3-way deal sends Barroca to B-Meg

MANILA, Philippines - B-Meg, Barako Bull and Shopinas entered into a three-way trade deal yesterday involving four players that they hope would fill their respective needs.

The Llamados beefed up their backcourt with their acquisition of Mark Barroca, the Energy strengthened their frontcourt with their recruitment of Don Allado while the Clickers got an added wing personnel in Elmer Espiritu.

Shopinas also got a rookie center in Bryan Ilad while giving away Barroca plus a future draft pick.

Barroca, a Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas mainstay, is needed at B-Meg since the Llamados are badly undermanned at the backcourt, particularly the point position.

B-Meg can well afford to release Allado while the team is set to welcome the return of Rico Maierhofer, Rafi Reavis and Kerby Raymundo.

The three teams felt they’ve got a fair trade that would get the approval of league commissioner Chito Salud.

Meralco, Talk n Text and Powerade had their own trade deal earlier.

The Bolts acquired Mark Macapagal, Chico Lanete and Mark Yee while giving away Ogie Menor to Powerade and Shawn Weinstein and Bam Gamalinda to Talk n Text.

Meralco has released Marlou Aquino and Renren Ritualo who might end up with Shopinas.

Asi Taulava signed a one-year contract-extension deal with Meralco although he’s still serving duty with Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas.

Sol Mercado got a fresh three-year pact while rookie draftee Jason Ballesteros inked a two-year contract.

Before joining Smart Gilas Pilipinas in its Fiba Asia campaign, coach Ryan Gregorio also gave his nod on Mark Isip, Yousif Aljamal, free agent Bryan Faundo and rookie Gilbert Bulawan.

Still trying out for a spot in the team are Borgy Hermida and Chris Timberlake.