IS Encho Serrano finally nearing a long-anticipated return to the PBA?
Sources told SPIN.ph that the Abra Solid North Weavers are willing to grant him a release if any PBA squad comes knocking on the door, raising hope of a comeback for the high-scoring guard.
Currently, Serrano's PBA playing rights belong to Phoenix Super LPG, so any possibility of him suiting up for a different franchise — like Converge, where his longtime patron Delta Pineda is head coach —can only be done through a trade or a release.
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The explosive guard left Phoenix back in 2023 after reportedly receiving a contract renewal offer that he felt was way below his actual value.
Sources bared Serrano received a salary of just P70,000 per month in his rookie season after being picked 19th overall in the PBA draft and was offer a two-year extension worth less than P140,000 for three years.
That figure was way low compared to his massive current P380,000 contract at Abra, which closely mirrors what he earned while playing for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns when they were coached by Pineda.
But according to the camp of current Phoenix financier and businessman Glenn Escandor, everything might change should Serrano decide to reopen negotiations with the ballclub for a possible PBA return.
Another prime option for Serrano and his camp is a Converge reunion with Pineda, a mentor who knows exactly how to utilize the player.
In an exclusive chat with SPIN.ph, Serrano bared that he already discussed this possibility with his "tatay-tatayan" when he visited Converge’s game against TNT last July 28.
During the TV coverage of that game, the explosive scorer was even shown standing right behind the FiberXers' bench.
“Nakausap ko na si tatay, sabi ko nga if need nila ko pwede ako," Serrano revealed. "Nakapagsabi na rin naman ako sa Abra. Saka mabait naman ang Abra, di nila pipigilan ang player pag gustong maglaro sa bigger stage.
“Pero ayaw ko naman iwan ang Abra, gusto ko pa ring maglaro para sa kanila sa EASL,” he clarified.
One such option on the table is a trade that will ship Alec Stockton to Phoenix in exchange for Serrano's rights, plus another player or a future draft pick.
This way, the source said, Converge can finally get hold of Serrano, while Phoenix manages to put a long-dormant asset to good use.
“Depende sa negosyasyon with Mr. Escandor, pero tingin ko mas lamang ang di na babalik sa [Phoenix]," the source noted.
During his rookie year at Phoenix, Serrano averaged 10.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, and was selected to the PBA All Rookie team.
In the MPBL this season, he is currently norming 8.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 14.2 minutes of action in 19 games for a star-laden Abra side.
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