Having to leave the Barangay is something so heavy for Kevin Ferrer.
In a truly shocking development Tuesday, the PBA approved a trade between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and NorthPort Batang Pier, where the latter sent Ferrer, Jervy Cruz, and Sol Mercado in exchange for Stanley Pringle.
For Ferrer, it was a tough one to fathom. He has loved Ginebra so much, as it is where his pro career started — Ferrer was the Gin Kings’ pick in the special 2016 Gilas Draft, and he has won two titles with the crowd darlings since then.
“Malungkot dahil first time kong ma-trade,” the third-year forward out of University of Santo Tomas told Tiebreaker Times. “Napamahal na ‘ko sa team, and Ginebra pa yun.
“And naturing ko ng family mga teammates ko dun.”
But Ferrer understands as well that being part of trades is — and will always be — part of pro basketball. So instead of sulking, he is choosing to take it in stride. “Sa akin tinatake ko na lang positively lahat ng nangyari,” Ferrer expressed.
“Wala naman mangyayari kung magmumukmok. Move on na lang.”
Ferrer is now looking forward to a fresh start with NorthPort, who has been nothing short of impressive in this 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup as they are currently holding the second spot of the team standings with a 5-1 record.
But what excites Ferrer more in his arrival to NorthPort is the fact that he will be reunited with Pido Jarencio.
Ferrer played under Jarencio from 2011 to 2013 in the esteemed Growling Tigers program, and their relationship led to back-to-back Finals appearances. Their familiarity is expected to provide a big boost to the Batang Pier.
“Excited ako dahil coach ko siya sa college, so alam na namin yung isa’t-isa,” he said.
“Looking forward to it.”
