Kings looking to hire a Don?

By Joel Orellana
Business Mirror
September 19, 2007

WITH Nic Belasco likely to agree to terms with Welcoat Paints probably this week, Barangay Ginebra has now shifted its attention to Don Allado of Talk ’N Text in a bid to shore up its frontline.

The Kings have inquired on the possible transfer of the six-foot-six center-forward out of De La Salle University, but the Phone Pals are asking for Rafi Reavis in return.

Ginebra reportedly turned down the proposed one-on-one trade but is still exerting efforts in luring Allado, who just renewed his contract with the Pals for three years reportedly worth P12.6 million.

Talk ’N Text head coach Derrick Pumaren told BusinessMirror he is not aware of such possible trade.

The Kings are dead serious in beefing up their roster and coach Jong Uichico was quoted he is looking for a hardworking man that can fill up the slot of Rudy Hatfield, whose status in the team remains uncertain.

Early this week, Ginebra acquired Paul Artadi from Purefoods Tender Juicy in a three-team trade that also involved Air21. The Express got the rights for Jec Chia and Paolo Hubalde while the Giants received the future second-round pick of the Kings.

The Kings were willing to throw in their first-round pick Macky Escalona and Mike Holper to get the services of the veteran Belasco, who was dealt by Alaska to the Dragons for Junjun Cabatu.

But team owner Raymund Yu said that the team is likely keeping Belasco and will be offered a maximum two-year salary worth P8.4 million. The deal might be finalized within the week as Belasco has yet to return from a vacation in the United States.

With Belasco gone on the wish list of Uichico, Ginebra remains in constant search for a big man that will make them competitive in the coming season of the Philippine Basketball Association.

The Kings are the defending champions in the Philippine Cup and no team since Great Taste in 1985 has been able to defend the All-Filipino crown.

“Halos lahat ng teams nagpalakas kaya kailangang maging competitive din kami,” Uichico said in his previous interview.

Only Eric Menk, Billy Mamaril and Holper are in good health while Reavis is still recuperating from an old injury. Andy Seigle, the six-foot-nine center, would likely be dropped, according to a team insider.