GLOBALPORT coach Junel Baculi said his team is more than willing to help Talk 'N Text find a way out of the Japeth Aguilar dilemma.
Baculi on Wednesday said the Mikee Romero-owned franchise is ready to listen and possibly strike a deal for the enigmatic 6-foot-9 slotman, who has expressed his wish through his Philippine-based agent to leave Talk 'N Text despite team officials' apparent hesitation.
“The issue here is no longer about Japeth. Ang tinitignan namin dito, will it improve our roster, both of us?” said Baculi.
Baculi admitted to Spin.ph that Talk 'N Text officials had approached them two weeks ago to explore the possibility of a straight swap for Globalport center Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who like Aguilar played for Texters coach Norman Black during his college career at Ateneo.
“Kinausap nila kami, pero walang napagsarhan. Of course logical naman na yun (Al-Hussaini) ang hihingin nilang kapalit," said Baculi, adding he expects Talk N’ Text to approach them again soon for a new round of talks. "Talking is okay, pero signing the deal is a different thing."
Baculi had expressed his desire to keep Al-Hussaini, saying he feels challenged to bring the best out of the former No. 2 pick in the rookie draft. But apparently the chance to bolster his lineup with a player of Aguilar's potential is enough to change his mind.
“Yes, our management is open to anything. We want to improve," Baculi said. “There’s nothing definite in this world, we’ll see. For now, wala pang plano, pero pinapaganda nga namin yung team namin eh.”
Baculi also believes that a post-up player like Al-Hussaini is one piece that could even bolster Talk 'N Text, describing him as a "big man with a lot of potential."
Meanwhile, Aguilar is still in Chicago awaiting word on new developments. Through agent Marvin Espiritu, he has expressed his wish to go to a team where he can have enough playing time - something which, Espiritu said, the agile big man feels he can no longer get at Talk 'N Text.
Baculi has one thing to say about that: “Basta dito sa Global Port may sure ball na playing time siya.”
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