Aces get key additions

The Alaska Aces came away with a bountiful harvest from the Market, Market Activity Center last Sunday during the 2010 Philippine Basketball Association Draft plucking the most freakishly athletic player to come to the PBA in years in Elmer Espiritu, combo guard Bonbon Custodio and workhorse Marvin Hayes.

The six-foot-three inch Espiritu was born Nov. 23, 1985. He played five seasons for the University of the East Warriors from 2005 to 2009. He was captain of the UE team that finished second to the Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles in the 2009 UAAP season.

The Aces had to give up Larry Fonacier to the Talk n Text Tropang Texters to gain the fourth pick overall which they used on Espiritu.

It costs us Larry and it is going to hurt us a lot, said Alaska coach Tim Cone. He played a pivotal role in the championship series against San Miguel and was really coming into his own. But he became a victim of the salary cap. The good side is that he will join a Talk N Text squad where he can earn more and that he will be under the guidance of Chot Reyes, who is a good friend of mine. He promised to take care of Larry.

The Alaska mentor said it was difficult to give up Fonacier but said he welcomed the opportunity to develop Espiritu who could help the team.

Espiritu expressed delight at being able to play for a PBA champion team like Alaska.

Masaya ako na nakuha ako (sa PBA) and Alaska pa, said Espiritu. Hindi ko madescribe ang feeling. I will just do my best para makatulong sa team. Medyo may added pressure din sa akin joining a champion team like Alaska. But at the same time, it is a personal challenge for me. It is a good thing I have basic knowledge of the Triangle Offense because naging coach ko si Luigi Trillo sa PBL.

The Aces also acquired combo guard Bonbon Custodio from the Meralco Bolts in exchange for the tenth overall pick. Custodio is reunited with former UE teammate Espiritu.

We really want to get Bonbon since he is capable combo guard, said coach Tim. We need a backup for LA (Tenorio) and I believe he can help us in that position. Other teams are looking at either La Salle or Ateneo, but we wanted players from UE, this season, so we picked Espiritu and got Custodio via a trade. I’ve been keeping an eye on Espiritu as early as two years ago. As for Bonbon, we hope he can fill up the spot left by Larry. Another good thing about Bonbon is that he is a combo guard. Combo guard is ideal for Triangle Offense.

The Aces then named another athletic workhorse in former Jose Rizal University forward Marvin Hayes as their pick in the second round.

Huli ako nakuha pero masaya ako kasi umabot pa rin ako, said Hayes. Thankful talaga ako.I did not expect to be picked, especially as the last pick of the draft. I am just happy to join a champion squad and be under a many-time champion coach.

Coach Tim said he saw the potential of Hayes which he said could be developed which is why they took a chance on him.

Nonoy Baclao was selected top overall by the Air21 Express ahead of celebrated Ateneo De Manila University teammate Rabeh Al-Hussaini who was selected second. The Express then got Letran swingman Rey Guevarra as their third first round pick.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters tapped Fil-Am Josh Vanlandingham. Exercising its fourth first round pick Air21 tapped Fil-Am Sean Anthony.

Barangay Ginebra picked a pair of NCAA standouts in former league MVP John Wilson from Jose Rizal University and Jimbo Aquino who led the San Sebastian Stags to the NCAA championship last year.

The B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados picked Pari Llagas from UE. Meralco, which acquired the pick from Alaska in exchange for Bonbon Custodio, selected another Fil-Am in Shawn Weinstein.

In the second round Meralco selected Bam Gamalinda. The other second draftees included: Robert Labagala, Ginebra; Val Acuna, BMEG; Ford Arao, Meralco; RJ Jazul, Rain or Shine, from Alaska pick; Khasim Mirza, Meralco; Borgie Hermida, Barako Bull; and Jai Reyes, Powerade, from Air21 pick.