Man mountain Paul Asi Taulava is coming over to Panabo City, Davao del Norte, this March 29 to wage war against his former team, Talk N’ Text Phone Pals.

The 6-9 Taulava was traded by the Phone Pals to the Coke Tigers midway last conference, destroying ties that go way back in the late 90’s. But while joining the Tigers appeared to rejuvenate Taulava, Talk N’ Text management reportedly regrets trading away their former prized center. In fact, there were rumors last month that TNT tried to get Taulava back in its fold, but their efforts were simply shrugged off by the Tigers.

Aside from Taulava, Coke will also parade a new recruit in veteran forward Nicolas Belasco. The 6-foot-7 defensive stand-out was acquired from Welcoat early this week and should further solidify an already impressive Coke front court.

Talk N’ Text, on the other hand, will be bannered by guard Jimmy Alapag and new coach Chot Reyes. Like Taulava, both Alapag and Reyes played prominent roles for the Philippine National Team last year.

Game time will be at 4.30 PM and will be held at the Panabo Multi-Purpose Tourism, Cultural and Sports Center. The game is among the highlights of the 7^th Araw ng Panabo City.

Alaska and Welcoat trades cagers as Nic Belasco goes to the Dragons while Junjun Cabatu to the Aces.

On the other hand, Air21’s 8^th pick Yousif Alajamal is now a part of Talk N Text. Apparently the deal was made before the rookie draft since Phone Pals gave up their first round pick for an earlier trade. Air21 intends to keep Intal, Kramer, Cruz and Masbang.

Aside from those, there are no other trades that I’ve heard of or read in the newspapers.

Round 1

1. Welcoat           - Joe Devance

2. San Miguel       - Samigue Eman

3. Sta. Lucia         - Ryan Reyes

4. Air 21              - JC Intal

5. Air 21              - Doug Kramer

6. Alaska              - Ken Bono

7. Alaska              - JR Quiñahan

8. Air 21              - Yousif Aljamal

9. San Miguel       - Jonas Villanueva

10. Ginebra            - Macky Escalona

Round 2

1.  Coca-cola       - Ronjay Buenafe

2. Welcoat           - Ryan Araña

3. Sta. Lucia         - Melvin Mamaclay

4. Air 21              - Marvin Cruz

5. Red Bull           - Jojo Duncil (with Purefoods trading with Red Bull)

6. Alaska              - Ardy Larong

7. Red Bull           - Passed

8. Talk N Text      - Passed

9. Red Bull           - Passed

10. Air 21              - RJ Masbang

No surprise for the 1^st and 2^nd pick.

I had a feeling San Miguel might get Intal, luckily they didn’t. The Beermen is full of Ateneo cagers.

My favorite point guard Marvin Cruz was drafted to Air21, I was expecting it but I was hoping that a better team would take him instead, I’m no Air21 fan. Well they need a good point guard anyway. I didn’t expect Escalona being drafted to Ginebra also.

Red Bull took Duncil, might be to replace Fonacier who is now part of the Beermen.

I’m still a San Miguel Beermen fan. Lol.

The next conference is set on October 14.