By Jonas Terrado
Blackwater appears to be far from done with its firesale after reports surfaced the team has reached an agreement to send star rookie Ray Parks Jr. to TNT KaTropa.
Blackwater’s Ray Parks Jr. tries to drive past TNT’s KJ McDaniels, center, as Don Trollano, rightmost, looks on. Reports surfaced that the Elite has reached an agreement to send the prized rookie to the KaTropa. (PBA Images)
A source confirmed the deal which apparently was made by both sides last week, with Parks set to become the latest major Elite player to change uniforms in less than a month.
Spin.ph reported late Wednesday that Parks will be sent to TNT in exchange for vastly-improved swingman Don Trollano, two future first round draft picks and one of the Semerad twins.
Key officials from both teams were unavailable for comment.
The deal is pending the approval of the PBA Commissioner’s Office, which is expected to decide on the proposal on Monday when offices resume after the holiday break.
A five-man committee will deliberate the proposal with PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial to break the stalemate the situation presented itself.
Blackwater has been busy dealing some of its main players, beginning with the departure of shooter Mike DiGregorio to TNT for guard Brian Heruela.
Also dealt was high-scoring guard Allein Maliksi, who was shipped to Meralco along with Raymar Jose for veteran forward KG Canaleta and third-year guard Mike Tolomia.
The trades have put the Elite in a slow adjustment period, as evident with their 2-7 record in the ongoing PBA Governors’ Cup.
Blackwater also let go Poy Erram to NLEX and Paul Zamar to San Miguel in a pair of trade consummated last January.
Parks has struggled after a hot start in the season-ending conference as seen with his inconsistent scoring and assist numbers. He is averaging 20.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals.
The two-time UAAP and ASEAN Basketball League Most Valuable Player signed a two-conference contract with Blackwater last April and there are rumblings that a move is already moot and academic.
A move to TNT could give Parks renewed vigor, especially with the KaTropa holding a share of top spot with the NLEX Road Warriors at 7-1.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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