Pingris back to Giants as PBA teams continue off-season buildup

Barely 24 hours after being shipped to his first professional team, Marc Pingris found himself back wearing a Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants uniform. Pingris was released to the Giants after the Burger King Whopper agreed in principle to get Purefoods’ first and second round picks for 2010. Pingris’ return to the Giants fold was confirmed by Rene Pardo in an interview with GMANews.TV. “We have agreed to trade our first and second round picks next year to Burger King for Pingris." Pingris is the first player to be unloaded since the Arwind Santos trade. The Whopper are expected to unload four more players, including two to the Barako Bull Energy Boosters. The Whopper acquired the services of Larry Rodriguez via a trade although the Energy Boosters have yet to determine the players they will get in return. Burger King board representative and incoming PBA chairman Lito Alvarez said he feels Purefoods needs Pingris more as the Whopper would most likely maximize its new recruits. Purefoods and Burger King are not the only team busy transacting one deal after another as Rain or Shine and Barako Bull also went into the trading table. After achieving a milestone last season, Rain or Shine tabbed young and promising shooter Jeff Chan from the Barako Bull in exchange for veteran Rob Wainwright and center Mark Andaya. The Elasto Painters will also secure the services of journeyman forward Mike Hrabak. “We have agreed on the trade. Nag-submit na kami ng papel sa PBA office," said rain or Shine co-owner Terry Que. “Kailangan namin si Chan because he is a young shooter na puwede pang ma-develop. Hrabak would also be a big help since kailangan namin ng malaki." Barako Bull, a team which has been struggling to maintain its team because of its current financial status, is on a rebuilding stage. The Energy Boosters have reportedly traded their remaining solid players like Gabby Espinas, Jojo Duncil and Rodriguez. Espinas is reportedly headed to Sta. Lucia for the Realtors’ sixth overall pick in the coming PBA Rookie Draft. Rodriguez was being wooed by Burger King while Duncil is expected to wind up as the Coca-Cola Tigers’ new member.