30 July 2015

Should the Bolts Join The 'Abueva Sweepstake'?

Abueva Sweepstake
Alaska Aces Coach Alex Compton already denied rumors that the team is interested in trading enigmatic forward Calvin Abueva, but the lingering feeling that something is up just don’t want to die down. Maybe it is because of the Aces penchant in the past to deny trade rumors, but later on to push for the exchange when everyone thought nothing more of it.

The Aces have in the past also issued denials before dealing away former players like Willie Miller, Joe Devance and even LA Tenorio.

The report first came out from Spin.ph, after Snow Badua reported that Alaska is exploring options on possible deals involving 'The Beast' after a season capped by a runner-up finish in the PBA Governors Cup.

He added that a high-ranking San Miguel official confirmed getting feelers for an Abueva trade, adding top management only declined after the Aces sought either Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar or Ian Sangalang in return.

When the SMC did not bite the offer, the next option was reported to be pursuing the Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) group which is willing to part with Talk 'N Text guard Ryan Reyes and a future draft pick in exchange for the three-year veteran and sweet-shooting guard RJ Jazul.

If there is a semblance of truth to any of this, the next question is, should the Meralco Bolts cast their lot and join the bidding war for the 2013 Rookie of the Year? What benefit can the team get from the 'Abueva Sweepstake' and who are they willing to part with?

Financially, the Bolts can easily pay the asking price even after the controversial Alaska forward has signed a three-year, PhP 15.1-million contract with the Aces last May. The company has a solid financial foundation and has not reported any severe losses for several years now.

The 6-foot-1 energizer is coming off a productive season after he averaged 12.9 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game despite only playing 22.9 minutes per outing. His production earned him a place in the yearend Mythical Second Team.

Abueva should be a welcome addition to the Meralco Bolts, more so during the All-Filipino campaign. 'The Beast' has previously played with Cliff Hodge to form a very potent -1-2 punch for the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA D-league. Both players are defensive specimen with their length and athleticism and could provide excitement to an open-court scenario.

As for the pieces that the Bolts may want to give in exchange for the Pampanga phenomenon, everyone except Hodge, Gary David, Jared Dillinger and Sean Anthony are expendable. With 11 contracts under negotiation, this won't be a difficult option to make. They can even throw their two first round picks in the 2015 Draft to sweeten the deal because Abueva can easily fill the spaces that the team needs.

Once the team sends this feeler and floats the idea to the Aces, it is doubtful that Alaska won't bite the bait.

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