Alaska trades Cablay, Kong for Belasco, future draftee

Alaska Milk and San Miguel Beer, two teams with great winning traditions but both falling short in their campaign in the PBA Fiesta Cup, figured in a trade deal yesterday involving three players and a future draft pick.

The Aces dealt Brandon Cablay and rookie center Mark Kong to the Beermen for Nic Belasco plus San Miguel’s second round pick in the coming Rookie Draft.

Alaska team manager Joaqui Trillo said they’re currently working on two other trade deals to effect a minor revamp in their team which failed to live up to its pre-season tag as among the favorites to win the Fiesta Cup.

"I guess this is a win-win trade for San Miguel and us. We’re looking for a veteran player who can give us maturity and stability. San Miguel, on the other hand, wanted a quicker and younger player to help man its backcourt," said Trillo.

A trade deal hanging in the air is that of Rich Alvarez for Lordy Tugade.

Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao said he wouldn’t give up Tugade for Alvarez if he were the only one to make the decision. — Nelson Beltran