MANILA, Philippines -- Bolstering their bid to defend their All-Filipino title, the Talk n Text Tropang Texters reloaded by acquiring Nino "KG" Canaleta from the Air21 Express.
In a trade approved by PBA Commissioner Chito Salud Monday, Talk n Text shipped Sean Anthony, rookie Eliud Poligrates and a 2016 first round pick for Canaleta.
The 33-year-old Canaleta has been Air21's top gunner averaging16.7 points in 39 outings last season. He's still averaging 16.5 ppg in the conference but the arrival of other bonafide scorers Mac Cardona and Joseph Yeo made him dispensable.
After winning the slam dunk competition a record fourth, Canaleta focused on his outside shooting and has since made a living from beyond the arc.
Last season, he made 32 of his total 106 triple tries while collaring 6.4 rebounds per game.
Canaleta will bolster an injury-riddled powerhouse team aiming to win a fourth straight All Filipino title. The former UE standout will suit up when the Tropang Texters start their best-of-three quarterfinals series against San Mig Super Coffee Mixers Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Express, on the other hand, got two role players, which they hope will complement their new core. They also got a future first rounder which Air21 team manager Lito Alvarez can parlay into another rough gem.
Anthony, a hustling and hardworking forward will make his return to the team that originally drafted him.
The Fil-Canadian was the sixth overall pick in 2010 by Air21 but was quickly traded to Powerade. He made a quick pit stop at San Mig Coffee in a draft day trade before spending the bulk of last season in Barako Bull. He found his way to Talk n Text in the Jared Dillinger multi-team, player swap.
Poligrates, meanwhile, was tabbed at 27th overall by TNT in last year’s draft, but his career failed to take off after a scintiallating debut back in his home province in Cebu.
Both players will suit up for the Express starting next conference.