RoS locks up Rodriguez to fresh 3-yr deal; Belga offer still unsigned

MANILA, Philippines -- Rain or Shine got half of the job done by locking up serviceable big man Larry Rodriguez to a three-year deal.

The Elasto Painters will only have Beau Belga to worry about after Rodriguez signed the deal that is worth more than the Php 200,000 monthly paycheck he received in his previous two-year deal.

Danny Espiritu, who is both handling the careers of Rodriguez and Belga, confirmed the news to Philstar.com on Sunday.

Under the new deal, the 30-year old product of little known Philippine Maritime Institute, will receive gradual increase every year.

Rodriguez, who was picked by current RoS mentor Yeng Guiao as ninth overall in 2008 when he was still with Red Bull, averaged close to six points and four rebounds in nearly 15 minutes of play this season.

Espiritu also bared that Belga and Guiao will talk on Monday in what is believed to be the final meeting that will likely decide whether the Gilas reserve will stay as Elasto Painter or move to a new team.

"Nag-usap na kami nila Atty. (Mamerto Mondragon) at nag-extend na ng offer pero hindi pa pinipirmahan ni Beau. Bukas (Monday) mag-uusap sila ni coach Yeng (Guiao) at dun magkakaalaman," Espiritu said.

Belga, 26, saw his stocks rose up this season that merited an invitation to the national pool.  The burly center ended up as the last player to be cut in the 12-man Gilas lineup. 

In an earlier interview after the Elasto Painters bowed out in the semifinals, Guiao expressed his desire to have Belga back after his contract expired. 

“Of course, I want him (Belga) to stay. If it’s all up to me if I want him to stay, ang pag-uusapan lang nila (with management) eh yung presyo. If it’s a question of wanting, I want him; if it’s a question on money, it’s not my call,” Guiao said.