Ginebra scoops up Aguilar; J-Wash goes to GlobalPort
High-leaping big man Japeth Aguilar and veteran forward Jay Washington will have new teams when the PBA Governors Cup gets going in August.
Pro league commissioner Chito Salud approved Tuesday a blockbuster four-player, four-team deal that paved the way for the the 6-foot-9 Aguilar and the to join crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra and the 6-foot-7 Washington to join newcomer GlobalPort.
Initially, Ginebra sent forward Elmer Espiritu to Barako Bull in exchange for the Energy Cola’s rights for the 2013 first round pick, which was acquired in a previous deal with Talk ‘N Text.
The Gin Kings then sent the 2013 first round pick plus rookie center Yousef Taha to the Batang Pier to finally acquire the services of the 26-year-old Aguilar in a move that had been in the rumor mill for the past few days.
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In a separate transaction, GlobalPort traded rookie forward Jason Deutchmann coupled with its second-round picks in 2016 and 2017 to Petron Blaze for the 31-year-old Washington.
The deal marked the end of Aguilar’s brief one-conference stint with GlobalPort after being acquired from Talk ‘N Text for Rabeh Al-Hussaini prior to the start of the Commissioners Cup.
In return, the Batang Pier got a promising talent in the 6-foot-Taha, who is known for his gung-ho plays, and another veteran in Washington, the first overall pick in the 2005 Draft.
“Jay-Wash and Taha fill the void and weaknesses of Globalport in the post,” GlobalPort owner Mikee Romero said in a statement. “Also, we can use the pick we got to rebuild our team.”
“With the addition of Washington, things are looking good for us. I’ll be happy if we advance to the playoff round this time around,” Romero added.
Meanwhile, Ginebra finally got his long-desired wish to have Aguilar in the fold as the Gin Kings continue to plug the holes in the paint.
With only Billy Mamaril as the natural center, the Gin Kings clearly added some ceiling with Aguilar, who is expected to provide more excitement with his dunking skills and defensive presence.
