Trade talks and other things

Intal needs to recapture his UAAP MVP contender form

JC Intal (Ginebra) to BMeg
Noli Eala went on Twitter to say that this was purely BMeg head coach Tim Cone's call, who then explained his choice by saying that Intal would/ could blossom into the "Scottie Pippen" to James Yap's "Michael Jordan" much like the relationship between Powerade's Gary David and Marcio Lassiter. Our only concern is that Intal has yet to really find his niche in the PBA. As athletic as he is on the hardcourt, Intal has never been a lockdown defender AND an option to shoot with any consistency. He'll undoubtedly blossom under Cone's coaching, but not enough to displace PJ Simon as J. Yap's chief buddy come crunch time (shorter, but better scoring option).

Kerby Raymundo (BMeg), Dylan Ababou (Barako Bull) to Ginebra
When you are on the receiving end of the best players in any trade, then you're bound to be on the winning end of things. Raymundo's a proven high post player, arguably the best off the dribble among big men. Then there's Ababou, who will undoubtedly be Ginebra's key small forward for the future. While Intal had a hard time adjusting because he had to play a support role to Ginebra's stars after being "the man" in college with Ateneo, Ababou is the exact opposite. He can score and has the PBA size, but he also knows how to play without the basketball. This trade also sets up a taller Ginebra future scoring duo to probably replace The Fast and The Furious (who are in the 30s) together with UST and Barako Bull teammate Allein Maliksi. People are hyping the two rooks as the "Espana Express" this early, hopefully, Coach Siot lets them play instead of burying them on the bench (as he always does with rookies).

Ronald Tubid, Reil Cervantes (Ginebra) to Barako Bull
The Gin Kings had to let go of Tubid to appease Commissioner Chito Salud and have the trade push through. We say it's time to let Tubid go, not with Caguioa bent on reclaiming his throne as the league's best shooting guard (a title that rightfully belongs to Gary David-- for now), while Maliksi waits in the wings for his turn at glory. They also have the ever-improving John Wilson who not only has the balls to take big shots, but plays lockdown defense as well. With Barako, Tubid forms a great/ awesome First Five with Willie Miller, Danny Seigle, Dorian Pena and Mick Pennisi. As for Cervantes, he shows a lot of spunk and fight when given minutes-- he'll have them at Barako.

Omolon brings credible perimeter defense
to a soft Air21 roster (Ogie Menor is a joke)

Nelbert Omolon, Mark Isip (Meralco) to Air21
Other than Meralco assistant Boyet Fernandez, the last remnants of the old Santa Lucia Realtors' champion team have been shipped out-- for the better. At Air21, both guys are a lock to start. Omolon goes back to his natural small forward spot while Isip provides the inside toughness and maturity that Air21 frontliner Magi Sison still lacks.

Dennis Daa, Mark Canlas (Air21) to Meralco
Daa's a serviceable big, but why take on Canlas?

Hopefully, more trades go down to create an even more interesting Commissioner's Cup. There are talks that a big time, big named trade is in the offing. There's also talk that a PBA team is on the verge of folding and may be replaced by a team from the amateurs.

Oh, and yes, we all would like to see Marcus Douthit strut his stuff in the PBA once again. But why with Air21? We'd rather see him with Powerade, if only to have him play side by side with JVee Casio and Lassiter-- oh, and to help the Bataan Bomber win a title this year.