Many were left wondering why the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel made a move this past Tuesday to acquire rookie Julian Sargent from the GlobalPort Batang Pier by trading away reserve guard Paolo Taha.
The deal came just a day after Ginebra acquired veteran shooter Jeff Chan from the Phoenix Fuel Masters in exchange for a 2018 first round draft pick.
As it turns out, Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone has been eyeing the De La Salle product ever since the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft. Sargent was a second round pick by the Magnolia Hotshots but was dealt to GlobalPort on draft day.
“He was a guy we were looking for in the draft,” confessed Cone on Wednesday night, moments after Ginebra walloped Columbian Dyip, 134-107.
“He was a guy that I consulted a little bit with La Salle for a while so I know him pretty well.”
Cone has been fascinated with Sargent, especially with his athletic built.
Standing at 6-foot-3 with a lean frame, the multi-titled bench strategist believes that the Filipino-American swingman has the tools to exercise versatility.
“I thought he didn’t really fit coach [Aldin] Ayo’s system so he was kinda underutilized, but we see him kinda like in the Gabe Norwood, [Matt] Ganuelas-Rosser type of mold, where he can play guard, different positions,” Cone remarked
Cone added that their acquisition of the former two-time UAAP gold medalist also stems from their desire to add fresher talent, as they are fully aware that the Barangay’s current pieces are not getting any younger.
“And you know, it’s no secret’s our core’s getting a little long in tooth in some of the guards and we’re trying to get some young guys to come in and contribute to our core and someone we can feel we can develop,” said Cone.
“So we unloaded a two-guard and got a three-man, a guy who can play multiple positions and be a better defender. So you know, we’ll see how Julian does.”
Still, Cone made it clear that Sargent has a lot of work to do to meet those expectations, as results won’t come in immediately.
“I think he has great potential, but it’s not gonna happen for him right away,” shared the 60-year-old coach.
“He’s gonna have to develop, but I think he has really good potential to help us in multiple ways and multiple positions.”
