October 22 News and Rumors Recap: TNT, Canaleta and etc.
As we say goodbye to the 41st season to the PBA, here are the rundown of the recent news.
NEWS
Superstar: Terrence Romeo is set to sign a contract with Peak
Terrence Romeo's popularity is entering new heights as a global brand saw his polarizing acumen and has offered him an endorsement deal. It is reported that the deal will be announce in Monday. You can already see a clear teaser of him as their new endorser.
Terrence will be the first Filipino basketball player, except Manny Pacquiao, to endorse a major sports brand, internationally.
This should be a music to the ears of the Globalport management. I expect his to be a lucrative contract which should fill-in the peso signs that Terrence wants. Meaning, lesser to zero under-the-table salary. Also, this speaks a lot about his growing popularity. If this endorsement deal succeeds, Terrence will be the face of Philippine basketball soon.
Free: Mahindra let KG Canaleta talk to other teams
After a standstill in their contract negotiation, Mahindra was more than willing to open the door for other teams to give the offer that will suffice what KG wants. The team's assistant manager told FoxSports Asia, “May offer kami, pero mahirap namang pilitin (si KG) kung di namin talaga kaya.”
Mahindra has been having a hard time with their financial issues and they are not even close to contention yet. We don't know the value of the money on the table but I think KG is not asking for a maximum, right? Nevertheless, letting him go with the right return should open up playing time for their current young wings like Keith Agovida and Leo de Vera and the rookies that they will draft this year.
One more?: Coach Tim Cone reveals that Jayjay Helterbrand will sign for one more season
After a stellar Finals performance, a lot of the Ginebra fans wished to have him again for next season. According to coach Tim, that will happen. "He will be back, he will sign for another year."
Even with his 6.0 points, 47.2% 3FG in the Finals, Jayjay is only a role player right now. The best thing that he will bring for next year is the experience, fandom and the never say die spirit that he has.
RUMOR
A Change: Nash Racela to replace coach Jhong?
Factuality Meter - 99%
This is a done deal already but without any statement from the MVP camp, I need to put this under the rumors.
No matter how you see it, TNT under-performed this season. With their roster, they should at least reach one Finals in the three conferences. Unfortunately, they only managed one semifinals appearance. It is the discretion of the management and I think they made the logical decision.
