Fonacier traded to San Miguel

By Waylon Galvez
Manila Bulletin
August 1, 2007

San Miguel Beer is adding another Blue Eagle in its lineup this coming PBA conference.

After drafting LA Tenorio last year and acquiring Enrico Villanueva in a controversial deal midway of the PBA Fiesta Cup, the Beermen is all set to get Larry Fonacier. All three players are former Ateneo Blue Eagles.

Like Villanueva, Fonacier also started out his career with Red Bull, and reports said that both parties are now close to signing a deal that will bring the 6-foot-2 guard to San Miguel in exchange for three players.

The source, who spoke on condition that he will not be identified because the trade is not yet official, said San Miguel is willing to give up former Letran star Chris Calaguio, Brandon Lee Cablay and Kiko Adriano to get the sweet-shooting guard.

"The team will decide tomorrow, but in principle the transfer of Fonacier is OK," said the source.

Once the contract is finally sealed, Fonacier will be reunited with former Ateneo buddies.

If that happens, Fonacier will become the fifth Ateneo player in the San Miguel squad, counting veteran playmaker Olsen Racela and forward Wesley Gonzales.

Chot Reyes, who handled the Beermen before being named as coach of the RP team which is currently competing in the FIBA-Asia men's tournament, is also an Atenean. His return to the San Miguel bench, however, is still under review.

Despite the impending departure of Fonacier, Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao is calm -- as usual.

"We've survived in the past though nawala sa amin several marquee players. The system is what kept the team competitive in the PBA. That system will be the strength of Red Bull this season," said Guiao.

Red Bull still has an assortment of Ateneo players in the persons of Rich Alvarez, Paolo Bugia and Magnum Membrere. All have reportedly signed fresh contacts with the team.

The Bulls are also negotiating for the renewal of contracts of Junthy Valenzuela, Celino Cruz, Leomar Najorda and Mick Pennisi.

Fonacier joined the PBA in 2005 as the Bulls' second round pick and 14th overall during the Rookie Draft, behind Najorda, who was then selected in the first round as the 9th overall selection.

Fonacier helped Red Bull win the 2005-06 Fiesta Cup title. That same season, he was named the Rookie of the Year.