Meralco acquires Raymundo from Ginebra for Jay-R Reyes

MANILA, Philippines – Ryan Gregorio has high hopes that his reunion with Kerby Raymundo will bring the championship culture to Meralco, which they once shared at Purefoods.

The Bolts and the Barangay Ginebra Kings completed a one-on-one swap on Tuesday with Raymundo joining Gregorio in exchange for 6-8 center Jay-R Reyes.

Gregorio confirmed the trade to Philstar.com, saying that Raymundo serves as the last piece in the Bolts busy off-season wheeling and dealing. Earlier this month, Meralco traded for Gary David and Rabeh Al-Hussaini.

"Kerby brings a lot of positives in our dynamics. He knows how to win and he still has a lot of good basketball left in his tank. We've won championships together and it is a proven positive chemistry,” Gregorio said.

Gregorio mentored Raymundo in two championships at Purefoods (now San Mig Coffee) – 2005-06 Philippine Cup and 2009-10 Fiesta Conference – alongside James Yap and Marc Pingris.

The 32-year-old veteran was a vital cog in Ginebra's magical finals run in the Commissioner's Cup until he got sidelined by a knee injury (bone spurs) for the most part of the Governors' Cup.

Gregorio is envisioning Raymundo to mentor new Bolts' young frontliners Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Cliff Hodge.

"I am hoping that Kerby, being a veteran, mature and a proven winner can mentor Rabeh Al-Husseini. I am certain that he would be more than willing to act like a big brother to Rabeh and even Cliff Hodge," Gregorio added.

The Bolts are coming off a banner season reaching the semifinals and ending up at No. 3 for the first time in franchise history.

"The ultimate destination is the mountain-top. We ended at number three last conference. It is within reach and I hope that our player movements would result to finally getting there and experience the view from the top," Gregorio said.

The baby-faced mentor is sad to let go of Reyes, whom he considers as a positive influence in the locker room.

"I would have wanted to keep JR because he is such a good influence in our team. But, he is the only one that can make the deal work on a 1 on 1 basis," Gregorio said.

"Ginebra is not a bad team to go to, I am certain that he will find his stability there. I wish him well."

At Ginebra, the 6-8 veteran will join forces with 6-9 Japeth Aguilar and next draft's top overall pick, which is expected to be 7-foot center Greg Slaughter, giving the Kings a towering frontline.