Devance deal okayed; Caguioa rues no-show

MANILA, Philippines - Former Alaska Milk top forward Joe Devance is now on his way to B-MEG Derby Ace.

Derby Ace and Air21 have agreed on a trade deal that will send Devance to the Llamados’ camp in exchange for KG Canaleta and Jondan Salvador.

Like the other trades, this transaction, however, is subject to the approval of PBA commissioner Chito Salud. The league top honcho hasn’t seen the trade papers at press time.

There were reports that Canaleta will end up with Barangay Ginebra, but these were denied by Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio.

In another development, Ginebra top gun Mark Caguioa issued an apology to the PBA, his fellow stars and league fans for his no-show in the recent All-Star Week in Boracay.

In a letter to the Commissioner’s Office, Caguioa said he missed the event as he attended to his father who underwent medical procedure in the United States.

Caguioa had a meeting with the league commissioner earlier, personally explaining the reason for his no-show.

“After a heart to heart talk with Mr. Caguioa regarding his failure to attend the 2011 PBA All Star Weekend held in Boracay, this office finds his explanation regarding his absence to be justified and acceptable,” Salud said.

“I trust that Mr. Caguioa is sincere in his commitment to fully promote the league’s programs in the future and to continue serving the higher interest of the fans,” Salud also said.

Meanwhile, Meralco acquired Chris Timberlake from the free-agent pool to fill in the void left by Chris Ross.

Ross will be out for at least the next six months due to an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear suffered in practice a few days back.

Timberlake, the 2009 seventh pick, was relegated to the unrestricted free agent pool at Derby Ace after the first conference.

The one-time PBL Finals MVP awardee, a product of University of North Florida, has played only 38 games in the pros.

“The injury to Chris Ross left us scampering for a point guard,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.