CHRIS Banchero is considering all options before deciding whether he would stay with Phoenix Super LPG or try his luck with another PBA team.
“He’s taking his time, not making any rash decision,” a source close to the star guard told Malaya-Business Insight.
“May nakalatag na offer ang Phoenix and any time puwede na siyang pumirma doon,” added the source. “Kaya lang, sa kanya siguro, ‘Kung i-ma-maximize ko lahat, kung i-e-exercise ko pagiging UFA (unrestricted free agent), wala naman sigurong mawawala kung papakinggan ko ibang offers, ano-ano opportunities?’”
The Fil-Italian is the last big name among the 2014 PBA rookie batch who have become free to choose which team to play for after having played in the PBA for seven years.
The likes of Ginebra’s Stanley Pringle and NLEX’s Kevin Alas, who led the Class of 2014, have been locked up by their teams with the others, like another Road Warrior in Jericho Cruz, expected to follow suit.
Banchero’s contract expires at the end of this month, exactly a week after he turns 33, and Fuel Masters management has made an offer that coach Topex Robinson hopes would be enough to persuade his top local player in the current Governors Cup to stay.
The source said Banchero is still taking into account all factors. “Ang last na narinig ko kay CB, talagang pinag-aaralan niya lahat ng options niya,” the source said.
“Kasi he’s turning 33 so itong next three years niya ito na ‘yung prime niya,” added the source. “Kumbaga, he feels he needs to be in the best situation in the next three years.”
That doesn’t necessarily mean Banchero is already talking to other teams, however.
“Siyempre hindi niya ma-e-exercise ‘yung pagiging UFA niya hangga’t hindi siya expired ng Jan. 31,” said the source, adding money is not an issue.
“Suweldo niya max na so it’s not about the money,” stressed the source.
Banchero, acquired from Magnolia last year in a trade primarily featuring Calvin Abueva, has also made it clear he is not satisfied with his latest team.
“Never naman niyang sinabi na ayaw na niyang maglaro sa Phoenix, na gusto na niyang lumipat,” insisted the source. “I think hindi lang talaga siya nagmamadaling mag-decide.”
The source also said Banchero’s communication lines with Phoenix team manager Paolo Bugia has always been open, but the talks have slowed down due to the surge in COVID cases that forced the PBA to suspend Governors Cup play since Jan. 5.
Before the stoppage, Banchero has been averaging 18 points per game, on 55 percent field goal shooting, to go with 3.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.4 steals and undeniably a major factor why the Fuel Masters are 3-2 in the season-ending tourney.
Whenever Banchero decides on, which the source said is sure to be announced in the next couple of weeks, he would surely be helped along by his wife.
“Kasama niyang mag-decide dito asawa niya. It will be a family decision,” the source said.
