PBA: Talk ’N Text acquires KG Canaleta from Air21

(Updated 11:20am) In need of a boost to their offense, the Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters made a trade with the Air21 Express to acquire forward KG Canaleta, the league announced Monday.

Approved Trades as of January 20, 2014: 1. Talk N' Text acquires KG Canaleta 2. Air 21 acquires Sean (cont) http://t.co/cWdr4heQPo

— pbaconnect (@pbaconnect) January 20, 2014

The defending three-time Philippine Cup champions sent the last-place Express Sean Anthony, Eliud Poligrates, and their 2016 first-round pick, as the two sides beat the 12nn trade deadline.

Despite averaging the most points in the conference, 94.36 per game, the Texters felt that they needed more scoring. They’ll get that in Canaleta, who norms 16.50 markers per game as the Express’ top threat on offense.

Canaleta is a 30.19 percent three-point shooter, attempting 7.57 times per game. He also averages 6.36 rebounds, 1.36 assists and 1.00 steals.

Sean Anthony had nine starts for Talk ’N Text, but has normed just 5.00 points, 4.14 rebounds and 1.00 assists. Eliud Poligrates on the other hand was the 27th pick in the 2013 PBA Draft. After beginning his professional career with a 15-point outing in his hometown of Cebu, he has struggled to get playing time, with conference norms of just 3.36 points and 1.45 assists in 9.27 minutes.

Poligrates though has a big chance to start, come the Commissioner’s Cup, as Air21 never really had a true point guard, using converted shooting guards Joseph Yeo and Bonbon Custodio as playmakers. Anthony on the other hand will help improve a porous Express defense, though he’ll likely be behind forwards Vic Manuel and Mac Cardona.

With number four Talk ’N Text facing fifth seed San Mig Coffee Mixers in a best-of-three quarterfinals series beginning Tuesday, both sides will have to make adjustments, with TNT’s coaching staff needing to incorporate Canaleta, and SMC’s side adjusting to their opponents' last-minute addition.  - AMD, GMA News