Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao did not confirm reports that the Road Warriors’ first round picks Paul Desiderio and Abu Tratter have already been traded to Blackwater for national team center Poy Erram.
“I can’t confirm it,” said Guiao in a text message to INQUIRER.net Sunday.
Guiao, however, said that he has options with Desiderio since the University of the Philippines alum is a valuable asset for his team and also a hoot commodity for any team.
“You cannot go wrong with Paul and if we did not choose him at No. 4 then somebody will choose him close to that so it served a double purpose,” said Guaio after the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft at Robinson’s Manila.
“We’re a guard-heavy team but if he can increase the level and quality of our guards then that’s a welcome development. If not, there are already teams talking to us and if we can get a big man for him we’ll go for it. Those are the two possibilities right now.”
Guiao mirrored his statement about Desiderio to his sentiments regarding seventh overall pick Abu Tratter, whom NLEX also picked in the first round.
Tratter, at 6-foot-6, is regarded as the best big man of the draft class with a national team stint during the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers helping his cause.
“We’re surprised that we got him at No. 7 and that move also serves as a double purpose for us,” said Guiao. “If Abu can adapt to us then that’s good but Abu can also be a trade option.”
“If no trade happens then, we’re very happy with both of them.”