Mercado, Japeth big stars in trade

SINGAPORE – Sol Mercado and Rabeh Al-Hussaini returned to their old benefactors while Japeth Aguilar got his wish – to be out of Talk n Text.

Mercado, Al-Hussaini and Aguilar found themselves in new teams as Globalport reached separate agreements with Talk n Text and Meralco for deals that set in motion what’s tipped as a complex mega-trade transaction involving six PBA ball clubs and numerous players.

The Batang Pier acquired Aguilar for Al-Hussaini and absorbed Mercado, Yousif Aljamal and rookies Kelly Nabong and JP Belencion for Rey Guevarra, Josh Vanlandingham, Vic Manuel plus a future pick.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud thoroughly went over the trade proposal before making his approval during a break in their ongoing PBA board meeting at the Marina Bay Sands here.

“These new trades are healthy for the players and team involved, not to mention the league, as the competitive balance among the member teams is decidedly enhanced. All of the players and teams in this latest set of trades will enjoy equal and optimum benefits,” said Salud.

Meanwhile, Globalport owner Mikee Romero said: “It’s time Globalport makes a move or we will remain cellar dwellers in the PBA.”

Mercado, the scoring and assist leader in the last PBA Philippine Cup, returned to the fold of his old boss while Al-Hussaini, the 2010 second pick who didn’t see much action as a Batang Pier, is reunited with college coach Norman Black.

Black said he’s happy to have Al-Hussaini back, his former ace center at Ateneo that he considers a big addition and boost to his Talk n Text lineup.

For Aguilar, Globalport could just well be a brief stopover as he’s reported to eventually end up at Barangay Ginebra.

Sources said one hitch put on hold the other movements that would involve several other players including Petron star Jay Washington and Ginebra stalwart Kerby Raymundo.

Washington is reportedly heading for Globalport while Raymundo is to renew ties with coach Ryan Gregorio at Meralco.

Other players likely to transfer to new teams are Air21’s Noy Baclao and John Wilson, and Meralco’s Ronjay Buenafe.

Mercado has had talks with Globalport officials, reportedly asking for “No. 3” jersey.

The Fil-Am player suited up with Harbour Centre in the defunct PBL before moving to the pros as the No. 5 pick by Alaska Milk in 2008 behind Gabe Norwood, Jared Dillinger, Jason Castro and Rob Reyes. He was subsequently traded to Rain or Shine, then to Meralco.

Mercado led the list of top performers in terms of stats in the recent all-Filipino tourney, carving a rare feat of topping the scoring and assists categories.

After a season plagued with injuries, Mercado came back strong, emerging the scoring champ with 19.13 points a game and also the assists king with 6.68 an outing. Both were career-best averages for the Biola U product.

Al-Hussaini, on the other hand, is still looking for a breakthrough in the pros. Black could well help the 6-foot-7 player hit stride at Talk n Text.