Kerby goes to Meralco for JayR

MANILA, Philippines - Meralco, continuing its aggressive buildup aimed at sustaining the momentum of its franchise-best third place finish in the 2013 PBA Governors Cup, acquired veteran center/forward Kerby Raymundo from Barangay Ginebra in exchange for young reserve center JayR Reyes.

Raymundo is thus reunited with his former Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio as Meralco sealed a third trade transaction at the end of its stint in PBA Season 38.

“It’s the last piece in our very busy off-season wheeling and dealing,” said Gregorio whose team earlier brought in top gun Gary David and young behemonth 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 chemistry,” said Raymundo.

The Meralco mentor also hopes that Raymundo would be able to help guide or mentor Al-Hussaini and the other young Meraldo frontline players, including Cliff Hodge.

“I’m certain that he would be more than willing to act like a big brother to Rabeh and Cliff,” said Gregorio.

With their three trade deals, the Bolts have definitely become a more solid team with a stable frontcourt and potent wing firepower.

“We are balancing our roster. With no draft picks in 2013, we need a center to match up against the current big men in the league and others who will join the draft,” said Gregorio.