All options open for Patrimonio

The Purefoods management values so much everything Alvin Patrimonio has given the team that it is leaving all options open for the four-time MVP winner at the expiration of his contract at the end of the year.

By then, Patrimonio would be 38 and would be in his 18th PBA season if he decides to sign up another playing contract with the Hotdogs.

The former Mapua King Cardinal, who has spent all his pro career with Purefoods, may also opt to continue working as player-assistant coach or start to concentrate on his coaching chores.

"We’ll let him make the call. We will never decide for him. Hindi namin babayaran ng sama ng loob ang loyalty at lahat ng ibinigay niya sa team," said Purefoods team manager Ed Cordero.

"We know he’s a stand-up guy. Whatever he decides on will be the right one," Cordero added.

Patrimonio is among the players who are to become free agents on Jan. 1.

Ball clubs have until Aug. 31 to decide whether to extend a player’s contract up to the end of the coming All-Filipino Conference sometime in February or the new ending of the new PBA fiscal season in July or give him an entirely new contract which conforms with the league’s structured calendar. Otherwise, a player automatically becomes unrestricted free agent by Jan. 1.

This is the decision the Purefoods management is leaving on Patrimonio’s shoulder.

"Sigurado maglalaro iyan sa All-Filipino. Pagkatapos noon, siya ang bahala. Pero kahit hanggang kailan niya gustong maglaro, okay sa amin," said Purefoods board representative Rene Pardo.

In the recent Fiesta Conference, Patrimonio played in all their 19 games, stretching his record streak number of games played to 590.

And although his scoring average continued to dip, Patrimonio made a mark, leading the league in three-point shooting percentage.

Meanwhile, Talk n Text coach Joel Banal said they intend to keep their team intact as they go for a title repeat in the All-Filipino Cup starting Oct. 3.

Banal said they’re currently negotiating with Mark Telan, Yancy de Ocampo and Victor Pablo for new contracts.

Only Kahi Villa will be missed as the Fil-Am forward opted to go back to the United States.

"There won’t be any problem on exit of Villa although we’ll surely miss him. Meron kasi kaming reserve players like Nino Gelig na pwedeng umakyat to fill his position," said Banal.