For some weird reason, Evan Nelle, one of Phoenix Super LPG's most valuable players, is on the trading block.
Sources told SPIN.ph that Phoenix management wants to trade Nelle while his value is still up - and yes, the former La Salle guard was offered to the three San Miguel teams, the three teams under the MVP umbrella, Rain or Shine, and even Blackwater.
A source from the San Miguel camp revealed that Ginebra coach Tim Cone has already been advised of the trade proposal, but is not yet ready to entertain the offer.
SOURCES SAY Coaches confused as NorthPort trades Nelle during 'moratorium'
“Wala pa atang maisip si Tim na kapalit aside from marami na siyang players sa posisyon ni Nelle. But he can be a good addition to Ginebra as the team lacks a high-IQ, pass-first guard, with deadly shooting from the outside like LA Tenorio,” said the source.
San Miguel, sources said, is also interested in looking at a possible trade, although coach Leo Austria is still waiting for the green light from management.
Among the three SMC teams, it is Magnolia that has already shut the door on any deal, a source bared. Hotshots coach LA Tenorio and brother-in-law Paolo Bugia, who is Phoenix’s team manager, have already ruled out a trade, sources added.
“Hindi daw gusto ni coach LA eh. Big man pa rin yata hinahanap. Pero I believe, Nelle can fit the team well sana. But I don’t know,” said another source.
So how about the other teams?
Rain or Shine is currently playing well with a 4-0 win-loss start to the Commissioner’s Cup, even winning against Meralco while playing without import Jaylen Johnson who was suspended because of a fistfight with TNT’s Glenn Khobuntin.
TNT is interested but has a surplus of guards in the lineup that veteran Jio Jalalon was even dropped to the unrestricted free agent list to give way to the return of big man veteran Kelly Williams. Same with with sister team Meralco.
NLEX is showing interest, but another source bared that a possible trade bait, Enoch Valdez, is playing in a position where Phoenix has a surplus of assets.
But an NLEX coaching staff revealed: “Well, Phoenix should realize that Enoch plays the 3 and 4 as well. That is if they have apprehensions getting another 1 and 2.”
The Road Warriors might just be the most serious trade partner, along with Blackwater.
Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy is reportedly abroad and might lead the talks with Phoenix as soon as he returns from a business trip. Among the players reportedly eyed for a Nelle trade are JM De Guzman, Christian David and Dalph Panopio.
Where next, Nelle?
One thing sure, all signs point to Nelle leaving Phoenix soon.
League insiders were quick to notice the uneven playing minutes of Nelle, who is part of the Phoenix backcourt rotation that also has Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio and Francis Escandor.
After logging an average of 28 minutes in the first three games of Phoenix, two of which the Fuel Masters won, Nelle’s exposure suddenly dipped to 13 minutes and 20 minutes against Terrafirma and NLEX, respectively.
Still, Nelle still logged decent numbers of 9.8 points, 4.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds in the two games - a sign that he thrives in the system of coach Charles Tiu - compared to his averages of 5.5 points, 4.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds in the last Philippine Cup.
Sources even revealed that Nelle wasn't supposed to be fielded in the NLEX game.
“Hindi dapat gagamitin yan eh. Di ko alam bakit last minute nabago, pinalaro. Nag-usap pa sila ng isang teammate n'ya ng matagal after practice the day before the game and again sa phone the morning of game day. I don’t want to mention who the other player is,” said a source who has links to the teams. - Snow Badua
'Shortsighted' school doesn't treat coaches right
When it comes to coaching stability, this UAAP school seems to be adopting a different approach.
A UAAP coach revealed to SPIN.ph that most of this school's varsity coaches, outside of basketball, operate on year-to-year deals.
“One year, one year lang talaga kami, bukod sa basketball lang halos,” the coach said.
“It depends talaga on the management na lang if they think na we should be extended pa, or if they see something pa.”
While sweeping, the claim holds up under closer look.
The school’s basketball programs have had continuity, with the same head coaches steering both men’s and women’s teams for multiple seasons.
This goes contrary to some of its other sports teams.
For instance, its women’s volleyball team alone has gone through multiple coaching shakeups in recent years, underscoring the lack of long-term security on the bench.
The coach feels the setup is counter-productive in pursuit of real longevity and building on long-term player potential.
The coach hopes programs, not just theirs, begin to offer longer leashes as sustained success, after all, rarely fits within a one-year window, whether in the collegiate or pro ranks. - John Mark Garcia
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