DALPH Panopio. Gian Mamuyac. A top player from the Magnolia Hotshots.
These are just some of the heavyweight trade packages that, according to SPIN.ph sources, are being laid down on the table for the Titan Ultra Giant Risers to consider in exchange for rookie guard Bryan Sajonia.
For casual observers, this massive interest might come as a surprise. But for Titan Ultra team owner Bryann Calantoc, it only validates one thing: Sajonia is the absolute ‘steal’ of the last PBA Rookie Draft.
COLUMN: ROS offered Mamuyac in a trade for this player, got rejected
So, what exactly makes the fourth pick of the fourth round of the last draft at 39th overall suddenly such an alluring target for a growing number of PBA franchises looking to bolster their backcourts?
We asked Rain or Shine assistant coach Caloy Garcia, who shared exactly what his chief mentor, Yeng Guiao, saw in Sajonia when the Elasto Painters tried to trade for the former San Beda Red Lion standout.
“Nakalaban kasi naming Titan Ultra, naka-20-plus points 'yan (Sajonia). Nakita namin matapang, nakakatira sa labas, dumedepensa ng todo. Matapang talaga. A player na bagay na bagay sa sistema ni Coach Yeng,” said Garcia, recalling Sajonia’s performance in Titan Ultra's game against Rain or Shine last May 8.
In that game, the 6-foot native of Pavia, Iloilo highlighted his first Philippine Cup campaign in spectacular fashion, dropping 23 points behind a flawless 4-for-4 clip from beyond the 3-point arc. He stuffed the stats sheet with 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and one steal.
“Two-way player 'to. Tapos shooting guard, but can easily convert into a point guard and wing with ease. Sakto that time sa needs namin kasi wala kaming point guard nu'n, injured halos lahat. Kaya we attempted to trade for Gian Mamuyac,” Garcia recalled.
“Akala namin since we are giving away Gian, kakagat ang Titan Ultra. Unfortunately, hindi. Gusto talaga ni Coach Yeng 'yan and he was very vocal about it, alam n'yo naman siguro 'yun,” he added.
Following the rejection, Rain or Shine traded Mamuyac to Phoenix Super LPG in exchange for the team’s Season 53 first-round pick.
But for the Titan Ultra team owner, the 26-year old Sajonia is non-tradeable.
Calantoc, who now also serves as the Titan Ultra team governor, revealed that management is already actively preparing a contract to extend Sajonia's single-season deal with the squad.
“No, hindi namin ite-trade si Sajonia. We will keep him. We like what we are seeing. The fact na hinahabol siya ng Rain or Shine proves our purpose of drafting him,” he firmly stated.
Pressed about the circulating rumors that Magnolia had also knocked on their door, Calantoc did not beat around the bush and did not deny it.
“Yes, they approached us,” he said.
Although Calantoc clammed up when pressed for the details, SPIN.ph learned from sources that Magnolia was willing to trade top players for Sajonia, who can be developed as a back-up to Jerom Lastimosa.
“I cannot reveal that detail, basta there were exploratory talks,” he said.
And as for that tempting Blackwater offer for Dalph Panopio?
“That trade negotiation reached the second phase, kaso Blackwater wanted to involve Cade Flores, which will make it into a Sajonia-Flores for Panopio-Abu Tratter deal” said Titan Ultra team manager Jessica Arsolon, who was at the frontline of the negotiations.
"Boss Bryann pulled the plug," she added.
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