FILE – Mike DiGregorio and Brian Heruala trade places. INQUIRER.net PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–TNT is not leaving anything to chance in its quest for a PBA title this year.
The KaTropa, who fell to San Miguel Beer in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals, traded away Brian Heruela to acquire Blackwater sniper Mike DiGregorio in a one-for-one trade Saturday morning.
“Three-point shooting is a huge part of our offense, and we have identified Mike as one of the most consistent in the PBA,” coach Bong Ravena told the Inquirer.
“[We get a veteran in] DiGregorio,” active consultant Mark Dickel said in a separate interview. “He will also be good in our defensive system.”
DiGregorio, who has been averaging 10.8 points and shooting 65% from deep this tournament, fired 22 points off the bench in the Elite’s losing stand against Meralco in Antipolo the night before.
Heruela, a four-time PBA champion, returns to the team that drafted him.
The Inquirer sought Blackwater’s top officials for comment, but there have been no response of posting.
“We would like to thank Heruela for everything he has done for TNT. He is a good player and a consummate professional,” said TNT team manager Gabby Cui said of the guard who was part of the package for Terrence Romeo in surprise trade last December.
Heruela was only able to play two games for TNT this conference due to a shoulder injury he sustained in KaTropa’s Commissioner’s Cup championship series with San Miguel.
Both players were late picks during their respective drafts, with DiGregorio being 35th overall in 2015, and Huruela 25th a year before.