Sold! Mikee Romero buys Powerade franchise

Casio needs to be THE man

According to reports, champion sports figure Mikee Romero has officially bought the Powerade Tigers' from Coca Cola through his company, Sultan 900. This finally rids us all of the unwanted drama that marred what was a beautiful and eye-opening season for the Tigers, who could've been built into a title contender had it stuck to its Philippine Cup core.

With star Gary David leading the pack, the Tigers looked every inch like a title team with guys like Doug Kramer, Sean Anthony, Rommel Adducul, Alex Crisano and rookies JVee Casio and Marcio Lassiter. All the team really needed back then was more time to jell and who knows just how far they could've gone had Lassiter not been pressured with all the trade rumors come 2nd conference before finally being dealt to Petron in the 3rd and Kramer sent to Barako Bull Energy.

Romero instantly raises the bar, as everyone knows that the guy is built with the desire to win-- and win big. He's not satisfied with just a single title, he wants it all. He literally wants to blow the competition out of the water-- don't believe us? Just do some research on the now defunct Philippine Basketball League and how Romero's knack for hoarding amateur talent (just like how San Miguel's Noli Eala does it in the pros) pretty much sapped all interest and fun out of the fledgling leage.

When the PBL died, Romero looked for other ventures before ultimately leading the group that would form the ASEAN Basketball League. His AirAsia Philippine Patriots were nothing short of champions and perennial title contenders before San Miguel joined the fray and pretty much bought whichever top notch non-PBA talent was available to them.

So from here on out, you could expect the Tigers-- which will probably be renamed to one of Romero's better known pet projects-- Harbour Centre Batang Pier (or something to that effect), to compete for titles. They also own the 10th pick in the coming PBA draft and this writer hopes that they get a steal (though I sense that Romero will tap his Patriots' failed franchise star Aldrech Ramos somehow).

BUT, and here's the thing, this writer argues that Romero should consider another option and not just simply inherit the Tigers as a whole.

Keep Casio, Anthony, Lingganay, Adducul, Crisano, Rabeh Al Hussaini and Rey Guevarra.

BUT... TRADE GARY DAVID.

Ok, before you kill me with evil comments, just hear me out.

David's stock is way up having made the Mythical team and was also probably just a second semifinals appearance away from bringing home the Most Valuable Player.

BUT

David is near his mid 30s. His game won't change, he's wired to be a chief gunner and shouldn't be expected to transform himself to as 25-5-5. Call him "El Buwaya" all you want, but teams would kill for a guy of his scoring prowess.

The problem is, he's signed for the next 3 years. His ball-time holds back Casio and Hussaini from doing their thing on the court-- not so much, but some of David's forced shots could easily go to his younger teammates.

Trade David for a quality small forward and maybe even a young, rebound-hungry center/ power forward. That would instantly give the Tigers the balance that they missed once Lassiter and Kramer were taken out of the equation.  This way, David would also be guaranteed of a better chance in making the Finals as a lead contributor-- maybe send him to Meralco, Talk 'n' Text or even Petron (who sorely lacks a "main man" type of player).

It won't be much of a rebuilding effort really, more like "moving on." Romero needs a young franchise and to put a stamp on the team. Casio is a leader and has a huge, proven following from both his days with DLSU and SMART Gilas. They can always hold on to David (which this writer has loved since his days with Coca Cola playing behind Jeffrey Cariaso), but this writer argues that in order to make a mark in the PBA, they need to start fresh and go young.

PS

Better yet, dangle Gary David for Alaska's Number 2 or Petron's Number 3 pick and draft Calvin Abueva. That would be awesome.