It seems Chris Ellis has been finding it hard to accept that he isn’t part of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel anymore.
Blackwater Elite owner Dioceldo Sy confirmed that the Filipino-American forward, whom they had acquired from Ginebra through a four-player trade that included Art Dela Cruz last August 31, has yet to report to team practices.
“He came one time. He got sick and we had to confine him three or four days eh. After that, he never came back,” said Sy, recalling the time when the six-foot-four wingman was hospitalized due to body cramps and kidney issues.
“That week he was traded on a Friday. He came in on Monday, and right after the practice, he went to the hospital already. That’s it.”
With this current no-show by Ellis, his commitment to the three-year-old franchise has been put into question. Sy even revealed that he had actually reached out to other teams for a possible Ellis trade, but to no avail.
“I’ve been asking around — both MVP and SMC group. I [don’t] think any of the teams have shown any interest. We offered some trade but there’s no takers eh,” admitted the 59-year-old.
“So let us stay him as is and let’s see what he’d do.”
The Ever Bilena Cosmetics founder, moreover, opined that the 28-year-old Ellis — who was the sixth overall pick by the Gin Kings back in the 2012 Rookie Draft — might be done with his career as a pro cager given his actions.
“Actually I think he is on the exit already from the PBA,” Sy said, “Otherwise, if you’re interested to play, you have no choice but to follow the trade eh. So far, sa tagal ko, sa past three years ko sa PBA, this is the first time I have found a player who doesn’t report in a trade.
“So we won’t force the issue,” he stated.
“I heard Ellis got some other plans already. I think he’s on the exit already, the way I look at it.”
Does he feel that Ellis, a player famous for high-flying acts, has become sort of depressed after being traded to the Elite, Sy was asked.
“That I cannot answer,” the amiable team owner responded.
“It’s a big question mark.”
