15 August 2011

Bolts Courting Macapagal?

Mark Macapagal
When rumors started last week that a reliable shooter from a PBA team that exited early will be traded when the new season starts, the name of Mark Macapagal was at the top of everyone’s list. The former San Sebastian Stag was pursued by several teams after he had a breakout year in 2009-10, where he averaged a career-best 10.9 points per game in 37 matches with the Powerade Tigers.

There were no agreements forged or came close to signing until Powerade was tempted by an offer from the Meralco Bolts. The details of the trade are still sketchy, but some sources said it involves some role players and possible future draft picks.

Macapagal has been with two teams already since being picked 18th in the 2005 draft by Talk N’ text but was left unsigned. His PBA career officially started with Ginebra Kings where he experienced his first professional championship ring and where his 3-point shooting developed into a deadly game-changer. His stock went up further and was involved in a four-team trade, which sent him to Coca-Cola Tigers in 2008.

Born on 20 September 1979, Macapagal’s outside sniping came in handy as he formed a high-scoring backcourt tandem with Powerade’s superstar, Gary David. He ranked among the league’s top 10 for the 3-point field goals made and his 79.65 percent clip from the free throw line placed him No. 5 among the locals.

During the 2011 All-Star break, Macapagal became a back-to-back new champion of the 3-point shoot out where he got a total of 17 points. Each perfect 3-point shot is equivalent to PhP 1,000, which netted Macapagal PhP 17,000 in cash prize. Over the last six years, James Yap and William Antonio hold the best record of 21 points each in the All-Star 3-point shootout while Ren-Ren Ritualo and John Arigo made 20 points each.

Barring any major changes and obstacles in the negotiation, Macapagal will form part of the deep back-court rotation of the Bolts which is already bannered by Mark Cardona, Sol Mercado, Renren Ritualo and Chris Ross. Recognized as one of the league’s elite long-range bombers, Macapagal could help Meralco get the elusive first ever crown since it bought the Sta. Lucia Realtors franchise.

2 comments:

  1. does this mean renren ritualo will go to the reserve list?

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  2. There are reports that Alaska Aces are looking at the prospect of acquiring Renren Ritualo.

    ReplyDelete