Alaska-Phoenix Trade Grade: Alaska got the right package?

(c) PBA Media Bureau

The moment Alaska drafted Calvin Abueva, a break-up was bound to happen. Calvin was just too colorful of a personality for the culture of Alaska.

It finally happened.

The package that they decided to get was the 2019 1st of Phoenix and Karl Dehesa.

Did they choose the right package?

Giving Up Calvin
The 2018 Commissioner's Cup told us that Alaska Aces do not need Calvin Abueva. That was not shocking because coach Alex Compton created a team-friendly scheme that did not focus on any player.


In that conference, we also saw the rise of Vic Manuel as the face of their franchise. Manuel averaged 24.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 58% FG per game. He did that in just 22 minutes of play! Making him the perfect player of coach Alex' scheme.

Do not forget also about Jeron Teng. Jeron showcased his strong and fearless drive in his first two conference in the league. The moment he learns how to make the right passes, he could be the perfect partner to Vic Manuel.

The Return
If Alaska was looking for a pick, I think they got it in the right year. The 2018 draft is almost assured to have a shallow bigman pool. The 2019 draft has the potential to have at least two elite bigs up for grab!

I am talking about at least two of Isaac Go, Lawrence Domingo, Jeo Ambohot and Troy Rike. All of the four has star potential in the PBA. The 2019 draft will also feature some interesting guards and wings so, if Alaska will have a pick in the top 6, they may get one of them!

But there was an interesting statement by coach Louie Alas that prompted me to think that Alaska rejected some better offers.

This was the statement, "...Then nung nasa trading block na nga siya, isa kami sa unang sinabihan ng Alaska kaya nakapag-handa kami ng mga combinations namin sa trade nego."

If Calvin was put in the trading block, I doubt that they did not received an offer from at least one each from the SMC and MVP sister teams.

Pick-wise, those six squads will offer less-valuable 2019 1sts. But, what if those squads added at least one of their promising young players and Alaska said no?

Like, what if Meralco offered Baser Amer and their 2019 1st? What if Magnolia offered their 2019 1st and Robbie Herndon?

My point is, I think Alaska should have look for a much better package of a 2019 or 2020 1st with a promising young baller.

But if the Phoenix offer was truly the best, I will also accept that offer.

Grade: B