Alaska sends Dela Rosa to Star for big man Pascual

Jake Pascual (left) and Rome Dela Rosa. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Alaska traded versatile wingman Rome Dela Rosa for Star’s smooth shooting center Jake Pascual Friday.

Aces head coach Alex Compton said Pascual will be reporting to their practice on Saturday after the trade that the Hotshots initiated.

The veteran mentor also lauded Dela Rosa for his performance during his stay with the storied franchise.

“Rome has always carried himself with exemplary class and character. He is a fine young man, a great teammate, and a warrior on the court,” said Compton. “We will miss him indeed, yet the needs of the team dictated that we get a big, and we are excited to get a big the quality of Jake Pascual.”

Pascual joins a vaunted Alaska frontcourt that includes Calvin Abueva, Sonny Thoss, Vic Manuel and Noy Baclao.

Dela Rosa, meanwhile, adds depth to Star’s small forward spot that relies heavily on Allein Maliksi.

Compton said Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero called him on Wednesday to propose the trade.

“When Chito and I were describing to each other both Rome and Jake, it honestly sounded like both players were like twins in terms of their character and toughness,” said Compton. “It is nice to see two PBA teams making a fair trade that should really benefit not only both teams involved, but also–and I think this was very important to Chito and I both–we believe it really benefits the players traded.”