MANILA – GlobalPort Batang Pier got a much-needed boost as it fights for a playoffs spot in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup after acquiring Juan Paolo Taha from Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings.
As part of a one-on-one deal, Batang Pier traded to Kings rookie forward Julian Sargent. The PBA Commissioner’s Office approved the trade deal late Wednesday.
Meanwhile Batang Pier on Thursday also got back veteran forward Gabby Espinas in a trade with San Miguel Beermen for Kelly Nabong. Batang Pier also received Beermen’s 2020 second-round draft rights.
This will be Taha’s second stint with Batang Pier after starting his career with the franchise in 2014. He also played for Mahindra Floodbusters, and then Kings.
“Wala naman akong ine-expect (na mahabang playing time),” said the native of Iloilo City. “Ako naman, start from zero. Kailangan i-earn ko iyong minutes ko. Hindi naman ibibigay sa akin iyon e, kahit saan naman e. Trabaho lang araw-araw.”
“Kung ano ang ma-contribute ko sa team, kung ano ang ipagawa sa akin, dun lang ako – defense, hustle, dirty plays, kahit ano, basta makatulong ako sa team,” the Ilonggo guard added.
Taha, 27, barely made an impact in two years with Kings after being buried in the team’s loaded backcourt. Sargent, meanwhile, had an up-and-down rookie career with Batang Pier.
Taha and Espinas will make their debuts for Batang Pier in their crucial match against Columbian Dyip on Friday. Nabong, on the other hand, is expected to suit up for Beermen against NLEX Road Warriors in Pangasinan.
Sargent, a former De La Salle University Green Archers forward, will have to wait for his Kings debut as he is still recovering from a shoulder injury./PN
