Smart Gilas stint is Casio’s best asset; B-Meg gets Mark Barroca

MANILA—JV Casio’s vast experience in international play is no doubt his finest asset.

A steady force for Smart Gilas Pilipinas the past three years, the 5-foot-9 Casio has helped the national team regain respect in the continent and rise as a contender in the coming Fiba Asia Championship.

This year’s top overall pick in the PBA Rookie Draft is hoping he could help alter the misfortunes of the Powerade Tigers.

“It will be quite different in the PBA but I know my stint in Smart Gilas could help my team,” said Casio, the smallest No. 1 pick in 25 years.

The crafty playmaker out of La Salle has established himself as the most dependable scorer in the national squad, someone Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman always turns to in the clutch.

Casio’s sharp shooting, patience and court vision are the weapons the national team will bring to the Asian championship in Wuhan, China, on Sept. 15 to 25. The champion automatically clinches the continental slot to the 2012 London Olympics.

Meanwhile, Mark Barroca, selected fifth overall by Shopinas.com, is headed to
B-Meg Derby Ace as part of the Llamados’ previous deal with the Clickers.

Shopinas.com will secure in exchange forward Bryan Ilad, the 16th pick, from B-Meg and another Llamado from among Rommel Adducul, Don Allado, Jonathan Fernandez and Val Acuna.