Cone welcomes Baguio, bids goodbye to Miller

In one awkward moment, Cyrus Baguio and Willie Miller, the two players who are the protagonists in a latest blockbuster trade, met with Alaska coach Tim Cone during the Aces’ practice Wednesday at the Reyes Gym in Mandaluyong City. But before the meeting with Alaska, Baguio was present at the Gin Kings’ 8:45 a.m. practice on Wednesday at the Acropolis in Libis, Quezon City, but left the venue 15 minutes later after upon learning the trade was already consummated.

"I talked to (Baguio) that I was advised (by management) that the trade between him and Willie was already done. I couldn’t advise him right away because I was just informed recently or late last night. So I told him if much better if he goes to the Alaska practice in the afternoon," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico. The 6-foot-2, high leaping guard then proceeded to the Aces’ practice in the afternoon at the same time when the two-time most valuable player (MVP) was bidding goodbye to the Alaska organization. "I was privileged of meeting them both at practice. Cyrus was introduced to the team and Miller made a class act of saying goodbye to all of us. He will surely be missed. He’s a great person with no mean bone on his body," Cone told GMANews.TV. "Everyone on the team loves Willie and it seems he doesn’t want to part ways with his teammates. But he has a job to do for his family," he added. More than missing Miller’s presence, his big-time moves, his ability to carry his team and his capacity to close out games for Alaska, Cone would surely not forget the ace playmaker’s personality. "He’s a joyous person. I’m gonna miss him, that’s for sure. I’ve told everyone that Willie is definitely something special and will be one of the best in my book," said Cone. Cone said speed and youth are the two things Alaska acquired when the Aces secured Baguio’s services. "I believe quickness is more important as LA Tenorio will now have somebody whom he could run along with. Cyrus is obviously one of the best finishers and we didn’t have that for a long time. Probably the last player whom we had as a best finisher was Jeff Cariaso during our grandslam year in 1996." New players welcomed by peers Hours after Miller and Baguio switched places, fellow players welcomed the two superstars with open arms. Former MVP Eric Menk of Ginebra, Alex Cabagnot of San Miguel Beer, Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine, and Alaska’s Joe Devance and Brandon Cablay shared their thoughts on this latest trade through their Twitter accounts. "New import, new player for Friday’s game. This should be interesting," said Menk. "It’s sad to see Cyrus go too soon." Miller’s entry to the Gin Kings had Cabagnot giving Ginebra a new moniker – Gincredibles. "You have the Fast (Jay Jay Helterbrand), the Furious (Mark Caguioa), the Fearless (Ronald Tubid), Major Pain (Menk), the H-Bomb (Rudy Hatfield) and the Rocket (JC Intal). Now you’ve got the Thriller (Miller). Devance and Cablay bid goodbye to Miller then welcomed their new teammate. "Happy for Thriller. He will be missed, but we’ve got to move on. Welcome Cyrus," said Cablay. "Congratulations and good luck, Willie," Devance added. – JVP/Rey Joble GMANews.TV