Basketball
Powerade official: No more trades for Tigers
AKTV/Paolo Papa
After trading star rookie Marcio Lassiter, the Powerade Tigers will be standing pat with their lineup.
“No more trades,” wrote Powerade team executive Ronnie Asuncion in a text message to InterAKTV.
Lassiter, the team’s second-leading scorer and the top contender for the Rookie of the Year award, was dealt by the Tigers along with veteran guard Celino Cruz to the Petron Blaze Boosters in exchange for Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Rey Guevarra, and Lordy Tugade.
The Lassiter was curious for Powerade fans, as Tigers coach Bo Perasol earlier said he would prefer that Lassiter stay with the team. After years of futility, the Tigers are in the midst of a resurgent season with the acquisition of top rookies Lassiter and JVee Casio — a partnership that will end after the recent trade.
When asked whether the team intended to stay in the PBA beyond the season, Asuncion did not answer, instead writing: “We’re looking forward to competing in the third conference and we’re starting practice on Monday with Rabeh, Lordy and Rey joining us. We intend to compete well in the third conference.”
