With just two days left before the end of the elimination round of the 2011 PBA Governors’ Cup, B-MEG made a key acquisition to bolster its semifinals campaign

The Llamados tabbed spitfire guard Josh Urbiztondo, who was placed on the reserved list by the Air 21 after the Express acquired two-time MVP Willie Miller in exchange for KG Canaleta and a 2012 first-round draft pick.

Because players in the reserve list are allowed to sign with other teams, B-MEG quickly plucked the young quarterback as a free agent on Mmonday.

“The player [in the reserve list] will choose which team he will play for provided the team which will acquire him will assume his existing contract,” explained PBA commissioner Chito Salud. “He can also opt to stay with his mother team.”

Players in the reserve list are still entitled to receive the salaries stipulated in their contracts.

While Salud said he has not yet received information about the transaction, B-MEG governor and PBA board chairman Rene Pardo told InterAKTV that his team and Urbiztondo had already reached an agreement.

“He signed Tuesday night after we took a look at him at Tuesday morning’s practice,” wrote Pardo in a text message. “We will forward his formal acceptance to the PBA Wednesday.”

Urbiztondo’s placement on the reserve list raised some eyebrows around the league, prompting questions as to why the productive guard was left free to sign with other teams.

Air 21 team governor Manny Alvarez said in the phone interview that Urbiztondo was relegated to make way for Lou Gatumbato, another point guard on the roster.

“We’re making these preparations because we’re going to have two teams next season,” Alvarez said. Earlier, he told InterAKTV that e-commerce firm Shopinas will be taking over the old Barako Bull franchise acquired by the Lina Group of Companies, of which Air 21 is a part.

Salud said that all PBA teams are notified when players is placed on the reserve list by a squad, “so everyone will have an opportunity in securing the services” of that player.

Earlier, several PBA officials proposed a review of current league rules involving trade and transaction deadlines.

“A revision should be rethought, definitely.” said Alaska coach Tim Cone. “Also, releasing of players should be looked at.”

Incoming PBA board vice governor JB Baylon of Powerade and Talk ‘N Text board representative Patrick Gregorio also shared their thoughts on the possibility of the rules.

Source: Reynaldo Belen, InterAKTV

Comments are closed.

ALL-FILIPINO CUP 2014
Semi-Finals Schedule:
Featured Article
B-MEG acquires Urbiztondo
With just two days left before the end of the elimination round of the 2011 PBA Governors’ Cup, B-MEG made a key acquisition to bolster its semifinals campaign The Llamados tabbed spitfire guard Josh Urbiztondo, who was placed on the reserved list by the Air 21 after the Express acquired two-time MVP Willie Miller in exchange for KG Canaleta and a 2012 first-round draft pick...

Urbiztondo sparks up Air21 to 1st big win, shocks SMB
PLAYMAKER Josh Urbiztondo began the Air21 Express’ post-Yeng Guiao era with a bang. Urbiztondo unleashed a career-high 31 points as the Air21 Express surprised the heavily-favored San Miguel Beermen, 92-87, in the start of their campaign in the 36th Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo...