Caguioa opens up on Ginebra’s shot at PBA Draft

MANILA, Philippines – Talks are ripe Barangay Ginebra would acquire Barako Bull’s rights for the No. 4 pick in the 2013 PBA Rookie Draft through a trade deal that is part of the Kings’ massive buildup in an effort to be a real championship contender in the coming PBA season.

Outspoken Ginebra top gun Mark Caguioa fanned Friday these talks on his thoughts posted on his Twitter account.

Caguioa also made known his preference for the team to make 7-foot-1 behemoth Greg Slaughter the first choice overall in the annual draft set tomorrow at Robinson’s Place Ermita.

“Let me ask u. Would u drive to the basket if u see a 7’0 in front of u? Hell noh. Hehe,” Caguioa tweeted in support of a Slaughter pick instead of anybody.

Told by a Twitter follower that Slaughter barely jumps, Caguioa answered: “Cge tanungin rin kita kung 7’0 ka ba, tatalon ka rin ba? (Let me ask you, if you are 7’0, do you still need to jump?)”

It’s a foregone conclusion, though, that Slaughter, Ian Sangalang and Raymond Almazan will be the top three picks by Ginebra, San Mig Coffee and Rain or Shine, respectively, on Sunday.

The fourth pick would depend on whether PBA commissioner Chito Salud approves the reported trade plans of Barako Bull.

Apparently, the Barako Bull management has committed to trade its rights on the Nos. 4, 5 and 6 picks to Barangay Ginebra, Petron Blaze and Globalport, respectively.

Caguioa hinted it’s a done deal. “And abut the 4th pick I really don’t know who wer going to get,” he tweeted.

Ginebra is in a rebuilding process, first acquiring young center JayR Reyes for Kerby Raymundo then getting sophomore guard Emman Monfort for third-string playmaker Rob Labagala.

“The management is doing whatever it takes for all the millions and millions of fans of Ginebra to win a championship,” said Caguioa.

Once Slaughter comes in, Ginebra’s frontcourt will be as formidable as its backcourt featuring Caguioa, LA Tenorio, Monfort and Jayjay Helterbrand.

At the paint, Slaughter is to form an imposing Twin Tower with former Gilas Pilipinas teammate Japeth Aguilar. Help will come from Reyes, Billy Mamaril, Chris Ellis, Rico Maierhofer, Mac Baracael and William Wilson.

The team is likely to bolster its wing roster should it acquire the fourth pick.

Caguioa is happy with the camaraderie they’ve developed in their team, speaking highly of team manager Alfrancis Chua and role he plays.

“Why is this team so close? It’s because of coach Al. He plays an active role. He’s always helping coach Ato (Agustin) and the players,” said Caguioa.

“We eat together, laugh together. That’s why it’s sad when there’s one who gets traded. But we understand that part,” Caguioa added.