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[av_heading heading=’BUZZER BEATER | A timely boost for Katropa’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
By ADRIAN STEWART CO
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Wednesday, April 26, 2017
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WITH the 2017 Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Cup just around the corner and Jayson Castro expected to be called up for Gilas Pilipinas, the TNT Katropa has got a timely boost with the arrival of RR Garcia.
Garcia was acquired by the Katropa from its fierce-rival San Miguel Beermen in exchange for seldomly-used guard-forward Matthew Ganuelas-Rosser in a one-on-one trade on Monday.
Katropa head coach Nash Racela said he hopes the arrival of Garcia will “soften the blow” of the possible absence of Castro when the Gilas intensifies its build up after the PBA All-Star week.
“I hope it gives us the back-up that we need for Jayson,” said Racela. “At the same time, we also need someone who could step up when Jayson is called up by the Gilas Pilipinas.”
The Zamboanga-native Garcia, who has previously played for GlobalPort Batang Pier, Barako Bull Energy and Star Hotshots, rarely saw action for the Beermen due to his recurring injuries.
“Strengthening na lang naman ang kakailanganin ni RR. Pwedeng-pwede na ‘yan in two weeks,” said Racela, who has also mentored Garcia before in the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
“May option na kami ngayon to play him and Kris (Rosales) at the 2-spot. At the same time, tingin ko mababawasan ‘yung pressure sa kanya to perform. Tuwing nawawala si Jayson, doon kami namumuroblema,” he added.
The said one-on-one deal was the first between fierce rivals Katropa and Beermen since the Katropa dealt Anthony Washington to the Beermen in a draft day trade nine years ago for a draft pick, which turned out to be Castro./PN
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