MANILA, Philippines — Veteran Marlou Aquino, who once was considered a franchise player by teams who coveted his services, was left out in the cold Monday when he became the most prominent of 15 Barako Bull players not selected in a dispersal draft conducted by the Philippine Basketball Association. Only two players found new homes following the disbandment of Barako Bull which decided to file a leave of absence at the end of the elimination round of the recent Philippine Cup where the team ended dead last.
Former San Beda College playmaker Pong Escobal was tabbed by B-Meg Derby Ace, while Lordy Tugade was taken by San Miguel Beer – his team the past two years before he was traded to Barako in favor of Sunday Salvacion.
The first five teams – Powerade, Rain or Shine, Air21, Alaska and newcomer Meralco passed before B-Meg took Escobal, who started his PBA career with Talk ’N Text two seasons ago.
Escobal also played for Sta. Lucia Realty, and was absorbed by newcomer Meralco when it bought the SLR franchise prior to this season.
In nine games with the Bolts, the 5-foot-10 Escobal averaged 5.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists. He was part of a trade that also shipped the 6-9 veteran center Marlou Aquino and rookie Khazim Mirza, as well as a first round pick in the 2012 Rookie Draft, to the Energy Boosters last conference.
“Sa tingin namin makaka-tulong,” said B-Meg team manager Alvin Patrimonio, who was accompanied by assistant coach Rey Evangelista in the draft supervised by league operations chief Rickie Santos.
Escobal will join a backcourt rotation of B-Meg that include veteran Roger Yap, Jonas Villanueva and Chris Timberlake.
On the other hand, the 6-foot-2 forward Tugade will rejoin San Miguel, which traded him before the end of the Philippine Cup eliminations to Barako Bull for Salvacion.
Tugade also played nine games with SMB prior to his transfer to Barako, averaging 3.1 points.
The contracts of both Escobal and Tugade will be assumed by B-Meg and SMB, respectively, for the nexy three months, or for the duration of the Commissioners Cup, which will start Feb. 18.
Tugade’s contract will expire July 31, while Escobal’s deal will end Aug. 31.
Still with existing contracts with Barako Bull who were not chosen in the draft, but will continue to receive salaries from the Boosters are Aquino, Mirza, Jojo Duncil, Rob Weinwright, Richard Yee, Bruce Viray, Chris Canta, Borgie Hermida, Pauolo Hubalde, Chad Alonzo, Aris Dimaunahan, Ken Bono, Marvin Cruz, Dennis Daa and Jason Misolas.
For Aquino, 38, this could be the end of his playing career during which he won two championships with Sta. Lucia Realty and one with Ginebra.
He also played for Meralco before being traded to Barako Bull during the Philippine Cup.
Waylon Galvez, Manila Bulletin
