Powerade's Rodriguez goes to RoS

MANILA, Philippines - With a plan to rebuild next year, Powerade (former Coca-Cola) traded yesterday forward Larry Rodriguez to Rain or Shine in exchange for Eddie Laure and a first round pick in the 2011 draft.

Rain or Shine initiated the deal in a bid to enhance its frontcourt rotation for the 2010-11 PBA season which comes off the wraps on Oct. 3.

The Elasto Painters are out for a breakthrough campaign with young stars Gabe Norwood, Sol Mercado and Jayr Reyes returning as seasoned players.

Rodriguez, a 6-foot-4 forward from Philippine Maritime Institute, brings in additional size and offensive threat in his transfer to Rain or Shine.

RoS team owners Raymond Yu and Terry Que were delighted with the development.

Coca-Cola, meanwhile, was hopeful the deal would help their future plan.

“The clincher was the 2011 pick. It gives us the opportunity to get a young talent. It’s been a long time now that we don’t have a first round pick in the draft,” said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol.

“With Rain or Shine’s first round pick and ours, we have a chance to rebuild,” Perasol added.

With their current roster, Perasol said they would be happy just to make the top five.

“We’re always No. 6 or No. 7. We just can’t improve on that. That’s why I think this trade is worth taking the risk,” said Perasol, whose team finished seventh in both the Philippine Cup and the Fiesta Conference last season.

Rain or Shine acquired Rodriguez to satisfy an immediate need.

“We agreed to trade our first-round pick next season because we felt we might not be able to meet our need of tabbing a big man, so we might as well get it now by acquiring Larry,” said Yu.