Purefoods wants Pingris back, SMB says no

MANILA, Philippines – Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio is serious in having Marc Pingris back in a Giants uniform but the prized forward’s current mentor is not keen of letting him go. It’s no surprise why Gregorio wants Pingris, who was acquired in a three-way trade that sent Enrico Villanueva to Purefoods in the middle of 2008, back in the TJ Giants’ roster. Why not? With Pingris playing on the team for three seasons, the Giants made it to the finals three times and captured the championship of the 2005-2006 Philippine Cup. Another three-way trade involving San Miguel Beer and another conduit squad could bring the hardworking, former most improved player awardee back to the Giants fold,. But Tanquincen is not welcome to the idea. Not with former rookie of the year Danny Seigle and deadshot veteran swingman Lordy Tugade on the injured list. “Ayaw pa ni Siot," said Gregorio, referring to Tanquingcen’s rejection of the supposed trade. The Giants also became one of the busiest teams on the trading table after being eliminated early in this year’s Philippine Cup acquiring blue-chip players like Don Allado and KG Canaleta from the Air21 Express via a three-way trade that also involved sister team Ginebra. With free agent guard Al Vergara expected to be signed up and his import definitely to be included on the roster, Gregorio is now facing the dilemma of unloading some of his key players on his already congested line-up. Gregorio didn’t confirm whom he will unload, but said he will finalize the line-up Tuesday. But a highly-placed source from the team said that anyone from its forwards will be put on the trading block. Worse, Giants import Brian Hamilton, a former New Jersey Nets free agent swingman, also plays the small forward spot leaving Canaleta, Rich Alvarez, Aaron Aban, Jondan Salvador and Richard Yee fighting for playing minutes. Hamilton, who was cut by the Nets in September last year, recently played for the Utah Flash in the National Basketball Developmental League. He arrived Monday and will join the Giants in practice Tuesday. – GMANews.TV