GLOBALPORT’S offseason buildup continues after agreeing to trade sweet-shooting forward Jay Washington to Talk ‘N Text in exchange for big man Noy Baclao and the Tropang Texters’ 2017 first round pick.
A source told Spin.ph that the trade is expected to be consummated just before the team leaves for Seoul, South Korea this Sunday where the Batang Pier will be playing a series of tune-up matches against top Korean college squads and teams from the Korean Basketball League.
“As soon as possible na ang trade kay Jay Washington. Inaayos na lang yung papeles, pero go na 'yun,” the source confirmed to Spin.ph on Monday.
The 6-7 Washington is coming off a strong showing this past season for the Batang Pier, where he averaged 15.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in more than 33 minutes of action.
The trade paves the way for Washington's return to the Talk 'N Text, where he spent three seasons from 2006 to 2008 before he was traded to San Miguel Beer via the Jayson Castro deal.
Washington, a three-time Mythical First team member, was even among the top five candidates of last season’s Philippine Cup Best Player after helping GlobalPort win five games, the most victories in the franchise’s two-year history in the pro league.
Once the deal is consummated, the former Eckerd College alumnus could easily add firepower and size for the Tropang Texers, who will now be handled by Jong Uichico, succeeding Norman Black.
Black has moved to Meralco two months ago as part of the coaching rigodon among the PBA teams owned by sportsman-businessman Manny V. Pangilinan.
Baclao, on the other hand, is expected to bring in defensive presence for the Batang Pier. The 6-foot-5 Baclao, the 2010 top overall rookie pick, averaged 2.5 points and 3.6 rebounds in 13.4 minutes for Talk ‘N Text last season.
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