WHILE they are on the lookout for a big man or the best available talent, new Phoenix coach Willy Wilson admitted a sensible trade option for the team’s No. 2 pick in the coming rookie Draft is not far-fetched.
“Roster balance is important, but if the trade is there,” Wilson said on the Power and Play program of former pro league chief Noli Eala over the weekend. “If the offer comes in for a player who can fit our core.
“Of course, I would entertain that offer. If he can help the team, why not?” he added.
Wilson, who took over at the helm of the Fuel Masters from erstwhile strategist Jamike Jarin, said the annual proceedings set for Sept. 7 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay should address their pressing need for a man in the middle.
The last-minute addition of 6-foot-10 center Geo Chiu to the initial 128 hopefuls who made the cut after the deadline last Friday will be a good problem to the Dennis Uy-owned Phoenix side.
“I don’t think it’s a secret, looking at our roster, we are wing-heavy, and we have our point guards, so our priority is a true center,” Wilson said. “Somebody who can hold their own down without double-teams, so our primary priority is a true center. “Actually, I had just found out that he is in the draft. We haven’t really sat down and dissected his game yet.
“Yes, getting the big man is important, but getting the best talent is even more important. So, we have to do our due diligence to dissect our players, including Geo Chiu.”
Terrafirma will make the top overall selection in this year’s class headlined by the likes of Fil-foreign playmakers Juan Gómez de Liaño, Dalph Panopio and Jason Brickman, former NCAA MVP Will Gozum, LJay Gonzales of Far Eastern University, University, Ateneo’s Chris Koon, and Chiu.
Chiu, 24, is a two-time UAAP champion with the Blue Eagles who also polished his game in Japan for B.League second division crew Ehime Orange Vikings.
With the Draft only six days from now and the 50th season set to kick off on Oct. 5, Wilson has guarded optimism.
“We don’t have any issues with egos, so we have that as our best trait,” he said. “Their character, first and foremost. Coach Jamike laid down that culture of no superstars, just all hard workers who want to be there for each other.”
