Rommel Adducul
Blackwater is faced with an “interior” dilemma following JP Erram’s exit and the absence of Rabeh al-Hussaini.
But like it has done in the past, the Elite will make do with what they have when the 44th season of the PBA comes off wraps next week.
Rookie Abu Tratter, acquired in the deal that shipped out Erram, is projected to start at center for Blackwater, and a very familiar face will help his transition to the pros.
Rommel Adducul, one of the finest big men to ever set foot in the PBA, has been tapped to help the big men of the Elite sharpen their skills.
“He’s been with us since even before Dec. 27,” coach Bong Ramos told reporters on Saturday. “He’ll have a big impact on this team, especially now that we have a shortage of big men.”
Erram, a 6-foot-8 versatile big man, was dealt to NLEX for first-round picks Paul Desiderio and Tratter, while Al-Hussaini, Erram’s chief reliever, has yet to report for work.
“It’s just nice to be back again,” said Adducul who also had memorable stints with the national squad. “Fortunately, coach Bong gave me an opportunity to teach their big men.”
“We do skills training an hour before the regular practices,” said the former NorthPort assistant coach in Filipino. “Every time I’m seeing something off, or something they could improve, I point it out.”
And Tratter is enjoying the education.
“Actually, when there were talks when he was coming in I actually [checked] YouTube,” he said. “There’s not a lot of clips of him. But I’ve seen his presence inside and it’s crazy.”
Aside from Erram, Blackwater also lost playmaker Paul Zamar, who recently signed with San Miguel Beer. The Elite are also set to ship rising guard John Pinto to Phoenix for two role players after problems with contract negotiations.
The Elite, though, still have old reliables Allein Maliksi, Mac Belo, Raymar Jose, along with newcomers Tratter, Desiderio and another UP product, Diego Dario.