Ginebra planning to keep Eric Menk

PBA/Nuki Sabio

Eric Menk, the 2004 PBA Most Valuable Player, will be back with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel next season.

In a text message to InterAKTV, San Miguel Corporation executive Noli Eala said the team is planning to keep the veteran center.

“We will renew Eric,” wrote Eala.

The development dispels speculation that Menk will retire. Last season, the 6-foot-6 slotman hardly saw action for the squad after coming off injuries.

“It’s more of a coach’s decision why he didn’t play much last season, particularly the Governors’ Cup,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen. “Matagal siyang wala sa line up and ayaw naman naming na biglain yung pasok niya, especially during the time na napakaimportante na nga mga laro.”

The uncertainty of Menk being coming back forced the veteran slotman to vent his frustration on Twitter earlier this week.

“For the record, nobody from Ginebra has contacted me since July 20th – our last game last season,” posted Menk on his account.

Despite the news, Menk will be coming back to a crowded frontcourt rotation that will see rookies Chris Ellis and Keith Jensen as well as new recruit Elmer Espiritu joining incumbents Kerby Raymundo, Enrico Villanueva, Billy Mamaril, Rudy Hatfield, Willy Wilson, Allein Maliksi, and Dylan Ababou.

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