Top draftee sees 3-yr pact, maximum pay

MANILA, Philippines - Top picks normally get what they want, and JV Casio, this year’s No. 1 in the PBA draft, should be no exception.

The hot-shooting guard, who was drafted by Powerade last Sunday, will seek a long-term contract at the maximum price.

 “They all want long-term contracts for security,” said Charly Dy, player-agent of the 5- foot-9 stalwart of Smart Gilas Pilipinas.

Casio, his agent said, should be looking at a three-year contract worth P8.5 million, the maximum contract for a rookie in the PBA.

 “There’s a cap. It’s P150,000 a month on the first year with a 50 percent increase in the next two,” said Dy.

Based on this computation, the former La Salle Green Archer should get P225,000 and P337,500 a month on his second and third year.

It means that once he signs his contract with Powerade, Casio, at 25, becomes an instant millionaire.

But the money only comes next for Casio, who said it’s the chance to play in the PBA, and the fact that he emerged as the top overall pick, that matters.

“This is unbelievable. It’s flattering. Now, I’m here to focus on my game and build it up,” he said.

 Dy has three more players drafted the other day: No. 10 Dylan Ababou of Barako Bull, No. 12 Pamboy Raymundo of Talk N Text and No. 13 Erik Salamat of Alaska.

The player-agent said he would work for the best possible contracts for his three other wards.

Meanwhile, playmaker Mark Barroca, who was picked No. 5 overall by Shopinas last Sunday, will end up playing for B-Meg after all.

 “We’re trading Barroca to B-Meg,” said Shopinas head coach Franz Pumaren yesterday.

 The trade is part of a previous agreement between Shopinas (then Barako Bull) and B-Meg, and one that involved former Ateneo star Rich Alvarez.

In return, Shopinas will get forward Brian Ilad plus one more player from B-Meg, and it could be anyone among big men Rommel Adducul, Don Allado, Jonathan Fernandez or Val Acuna.