Building up for the future, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel traded for the injured Art Dela Cruz, son of long-time Ginebra assistant coach Art dela Cruz, and Raymond Aguilar, sending Chris Ellis and Dave Marcelo to the Blackwater Elite, as reliable sources from both camps told Tiebreaker Times. The report was first published by the Manila Bulletin.
“The trade is already on its way and is just waiting for approval,” said one of the sources.
Dela Cruz, 25, is the centerpiece of this trade, as the trade will either favor Ginebra or Blackwater depending on his recovery. Dela Cruz had ruptured his Achilles tendon during the first day of Gilas training camp last March 14.Â
Prior to his injury, he was averaging 12.3 points on an efficient 50.1 percent shooting in his first two years with the Elite. He was the ninth overall pick in the 2015 draft.
On the other hand, this will be just Chris Ellis’ second team in his five-year career as a pro. The sixth overall pick in the 2012 Draft was limited to just 13.5 minutes this conference, as Ginebra opted for size in their Governors Cup campaign.
Joining Ellis in Blackwater is Dave Marcelo. He is a five-year pro who is a bruiser the Elite need.
Raymond Aguilar had gone undrafted in the 2010 draft. He was picked up by Blackwater after a stellar conference with UP-Jam Liner during the 2016 Aspirants Cup.
