Talk N Text is not done tinkering its line up for the coming PBA season.
Just recently, the Tropang Texters found themselves in another three-team multi-player deal and ended up the winner.
Following the acquisition of veteran forward Jay Washington and rookie standout Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, the Tropang Texters secured the rights to Kevin Alas in a deal that also involved sister team NLEX and expansion squad Blackwater Sports.
To secure Alas, the Tropang Texters, though, had to unload forwards KG Canaleta and Larry Rodriguez in the mix as well as their first round pick for 2015.
The Elite had to put its first round pick for next year for the deal to push through.
In the end, the Road Warriors got Canaleta while Rodriguez and the Tropang Texters’ first round pick went to the Elite.
The Tropang Texters also got the first round pick of the Elite in the trade aside from securing the rights on Alas.
Future quarterback star
For Alas, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime, not only because Alas will be joining a team with championship tradition, he will also have a chance to become the understudy of two of the best point guards Philippine basketball has ever had.
“I’m happy for the opportunity. Makakasama ko sina Jimmy and Jayson and I will be learning from them. Malaki maitutulong nila sa career ko,” Alas said.
Alas currently joined the team’s trip to Legazpi City where the Tropang Texters will battle the GlobalPort Batang Pier.
Last piece in the puzzle
Asi Taulava, the oldest player in the PBA, has a perfect description to Canaleta’s rejoining of the squad.
“He’s the last piece to our puzzle,” added Taulava. “We have someone who is a floor spacer for us. He could open up things for me inside with his outside shooting and he will give us added veteran presence.”
NLEX incoming coach Boyet Fernandez was thrilled to have Canaleta, who attended the team’s practice for the first time before leaving for Tokyo for the FIBA World 3 x 3 tournament.
With Canaleta in tow, Fernandez believes the team has become more balanced.
“We have players who can fill up every position. But not everyone are marquee players, but that’s alright. We have a chance to develop them,” he added. “With KG, he could give us an added threat on offense and he’s also a decent defender.”
