Meralco waits for Asi offers

MANILA, Philippines - Meralco Bolts coach Ryan Gregorio said yesterday the team is prepared to consider trading Asi Taulava’s rights but at the moment, there is nothing to discuss as no offer has been made to initiate a deal for the recently-named ABL MVP.

“We know that Asi has a live contract with San Miguel Beer in the ABL and I think it runs for at least one more year,” said Gregorio. “We also understand Asi has a desire to end his playing career in the PBA which is good news for everyone, especially the fans. We definitely won’t stand in Asi’s way of going back to the PBA. But since we own Asi’s rights, I think it’s only fair that we negotiate a trade. It can’t be just a release. Meralco has no picks in the draft this year and the next. We’d like something of value in return for Asi’s rights. We won’t give up his rights for a song.”

Gregorio said there are rumors of Taulava expressing a preference to move to Ginebra San Miguel but he’s not in a position to confirm. “Right now, there’s nothing on the table,” he said. “I don’t monitor what’s on twitter because I don’t have a twitter account. There is nothing to decide on. But we’re willing to listen to offers.”

Meralco returned to the gym yesterday to prepare for a three-game Japan series. “We’ll bring along some of our Gilas cadet players like Garvo Lanete, Jake Pascual and Kevin Alas since Cliff Hodge and Chris Ross are still in the US for Gabe Norwood’s wedding,” said Gregorio. “J. D. (Jared Dillinger) won’t be ready until August and he’s still recovering from his hip injury. Don (Allado) has a slight hamstring injury from playing in the recent Blue-Green game. Sunday (Salvacion) is still healing. We’ll go with whomever is available.” The Bolts leave for Tokyo on Thursday next week.

Gregorio said because Meralco has no picks in the next two drafts, he’s looking to beef up the lineup through trades and signing up free agents. The Bolts recently traded for Dillinger and Allado. “We’ve been looking for someone who can play multiple positions and J. D. is a perfect fit,” said Gregorio. “He can play one, two or three. He’s young, long, tall and a winner. J. D. has a high skill level and basketball IQ. He’s a tough defender at different spots, including point guard. There’s still room for improvement in his game, particularly in consistency as a perimeter shooter.”

As for Allado, Gregorio said since losing Taulava, the Bolts were left with a gaping hole in the middle. “We covered the gap with Eric (Dawson) in the Commissioner’s Cup but in the coming Governors Cup, we’ll need a strong five player,” said Gregorio. “Don has some good years left. He’s experienced, a good floor spacer and a post defender. Jay-R Reyes isn’t a natural five and plays three or four. I think Don can help us. He addresses a weakness in our lineup.” Allado attended the Meralco practice yesterday. Assistant coaches Joseph Uichico and Ronnie Magsanoc supervised the practice as Gregorio was indisposed.

Gregorio said a free agent he plans to invite to training camp is Mapua 5-11 guard Allan Mangahas who played on the Blackwater squad that recently claimed the PBA D-League Foundation Cup title.

Gregorio said Mario West may return as Meralco’s import in the Governors Cup which begins Aug. 14. “He’s at the top of our list but we’re keeping our options open in case somebody else who could be a better fit becomes available,” said Gregorio. “We expect our import to arrive in the first week of July.” West, who turns 39 today, averaged 30.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists for Meralco in the third conference last season.