Ginebra signs up Menk for P30-M

The first mega-buck contract in the PBA off-season went to Eric Menk.

A star Fil-Am player who has become the epitome of what a big man should be in the league today, Menk signed a P30-million contract for five years with Barangay Ginebra a few days ago before leaving for the United States for the holidays.

"He looks excited to play for us. And, of course, we’re excited to have him in our team," said Barangay Ginebra coach Allan Caidic of their prized recruit who will be back in the country before the resumption of the tryout for the national team on Jan. 7.

"Sigurado, he’ll provide Ginebra a big lift, but we may not be able to utilize his talent this early because he may play for the national team," added Caidic.

Menk’s old contract will not expire until Dec. 31 but Ginebra deemed it better to immediately close a fresh deal with the former Tanduay ace before the Yule break.

Apparently, there was hardly a hitch in the negotiation since Ginebra just extended Menk’s contract from Tanduay. The sturdy 6-foot-6 Fil-Am from Michigan will continue to receive P.5 million a month in the next five years.

"Magandang kausap, mabait. I’m sure he will be warmly welcomed by his new teammates. Sa ngayon, si Jun Limpot, Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa pa lang ang nakausap na niya dahil nagkasama-sama sila sa tryout (for the national team)," said Caidic. Ginebra got the signing rights for Menk following a surprise trade binge by Tanduay. The Kings yielded Elmer Lago and Alex Crisano in exchange for Menk.

Actually, the Basic Holdings Inc. top honchos reportedly made an effort to have the trade nullified. But the Commissioner’s Office ruled the deal had been completed, giving Ginebra the rights on Menk.

If ever, Barangay Ginebra’s problem is how to fit Menk into the league’s salary cap rule. The team has now three players —Menk, Jun Limpot and Vergel Meneses — being paid with the maximum allowed in the league. Incidentally, Ginebra is also paying Bal David no less than P300,000 a month.

Menk’s arrival has raised the bar several rungs higher in the league as far as the big men are concerned.

In his rookie year in 1999, Menk had become the gauge on talented big men . He is superbly conditioned, disciplined and, more importantly, a great talent who prefers to play under the team concept.

Menk led the league in rebounds (13.15), was third in scoring (20.1) and took a spot in the Mythical Second Team in 1999. His stint in the league, however, was derailed for sometime by the league rule ordering its Fil-Ams to secure Department of Justice confirmation of their nationality before being allowed to play again.