TnT takes Jay Wash; B Pier gets Baclao

MANILA, Philippines - From Incheon Asiad, Gilas Pilipinas reserve Jay Washington will head back to the Talk n Text camp upon return while Noy Baclao moves over to Globalport in the latest player-movement one month before the PBA opens shop for its milestone 40th season.

Talk n Text and Globalport agreed on this trade deal yesterday where the Tropang Texters are also to give away their 2017 first round-draft pick to regain the rights on Washington.

The deal, however, is still subject to the approval of PBA commissioner Chito Salud.

Washington could well be aware of this transaction since he’s been with Talk n Text coach Jong Uichico and team manager Aboy Castro in all the Gilas trips from the 2014 FIBA Asia Cup in July.

If ever, Washington will be the lone big addition to Talk n Text in the coming PBA Season 40. The MVP Group flagship team selected only one player in the 2014 PBA Draft in the person of Harold Arboleda (at No. 20).

The 6-foot-7 center/forward spent his first three PBA seasons with Talk n Text under coach Chot Reyes before being shipped out to San Miguel Beer in 2008. Then after five years with San Miguel/Petron, he found himself being dealt to Globalport.

He’s moving back to Talk n Text after logging a career-best norm of 20.8 points a game as a Batang Pier last year.

Meanwhile, Baclao is bringing over to Globalport his talent as a hard-nosed stopper.

Baclao is also having a homecoming of sort, having played with Mikee Romero’s Harbour Centre champion team in the Asean Basketball League.

After a long bout with an injury, Baclao returned towards the end of the 2013-14 PBA season, putting in career-best averages of 5.7 points and 6.5 rebounds in eight outings as a Texter.

Like Washington, Baclao was picked No. 1 overall by Air21 in the draft only to be traded to another team. Baclao was the top pick in 2010, chosen ahead of Ateneo teammate Rabeh Al-Hussaini.