By REYNALD MAGALLON
The PBA trade committee gave its green light to the blockbuster Robert Bolick trade between NorthPort and NLEX with San Miguel Beer also entering the picture and landing Don Trollano on Monday, Dec. 11.
As first reported, first part of the massive three-team, multi-player deal saw the Batang Pier sending the rights to the high-scoring guard Bolick to the Road Warriors in exchange for Ben Adamos, guard Kris Rosales, small forward Don Trollano and NLEX’s PBA Season 49 second round draft pick.
A deal between the SMB and NorthPort was then consummated with the former getting its hands on Trollano after shipping Allyn Bulanadi, Jeepy Faundo and SMB’s 51st Season second round pick to the latter.
The trade formally ended Robert Bolick four-year tenure with the Batang Pier who still held his rights in the PBA even after signing to Japan B.League team Fukushima Firebonds. The deal also paved the way to the one-time all-star PBA comeback after deciding to part ways with his Japanese team last October
For NLEX’s part, the effort to acquire Bolick came in the heels of the third anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) injury of star guard Kevin Alas and the team’s ongoing three-game slide.
Trollano, meanwhile, should be a great addition to the SMB – a team which has been dealing with injuries since the start of the season especially in the guard and wing positions. The Beermen have guards Simon Enciso, Kyt Jimenez, Jeron Teng and Terrence Romeo on the sick bay, joining big men June Mar Fajardo and Vic Manuel.
SMB is also on a two-game losing skid including a shock loss to NorthPort last Friday, Dec. 9.
Already playing a stellar game, the Batang Pier ended up with Bulanadi, Faundo, Rosales, and Adamos to boost a core that featured Arvin Tolentino, Joshua Munzon along with rookies Cade Flores, Brent Paraiso and Fran Yu.
