed to the Philippine Patriots for the ABL, but may opt for the PBA if signed.

The 29-year-old forward also had a stint with the Laguna Stallions in Liga Pilipinas before bringing his act to the Energy Coffee Masters in the Fiesta Conference, when the George Chua-owned franchise tied up with Harbour Centre.

Derby Ace selected a pair of big men in the last rookie draft in Pari Llagas and Val Acuna, but the former UE stalwarts are not expected to make an immediate impact for the team.

More on Sports

Search

Tips