Powerade Tigers: Waiting on Lassiter (UPD 9/12/11)

While most of this year's PBA draft first rounders have been signed by their respective teams, no deal has been reached between the Powerade Tigers (who recently locked up top pick Jayvee Casio to a max contract) and number four selection SMART Gilas mainstay Marcio Lassiter.

Straight to the bank for Lassiter

According to numerous sources and even through Lassiter's wife's Twitter account, they are still on the negotiating table with the Fil-Am's camp probably holding out for a better contract (say, a max one like SG and now Powerade teammate Casio's).

Question here is, is Lassiter good enough to receive the maximum allowed for rookies?

I say based on what he has done for flag and country while at SG...

No.

Lassiter is a quality player yes, but right now, his game is more of Ronald Tubid pre-flopping. He has the skills, but he doesn't have the recognizable face or superstar game Filipino fans like from their local heroes. At least, from what we've seen so far.

Hell, one could even argue that he's a temperamental, ghetto-swagged up version of Rain or Shine's Jireh Ibanez (under rated, do-it-all guard).

It would be quite a shame though if Lassiter doesn't suit up for the Tigers who are bent on rebuilding into a mean, running squad. The team has also signed UE 's James Martinez who, when healthy, is a pocket-sized James Yap from deep (even better).

UPDATE:

As reported on Interaktv.com, Lassiter has agreed to sign with Powerade for a max contract similar to top pick and teammate Jayvee Casio.

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