Narvasa defers verdict on 'Standhardinger' trade

MANILA, Philippines – PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa said he would decide on the proposed trade deal between Kia and San Miguel Beer only after having talked to both parties.

“I’ll talk to them and know the reasons,” said Narvasa on the Kia-SMB trade agreement forwarded to his table Thursday.

Narvasa had yet to talk to both since new Kia governor Bobby Rosales was to fly in from a trip abroad only Monday.

It’s an interesting trade transaction as it involves Kia’s No. 1 pick in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft set Sunday at the Robinson’s Place Manila. With that draft rights, Kia has a chance to enlist top draft aspirant Christian Standhardinger.

But curiously, the Columbian Autocar Corp. is willing to give it away for journeyman JayR Reyes and third-string players Keith Agovida and Rashawn McCarthy.

“There’s a trade but the personalities are not sure,” said Narvasa, hinting at asking for a more balanced trade deal.

At the same time, Narvasa cleared Standhardinger for the final draft roster even as the Fil-German player missed the pre-draft rookie camp that started yesterday at the Gatorade Hoops Dome in Mandaluyong.

“He asked for permission to miss the event. There were also NCAA players who did the same as they have a game to play (Tuesday),” said Narvasa.

Standhardinger is under contract with the Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions team in the ABL. He’ll be available only after the 2017-18 ABL season.

Kiefer Ravena, Jeron Teng and Raymar Jose led the aspirants who undertook anthropometry and other performance and skills tests.