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Is an ‘Extra Rice’ reunion expected at NLEX?
That suddenly became a possibility when NLEX coach Yeng Guiao seeks out big men in the free agent market in an attempt to plug a giant hole in the middle after the Road Warriors reluctantly traded Poy Erram to the sister team TNT before last season.
Beau Belga, according to sources, is one of the three big men on NLEX’s radar for obvious reasons. The burly 12-year PBA veteran from PCU was Guiao’s man in the middle when he turned a little-known team of Rain or Shine into a perennial title contender during his time in charge from 2011 to 2016.
A switch to NLEX will also reunite Belga with JR Quinahan, her ‘Extra Rice’ partner on two champion Rain or Shine teams under Guiao in 2012 and 2016.
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According to two sources familiar with the Belgian situation, a 6-5 center trade is highly feasible for NLEX as it has a number of assets, including a couple of top draft picks in the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft. , which can get Shine’s attention.
Belgian is obviously the best choice among the three big men that NLEX has its sights on. The others are Justin Chua from Phoenix and Vic Manuel, the high-scoring big man who is in limbo after requesting a trade from Alaska.
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Chua may have been out of the equation after signing a three-year extension with Phoenix.
As for Belgian, the many-time All-Star has one more year left on his current contract with the Elastopainters, but he has already passed on a request for a contract extension, or perhaps a trade if he is no longer part of the plans for RoS. ahead, naked fonts.
His chat with the RoS great bosses early next week will determine what the future holds for one of the PBA’s most colorful players.
Rain or Shine has recently changed to Bradwyn Guinto from NorthPort.
So how far is NLEX willing to go to get its hands on Belgian?
Guiao, sources said, is willing to make an exchange for Belga, Manuel or Chua, as long as it is a fair deal. That may mean giving up one of his emerging assets at NLEX or the No. 3 or No. 4 pick in the March 14 rookie draft.
However, NLEX sources said that any team willing to make a trade should act fast, as the two first-round picks will likely be off the table on January 27, when the final roster of hopefuls will be released. draft.
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Belga is now 34 and Quinahan 36, but the Road Warriors still feel the ‘Extra Rice’ couple have a few more years left in the tank for the team to get over the hump.
“NLEX just needs a good big man to be a legitimate title contender and they know it,” said a source. “So kahit but kina Beau in Vic fits the profile.”
