Quiñahan, not Aquino, will shore up Tigers’ shallow frontline

Just when basketball experts and long-time Sta. Lucia fans were anticipating a possible reunion of Marlou Aquino and Dennis Espino in Powerade, the Tigers have decided to go on a new direction before the start of the Philippine Basketball Association second conference. Burly slotman JR Quiñahan is expected to join the Tigers’ camp anytime soon after Powerade and Air21 agreed on a deal just recently. Powerade coach Bo Perasol revealed this latest development to GMANews.TV. “It’s already a done deal. We will get Quiñahan in exchange for our 2014 pick," Perasol said in a telephone interview. Quiñahan’s entry squelched Powerade’s earlier plan to tap the services of the 6-foot-9 veteran center and former Rookie of the Year Aquino, who has been projected to be picked first among the Barako Bull players put on a conditional dispersal draft set Feb. 7. Aquino’s former frontline partner, Espino, is the only center of Powerade, which gave up Asi Taulava in a three-team multi-player trade last season. Aquino and Espino played together for 10 seasons and won two championships for the Realtors. “With the expected entry of Quiñahan, we will forego our plans of getting Marlou because sosobra naman kami sa center," said Perasol. Johann Ramos, Air21’s board governor, confirmed the trade. “It’s a 2014 first-round pick," said Ramos in a text message, when asked of the details on the player exchange for the Quiñahan trade. Deadly shooters Ren-Ren, Lordy may end up having new teams Another player who is reportedly on the trading block is Ren-Ren Ritualo. The deadly gunner appears headed to play for the Meralco Bolts in the second conference. “We want to be fair to Ren-Ren and we believe that he might get it with Meralco, one of the teams we’re talking with right now," said Perasol. A source who is also privy on the discussion said Meralco has expressed interest in getting the 6-foot-1 guard from La Salle. If Ritualo ends up with the Bolts, he will be reunited with his long-time teammate and buddy Mac Cardona. “Meralco's coaching staff felt the team needs to consider a deadly sniper, and Ren-Ren fits that job description, that’s why they are exploring all options," said the source, who requested anonymity. “But they need to come up with a deal that the Commissioner will approve." Like Meralco, Powerade is also looking for a dependable wingman, and Perasol is now looking at Tugade, one of the players in the active roster of Barako Bull. The 6-foot-3 Tugade, who spent the past few seasons recuperating from an ACL (knee) injury, may become the top pick in the coming dispersal draft, with Powerade owning the right to pick first. “Yes, we’re considering to add a wingman. Lordy is one of the most dependable players, but there are other considerations which we'll have to factor in, including the team’s budget," said Perasol. - KY, GMANews.TV