Crisano’s case is no different from that of Wainwright, dropped by his team for asking a better deal in a contract-extension negotiation.
The former Pangasinan Wave in the MBA, earning no less than P300,000 a month in his previous pact, wanted a more lucrative contract. But Talk N Text could only offer him P150,000 this time.
Failing to strike a deal with Talk N Text, the 6-foot-6 behemoth offered his services to other teams, but found no taker.
And to his horror, he found himself with no spot in the Talk N Text lineup when he decided to stay with the Phone Pals.
Talk N Text coach Paul Woolpert dumped Crisano in favor of Long David whom the team acquired from Sta. Lucia Realty. The Phone Pals and the Realtors agreed to share contract obligations on David who is also receiving no less than P.3 million a month.
What Talk N Text can probably offer Crisano now is a pittance as practice player.
"Nanghihinayang magbigay ang management ng more than P150,000 a month for a player who will just be Asi Taulava’s backup, playing eight to 10 minutes a game," said a team insider.
Woolpert now has a complete 12-man roster in Taulava, David, Mark Telan, Vic Pablo, Christian Nicdao, Norman Gonzales, Bong Ravena, Patrick Fran, Donbel Belano and rookies Harvey Carey, Jimmy Alapag and William Kahi Villa.
The team may sign up Bong Alvarez if Ravena and Fran will not do well in tuneup games at off-guard position. Woolpert has decided to move Fran at No. 2 spot upon the entry of Alapag.
Barangay Ginebra had offered Helterbrand for Fran in a possible trade deal but Talk N Text declined.
With no one wanted to take Helterbrand in, Ginebra decided to release the 5-foot-10 guard to the free-agent pool. Player agent Bill Rosmarino told Ginebra officials Helterbrand is now contemplating on returning to the United States.
Wainwright, who was junked by Shell, is still trying his luck at Purefoods. A reliable source, however, said it is very unlikely he’ll get to play with the Hotdogs. Other players trying it out at Purefoods are Jenkins Mesina, Ronald Magtulis and Marc Victoria.
Wainwright also turned down a P150,000 a month offer at Shell – a decision that may haunt him the rest of his career.