NorthPort governor Erick Arejola revealed that Vic Manuel was offered to them in light of reports that the star forward wants out of Alaska.
“Vic was offered,” the amiable executive told the Philippine Sportswriters’ Association Forum webcast, Tuesday morning.
“There were a few discussions na nangyari, but nothing really is concrete at the moment.”
Manuel, last Jan. 8, opened up and admitted that he would want to be traded following the expiration of his contract at the end of 2020.
The 6-foot-4 forward then named his preferred destinations — including NLEX, Phoenix, or San Miguel – although he’s also open to playing anywhere else.
However, such a deal may not be among the priorities of the Batang Pier. Arejola said that their focus, at present, is at re-upping their players, as well as the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft taking place virtually on March 14.
Just recently, the team gave new one-year deals to veteran big man Jervy Cruz, incoming five-year pros Jonathan Grey and LA Revilla, and Renzo Subido, who’s entering his sophomore season.
Those renewals came days after NorthPort pulled off the very first trade for the 46th season. It shipped bruiser Bradwyn Guinto to Rain or Shine in exchange for Sidney Onwubere and Clint Doliguez.
Arejola also said that other Batang Pier players are set to receive extensions, too, aiming to accomplish their tasks by the end of the month.
As far as the draft proceedings are concerned, NorthPort owns the no. 2 overall pick as well as the no. 11 selection in the first round, which it received from the Mo Tautuaa-Terrence Romeo trade back in 2018.
“I think everyone is excited with the PBA draft,” Arejola said in the weekly session powered by SMART, San Miguel Corp., Go For Gold, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, and PAGCOR.
“There are a lot of talented players expected to join and be part of the league already. That’s our focus also – re-signing players at the moment, and looking at the draft to complement kung ano ‘yung kulang natin the past season.”
