by Waylon Galvez
Manila, Philippines – Globalport has shipped ace shooting guard Gary David to Meralco in exchange for two players and two more future picks yesterday, fulfilling David’s wish to be traded to a team capable of playing in the finals.
David, one of the league’s top scorers who played for Gilas Pilipinas in the last FIBA-Asia Championship here, and rookie guard AJ Mandani were traded to the Bolts for guards Chris Ross and Chris Timberlake, plus the team’s second round picks in 2016 and 2017 PBA Rookie Draft.
The trade papers were forwarded to the office of PBA Commissioner Chito Salud for approval.
“It’s a painful parting of ways between our organization and Gary David,” said Globalport official Erick Arejola in a text message.“But it is mutually beneficial to both parties in the long run. Gary will have a fresh career path, while Globalport becomes younger gearing for our organization’s championship run in the next two years.”
After finishing at the bottom during their first two conferences in the pro league, the Batang Pier made their first playoff stint this season when it barged into the quarterfinal round of the Governors’ Cup, only to lose to Rain or Shine in a knockout game.
With the 6-foot-2 David gone, Globalport, according to Arejola, is planning to move Solomon Mercado from point guard to shooting guard while Ross will likely take his place as the team’s top playmaker with Timberlake and possibly Rudy Lingganay as backups.
The 6-foot-2 David, whose averages a career 18 points per game, is entering his 10th year in the PBA.