Aces want to keep Kenneth

Alaska is determined to retain free agent Kenneth Duremdes, no matter what.

"We’ll match whatever offer he gets from other teams," said Aces team manager Joaqui Trillo. "We’ll keep him – that’s definite. A trade is out of the question. He’s our franchise player. We’re building our future with Kenneth as our leader."

Trillo denied rumors that Alaska is shortchanging Duremdes and putting the squeeze on the 1998 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) MVP from Marbel, South Cotabato.

"We’ve been more than fair to Kenneth," continued Trillo. "We’re offering the maximum salary of P500,000 a month for seven years. He asked for a car and a round-trip ticket to the US which we agreed to give. But Commissioner (Emilio) Bernardino ruled that the cost of the perks must be included in the cap. We tried to compromise by increasing his won-game and placing bonuses to make up but his agent (Danny Espiritu) refused."

Trillo said he can’t understand why Duremdes is holding out.

"I’ve asked Danny to tell me what else to do for Kenneth to sign," said Trillo. "We’ve been good to Kenneth. Since bringing him in from Pop Cola, he’s become an MVP and won championships with us. We’ve given him the opportunity to blossom. We’ve traded Johnny (Abarrientos), Jojo (Lastimosa), and Poch (Juinio) to establish Kenneth’s role as our leader. It’s now his turn to lead our team. I’m confused. We’ve given in to everything he wants – the matter of the perks was something the Commissioner wouldn’t agree to but we still found a solution to the problem. One thing we will never do is to offer anything under-the-table which will violate the league’s salary cap rules. It’s up to him."

Trillo said he hopes Duremdes will come to terms soon as Alaska has begun practicing.

While Duremdes’ fate hangs in the balance, another Espiritu client Bong Hawkins is also unsigned by Alaska.

Hawkins’ five-year contract expired at the end of the last season. His contract had stipulated an escalating monthly salary from P300,000 to P350,000 to P400,000 to P450,000 and finally, to P500,000 last year.

Three months ago, Trillo said Alaska offered Hawkins a three-year renewal at the maximum monthly salary of P500,000. Hawkins refused to sign and held out for more. When the Duremdes problem broke out, Trillo said he scaled down the offer to Hawkins to P350,000 to P400,000 in a one-year contract.

"Bong refused our initial offer but now, because of salary cap considerations, we can’t offer him the same package anymore," explained Trillo. "We’re in a predicament in Bong’s case. We’ve tried to help him find another team but it hasn’t been easy. We’ve told Bong he’s free to look for other offers. We’re exploring the possibility of a trade. Still, we’d like to keep Bong if he will only agree to our offer. Bong has two to three good years left. He takes good care of his body and he’s a very intelligent player."

The difference in age may be a factor affecting the marketability of both players. Duremdes is only 26 while Hawkins is 33.

Trillo said it was difficult to let go of Abarrientos and Juinio. "I expected Johnny to be bitter at first and I can’t blame him," said Trillo. "But it was time for a change – the wheel has to continue turning. At Alaska, Johnny had run out of challenges – what else was there for him to win? We felt it would be good for Alaska and Johnny to make the trade. I’m sure Johnny will be challenged this season – he’ll want to prove himself. And I’m sure he’s do well."

Trillo said free agents trying out for the team include Eric Reyes, Richi Ticzon, and Bong Alvarez. First round pick John Arigo showed up for practice yesterday and impressed coach Tim Cone. Second round choice Kenny Evans has practiced twice before the draft and looks like a shoo-in for Duremdes?

Will Mobiline tender an offer sheet for Duremdes?

Trillo said Mobiline executive Ignatius Yenko, the incumbent PBA Chairman, had assured Alaska team owner Wilfred Uytengsu there will be offer sheet. But Espiritu has reportedly shown Trillo a piece of paper detailing Mobiline’s offer. "Whatever is the offer, we’ll match," Trillo.