Gems also interested in Menk

A tug-of-war between two MBA teams for the services of Eric Menk loomed yesterday as the Cebu Gems expressed interest to contest the Negros Slashers’ bid to sign up the marquee Fil-Am player.

Cebu general manager Danny Francisco said they can match the reported P21.6-million, three-year contract offered by the Slashers to Menk although they will not yet make a formal offer as the league has problems of its own at the moment.

Francisco believed they have a better chance than Negros in acquiring the services of Menk because of the friendly ties of the Lhuilliers — the Cebu team owners — with Tanduay’s Bong Tan.

Menk, Tanduay’s main man, has been barred from playing in the PBA after he failed to get confirmation of his Filipino citizenship from the Department of Justice . The 6-foot-6 slotman, however, can play in the MBA with only a working permit to show from the Bureau of Immigration.

"Although we’re not doing anything yet, I think we are the team Tanduay is likely to favor considering our past transaction with them," said Francisco, referring to the deal that sent former Cebu star Dondon Hontiveros to Tanduay.

Cebu has beefed up its lineup with the acquisition of former Cagayan de Oro forward Peter Naron earlier.

"So far, we’re studying and evaluating the performance of our old mainstays. At the same time, the team is waiting for things to clear up in the league. We’ll be ready for next season if there would be a next season," he said. — Joey Villar