Johnny A likely to don Kings’ jersey on final stint

Johnny Abarrientos may soon find a team in his final stint in the pro league — Barangay Ginebra.

Alaska Milk, for one, has hinted it would not intervene for an Abarrientos transfer from Coca-Cola to Ginebra while other teams may not be keen on recruiting the veteran guard as they have already completed their respective rosters.

There were also reports that Ginebra officials had requested other teams to allow the Kings to sign up Abarrientos who has been given by the Tigers his unconditional release.

"I think Johnny is better into a team with the best offer and the best situation for him in terms of playing time," said Alaska coach Tim Cone in a text message to The STAR.

Abarrientos has said he wanted to return to Alaska, but Cone may no longer have the berth open for his former player with the team teeming with playmakers in Mike Cortez, Willie Miller and Rensy Bajar.

Sources said Abarrientos could easily fit into the Kings lineup after they lost Kalani Ferreria and Aris Dimaunahan.

Under the league rules on player transfer among sister teams, the Kings will have to wait five working days for the other teams to show intererst in Abarrientos before finally tapping the former national player.

Abarrientos has been released by Coca-Cola, two weeks before the expiration of his existing playing contract.