November 27 ------ Few days before the PBA Commissioner’s Cup opens, San Miguel pulled off a major deal, trading veterans Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel to Terrafirma for youngsters Andreas Cahilig and Juami Tiongson. Both relegated to off-the-bench roles in the Beermen rotation, Romeo and Manuel are expected to get the playing minutes they need at the Dyip’s camp after the trade that was approved by the PBA Commissioner's Office.
On the other hand, Tiongson finally gets a chance to shine for a title-contending team in a journeyman career while Cahilig - a second-round pick of NorthPort in 2017 who spread his wings at Terrafirma - brings his versatility to SMB's frontline. Tiongson, 33, has bounced around Blackwater, NLEX and Terrafirma in a 10-year career, but this is the first time the vastly improved former Ateneo standout will be joining a team with the talent and depth of San Miguel.
The 5-10 guard is now expected to share point guard duties at SMB with Chris Ross and Kris Rosales now that Romeo has been let go by the Beermen after a tumultuous five-year stay with the multi-titled franchise. However, sources told SPIN.ph that Romeo and even Manuel won’t stay long at Terrafirma as the two are both contemplating on entertaining offers to play elsewhere.
Manuel is reportedly being eyed by the Nueva Ecija Vanguards in the MPBL after his contract expires at the end of the conference while Romeo might take his act abroad - an opportunity he turned down a few years back owing to his loyalty to San Miguel big boss Ramon S. Ang. The trade reunites former GlobalPort teammates Romeo and Stanley Pringle at Terrafirma. However, sources said the deal might still turn into a three-way move as Northport is reportedly eyeing to re-acquire Pringle in exchange for Jio Jalalon.
Pringle was drafted by Northport as the top overall pick in 2014 before he was traded to Ginebra in 2019 and then to Terrafirma in July 13 trade that, like this SMB deal, made the Gin Kings significantly younger. Manuel, 37, won his first career PBA championship with the Beermen, but never really looked like he belonged in the team since coming on board from NorthPort via November 2018 swap for former MVP Arwind Santos.
Meanwhile, sources said Ginebra is eyeing Terrafirma big man Kemark Carino, who can add even more ceiling to the frontline, especially once agile slotman Troy Rosario joins the team as an unrestricted free agent. Ginebra’s frontline is still wanting as Isaac Go, Jamie Malonzo and Jeremiah Gray are nursing different injuries and the timeline for their respective returns are still unknown.
Source: spin.ph
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