The Blackwater Elite yesterday acquired 12-year veteran KG Cañaleta from the GlobalPort Batang Pier in a two-for-one trade as they try to improve their fortunes in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Cañaleta was sent to the Elite in exchange for James Forrester and Dylan Ababou, a move which came after lefty forward Art de la Cruz raptured his Achilles while training with Gilas Pilipinas prior to the start of the midseason conference.
It will be Cañaleta’s ninth team since being drafted by the original Air21 franchise in the 2005 draft. The multi-time Slam Dunk champion also suited up for B-Meg, Barangay Ginebra, Shopinas.com/Air21, Talk ‘N Text, NLEX and Mahindra.
His addition came after the Elite also signed up former Letran star Mark Cruz, who was coming off an impressive showing for Tanduay in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup. The Rhum Masters were recently eliminated by the Cignal-San Beda Hawkeyes in the semifinals.
Cruz returns to the pro ranks after a short stint with Star and Phoenix in the 2015-16 season.
Blackwater is in dire need of wins after starting the conference with three consecutive losses despite the impressive showing of import Greg Smith. (Jonas Terrado)