NLEX acquires rights to Bolick while SMB gets Trollano

NLEX and San Miguel Beer, teams plagued by injuries to key players, turned to the trading table to fill in holes in their respective rosters.

The Road Warriors acquired the rights to high-scoring guard Robert Bolick and Kent Salado in a deal with NorthPort while shipping Ben Adamos, Don Trollano, Kris Rosales and their 49th season second-round pick in return.

The Batang Pier then dealt Mr. Trollano to San Miguel Beer in exchange for Allyn Bulanadi, Jeepy Faundo and the Beermen’s 51st season second-round selection.

The swaps received the stamp of approval from the PBA Commissioner’s Office yesterday.

For NLEX, the entry of Mr. Bolick, who averaged 20.4 points, five rebounds and 6.1 assists in Season 47, should cushion the impact of ace playmaker Kevin Alas’ absence due to an ACL injury.

First order of business now is to strike a deal with Mr. Bolick, who is back in the country after getting his release from Japan B. League club Fukushima last October. Mr. Bolick joined Fukushima in May at the end of his last contract with NorthPort.

“As of now, nothing yet (timetable on Mr. Bolick’s NLEX debut). We’re hoping he can play the soonest,” team governor Ronald Dulatre told The STAR yesterday.

He had previously described Mr. Bolick as “a remarkable player whose skills and experience will significantly contribute to the NLEX Road Warriors.”

Meanwhile, winger Mr. Trollano gets a reunion with active consultant Leo Austria, Jericho Cruz and Rodney Brondial, whom he spent two seasons with in the UAAP under the Adamson University banner.

The 6-foot-3 Mr. Trollano’s arrival provides needed ammo for a team that’s struggling without injured stalwarts June Mar Fajardo, Terrence Romeo, Jeron Teng, Vic Manuel and Simon Enciso. — Olmin Leyba