ALDRECH Ramos has yet to play his first game in the PBA, and yet here he was experiencing one of the cruel realities of a professional players’ life.
Ramos, selected by Barako Bull Energy Cola at No. 5 overall in Sunday’s rookie draft, had barely warmed his seat on the team's designated table when was readily shipped to B-Meg.
But Ramos, the former Smart Gilas Pilipinas stalwart and starting center for Far Eastern University, accepted the trade like a pro.
“Ok naman sa akin `yun. Ang mahalaga naman nasa PBA na tayo,” said the rookie big man.
The Llamados acquired Ramos in exchange for Sean Anthony and B-Meg's second-round pick which came at No. 12 overall, which the Barako used to get San Beda big man Dave Marcelo.
Anthony also had a roller-coaster afternoon, having been traded by league newcomer Batang Pier to B-Meg for the No. 9 pick in the first round before being made a part of the Barako deal for Ramos.
Initially, Ramos himself was surprised when the trade was announced.
“Nagulat ako dahil hindi ko naman expected na ganito ang mangyayari,” he said. “Pero sabi nga nila, part 'yan ng buhay ng isang PBA player. So tanggapin mo na lang.”
Nonetheless, he feels happy to be joining a team (B-Meg) rich in championship history and playing for a coach (Tim Cone) whom he referred to as `a legend.’
“Sa akin naman kahit saang teams okay ako, basta matupad lang `yung pangarap ng isang player na makarating sa PBA,” said the soft-spoken former national player.
“Nagkataon na nasa B-Meg ako, so I’ll give my best na makapag-laro ng maganda para sa kanila,” added Ramos.
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