Analyzing PBA’s massive 5-team, 10-player deal

MANILA, Philippines – Several players will welcome the PBA 2013 Commissioner’s Cup wearing new uniforms.

The Office of the Commissioner approved Tuesday, January 22, a massive multi-player deal involving 5 teams and 10 players.

The PBA announced the series of trades on its official Twitter account @pbaconnect.

In the first set of deals, Barako Bull sent veteran guard-forward Ronald Tubid to Petron for guards Alex Mallari and Jojo Duncil.

Barako Bull then traded Mallari, along with forward Leo Najorda, guard Lester Alvarez and a 2014 1st round pick, to SanMig Coffee — for guard Jonas Villanueva and forwards JC Intal and Aldrech Ramos.

In the 2nd deal, Barako Bull then sent Ramos to Alaska for Mac Baracael, and then traded Baracael to Ginebra San Miguel to re-acquire Allein Maliksi.

Barako originally drafted Maliksi 8th overall in the 2011 PBA draft.

Here’s a brief summary and evaluation of the player movements:

BARAKO BULL
Acquired Allein Maliksi, JC Intal, Jonas Villanueva, Jojo Duncil

Barako Bull, who will now be coached by former Gilas head tactician Rajko Toroman, made several moves to add youth and athleticism to their aging lineup.

Maliksi, who spent much of his time in Ginebra in the injured list, had several good games in a Barako uniform. The former PBA D-league MVP has the potential to become the club’s future franchise player.

Jonas Villanueva should be able to add some stability to Barako’s backcourt while Duncil can step in as the defensive and hustling off-guard. Intal adds length and another scoring option at the 3-spot.

PETRON
Acquired: Ronald Tubid

Petron, on the other hand, acquired gutsy veteran Tubid who specializes in shut down defense and is also an able scorer.

Tubid’s play is infectious and he may be expected to inject much needed energy and hustle into the Blaze Boosters who underachieved in the recently concluded Philippine Cup.

SANMIG COFFEE
Acquired: Alex Mallari, Leo Najorda, Lester Alvarez, 2014 1st round pick (from Petron through Barako)

2013 PBA draft 3rd overall pick Alex Mallari should finally get a chance to showcase his wares after riding the Petron bench in the Philippine Cup.

Alvarez is a young and capable point guard while Najorda is a proven veteran who can also go on scoring spurts.

ALASKA
Acquired: Aldrech Ramos

Abueva and Ramos at the forward spots for the Aces is quite an intriguing combination. Ramos could be the perfect complement to the unpredictable but undersized Abueva.

Ramos is lanky forward but stands 5-inches taller than Abueva at 6’6″. Both players can play either the 3 or the 4 and won’t hesitate to shoot from the outside and fight underneath for the rebound.

GINEBRA
Acquired: Mac Baracael

Former Gilas player Mac Baracael adds a combo-forward to Ginebra’s long list of forwards. We expect him to play more at the small forward spot where he will find himself fighting for playing time against the likes of Chris Ellis, Elmer Espiritu and Keith Jensen. – Rappler.com