Adducul wants out of Ginebra

Languishing in the shadow of prized Fil-Am Eric Menk, Rommel Adducul now wants to take on a major role and out of Barangay Ginebra.

"Walang nangyayari sa kanya sa Ginebra, he can’t grow as a player kapag lagi siya nakaupo sa bench," Adducul’s manager Ed Ponceja told The STAR yesterday. "Gusto din naman niyang (Adducul) makakuha ng individual award balang araw."

Citing the lack of playing time as the reason, Ponceja said his ward wants out of the league’s most popular squad, which is currently leading the Gran Matador PBA Fiesta Conference with a 5-2 (win-loss) slate, and they are now, in fact, shopping for a new team.

Ponceja said he was disappointed particularly during Ginebra’s game against San Miguel Beer when Adducul was having a field day but was pulled out by Kings coach Siot Tanquincen. Adducul had eight points, six rebounds, an assist and no turnovers in just 17 minutes in a 103-88 win.

Ponceja said Talk N’ Text, Fedex and Shell have long expressed their interest in acquiring the 2002 top rookie draft pick but reiterated they will not mind suiting up for other teams as long as its not Barangay Ginebra.

In fact, there were reports that Shell and Fedex are willing to trade anyone just to acquire the rugged 6-foot-5 Adducul, who have won individual awards and championships both in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association and the Philippine Basketball League.

The Turbochargers are reportedly willing to trade leading scorer Tony dela Cruz for Adducul although Shell coach Leo Austria neither confirmed nor denied the report.

"Of course, we’re interested in Rommel but it’s up to management and Barangay Ginebra who they want to trade," said Austria, who handled Adducul when Welcoat Paints won a title in the PBL three years ago.

Ponceja also said Adducul might be traded for either the 6-foot-8 Yancy de Ocampo or Mark Telan. Fil-Am Harvey Carey was also mentioned as one of the players being offered for the Ginebra center.

"Kami naman kahit saan as long as Rommel will be given a chance to show what he can really do," Ponceja said.