Mercado says goodbye to Bolts on Twitter
Sol Mercado is coming off a banner outing in the Philippine Cup but that didn’t prevent him from being dealt by Meralco, exactly a week before the start of the Commissioners Cup.
Drafted as the fifth pick overall in the 2008 Draft, the 6-foot-1 Mercado seemed to have found his true home with the Bolts, turning into one of the league’s dangerous force with his quickness and size at the guard position.
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Confidently taking the cudgels from offensive-minded guard Mac Cardona, Mercado, 28, posted league-best averages of 19.1 points and 6.7 assists in 16 outings in the all-Filipino tournament.
But the burly Biola University standout finds himself suiting up for his third team in the pro league with GlobalPort, which pulled off a blockbuster three-team deal with Talk ‘N Text and Meralco Thursday afternoon.
The mega-deal, which also landed the Batang Pier high-leaping Japeth Aguilar, also marks a reunion of sorts for owner Mikee Romero and Mercado, who played under the colors of Harbour Centre in the defunct Philippine Basketball League.
Trying to ease the pain of leaving his Bolts family, Mercado, via his official account @M3rcMyWords, took to Twitter to air his sentiments.
Whether you UNDERSTAND it or not God is ALWAYS consistent in His GOODNESS... I NEVER question the direction he sends me. Thank u Lord #BBB
— Solomon Mercado (@M3rcMyWords) January 31, 2013
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Mercado, who was traded by Rain or Shine to Meralco prior to the start of the PBA Commissioner's Cup last season, also expressed his gratitude to the Bolts.
To ALL my MERALCO fans..... I Love Y'all & I appreciate all the support u gave US! Sorry we couldn't give u that Chip... SAYANG TALAGA
— Solomon Mercado (@M3rcMyWords) January 31, 2013
I played my HEART out EVERY game for the BOLTS and will continue to do the same for the BATANG PIER! Give us time to BUILD chemistry #DANGER
— Solomon Mercado (@M3rcMyWords) January 31, 2013
To my TEAMMATES it was a pleasure going to war w u guys! Brothers for life foreal...
— Solomon Mercado (@M3rcMyWords) January 31, 2013
To the MANAGEMENT maraming salamat!!! It was an honor to play for such a great organization....
— Solomon Mercado (@M3rcMyWords) January 31, 2013
To my COACHES thank u for all the hard work u guys put in to make us better players and better MEN!
— Solomon Mercado (@M3rcMyWords) January 31, 2013
And last but not least to JORIS, G-Boy and the rest of the training and utility team..... You are greatly appreciated!!! Thank YOU!!!
— Solomon Mercado (@M3rcMyWords) January 31, 2013
Annnnddddd please don't get mad when I go at y'all THROAT!!! It's nothing personal just BASKETBALL. Haha #loveandbasketball
— Solomon Mercado (@M3rcMyWords) January 31, 2013
Chris Ross (@cmross6), one of Mercado’s closest buddies, also gave a heart-warming message to Mercado.
Love you my brother!!! A trade won't break our brotherhood it will only make us closer!!looking forward to our battles! @m3rcmywords #agape
— Chris Ross (@cmross6) January 31, 2013
Now with the Batang Pier, Mercado, 28, is expected to share backcourt duties with former two-time MVP Willie Miller and is tipped to provide firepower to support scoring dynamo Gary David.
And after all that...... One more time GLOBALPORT LET'S GET IT!!!!!
— Solomon Mercado (@M3rcMyWords) January 31, 2013
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