Sta. Lucia Realty is willing to let go of prized forward Kelly Williams for the sake of national interest, according to team governor Buddy Encarnado as he confirmed talks are under way with Talk ‘N Text.
Williams’ services have been sought by the Smart-Gilas national team that is training for the Asian Games in November in China.
“While nobody turns his back for flag and country, we’re also thinking what about the interest of my team. We are amenable of loaning him, but if we lose Kelly, how can we be compensated if he leaves the team,” Encarnado said.
League sources said that Williams and versatile point guard Ryan Reyes will be traded for veterans Ali Peek and Nic Belasco. Talk ’N Text sophomore wingman Jared Dillinger is also being considered as another option in the trade.
Encarnado, however, won’t deny or confirm the report, the same position taken by TNT governor Ricky Vargas when queried about the issue.
“No I don’t want to comment on that. That’s his (Encarnado) prerogative what he wants to say,” Vargas said.
Encarnado clarified the only reason why they are amenable to giving up their 2006 top overall draft pick is for the 6-foot-8 Williams to help the Nationals mentored by Serbian Rajko Toroman.
Talk ‘N Text and Smart-Gilas are both owned by telecommunications mogul Manny V. Pangilinan, who is also the president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
Early in the season, Talk ’N Text traded several players to Air21 to obtain 6-10 forward Japeth Aguilar, the top rookie pick last year. He was immediately loaned by the Tropang Texters to the national team.
Smart-Gilas is currently training in the United States in preparation for the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup in Doha, Qatar on May 22 to 30. The Nationals will also see action in the Asian Games this November in Guangzhou, China.
These tournaments are just part of the Nationals’ build-up for the FIBA-Asia Championship next year, which is the qualifying event for the 2012 London Olympics.
Without elaborating, Encarnado said that there are other ball clubs interested in having Williams and Reyes, as well as Nelbert Omolon and even 14-year veteran Marlou Aquino.
But TNT’s offer is the one that interests them most, according to Encarnado. “It’s simply because of the national team,” Encarnado said.
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