NLEX coach Yeng Guiao admitted that the decision to send the No. 4 pick in the PBA Rookie Draft to TNT through a three-team trade was something beyond his control.
“We have discussed thoroughly the recently concluded trade between Blackwater, TNT and NLEX within the organization, and I have strongly indicated my position on the matter,” Guiao said in a statement released by the team Saturday, March 13.
“Unfortunately, I do not make the final decisions. I remain a good soldier and team player,” added Guiao. “We will move forward from this trade with a positive outlook and focus on our preparation to put together a competitive team for this coming season.”
The Road Warriors have the luxury of picking some of the best players in the draft slated Sunday, March 14, 2021 after initially owning the third and fourth picks.
But NLEX, a day after Guiao hinted of major developments, dealt the No. 4 selection to Blackwater in exchange for Don Trollano, Roi Sumang, Maurice Shaw and a second round choice in 2022.
Blackwater completed the deal by shipping the pick to TNT for Simon Enciso, David Semerad, a first round choice in 2023 and a second round selection in 2024.
By getting NLEX’s pick, TNT will get a chance to select a quality player that can help fill up the void left by Ray Parks Jr., whose decision to skip the upcoming 46th season stirred controversy.
TNT could likely get Fil-American guard Mikey Williams, leaving NLEX to settle for possibly Calvin Oftana of San Beda at No. 3.