Phoenix sends Joseph Eriobu to Blackwater for John Pinto, releases Gelo Alolino

Apparently, the trade between the Phoenix Fuel Masters and the Blackwater Elite was one-on-one.

Monday evening, the PBA approved the trade that saw Blackwater send John Pinto to Phoenix in exchange for Joseph Eriobu.

Pinto, a fifth-year floor general, averaged 11.64 points, 6.27 assists, and 3.91 rebounds per game during the Governors’ Cup. However, according to multiple sources, he did not want to sign a two-year extension with the Elite.

Eriobu, on the other hand, provides the Elite with much-needed height. The Mapua product stands at 6-foot-4, and posted norms of 5.5 points and 1.0 rebounds in the four games he played for Phoenix during the Govs’ Cup.

Not part of the transaction is Gelo Alolino, as Phoenix waived the sophomore guard. The former National University Bulldog was picked up by Blackwater.

Alolino only played in five games during the season-ending conference, as he was still recovering from a foot injury.

Also released on Monday afternoon was Gabby Espinas. Espinas was waived by the Northport Batang Pier as well.